Overview
The Leonberger was created in the German town of Leonberg in the nineteenth century, reportedly to resemble the lion on the town crest, from Newfoundland, St Bernard and Pyrenean stock. It is a tall, broad, tawny dog with a black mask and a generous coat, and one of the more popular giant breeds in Britain.
The temperament is the breed's strength: calm, friendly, patient with children and dogs, and sensitive to the mood of its handler. Walkers rarely have a behaviour problem with a Leonberger. They have a physics problem, because a seventy-kilo dog that wants to greet someone takes some stopping.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a quarter a day in two walks suits most adults, at a steady pace with time to sniff. Leonbergers are more athletic than they look and enjoy a long hike, but they are not dogs for running or repetitive fetch, and the joints of a dog this size deserve care.
Young Leonbergers grow for a long time. Keep walks short and on soft ground until the owner confirms the vet is happy with the frame.
On the walk
- Lead: Mostly polite, but when the dog leans towards a person or a pond you feel it. A sturdy harness and a short lead give you the leverage you need.
- Water: Bred partly from water dogs and keen to prove it. Expect a swim where one is available and a long, wet coat afterwards.
- Other dogs: Affable with almost everyone. The usual issue is a small dog alarmed by the size, so keep greetings gentle and let the other dog approach.
- Heat: The double coat holds warmth well. On warm days shorten the route, find shade and offer water often.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a towel and water on every walk; between swimming and drooling you will need both.
- Keep to grass, woodland and tracks where you can. Long sessions on hard ground are tough on large joints.
- Walk early in summer and be willing to call a walk off when it is hot.
- Watch for stiffness or reluctance on stairs after a walk and report it; giant breeds hide discomfort.
What to ask the owner
- Any joint, heart or neurological conditions the vet has flagged, and does that change distance or pace?
- Is the dog allowed to swim, and where do you usually let it in?
- How does the dog handle warm weather, and what is your cut-off for cancelling?