Leonberger

Loved by 79% of pet parents

Massive, gentle, and loyal, the Leonberger stands out for its calm nature and impressive presence. This affectionate giant thrives as a devoted family companion and watchdog.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

72–80 cm (male)

65–75 cm (female)

WEIGHT

59–77 kg (male)

45–61 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

8–9 years

Leonberger: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Leonberger isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Leonberger's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Leonberger is typically calm, gentle, and friendly, known for being affectionate with family and patient with children. They generally get along well with other dogs and pets.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Affectionate with family and gentle with children

Intelligence

Learns commands quickly and responds to training

Energy Level

Moderate exercise needs, not overly energetic

Playfulness

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability

Adjusts well to new people and environments

Strengths

Gentle with children and family members
Strong swimming ability and water rescue skills
Loyal and devoted to owners
Calm and stable temperament in the home
Good tolerance for cold weather

Challenges

Requires extensive grooming to manage shedding
Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
Needs significant daily exercise and space
Shorter average lifespan compared to other breeds

Protect your Leonberger

Leonberger can develop hip dysplasia and osteosarcoma. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Leonbergers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Leonbergers are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to training with consistent, positive methods. Early socialization and obedience training are recommended for best results.

Trainable Tasks:

Basic obedience commands

Water rescue training

Cart pulling

Therapy dog visits

Search and rescue basics

Controlled leash walking

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has moderate to high energy levels and requires daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. Activities like long walks, play sessions, and tasks help prevent boredom and maintain health.

Recommended Activities:

Swimming sessions

Long walks

Carting or drafting

Supervised play with children

Agility for large breeds

Socialization outings

Is this breed right for you?

Leonbergers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Leonberger would fit well in your home.