Leonberger
Male: 54-77 kg, Female: 41-59 kg
Male: 72-80 cm, Female: 65-75 cm
7-9 years
Leonberg, Germany
About the Leonberger
The Leonberger is a majestic giant breed characterized by its lion-like appearance, complete with a distinctive black mask and a thick mane in males. Developed in the mid-19th century by Heinrich Essig, the breed was intended to be a status symbol for royalty, yet it possesses the grit and strength of a working farm dog. Despite their formidable size, they are renowned for their 'gentle giant' persona, displaying a calm and patient demeanor that makes them exceptional family companions. Structurally, the Leonberger is balanced and powerful, capable of pulling carts or performing water rescues with ease. They are deeply attached to their human families and generally lack the sharp aggression found in other guarding breeds, preferring to act as a steady, watchful presence. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them more trainable than many other giant breeds, though they require a confident owner who can provide consistent, positive leadership.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Leonberger is the epitome of regal power and fluid movement. Their gait should be ground-covering and even, demonstrating a powerful drive from the hindquarters and a free reach in the front. The most striking feature is the head, which must possess a deep black mask extending above the eyes, set against the warm lion-gold coat.
In Australia
The Leonberger was officially introduced to Australia in 1985. The first two specimens were imported from the United Kingdom by Gwen Treston of Simbaland Kennels, according to the Leonberger Club of Victoria.
Bred For
Originally bred as a companion dog to mimic the lion on the town crest of Leonberg, but developed into a versatile farm, draft, and guard dog.
Temperament
Gentle, self-assured, playful, loyal, and composed.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1, LPN2, LPN3, and LPPN3), Osteorcoma, Hemangiorcoma, and .
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily exercise, typically involving a long walk of 45-60 minutes and mental stimulation; puppies require carefully managed low-impact exercise to protect developing joints.
Grooming Needs
High; requires thorough brushing at least twice weekly (daily during shedding seasons), ear cleaning, and regular nail trimming.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartments; requires a large, securely fenced yard and thrives best in a home where they can spend significant time indoors with their family.
Good with Kids
Excellent; known for extreme patience and gentleness with children of all ages, though supervision is required due to their massive size.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good; they are typically social and tolerant of other dogs and household pets when socialized early.
Trainability
High for a giant breed; intelligent, sensitive to tone of voice, and eager to please, though they can be slow to mature physically and mentally.
Coat & Colours
Double coat; medium to long, water-resistant outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat.. Lion-gold, red, reddish-brown, and sandy, all with a mandatory black mask.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective Leonberger owners should be prepared for the 'Leo Lean'—this breed loves to lean their full weight against their favorite human's legs as a sign of affection. As a giant, deep-chested breed, they are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), which is a life-threatening emergency; owners must be vigilant about feeding practices and consider a prophylactic gastropexy. They are heavy shedders, often described as producing 'tumbleweeds' of fur twice a year, which requires a high-velocity dryer and significant grooming time. While they don't drool as much as some other giants, they are 'wet drinkers' and will frequently leave a trail of water from their beards across the floor. They can also be susceptible to heat stress due to their thick double coats, meaning air conditioning and shade are essential during Australian summers. Like many large breeds, they are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, making weight management and high-quality nutrition critical. They may also develop sensitive skin or hot spots if their thick coat isn't dried thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Some Leonbergers can be prone to digestive sensitivities on low-quality commercial kibble, often showing marked improvement in coat quality and stool consistency on a fresh Majestik raw diet.
Feeding Guide for Your Leonberger
Healthy Weight
41-77 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1200-2300 grams
For a giant breed like the Leonberger, a fresh raw diet should focus on lean proteins and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to prevent rapid growth issues. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. For an average 60kg adult, this equates to roughly 1.5kg of food per day. Include a mix of muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meats, supplemented with seasonal vegetables for fiber.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich diet formulated for giant breeds to manage growth rates; highly suited to fresh, raw diets that avoid excessive fillers and carbohydrates.
A balanced Majestik raw diet for a Leonberger should feature varied proteins such as Kangaroo (for lean energy), Beef, and Lamb. Given their susceptibility to joint issues, inclusion of green-lipped mussel or high-omega fish like sardines is beneficial. Use Majestik's fresh vegetable blends to provide essential phytonutrients. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Leonberger Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Leonberger? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.