Mary Allen
The Leonberger doesn’t just have the lion in its name. With his mane, he is a real competitor to the big cats. Here you get to know the huge cuddly bear.
Even if his name suggests something else: The Leonberger is by no means a big cat, but at most a cuddly, loving kitten. After all, no breed of dog could express more gentleness than powerful dogs.
Find out in our breed portrait why the lion-like appearance is wanted in dogs and what the typical characteristics of the Leonberger are. You can also read here how to train him optimally as a puppy and what is important when caring for his fur.
What does a Leonberger look like?
The striking features of the Leonberger are primarily its size and coat. The fur is long and also medium soft to coarse. According to the breed standard, it should fit the dog’s body in such a way that its physique is still easy to recognize. The dense undercoat often forms a characteristic “lion’s mane” around the neck and chest, especially in males.
Accepted coat colors in the dog breed are red, maroon, lion yellow, and sandy and all possible combinations between these colors. The tips of the hair may be dyed either darker or lighter if this does not disturb the harmony of the basic colors. Only the face of the Leonberger should always be dark to black. One speaks of the so-called black mask.
The body of the Leonberger is strong and muscular. The muzzle and jaw are also well defined, with a long and evenly wide muzzle. The lop ears are set high and are medium-sized.
How big is a Leonberger?
The size of the Leonberger is downright impressive. Males reach an average height at the withers between 72 cm and 80 cm and females between 65 cm and 75 cm. The dogs with fluffy fur are therefore among the large to very large dog breeds.
How heavy is a Leonberger?
Large dog breeds are generally heavy and Leonbergers are even heavier. A full-grown, healthily fed male can weigh up to an impressive 75 kg. This makes it one of the heaviest dogs ever. A bitch can still weigh up to 60 kg.
How old does a Leonberger get?
Unfortunately, the average life expectancy of large dog breeds is not very high. The maximum age of Leonbergers is only about seven to nine years. With good health and care, the dog can also get older. About 20% of all Leonbergers reach an age of ten years or more.
What character or nature does the Leonberger have?
The lion-like appearance of the dog breed is deceptive: Leonbergers are considered very good-natured, friendly, and relaxed. That is why they are also very popular family dogs. Especially with children, the loving nature of dogs comes to the fore. Loud yelling, wild romping, and one or the other tweaking of the fur – the dog tolerates children around him with the stoic composure and poise of a monk. He loves to play and romp around with children and take care of them.
In general, the dog breed is well suited as a guard dog. The dogs do not appear fearful or aggressive towards strangers, but rather announce them loudly. They observe the “invaders” calmly but attentively. Leonbergers are intelligent and self-confident, have a high level of subordination, and do not leave their families’ side. Once you have one of the fluffy puppies in your family, you will see how wonderfully humans and dogs can complement each other.
Where does the Leonberger come from?
The history of the dog breed is as unusual as it is unique. At the beginning of the 19th century, the breeder and mayor of the town of Leonberg near Stuttgart began breeding new dogs. According to legend, it was supposed to represent Leonberg’s heraldic animal: a lion.
Heinrich Essig crossed a black and white bitch, which was probably a mix of the dog breeds Landseer and Newfoundland, with a St. Bernard. In later breeding litters, the Pyrenean mountain dog and other Newfoundland variants were also crossed.
Essig chose the best characteristics from these dog breeds, which make up the overall picture of the Leonberger today: an impressive size, long, fluffy fur, a calm and gentle disposition, and, of course, the lion’s mane.
Thanks to Essig’s contacts and business acumen, the dog breed quickly became a popular companion dog and was a status-laden and sought-after companion, especially at European royal courts. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the European power elite adorned themselves with the size and elegance of dogs: Napoleon II, Empress Elisabeth “Sissi” of Austria, Otto von Bismarck, and King Umberto I was enthusiastic Leonberger fans.
In the turmoil of the two world wars, the story of the Leonberger almost came to an end. Almost all known members of the dog breed lost their lives as a result of the wars. They were abandoned, neglected, or killed outright in the war. Only a handful of Leonbergers is said to have survived World War II. The breeders Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans are now referred to as the saviors of the dog breed. They took care of the surviving Leonbergers and continued to breed them. Today almost all Leonbergers are said to be descended from these surviving dogs.
By the way: The Leonberger was specifically used to breed the Hovawart. The dog with the lion’s mane is also responsible for the Hovawart’s appearance today.
Leonberger: The right attitude and upbringing
The gentle, intelligent, and attentive character of the Leonberger makes training relatively easy and pleasant. Even puppies quickly learn the most important basic commands. And even adult dogs are always willing to learn and obedient. Despite its considerable size, this dog breed is therefore also a suitable dog for beginners. The caregivers of the dogs should always remain calm and patient during training, but also bring enough consistency with them so that the dog receives clear rules.
The physical and mental workload is very important in the posture. Like all other large dog breeds, the Leonberger also needs a lot of exercise, exercise, and activity outdoors. A large garden in which the dog can romp around to its heart’s content is more or less mandatory. There should also be enough space and living space in which the dog can feel comfortable despite its size. The dogs are born water rats. It would therefore be optimal if you have a lake or other body of water in your area where the dogs can splash around every day.
The lion’s mane dogs are family dogs through and through and are happiest when surrounded by their family. The more family members, the better! If you yourself are an active and sociable person who loves the outdoors and can spend a lot of time with the dog, the gentle giant is perfect for you.
What care does Leonberger need?
Such a dense and long coat of hair also requires intensive care. You should brush the fur carefully every day, especially when changing fur. This is how you remove dead hair. After walks in forests or through meadows, the dense mane must also be carefully checked for parasites every time. Bugs can hide particularly well in the hairy mess. It is best to get the puppy used to the daily care so that the dog learns to lie quietly and enjoy the care.
What are the typical diseases of the Leonberger?
The hip joint and elbow dysplasias that are so typical of large dog breeds are surprisingly rare in Leonbergers thanks to the very high breeding standards. According to a study, only 10 to 13 percent of all dogs suffer from painful joint disease.
Other, albeit rarer diseases are heart problems, bone cancer (osteosarcoma), tumors in the connective tissue (hemangiosarcoma), cataracts, or allergies.
How much does a Leonberger cost?
As a popular family dog, there are a large number of breeders in Germany who have dedicated themselves to the fluffy Leonberger. Purchase prices for puppies start at an average of 1,000 euros. Approved breeders are subject to high breeding standards. This is good because they have to make sure the puppies are vaccinated, medically checked and disease free with every litter. The parent animals of the breed are also kept, cared for, and cared for in a species-appropriate manner. In addition, breeders are walking encyclopedias when it comes to breeding, upbringing, health, keeping, and care and usually always have an open ear for you.
If you would like to add one of the kind-hearted dogs to your family, you should definitely go to a recognized breeder. So you can be sure that your youngest family member can live a healthy, long, and happy life as possible. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Leonberger, just have a look at the animal shelter. There are countless great dogs waiting for a new home.