FCI and UKC standards set no weight. Wikipedia gives about 54-77 kg for males and 45-61 kg for females; Hill's gives 50-77 kg (110-170 lb) overall and Chewy 41-77 kg (90-170 lb).
A thick undercoat sits under a long, close-lying outer coat that ranges from fairly soft to coarse and may be straight or slightly wavy. Males in particular carry a lion-like mane over the neck and chest, and the front legs are feathered while the hind legs have full breeches. The body is big, muscular and still elegant, slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and a calm, confident bearing. A black mask on the face is a defining feature.26
Colourslion yellowredreddish brownsandy (cream, pale yellow)combinations of these, always with a black maskblack hair tips allowed26
Personality what they are like
A friendly, even-tempered giant that bonds closely with the whole family and is known for being especially kind with children. Leonbergers are neither timid nor aggressive; they tend to size up a situation quietly and may simply place themselves between their people and a stranger rather than make a fuss. They learn readily, like to be included in family life and are often described as tuned in to their owners' moods.2459
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily activity plus mental work. Hill's suggests at least an hour a day of mixed exercise and brain games; The Royal Kennel Club lists more than two hours a day. Brisk walks, hiking, supervised swimming, obedience, agility and draft work all suit the breed.4758
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush thoroughly at least once a week, and daily during the heavy spring and autumn moult, as the double coat sheds all year. Bathe occasionally (every 4-6 weeks is a common routine), check ears weekly, trim nails every 3-4 weeks and brush teeth regularly.475
Home where they are happiest
Best in a large home with a large, securely fenced garden; a rural setting suits the breed well. Not an apartment dog. The weather-resistant coat means it is happy outdoors in wet and cold conditions, but it should live with the family rather than apart from it.75
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete food formulated for large or giant breeds, with a large-breed puppy formula during growth so the frame develops at a steady pace. Keep the dog lean by measuring portions and adjusting to activity.45
Company who they like around
A strongly family-oriented dog that wants to be part of daily life. Usually gets on well with other dogs and can live happily with cats, especially when raised together. Early socialisation and short, positive, consistent training sessions work best; supervision with small children is sensible simply because of the dog's size.54
The story where it all began
The breed is credited to Heinrich Essig, a town councillor, mayor and animal dealer of Leonberg near Stuttgart. Starting in the 1830s he crossed a black-and-white Landseer-type Newfoundland female with a male 'Barry' dog from the Great St Bernard Hospice, then added further St Bernard lines and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog over several generations. His goal was a dog that looked like the lion on Leonberg's town crest, and the first dogs registered as Leonbergers were born in 1846. Essig was a gifted promoter, and his dogs went to royal households across Europe, including Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Napoleon III; Leonbergers also appeared in AKC stud books between 1887 and 1902. After Essig died in 1889, breed clubs formed from 1891 and artist Albert Kull wrote the first breed standard. In everyday life the breed became a valued farm, draught and watch dog in Baden-Württemberg. Both world wars brought it close to vanishing. After the First World War, Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans found only about 25 dogs, five of them suitable for breeding, and in 1922 a group of breeders rebuilt the population. Numbers fell again in the Second World War, and today's Leonbergers trace back to the eight dogs that came through it. The German club reformed in 1948, an international union of Leonberger clubs was founded in 1975, the Leonberger Club of America followed in 1987, and the AKC granted full recognition in 2010.21036
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The breed was designed to resemble the lion on the coat of arms of its home town, Leonberg.6
2
Royal owners included Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), Napoleon III, the Prince of Wales, Otto von Bismarck and King Umberto I of Italy.3
3
When the AKC fully recognised the Leonberger on 1 January 2010, it became the club's 167th breed.3
4
Three Leonbergers shared the role of Buck in the 1997 film 'The Call of the Wild: Dog of the Yukon'.3
5
Leonbergers work as water rescue dogs, including at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguards, alongside Newfoundlands and retrievers.3
6
After the First World War, a cooperative of seven breeders produced about 350 Leonbergers in four years, starting from only five breeding-quality dogs.10
7
Essig-bred dogs named Caesar and Sultan toured America with show-business performers in the late 1800s.10
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name derives from that of the city of Leonberg, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where it was bred in the mid-nineteenth century.3
I start my day with a gentle nuzzle to wake my human, then we head out for a morning stroll. I walk calmly beside them, pausing to let a child pet my fluffy head. After breakfast, I help in the garden by carrying a trowel in my mouth, very carefully! Midday, I lie in the sun, watching the birds and keeping an eye on the house. In the afternoon, we play a quiet game of hide-and-seek in the yard. I find my human every time with a happy bark. Evenings are for snuggling on the rug, listening to soft music. I fall asleep knowing I'm loved.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 145, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.2 Molossoid, mountain type; definitive acceptance 17 Feb 1955; current standard published 4 Jan 1996; no working trial1
AKC
Working Group; full recognition 1 Jan 2010 as the 167th AKC breed (Foundation Stock Service from 2003)3
UKC
Guardian Dog Group; recognised March 1991; standard revised 1 Dec 20146
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Leonberger, and at what times?
Feed your Leonberger at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help digestion. Follow the food label's guidelines and adjust portions to keep your dog lean, as recommended for giant breeds.1145
What should a Leonberger eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced diet made for large or giant breeds, with a large-breed puppy formula while growing. Keep your Leonberger lean by measuring portions. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and yeast dough, these can be toxic to dogs.4512
How often should I bathe a Leonberger?
Bathe your Leonberger every 4-6 weeks is a common routine, but Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 10 weeks. You can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. Use a gentle dog shampoo.4513Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Leonberger need brushing?
Brush your Leonberger at least once a week, but daily during the heavy spring and autumn shedding periods. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every three days, with daily brushing when the coat blows.4513Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Leonberger's nails, and how often?
Trim your Leonberger's nails every 3-4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.4513Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Leonberger need?
Your Leonberger needs at least an hour of daily exercise, with some sources recommending more than two hours. Brisk walks, hiking, swimming, and brain games are great. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 60 minutes a day.4758Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Leonberger's teeth and ears?
Brush your Leonberger's teeth at least every other day, ideally daily, using a dog-specific toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal.4513Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Leonberger live?
Leonbergers typically live 7 to 10 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, some may live longer.473
Is a Leonberger good with children and other pets?
Yes, Leonbergers are known for being especially kind with children and bond closely with the family. They usually get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if raised together. Supervision with very small children is sensible simply because of the dog's large size.2459
Can a Leonberger be left alone?
Leonbergers are very family-oriented and prefer to be with their people. They can be left alone for reasonable periods if well-trained and exercised, but they may become unhappy if left alone for long hours regularly. Provide plenty of companionship and mental stimulation.54
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Saint Bernard
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
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