Leonberger
The Leonberger was created by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany, who crossed Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees dogs in the 1830s with the declared intention of breeding a dog that resembled the lion on the Leonberg town crest.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Germany
Lifespan
8–9 years
Weight
45–77 kg (100–170 lbs)
Height
65–80 cm (26–31 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality giant breed food. Giant breed puppy food for at least 18–24 months. Strict portion control.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Leonberger was created by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany, who crossed Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees dogs in the 1830s with the declared intention of breeding a dog that resembled the lion on the Leonberg town crest. The result — a massive, golden-maned, gentle giant — was presented to several European royals, including Napoleon III and Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary. The Leonberger nearly went extinct twice — once during WWI and again during WWII — and the entire modern breed descends from eight surviving dogs after WWII. It is now one of the most popular giant breeds.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A giant, majestic, lion-like dog with a flowing, medium-long double coat in shades of gold to red-brown, a prominent black mask, and a spectacular mane around the neck and chest. The overall impression is genuinely lion-like. Males are particularly impressive.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, patient, and calm — the Leonberger is one of the most family-friendly giant breeds. Excellent with children. Sociable with other animals. Intelligent and trainable. One of the gentlest giant breeds.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
2/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-10°C to 22°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
20%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
leaning on owner, drooling, panting, withdrawal, appetite loss
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours moderate exercise daily. The magnificent coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly minimum and daily during heavy seasonal shedding. Giant breed puppy protocols critical. Prophylactic gastropexy recommended. Water rescue training is a breed tradition.
Nutrition Notes
Giant breed formula. Bloat risk. LPN (Leonberger polyneuropathy) — fatal nerve disease. Anti-inflammatory, nerve-supportive diet. Joint supplements.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
LPN (Leonberger polyneuropathy) — progressive, fatal nerve disease. DNA test for LPN1 and LPN2 available. MANDATORY for breeding. Bloat. Hip dysplasia. Osteosarcoma. Addison's disease. Near extinction twice (WWI and WWII — only 8 survived WWII). Bred to resemble a lion (coat of Leonberg, Germany). 7 years average — heartbreakingly short.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
2200 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Leonberger polyneuropathy (LPN) — a hereditary progressive neurological disease; DNA tests available. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma. Bloat (GDV) — high risk. Addison's disease. One of the shorter-lived large breeds — 8–9 years average.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
LPN testing is mandatory — fatal without it. Near extinction twice. India: not suited to climate. Average lifespan only 7 years.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $4,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Leonberger was specifically bred to resemble the lion on the town crest of Leonberg, Germany — Heinrich Essig wanted to create a dog that was, in his words, "leonine in appearance." The breed's mane, golden colour, and regal bearing are a deliberate homage to the lion.
The Leonberger was a favourite of European royalty in the 19th century — Napoleon III, Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sisi), Tsar Alexander II of Russia, and Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) all kept Leonbergers at various points.
