The Leonberger is nothing short of a giant breed. These immense dogs weigh anywhere between 120-170 pounds. They have a very distinct lion-like appearance and have a deep, loud bark. Their intimidating look combined with their heavy bark makes them excellent watchdogs, you can be sure that any intruder will think twice before entering a home with one of these guys roaming around.
While this is a purebred dog today, these dogs were originally bred in Germany as a combination of the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. Not surprisingly, the combination of these 3 massive breeds produced another mammoth of a dog. The Leo, as they are often referred to, needs a lot of exercise. They have high energy levels, and if their energy is not released outside, they will have no problem getting rid of it inside your living room...all 120+ pounds of them.
The Leo must be trained consistently as a puppy. If not trained properly, these dogs can be very mischievous and can cause a lot of damage around the house. They can be very well behaved if they are trained properly, however, they are still not the best fit for a clean freak. The Leonberger sheds a lot and they have a knack for getting filthy when taken outside, do not be surprised when they roll around in the mud on the day after rain.
For the right owner, the Leo makes a great companion. They love being with their people and will want to be with them as much as possible. They do not enjoy being left alone and will prefer going with their family anywhere they go, lets just say you'll need to invest in an SUV before bringing one of these pups home. As long as you are the type of person that will not get overwhelmed by some messiness around the house, the Leonberger will make a great friend, and there will never be a dull moment with these big dogs around.
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