| Height | 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 7+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Playful / Gentle [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 96 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
If you live in a city apartment or a house on a small, suburban lot, this may not be the breed for you. Adult Leonbergers are generally calm and subdued, but they still need to have some vigorous exercise once a day. Puppies and adolescents are active and exuberant. [1]
Grooming
Leonbergers shed a lot'¿and twice a year, they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially in the areas of his body that tend to mat: the long hair behind the ears and on the backs of the legs. A more thorough grooming should be done once a week'¿and given the breed's size, this will take a fair amount of time. [1]
Health issues to budget for
As with all canines, proper exercise and nutrition, routine vet exams, and parasite prevention are keys to a happy and healthy life. Large dogs such as Leos can experience bloat, where the stomach twists and gas is trapped inside. Bloat can quickly be fatal, and it is important to know its signs, such as drooling, restlessness, enlarged abdomen, and attempts to vomit. Owners of at-risk dogs can consider the preventative measure of having their dog's stomach surgically tacked to the abdominal wall. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Polyneuropathy (Leonberger Type 2) (PN, LPN2) - DNA Test, Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (Leonberger Type 3) (LPPN3) - DNA Test, Ophthalmologist Exam (CERF), Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) - DNA Test, Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 (LPN1) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Leonberger in 2010. [1]
- It ranked No. 96 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 93 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Leo, Gentle Lion.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 8 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Leonbergers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 7 years.
How big does a Leonberger get?
AKC breed information lists height 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female) and weight 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Leonberger?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Leonberger, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.