Leonberger
dog Breed Profile
Leonbergers are large dogs weighing anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds. Male Leonbergers are 28 1/2 to 31 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder females are smaller at 25 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches. The body is longer than the tall the dogs have drop ears and a mane that appears at 2 to 3 years of age. Leonbergers generally mature by 3 years old, although they reach their full size around 1 year old.
In this article
Floppy ears (naturally).
Size
Weight
100-150 lbs.
90-140 lbs.
Height
27
(at withers)
30
Coat
Length
Medium
Color
Golden yellow to red, black mask.
Care
Exercise
20 minutes/day.
Energy level
Laid Back.
Longevity
8-10 yrs.
Needs
Low
Traits
Low
Low
Drooling
Low
Digging
Low
Grooming Needs
Moderate
Social Needs
Low
Club recognition
UKC Class.
Guardian Dog
Prevalence
Rare
During World War I, the breed nearly became extinct. Of 25 remaining Leonbergers, only five were of breeding quality.
Leonbergers are large dogs weighing anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds. Male Leonbergers are 28 1/2 to 31 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder females are smaller at 25 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches. The body is longer than the tall the dogs have drop ears and a mane that appears at 2 to 3 years of age. Leonbergers generally mature by 3 years old, although they reach their full size around 1 year old.
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Leonbergers are calm and quiet dogs, but they are not lethargic. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their guardians. They are active dogs outside and require more exercise than just a walk.
Leonbergers are very intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn. They are not known to aggressive with people, although they do become reserved with strangers as they mature.
Leonbergers need a large amount of interaction with people. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized but can be dog aggressive.
These dogs require brushing and combing two times a week. They do not require trimming. They do not drool.
Leonbergers love activities such as agility, carting, sledding, backpacking and swimming. They love water.
This breed is ideal for a guardian who wants a large, active dog that can be taken hiking, backpacking, sledding, carting and swimming. Leonbergers do not do well left alone for long periods.
Leonbergers typically live eight to 10 years.
The Leonberger appeared in Leonberg, Germany in 1846. Originally, the Leonberger was an attempt by Herr Heinrich Essig to create a dog that looked like a lion, part of the crest of Leonberg. What he created was a large dog with a tawny yellow coat and black points on the muzzle and ears.
During World War I, the breed nearly became extinct. Of 25 Leonbergers, only five were of breeding quality. Two Leonberger devotees, Stadelmann and Josenhans, began a club committed to saving the Leonberger. The breeding program was taken over by the German government during the war and was reestablished after the war by the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde.
The breed has a modest but growing following in the United States United Kennel Club recognized the Leonberger in 1991.