Leonberger
The Leonberger is a magnificent large breed that originated in the German city of Leonberg during the 1840s.
Town councillor Heinrich Essig created these impressive dogs by crossing Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees, aiming to produce a lion-like dog that would reflect the lion featured on Leonberg's coat of arms.
40-77kg
Weight
Large
Size
8-10yrs
Lifespan
About the Leonberger
The breed quickly captured the attention of European royalty and nobility, becoming a favourite among distinguished enthusiasts. Today, Leonbergers remain strikingly handsome working dogs, standing 65 to 80 centimetres tall and weighing between 40 and 77 kilograms. They feature a distinctive lion-like mane around the neck and chest, with a dense, water-resistant coat in shades of lion-gold, red, or sandy, always complemented by a characteristic black mask. Regular brushing is essential to manage their shedding. In terms of character, Leonbergers are calm, gentle, and deeply affectionate companions. They display remarkable patience with children and possess a steady, self-assured confidence. The breed is playful and sociable, typically harmonising well with other animals. However, prospective owners should be prepared for their substantial exercise requirements, needing more than two hours of daily activity. They also benefit from consistent training suited to their considerable size.
Leonberger at a Glance
- Group
- Working
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 40–77 kg
- Height
- 65–80 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Leonberger Lifestyle
The Leonberger is a breed that needs a bigger home to thrive and is happiest with plenty of outdoor space at home. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Leonberger
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Leonberger
Leonberger Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Leonberger weighing around 59 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£8.73 - £9.30
Per month
£262 - £279
Per year
£3186 - £3396
Leonberger Characteristics
The Leonberger is an active breed that needs a lot of exercise and is highly trainable and learns new things fast. They are very patient and gentle with kids and are content being left alone for moderate periods. The coat requires dedicated grooming, and daily brushing isn't out of the question and sheds steadily throughout the year. They are sharp and quick-witted, which is a joy, but means they need keeping mentally occupied.
Leonberger Pros & Cons
Pros
- A true gentle giant with a calm, patient temperament that suits family life beautifully
- Wonderful with children of all ages, naturally protective and gentle
- Forms deep family bonds and thrives in an attentive, involved home
- Surprisingly moderate exercise needs for their size, fitting well into family routines
Cons
- Their thick coat requires regular and committed professional grooming
- Better suited to experienced owners given their size and training requirements
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
- Their size means they need plenty of space, both indoors and in the garden
