As thrilling as it can be to have a pet especially a dog, choosing the right breed can stir up a variety of emotions such as joy, excitement, and sometimes, even fear. You may have come across the Leonberger, one of the largest and most elegant dog breeds. They hail from Germany and are known for their luxurious two-layered coat, expressive dark brown eyes, and a black-masked face that radiates an irresistibly majestic aura. And yet, the question that is bound to pop up is, “Are Leonberger dogs dangerous?” Keep reading, as we dig deeper into their history, behavior, and characteristics to give you a fuller picture.
The Leonberger breed, named after the German city of Leonberg, is an alluring mix of the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. Strikingly beautiful, these dogs were bred specifically to resemble the lion on the Leonberg town crest, thus living up to their name ‘Leonberger’.
Leonbergers had been historically used as farm dogs, family companions, and draft dogs because they were bred to be gentle giants. Yes, you heard it right. Despite being an incredibly large breed, weighing anywhere between 70kg to 80kg and standing tall at approximately 30 inches, Leonbergers are known for their calm demeanor and friendly nature.
Are they inherently dangerous? The short and sweet answer is no.
You may think because of their large size, a Leonberger could certainly be a dangerous dog to have around, especially if you have young children or other smaller pets. But that’s just the opposite of their true nature.
With every breed of dog, it’s important to remember that temperament can slightly vary. However, generally speaking, Leonbergers are well known as being docile yet energetic, friendly with children, and cohabitate well with other pets. They’re the kind of dog who loves to be in the middle of everything, affectionately known for their ‘lean-on-you’ trait, where they just innocently lean on you, craving your attention and love!
That being said, for these giants to grow up gentle and friendly, they need strong leadership, consistent training, and early socialization. Good practices to help socialize your Leo puppy include exposing it to different people, sounds, sights, and experiences. This will ensure your dog grows up well-adjusted, well-rounded, and well-behaved.
Their sheer size and strength can make them appear daunting and imposing, and they could inadvertently knock over a small child or frail adult during play. However, with early training and socialization, they can be taught to play safe and gentle. So, rather than labeling them as dangerous, it would be more appropriate to say they might pose a risk due to their size and strength if not properly trained and supervised.
Another aspect that keeps the Leonberger away from the ‘dangerous dogs’ list is their lack of strong prey drive. Unlike many other breeds, Leonbergers are not known to have a high predatory instinct. This is one of the reasons they generally get along well with other domestic animals, making them perfect for families with multiple pets.
Additionally, they are moderately protective. A trait that can sometimes be mistaken as aggression. They are known to be very loyal and protective of their household but not aggressive. In most cases, they only use their size and loud bark to deter potential threats.
In summarizing, Leonbergers are not inherently dangerous dogs. With proper training, socialization, and a loving home, they can make an amazing family pet. But don’t get fooled by their teddy bear-like appearance – they are a giant breed and thus require a large space to roam around, exercise, and be active. Get ready to have your furniture occasionally knocked over or find a giant furball sprawled across your bed!
Remember, owning a dog, regardless of the breed, is a huge responsibility. Make sure you’re well-informed, well-prepared, and ready for a long-term commitment. A well-trained and well-loved Leonberger will undeniably return the favor with unwavering loyalty and unmeasurable love.
