Leonberger

Set aside time every day to groom your Leonberger. 

• Bathing: Bathe your dog every four to six weeks (unless they happen to splash in a particularly muddy puddle).   
• Brushing: A Leonberger is a super shedder, so you’ll need to brush them every day with a pin brush. They can get easily matted, too, so it’s important to keep them tangle-free. In the spring and fall, when they shed most heavily, use a metal comb along with the pin brush to deal with all the floof.  
• Ear care: Check their ears for redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs vet attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to infections.  
• Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth every day using a dog toothpaste and toothbrush. It’s a good idea to start when your Leonberger puppy is young so they get used to the experience. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two to three weeks. If their nails get too long, it can be painful for your Leonberger to walk. 

The Leonberger is a super smart dog who’s going to be easy to train. Probably.  

They’re exceptionally eager to learn, but you’ll need to know how to hold their attention and motivate them. Always use positive reinforcement and reward your Leonberger with high-value training treats, favorite dog toys, and enthusiastic praise. 

Add the breed’s demanding exercise needs and extra-large size, and the Leonberger might be the best fit for pet parents who are experienced with training dogs. Don’t hesitate to choose to work with a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement if you need help. 

Start with obedience training, teaching them cues like sit, stay, and come. They’ll also need to learn how to walk nicely on a leash.   

You’ll probably also want to teach them the “off” cue as soon as possible—it’s very helpful for a dog of a Leonberger’s size.  

Also invest time in proper socializing. It’s important to introduce your Leonberger to new people and places so they’re calm and comfortable in new situations throughout their life. 

Leonbergers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).   

This breed can benefit from a large-breed dog food. It’s especially important for Leonberger puppies to eat a food for large breeds to support their growth. Ask your vet what they recommend. 

It’s important that this breed doesn’t gain too much extra weight, as obesity in dogs can add extra stress to their bones, leading to arthritis or other issues. Obesity also contributes to heart disease.  

Joint supplements or treats containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils can also help protect their joint health as they age. Your vet can help you determine if supplements are needed.  

As a big dog with a deep chest, the Leonberger is susceptible to a life-threatening condition called bloat. Pet parents need to take precautions to prevent this by: 

• Offering food in a slow feeder bowl to stop scarfing 
• Feeding two smaller meals per day instead of one big breakfast or dinner 
• Restricting exercise for two hours after meals 
• Avoiding elevated food bowls 

The Leonberger is a high-energy pup who needs two hours of exercise every day—and a pet parent dedicated to get the job done. A happy Leo is a tired Leo. 

While long walks are always a good option, be sure to mix it up so your pup doesn’t get bored. Your Leo will love joining you for a weekend hike (so many things to smell and discover!) and games of fetch in the backyard. Leonbergers also thrive when engaging in competitive dog sports, especially agility trials, flyball, and canine disc games.   

Be sure to reserve those more strenuous exercises, like jogging, until they’re fully grown (around 2 years old). Leonberger puppies’ growing bones and joints need TLC, and that type of exercise may be too much for them. Check with your vet before starting up a new activity. 

These smart pups need mental stimulation too, so keep interactive toys around to keep their brains buzzing indoors.  

The Leonberger is a giant breed who needs lots of room to speed around. They were bred to work on farms, so they’re most at home in wide, expansive spaces. If you don’t have acres for this pup to roam around in, a fenced backyard will do nicely. 

With their size and high energy levels, apartment living may be more challenging for these pups. Apartment-dwellers committed to spending lots of time outdoors every day may be able to make it work, though. 

These gentle lions are family dogs and aren’t meant for independent living. Leonbergers thrive with an active family who’s busy outdoors and wants a furry companion to bring with them on all their adventures.  

Leos are great with kids, but you’ll want to supervise them around smaller children. With their large size and tail that’s bound to be wagging, they may accidentally knock over a toddler.  

They do well with other dogs in the home, but watch out for smaller pups—they may accidentally injure them, too. Leos can also do well with cats, especially if they’re raised with them from puppyhood.