Potential Leonberger owners may wonder about the lifespan of this gentle giant breed. Being a giant breed, they may not live as long as many of the smaller breeds, right? So, how long do Leonbergers live?
As the Leonberger is a large breed, it has a relatively shorter lifespan than other dog breeds. That is because its size makes it prone to many illnesses and health issues. On average, the Leonberger can live anywhere between seven and nine years. The key is to take care of them to maximize life expectancy.
So, if you want to understand the lifespan of a Leonberger, you have come to the right place. Here is your complete guide to help you make the right decision.
Leonberger Life Expectancy and Overall Health
The typical lifespan of a Leonberger is seven to nine years. They are prone to health issues, such as eye conditions, cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and much more.
Many of these illnesses are hereditary, and the Leonberger population is small.
That is why if you want them to live a long life, you must take care of them in the best way possible. It will allow them to live a healthy life and maintain their overall health better than other Leonbergers.
Should You Get a Leonberger?
If you want a giant and gentle dog that gels well with your family, then there is no better breed than the Leonberger.
They become loyal companions and have a gentle and docile temperament if you train them early on. However, you must remember that if you want the Leonberger to thrive, you will have to give them lots of attention.
Besides that, their grooming needs are extensive because of their thick and long coat. You will have to take out time each day to take care of these things.
If you don’t have the time or the space for a Leonberger in your home, you should not get it.
How Long Do Leonbergers Live For?
Leonbergers live between seven and nine years. Rarely will you find that some Leonbergers will live four years more than their expected lifespan
. However, that is not the case with all Leonbergers.
What Health Problems Do Leonbergers Have?
All Leonbergers have certain health concerns and illnesses. It is crucial to understand them to know what you might have to deal with. Here are the top health problems that Leonbergers have to go through:
Bones And Joints
Here are all the health concerns Leonbergers face related to bones and joints:
Osteochondritis Dissecans
This health issue is incredibly common in many Leonbergers. The illness causes the cartilage inside the joints to begin cracking. If the disease goes untreated, the joint will become lame, and the Leonberger will find it challenging to remain active.
The key is to conduct a health screening of the dog. It will help you determine if your Leonberger is prone to this health concern.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common health concern in all big dogs that affect the mobility and growth of joints.
There is also evidence and research that a house with stairs poses an additional risk to dogs’ joint and bone problems. So, if your home doesn’t have stairs, it will be the ideal place for the Leonberger to grow.
Besides that, if you want to prevent the onset of dysplasia in your Leonberger, you must ensure it exercises on soft ground. These include grassy and other areas that don’t impact the joints and bones too much.
Panosteitis
Finally, the last bone and joint health concern is panosteitis. Again, it mainly affects young dogs. Panosteitis is an inflammation of the bones that can be incredibly painful for the dog as it can cause sudden lameness.
Thankfully, as the dog keeps growing and the skeleton matures, the health concern resolves itself. That is why you might not have to do anything about it.
Gastric Issues
Here is the only gastric issue that the Leonberger might face in its lifetime:
Bloat
Bloating is a common issue in Leonbergers. However, it can be a lethal condition that dilates the stomach and makes sure it rotates within the body. If your Leonberger is experiencing bloat, their symptoms will include retching, an enlarged abdomen, and drooling.
Most of the time, bloat occurs when the dog gulps down the food too fast. That is why the best way to avoid this issue is to use a slow feeder bowl.
Besides that, a healthy diet is the best solution to this problem in the long run.
Eye Issues
Here is the only eye issue Leonberger may experience:
Cataracts
You might not believe this, but many Leonbergers are prone to cataracts, a common health concern. Cataracts cause progressive opacity in the eye lens, which is a degenerative condition.
“The problem gets worse with high exposure to UV light, and it gets worse with age.“
Remember that while cataracts will not reduce the lifespan of a Leonberger, however, they will reduce their quality of life.
That is because it will significantly hinder the vision of your furry companion.
The key to reducing the risk is to opt for a health screening.
Other Health Issues
Here are some other health issues that the Leonberger might experience in its lifetime:
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders are common among Leonbergers, and if they are left untreated, they can lead to Addison’s disease.
This illness can cause many issues for your Leonberger, such as appetite loss, lethargy, hydration problems, and much more. The key to resolving this issue is a thyroid evaluation early on.
Polyneuropathy
Almost all Leonbergers are susceptible to this disease, an inherited nerve condition. The illness affects the function of smell, sound, sight, muscle strength, exercising abilities, gait, and much more.
The key to detecting this nerve condition is to get a DNA test done so you can take care of your Leonberger the right way.
Cancer
Unfortunately, many Leonbergers are susceptible to cancerous tumors inside the body. Cancer causes death in 18% of the dog population. Besides that, 28% of Leonbergers die because of cancer.
As of now, we don’t know what causes cancer in dogs, and there is no effective treatment yet. That is why you can’t do a lot to help your dog if they experience this illness. The best advice is to follow the doctor’s orders.
What Is a Leonberger’s Habitat?
Leonberger origins lie in cold European countries like France and Germany.
That is why the Leonberger has a thick coat because it had to adapt to such a climate with time. However, it can be challenging for this dog breed to survive in hot climates.
Besides that, they also require a lot of exercise to remain fit. That is why the ideal habitat of a Leonberger is a big farm and a house with a big backyard.
Keeping this breed in a small and cramped space will lead to many health concerns, especially in the bones and joints.
What Is the Ideal Home Environment for A Leonberger?
The ideal home environment for a Leonberger is one with a cooler temperature and lots of outdoor space. If you have a big garden or backyard, the Leonberger will thrive in your home. That will enable them to do the exercises they need and remain active.
If you have a family, the Leonberger will become your ideal companion, too, as they get along well with kids.
So, keep these factors in mind before you opt for this dog breed.
Practical Tips to Support Your Leonberger’s Health
Here are the top tips that will help you support your Leonberger’s health:
Offer Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition can make all the difference to ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight. That is why you must avoid offering your Leonberger any food that can lead to bloat and other problems.
You can also contact your vet and take their advice on what to feed your Leonberger as they will know the history of your Leonberger in a much better way.
Offer Lots of Exercise
The Leonberger is a large dog, so it requires lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. You must take it for two long walks and ensure it indulges in many high-impact activities throughout the day. These will tire your dog out and guarantee that he remains fit and healthy for many years.
Get A Health Screening
When you get your Leonberger, you must go for a health screening to ensure your furry companion is in fantastic condition. It will help you detect any issues early on so that you can support its health in an even better way.
So, don’t forget to get a health screening done for your Leonberger. It will allow you to detect issues and get treatment as soon as possible.
Final thoughts
That was your complete guide to understanding the lifespan of the Leonberger and the health problems that may affect how long they live.
The key is to spot these issues early and take steps to support the health of your Leonberger. Once you do, your Leonberger will likely live a long and healthy life.
