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Originally bred in Germany as an imposing companion and guard dog with the majestic look of a lion, the Leonberger is now the very embodiment of the gentle giant. With a height at the withers of 72 to 80 cm and a weight of 48 to 77 kg for males, and 65 to 75 cm and 41 to 59 kg for females, this Molosser has enormous presence. Yet behind the lion-like mane and the deep black mask lies a calm, well-balanced and surprisingly playful nature. If you want to buy a Leonberger puppy, you are choosing an extremely people-oriented family dog that gets on wonderfully with children and has a natural instinct to protect and help – qualities that also make him stand out as a therapy or rescue dog.

For a Leonberger from a responsible breeder, the realistic price range is 1,800 to 3,000 euros. This purchase price reflects the enormous effort that health-focused breeders put in: from extensive X-ray and genetic testing of the parent dogs, through the demanding rearing of large-framed puppies, to high-quality feeding in the first weeks of life. Also bear in mind the ongoing costs: a dog that weighs up to 77 kilograms when fully grown needs large quantities of food, higher medication doses at the vet and correspondingly large equipment, right down to a suitable boot.

Because of their enormous size and mass, Leonbergers come with specific health challenges. The average life expectancy is 8 to 9 years. Breed-typical risks include, above all, strain on the joints, serious nerve disorders, and problems involving the heart, eyes and thyroid. Disreputable backyard breeders skimp on expensive diagnostics and mate dogs with no regard for hereditary conditions – for buyers, this often means years of suffering and high vet bills.

That is why the Deutscher Club für Leonberger Hunde e.V. prescribes specific health tests for breeding approval. These include X-rays for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as clinical examinations for eye abnormalities. In the Leonberger, there is a particular focus on the nervous system: examinations or genetic tests are required for polyneuropathy 1 (LPN1), polyneuropathy 2 (LPN2), CNTNAP1-associated laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (LPN3), leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) and laryngeal paralysis. These DNA tests show whether a parent dog is clear, a carrier or affected. A reputable breeder plans matings deliberately on the basis of these results, in order to markedly reduce the risk of these serious nerve diseases and joint problems in their line. In addition, testing the parent dogs for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and checking heart health are part of the recommended health standard for the breed.

Even after your puppy has moved in, you have a hand in your dog’s health: during puppyhood, it is essential to feed a suitably adapted diet that promotes slow, steady growth, and to provide joint-friendly exercise without climbing stairs or abrupt stops.