Although they were bred to resemble fierce lions, Leonbergers are anything but savage predators. Au contraire—Leos are famously gentle and loving pups.
Hailing from Germany, Leonbergers are known for their graceful elegance and serene patience. These working dogs are employed in a number of jobs on farms and waterfronts, and their impressive strength makes them especially good at cart pulling.
If you find yourself charmed by this unique breed, then it’s time to explore how a Leonberger puppy might fit into your life. Our detailed breed profile will help you determine whether a Leo is right for you.
Leonberger Puppy Facts
These massive working dogs are energetic and powerful. Leonberger puppies, in particular, are active and exuberant. Check out the rest of our breed guide and get to know this incredible dog.
| Size | Giant. Leonberger males will reach a height of 71-80 cm, while females will usually be 65-75 cm tall. Typically, males will weigh between 50-77 kg, and females will weigh between 41-64 kg. |
| Breed Characteristics | Leonbergers are a massive, muscular dog. Their thick double coat is waterproof and comes in shades of golden and reddish-brown. They also sport a black face mask, a bushy tail, and a lion-like mane. |
| Temperament | The Leonberger is a gentle and sweet dog. Their affectionate, loyal, and protective nature positions them as great family pets. Sometimes, however, a Leonberger will be stubborn. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | These dogs require A LOT of brushing—expect to brush him daily. They also shed a lot, even more so during the twice-a-year shedding season.
Like other giant breeds, Leos are at risk of bloat, a condition that is both sudden and highly fatal. Leos are also prone to orthopaedic problems like hip dysplasia as well as eye problems, cancer and hypothyroidism. |
| Training | A Leo’s impressive size and strength make it extra important to teach this breed what he can (and can’t) do. These dogs are eager to please, and they respond best to positive training methods. Be kind, firm, and consistent to achieve the best results with your Leo. Vetstreet also warns that you’ll need to work on training a Leo for at least two years. |
| Energy Level | Leonberger puppies are active and boisterous. Adult Leos will be more serene and even-tempered, but they still require daily vigorous exercise like hiking or jogging alongside a bicycle. Having a large fenced-in garden where he can run freely is a huge plus for this breed. |
| Life Expectancy | You can expect a Leonberger to live up to nine years. |
Who Is The Best Human For A Leonberger?
While they have many terrific traits, the Leonberger is not a low-maintenance dog. There are several things to consider before bringing one of these puppies home.
Perhaps the most obvious quality to consider is a Leonberger’s great size. You might compare these massive canines to a bull in a china shop. They’re liable to knock things over—including toddlers! Keeping a Leo in a small, city apartment is not an ideal living situation.
If you’re used to a neat house, then a Leo probably isn’t the breed for you. These dogs are sloppy eaters who love playing in mud and water. Their giant size also puts this breed at risk of a number of health issues. And, unfortunately, Leos have a short life expectancy (nine years).
Teenage obstinance isn’t just for human adolescents. Before they reach adulthood, Leos are often stubborn and destructive. They’re enthusiastic chewers, and their giant size means this could do more damage than the average puppy.
Grooming a Leo is not for the faint of heart, either. These dogs have tons of hair, and they shed. A LOT. You’ll need to brush a Leonberger puppy every day.
These dogs also require a decent amount of vigorous daily exercise. If you’re an active person, this is great news. If you prefer to chill on the sofa? Probably not the best breed to adopt.
On a more positive note, the Leonberger gets along well with other household pets, including cats. They’re great around kids, and proper training and exercise will ensure this breed burns off enough energy to make him calm in the home.
Getting a Leonberger Puppy
The decision to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new Leonberger puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or a breeder who offers healthy, ethically sourced Leonberger puppies.
Adopting a Leonberger
It may come as a surprise, but adopting a Leonberger puppy is possible. Many rescues report that a majority of their homeless dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit of this may mean that you have a dog who is already house-trained, microchipped and neutered. You may also find a Leonberger mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in. Some Leonberger breeders may also have older dogs up for rehoming.
Finding a rescue Leonberger can be as simple as searching the Internet.
Finding a Leonberger breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or—at the very least—the mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Leonberger puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something suspect going on. The Kennel Club also offers resources for finding a responsible breeder and a list of vetted breeders in its assured breeders scheme.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Leonberger puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find an ethical breeder or are planning to adopt, prepare yourself for an affectionate and friendly addition to your household.
More Puppy Resources
After you find the right Leonberger puppy, it’s time to prepare your home! Here are a few resources to get you started.
- Tips on Surviving the First 24 Hours with Your New Puppy
- How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
- The Essential New Puppy Checklist
- How Often Should I Walk my Puppy?
- Puppy Training Resources
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Featured image via Pixabay
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