A professional content writer specializing in animal healthcare and veterinary topics by the name of Emma Johnson contacted me about publishing veterinary information on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. Check out her article below. The article is focused on grooming and how to control shedding. Emma did all the writing I added pictures of our Leonberger, and photos provided by friends as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.

This photo tile includes three photos of our Leonberger Bronco. In one photo he is sitting in my wife’s lap, another photo is of our Pug Daisy and our Leonberger Bronco, and finally a photo of Bronco’s face. There is also a photo of six Leonbergers celebrating a birthday. That photo was taken by a friend Jen O’Keefe. Finally, there are two shutter stock photos ID:731020957 by Peter Josto and ID: 1957113277 by AnetaZabranska.

With these photos I wanted to illustrate that Leonbergers are big and furry.

Article by Emma Johnson

This photo was provided by Jen O’Keefe, Urgent Animal Care of Arlington. From left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory.

How to Control Leonberger Shedding: Grooming Tips That Actually Work

Living with a Leonberger means living with fur. It ends up on the couch, in the car, and sometimes floating through the house like tumbleweed. Many owners brush occasionally and hope the shedding slows down, but it rarely works that way. Leonbergers have one of the densest double coats in the dog world, and without the right grooming approach, loose fur quickly gets out of control.

The good news is that Leonberger shedding can be managed. With the right brushing tools, a consistent grooming routine, proper bathing habits, and good nutrition, you can dramatically reduce the amount of hair around your home.

Why Leonbergers Shed So Much?

Leonbergers were originally bred as working dogs in the mountains of Europe. Their coat had to protect them from cold weather, snow, rain, and harsh terrain. That protective coat is still part of the breed today.

Leonberger ID:705193912 by Anna Krivitskaya

Because of this history, Leonbergers grow a thick double coat designed for insulation. The outer layer protects against moisture and dirt, while the inner coat traps warmth. When temperatures change, that undercoat naturally sheds to adjust to the environment.

This means shedding is not a problem you can eliminate. The goal is to manage it effectively so loose fur doesn’t build up in the coat or around the house.

The Double Coat

Leonbergers are not the only dogs with protective double coats. Other large working breeds such as the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees were also developed for cold climates and demanding outdoor work. These breeds rely on dense insulating undercoats that protect them from harsh weather.

A big furry Newfoundland dog — This is an example of a Newfoundland dog (picture provided by Emma Johnson)

Saint Bernard dog wearing a keg. There are mountains in the background. — Saint Bernard dog Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12

However, not all working breeds have coats this heavy. Dogs like the Belgian Malinois also have a double coat, but it is much shorter and lighter. Because of that difference, Malinois owners typically deal with far less grooming and undercoat buildup compared with Leonberger owners.

Seasonal Shedding Cycles in Leonbergers

Leonbergers shed year-round, but the most intense shedding happens during seasonal transitions.

Most Leonbergers experience two major shedding periods:

Spring coat blow: The thick winter undercoat sheds to prepare for warmer temperatures.
Fall coat change: The dog grows a thicker coat again for colder weather.

During these periods, owners often notice large clumps of fur coming out during brushing. This is completely normal and is often referred to as coat blow season.

These cycles can last three to six weeks, depending on climate and individual genetics.

How Often Should You Groom a Leonberger?

Many owners underestimate how often this breed needs grooming.

For most Leonbergers:

Brushing: 3–4 times per week
Heavy shedding seasons: Daily brushing
Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks
Full coat maintenance: Weekly

Regular grooming prevents loose fur from collecting in the undercoat and spreading through your home.

Consistency is more important than long grooming sessions. Ten minutes of brushing several times a week is often more effective than one long session once a month.

The Best Brushes and Grooming Tools for Leonberger Shedding

The right grooming tools make a major difference. Leonbergers have dense coats, and basic brushes often cannot reach the undercoat.

The most useful grooming tools include:

Slicker brushes
Undercoat rakes
Deshedding tools
Wide-tooth combs

Each tool serves a specific purpose in removing loose fur while protecting the coat structure.

Using the wrong tools can break guard hairs or irritate the skin.

Slicker Brushes vs. Undercoat Rakes

Both tools are essential, but they serve different roles.

Slicker Brushes

Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that remove surface tangles and loose hair from the outer coat. However, slicker brushes alone cannot reach the deeper undercoat.

