Is the Leonberger the Right Dog for You?

Part 2 of the “Life with a Lion: All About the Leonberger” Series

The Leonberger is a truly exceptional breed—but it’s not for everyone. Before you fall in love with those soulful eyes and massive paws, it’s important to understand what daily life with a Leonberger really looks like.

In this post, we’ll help you figure out if this gentle giant fits your home, lifestyle, and expectations.

🐾 Big Dog, Big Commitment

Leonbergers are affectionate, loyal, and wonderful companions—but they also come with big responsibilities. Literally. They are a giant breed, which means everything about them is larger than life: their size, their appetite, their grooming needs, and even their emotional sensitivity.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have enough space for a large dog to move comfortably?

• Am I prepared for the costs of food, vet care, and grooming for a giant breed?

• Can I dedicate time daily for training, exercise, and companionship?

If the answer is yes, keep reading—you might be the perfect Leonberger parent.

🧬 Personality Snapshot

Leonbergers are often called “gentle lions.” They are sweet, calm, and eager to be by your side—but they also need clear guidance and a steady hand during training.

Pros:

• Excellent with children and other pets

• Loyal and protective without being aggressive

• Calm indoors, playful outdoors

• Highly trainable with patience and consistency

Cons:

• Prone to separation anxiety if left alone often

• Can be stubborn or sensitive to harsh corrections

• Need space—tiny apartments won’t cut it

• Heavy shedders, especially during seasonal coat blows

🏠 Ideal Home for a Leonberger

A Leonberger does best in a home that offers:

• A yard or easy access to open space

• Family involvement—they don’t like to be left out

• An owner or family that enjoys time outdoors

• A steady, low-stress environment

They are not well suited to:

• Being left alone for long hours

• Apartment living without outdoor access

• Owners who dislike regular grooming or drool

💬 What Real Owners Say

"Our Leo is a teddy bear with a lion’s mane. But wow—he sheds like crazy, and we had to invest in a better vacuum!"– Julia R., Leonberger owner in Oregon

"She’s amazing with our kids, and I trust her completely. But I didn’t realize how important early training would be until we had a 120-pound puppy jumping on guests."– David M., first-time giant breed owner

🧠 Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a loyal, calm, and affectionate family companion—and you have the space, time, and resources—a Leonberger might just be your perfect match.

📅 Coming Up Next:

Part 3: Raising a Leonberger – From Puppy to Adult We’ll cover what to expect at each stage of your Leo’s life, from wild puppy days to calm senior years—plus tips on training, socializing, and building good habits.