Leonberger Breed Facts and Information

Training: Although they can be stubborn, Leonbergers are also eager to please and very intelligent, which means they take easily to training, especially when taught at a young age.

Barking: Understanding your dog: The Leonberger doesn't tend to bark a lot, but they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time and they crave attention, daily exercise and mental stimulation. This is an intelligent breed that can become bored and mischievous when left to their own devices.

"Leonbergers are wonderful to have as part of your home," says Patterson. "They must be a part of the family, not ignored. With good care and when well-socialized and properly trained, they will be welcome members of your family."

Temperament & Behavior: Intelligent and kind, fun and friendly, the Leonberger makes a great family pet as long as they are watched closely around small children. When they are young or not trained well, their love of mischief can get them into trouble, and a bored or under-exercised Leonberger may decide to entertain himself in ways you won't approve of. They also make excellent therapy dogs, says Andrew Patterson, vice president of Leonberger Rescue Pals, Inc. "Many visit patients in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities," he says. "They also go to many libraries so kids can read to them."

Behavior with kids: Although the Leonberger's gentle, calm demeanor and loyalty make them a great family pet, their large size means they do need to be watched around small kids.

Protection: The Leonberger has a formidable appearance and a deep, intense bark, making him quite the deterrent to those who don't know him.

Life Span: On average, Leonbergers live to be about nine years old.

Inherited health issues: There have been many health conditions associated with the Leonberger that either occur at an increased frequency within the breed or have a genetic association. Many of these conditions are related to the giant size of these dogs. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Osteosarcoma, Inherited polyneuropathy, Cataracts, Ectropion, Entropion, Eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane (cherry eye), Macroblepharon ('diamond eye') and Cystic endometrial hyperplasia -pyometra complex.

Preventive care: As a giant breed dog, the Leonberger can be prone to osteoarthritis. It is important to consider joint supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin in addition to fish oil supplements for this breed to help support normal healthy joint function. Due to this breeds predisposition for entropion / ectropion, it is recommended to address this early on. There are surgical procedures that can be performed to help correct these. Leons are also at risk for developing bloat where the stomach twists and traps gas. It is important to consider tacking the stomach to the body wall surgically at the time of spay / castration as a preventative measure against bloat.

Nutrition: The Leonberger does well on a high-quality dog food. This can be a commercial diet or homemade with your veterinarian's approval. Whatever diet is used, it should be age appropriate (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are prone to obesity, so watch your dog's caloric consumption and weight. Treats can be beneficial in helping train a dog but giving too many can cause obesity. It is important to learn which human foods are safe for dogs to eat and which ones are not.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Leonberger is 3-6 cups daily

Exercise: This large breed is anything but sedentary. Although generally calm and gentle, they are also active and full of energy. The breed requires daily exercise and loves activities such as hiking or playing with their family. As a working breed, they also love anything that requires them to flex their agility muscles.

"They can do well in agility, although they probably aren't as fast as many dogs just because of their size," says Patterson. "They also excel in draft work — like carting — and water rescue. Some people test their Leos in these two activities, often participating with Newfoundland Club tests." Leos also love water. "They have webbed toes, which helps make them strong swimmers," says Patterson.

Climate: Leonbergers do best in moderate climates, and they should never be over exercised in hot or humid weather, since they can overheat.

Living space: This large/giant breed requires a large amount of space to be most comfortable.