A photo of a slicker brush taken from a high angle view of pet slicker brush isolated on white background with clipping path. — High angle view of pet slicker brush. Shutterstock Asset id: 2404454953 by takepicsforfun

Undercoat Rakes

Undercoat rakes are designed with longer teeth that penetrate through the outer coat. Using both tools together creates a balanced grooming routine.

A so called undercoat rake is used to brush and penetrate deep into the coat of a double coated dog. — Brushing a double-coated dog close-up. Shutterstock Asset id: 2441132455 by Gayleen Froese

Deshedding Tools That Work Best

Deshedding tools are especially useful during coat blow season.

These tools are designed to gently remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the outer coat.

When used correctly, deshedding tools can remove large amounts of loose fur in a single session.

However, they should not be overused. Excessive use can thin the coat too much and affect its natural insulation.

Most owners find that using a deshedding tool once per week during heavy shedding periods works well.

Step-by-Step Brushing Routine to Reduce Excess Fur

A structured brushing routine helps remove fur efficiently without stressing the dog.

Step 1: Work through the coat slowly, focusing on areas where undercoat builds up, such as behind the ears, chest, and hind legs.

Step 2: After loosening undercoat hair, switch to a slicker brush to remove remaining loose fur.

Step 3: Leonbergers commonly develop tangles around the neck, tail base, and legs.

Step 4: A wide-tooth comb helps confirm the coat is fully detangled.

This routine typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on coat condition.

Bathing Your Leonberger the Right Way to Control Shedding

Bathing plays a bigger role in shedding control than many owners realize.

Warm water and shampoo help loosen dead undercoat fur, making it easier to remove during brushing.

However, bathing too often can strip natural oils and cause dry skin.

How Often Should You Bathe Them?

Our Leonberger Bronco is standing in a blue kiddie pool. — Our Leonberger Bronco is standing in a kiddie pool. He is young and not yet fully grown in this photo. He does not have too much fur yet. I can add that it was not possible to give Bronco a bath in the bathtub, so we always gave him baths outside in the kiddie pool.

Most Leonbergers do well with a bath every 6 to 8 weeks.

More frequent bathing may be needed if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors or swimming.

The photo shows a Leonberger swimming in a lake. — This is a photo of our Leonberger Bronco swimming in White Rock Lake. He loved swimming and chasing ducks.

After bathing, always dry the coat thoroughly and brush again. Wet undercoat can trap loose hair and lead to matting if left unmanaged.

Nutrition’s Role in Reducing Shedding

Coat health begins with nutrition.

Dogs that lack essential nutrients often develop dry skin, brittle fur, and excessive shedding.

A high-quality diet rich in protein and healthy fats supports stronger hair growth and healthier skin.

Ingredients that help maintain coat quality include:

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids
Zinc
Biotin

For older dogs, switching to a specialized diet such as senior dog food can also support coat condition as metabolism changes with age.

Veterinary research presented at events like veterinary conferences 2026 has increasingly emphasized how diet influences skin and coat health in large working breeds.

Extra Grooming Steps During Heavy Shedding

During peak shedding periods, increase grooming frequency.

Helpful strategies include:

Daily brushing sessions
Weekly deshedding treatments
Bathing followed by thorough brushing
Using high-velocity dryers to loosen undercoat

Many professional groomers use forced-air dryers to blow out loose undercoats after a bath. This method can remove large volumes of fur quickly.

When to Seek Help From a Professional Groomer

Some Leonberger coats become too dense or matted for home grooming alone.

Professional groomers have specialized tools and equipment designed for heavy-coated breeds.

A professional grooming session may include:

Undercoat removal
Deep coat brushing
Coat blowout drying
Sanitary trimming

Many owners schedule professional grooming every 3 to 4 months to keep the coat manageable.

If brushing becomes difficult or mats begin forming regularly, it may be time to involve a groomer.

Final Thoughts

Leonberger shedding is intense, but it does not have to overwhelm your home.With the right grooming tools, a consistent brushing routine, proper bathing habits, and strong nutrition, you can keep loose fur under control and maintain a healthy coat.

The key is consistency. When grooming becomes part of your weekly routine, shedding becomes far more manageable.

Leonbergers will always shed. But with the right care, that shedding becomes something you can handle without constantly battling fur around the house.