Grooming
The Leonberger has a thick double coat and is a super-shedder, so they require daily brushing using a pin brush to get down to the undercoat to remove all the mats. You may want to add an additional brushing where you dedicate serious time (30 to 60 minutes) to really brush through the fur and make sure your pup’s coat is tangle-free. Many dog parents find it helpful to brush the coat backwards first to get next to the skin, then follow with a brush in the direction of the hair growth. In the spring and fall, when the Leo sheds their coat, use a metal comb and an undercoat rake in addition to the pin brush to deal with all the fur that will be flying.
Your Leo will need a bath about every four to six weeks, unless they’ve been trekking through the mud. In between baths, you should be able to maintain their water-resistant coats with regular brushing.
Their nails will need to be trimmed about every two to three weeks, if not worn down naturally by all your outdoor fun. You’ll know they’re ready for a trim when you can hear your dog click-clacking on your kitchen floors.
Leo’s need their teeth brushed daily. Start when your Leonberger’s a puppy, so they’ll get used to it faster. Regular brushing will help keep tartar and plaque at bay and prevent other health issues, like heart disease, as they age. Your pup will need an annual cleaning by your vet, too.
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Training
The Leonberger dog is super-smart and eager to learn, which can make them enjoyable to train. However, when they hit their adolescence, they can sometimes think they’re smarter than you and become a bit willful during training. This, coupled with the dog’s massive size and energy levels, make them better suited to someone who’s trained a dog before. These traits can be super frustrating to someone working with their very first dog.
Start your Leonberger puppy with the basic obedience commands, like sit, stay and come. Learning how to walk nicely on a leash is important for your Leo to learn, too. These dogs were used to pull carts, so they’re strong. If your adult pup takes off while on a walk, you may risk injuring your shoulder. So, teach them proper leash etiquette while they’re a puppy—your dog and your arm will thank you. The off command may also be beneficial to help keep your 170-pound dog off your furniture or bed.
Socialization is important, even for friendly pups like the Leonberger. Get them used to meeting new people, pups and situations to help them realize this is a perfectly normal part of life as they grow up. Take your puppy on walks and let them meet and sniff the people and dogs you meet. Enroll in puppy school, where they’ll learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet new adults all under one roof.
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Diet
Leonbergers usually do well with a high-quality commercial dog food for large-breed dogs. Be sure to choose a formula for your dog’s age and stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Look for the statement on the packaging that says it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Even though the Leonberger dog is very active, be careful not to overfeed your pup. Extra weight adds extra stress to their bones, and obesity can lead to other health concerns like arthritis or heart disease down the road. As you plan mealtimes, don’t forget to include all the treats you’ll give during training and just because you love your dog—those calories count, too.
Leonbergers are at risk of bloat, which can be life-threatening. To protect your pup, consider feeding your dog smaller portions throughout the day using a slow feeder bowl, and avoid strenuous exercise for an hour before and after mealtimes.
If you have any questions about your dog’s diet or feeding schedule, chat with your vet. They’re in the best position to help you choose the right food for your pup based on their unique situation.
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Exercise
The Leonberger is an extra-large dog with extra-large exercise needs. This high-energy pup needs at least two hours of exercise spread throughout the day. A happy Leo is a tired Leo, and if your pup doesn’t get the energy-releasing activity they crave, they’ll come up with their own entertainment—such as destroying your favorite pair of running shoes (among other things).
While long walks are good, be sure to mix it up so your pup doesn’t get bored. Your Leo will love joining you for a morning jog, a weekend hike (so many things to smell and discover!) and games of Frisbee or fetch in the backyard. They’re good swimmers and will enjoy splash time in a lake, pond or pool; in fact, they’re well-suited to jobs as water rescue dogs. Be sure to reserve those more strenuous exercises, like jogging, until they’re fully grown (around 2 years old). Their growing bones and joints need TLC, and that type of exercise may be too much for a puppy. Check with your vet before starting up a new activity.
If you’ve got a competitive streak, your Leo would love to join you in dog sports. They’re great at agility courses and drafting, where they use their strong bodies to pull a cart competitively. (They were used to pull ammunition carts during both World Wars.) You two will have fun bonding over these fun sports, and who knows? You may come home with some fancy winning ribbons.
Don’t forget to exercise your pup’s mind, too. After you’ve mastered the basics of obedience, teach your dog fun tricks, like play dead and shake (instant party pleasers!). And leave a few puzzle toys around the house for them to solve.
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Environment
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 oodles of acres for this pup to roam around, a fenced backyard will do nicely. With their giant size and really 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.
Because of their size and energy levels, these dogs are better suited for experienced pet parents who’ve trained a dog before. First-timers may find this pup a lot to handle and may get frustrated.
These gentle lions are family dogs and aren’t meant for independent living. They need to be included in all the family fun. They 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 do well with cats, as long as they’re raised with them from puppyhood.
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