Understanding the growth and development stages of a Leonberger is an important consideration for potential owners of this large breed. After all, this breed can grow to a massive size! So, when does a Leonberger stop growing?
A Leonberger will stop growing at around 24 months of age. Their full height ranges from 27 to 31 inches, while their weight can range between 120 and 170 pounds. Male Leonbergers are typically larger than their female counterparts.
Are you wondering if lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and health issues can affect the optimal growth of this breed? Read on to find out more!
How Big Do Leonbergers Usually Get?
Leonbergers are powerful and large golden dogs that can serve as loyal companions. Their growth depends upon gender and weight. Males can be 28 to 32 inches big, while females are 25 to 29 inches.
One of the critical things to remember is that males take more time to grow big because of their larger size.
Besides that, you should also note that the full growth of a Leonberger is achieved at around 18 to 22 months. You may not experience significant change after this period. However, keep in mind that the size of this breed does not correlate to the behavior.
A fully-grown Leonberger may show the same behavior and patterns as puppies. This is because the dogs’ brain fully develops by the age of three.
Additionally, females may be smaller than males but equally formidable and powerful.
Why Do Some Leonberger Grow At Different Sizes?
The Leonberger breed is larger than most other dogs because of its tall body frame. While the sizes within the Leonberger family vary considerably, nutrition also plays an integral role in your pet’s growth.
Firstly, the genes determine how tall your Leonberger puppy can grow. This is a random event, and you can never tell the maximum size. Besides that, environmental factors also impact growth. This is because the proper condition supports the release of various hormones within the body.
Additionally, you should remember that the food you feed your Leonberger is highly essential. This is because the dog requires some nutrients for excellent growth.
“For instance, you should provide your Leonberger with 22% protein in every meal. Be sure not to exceed this amount as it can result in health issues.”
Furthermore, a well-balanced diet also supports the growth of Leonberger by ensuring your pet is meeting its energy needs. Lastly, gender affects the size of this breed too.
The general rule of thumb is that females are smaller than males.
Moreover, Leonbergers grow into the size of their paws. This varies from one dog to another. Once again, the overall result is that the pets are of different heights.
What Is the Average Weight and Height Of A Leonberger?
The average weight of male Leonbergers at three months is 36 to 52 pounds. Meanwhile, it increases to 68 to 94 pounds when the dog turns six months old. Typically, the average range for all Leonberger genders is 120 to 170 pounds.
Meanwhile, the average height of males ranges from 28 to 32 inches. On the other hand, females can be 25 to 29 inches tall. So another way to estimate the average height of your Leonberger is by understanding its parents’ growth.
Typically, a Leonberger would fall into the intermediate height of its parents. So you can use that data to determine an expected height. However, the actual growth varies just like it does in humans.
Is It Possible for A Leonberger To Grow Again After They Have Stopped?
A Leonberger puppy is considered an adult after reaching the age of one. However, that does not mean that its mental maturity is the same. This is why your pet can grow after reaching adulthood too. The primary reason behind this is that the bones are still developing.
One of the critical things to remember is that your Leonberger will stop growing around the mark of 22 to 24 months.
This is the average time a puppy finishes its growth. Around this period, your Leonberger will reach its final height and will not grow any further.
The top reason Leonbergers do not keep growing after they have stopped is that their growth plates close down. This body part produces new tissue at a young age and promotes your pet’s long bones to grow. However, there comes a time that the growth plates stop making new tissue.
When the tissue production stops, the Leonberger reaches its final size. This is because the growth plates become entirely calcified. Thus, they are said to have closed down.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My Leonberger Grow Taller or Bigger?
The best way to ensure your Leonberger’s growth is to help them maintain the right weight. Being underweight or overweight can lead to various issues such as cancer, heart disease, joint issues, and much more.
Not only that but some of these health issues directly impact your Leonberger’s height.
You should learn more about your pet’s optimal weight by checking their age and consulting a vet. They will help you determine if your dog is underweight or overweight.
Apart from that, you can learn about signs that will help you. For instance, a visible ribcage means your pet requires more nutrients.
Simply put, two things can help you assist your Leonberger’s growth. They are diet and exercise.
By remembering these two things, you can help your pet in the best way. Additionally, it will help you tackle health issues such as obesity and decrease the risk of other diseases in your Leonberger.
How Much Exercise Should Leonbergers Get Each Day?
The average exercise needs of Leonbergers are directly dependent on your pet’s age. Typically, experts recommend one hour of physical activity every day to ensure the best health. However, this time can also increase to two hours depending on the age.
Puppies are young and in their development phases, so you should not exercise them much.
Otherwise, their bones and joints would suffer from temporary or permanent damage. The critical thing to remember is that both injuries hinder the growth and height of the dog.
The general rule of thumb is to keep aside five minutes of walking per age month. This means that a two-month-old Leonberger requires ten minutes of exercise each day while a three-month puppy needs fifteen minutes.
Typically, you should gradually increase the time until your Leonberger reaches adulthood (age of one).
After that, you should provide one hour to two hours of exercise to your dog. The workouts of pets differ from human activities.
The top activities that your schedule should include are structured exercises recommended by the pet. Besides that, walking also comes under the workout category. Lastly, general playing is also a form of exercise in the Leonberger world.
What Type Of Diet Should You Provide Your Leonberger?
A Leonberger’s diet is one of the things to pay excellent attention to as it affects health significantly. You should ensure to feed raw and dry foods to your pet.
Besides that, the meals should be grain-free and lack wheat as these components make digestion difficult for the Leonberger.
Apart from that, you should also include 22% protein in your pet’s daily diet. However, never exceed this figure, or your dog will be prone to various digestive and health issues. You should also ensure that the food does not contain harmful chemicals and additives.
Another nutrient to get right is fat. You should provide your Leonberger with no more than 9% fat daily. This is the maximum amount and ensures optimal growth of your pet.
The critical thing to note is that fat breakdown helps your pet obtain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The fatty acid strengthens your pet’s immune system by enhancing the skin coat and ensuring its best health.
This is because the skin is the first line of defense that prevents germs and other microbodies from entering your Leonberger’s system.
Does A Leonberger’s Size Affect Their Health?
The Leonberger is generally a large breed of dog, so its size does not negatively affect its health. However, there are other issues you should watch out for.
The top thing to remember is that Leonbergers live approximately for seven years.
The top issues that make them susceptible to other diseases are obesity and bloating. This is why your pet’s diet must be well-balanced with the proper nutrients. Not only that, but you should combine with adequate exercise for the best growth and health.
Final thoughts
That is your complete guide on the growth factors of a Leonberger. The critical thing to keep in mind is that your pet will reach its full size around 22 to 24 months. After this period, the Leonberger will no longer grow, but its weight may increase depending on the diet.
Once you keep all the guidelines in mind, you can support your pet’s growth in the best possible way.
