This blog feature amusing and heartwarming stories about our late Leonberger dog Bronco, as well as other Leonbergers. It also has a lot of information about the Leonberger breed, the history, care, training, Leonberger organizations, etc. I also wrote a Leonberger book, which I am featuring in the sidebar.
Me and our Leonberger Bronco, my book about him, and other dogs are featured on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine as a Guest Post. The post described how Bronco (and the other dogs) influenced my life. Dogs and other pets can mean so much to us and reshape our lives. Please take a look.
I also would like to thank Alex Diaz-Granados for his wonderful review of my book. It is featured on Smorgasbord Magazine, so you can read it there, but you can also read it here on Amazon.
A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting a Leonberger related post he had written on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to do. The title is “How to Take Stunning Photos and Videos of Your Leonberger Dog”. I should mention that I used my Samsung Galaxy phone to take less than professional photos of our Leonberger. I’ve included a few photos of our Leonberger below, but most of the photos are from friends or stock photos. However, me not having many great photos that I took myself, won’t stop you from learning how to take great photos. See the article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos.
The photo tile above includes three photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One from when he was a three months old puppy and one from when he was 12 years old, and in one photo our mini-Australian Shepherd is biting his tail. There is a shutter stock photo ID:731020957 by Peter Josto, a photo of a woman and her Leonberger dog, asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko, and two photos showing Leonberger puppies with flowers, asset id: 561113224 and 561111403 by Akbudak Rimma and . The photo of five Leonbergers wearing patriotic hats lying on grass by a lake was taken by Jen O’Keefe, (from left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory). There is also a photo of six Leonbergers celebrating a birthday. That photo was also taken by Jen O’Keefe.
Leonberger dog owners who love Instagram dog photography often discover a frustrating truth: photographing large dog breeds is both deeply rewarding and deceptively hard. A Leonberger’s size, dark coat, and constant motion can turn sweet moments into blurry frames, while shedding, drool, and aging-pet sensitivities add real pet photography challenges. On top of that, Leonberger personality capture depends on comfort and timing, and anxious dogs read tension fast. With a few grounded principles and a supportive dog owner community mindset, those everyday moments can become images worth sharing.
Once you’ve nailed the basics, good light, a clean background, and a steady angle, you can make your Leonberger videos feel even more “finished” with a little AI help. AI-assisted editing can tighten the story in your raw footage, smooth over rough moments, and add subtle creative effects without requiring advanced skills. With an AI video generator, you can turn a simple clip into dynamic, engaging Instagram content by adding cinematic b-roll effects, smooth camera motion, and stylized visuals, all from a text prompt or existing footage. If you’re curious what that looks like in practice, explore tools designed for high-quality video generation.
These steps turn “hope for a good moment” into a simple routine you can repeat on walks, in the yard, or at home. You will set up your gear, pick flattering angles for a big fluffy dog, and use quick cues and rewards so your Leonberger looks engaged in both photos and video.
Stunning Leonberger photos and videos come from routines your dog can predict and you can repeat. These practices fit real life, so your handling, timing, and results improve week by week.
Big, dark-coated, fast-moving floof can make it feel like the camera never catches what makes a Leonberger so special. The steadier path is the mindset used throughout: simple, repeatable habits, scouting, small patience cues, and a light editing routine, supported by community support for dog photographers who trade tips and celebrate wins. With regular pet photo practice, confidence builds and more sessions end with sharp eyes, true color, and videos that match real-life charm. Consistency captures the Leonberger you love, even on ordinary walks. Pick one tip to try on the next walk, share one memorable dog image, and set a long-term pet photography goal worth revisiting. Those small choices preserve connection and joy, and they keep celebrating Leonberger beauty as a calm, lasting part of life.
Please take a look at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine’s feature of my super fact #19 “An account impersonating you on Facebook does not mean you have been hacked“, and my Leonberger Dog book “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle”.
This is another post with the “25 Leonberger photos” theme. This time the theme is “25 Photos of Leonbergers with Plants Flowers and Trees”. I think plants, flowers and trees are perfect for Earth Day. I’ve selected photos of our late Leonberger Bronco that also feature plants as well as Leonberger photos by friends with greenery and stock photos showing Leonbergers with plants, flowers and trees. Below is a list of the previous posts using the theme 25 Leonberger photos.
Also, if you have not checked out my superfactful blog yet feel free to do so.
Click here or here to join in.
This post features various photos or illustrations of Leonbergers with flowers. The second photo below is our late Leonberger Bronco in the tall grass plants at our in-laws and the rest of the pictures are pictures featuring Leonbergers with flowers that I generated using ChatGPT or Shutterstock photos with Leonbergers and flowers (I have a shutterstock account).
A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about publishing a Leonberger related post on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. The title is “How to Include Your Leonberger in Your Wedding Day with Ease and Joy”. See the article article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos of our Leonberger as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.
The photo tile above includes a photo of me and my wife cutting a wedding cake and a photo of our son and daughter in-laws wedding party. There are two photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One from when he was a three months old puppy and one from when he was 12 years old. There is a shutter stock photo ID:731020957 by Peter Josto, a photo of a woman and her Leonberger dog, asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko, and a another photo showing a Leonberger puppy with flowers, asset id: 561113224 by Akbudak Rimma.
Leonberger owners planning to include dogs in weddings often feel pulled between the deep emotional bond with dogs and the reality of managing a gentle giant in a busy, unpredictable setting. Wedding festivities with pets can be loud, crowded, and full of unfamiliar smells and schedules, which can raise anxiety and create safety concerns for guests and for large dog breeds at events. Add shedding, heat tolerance, and stamina to the mix, and even well-trained dogs can struggle if expectations aren’t clear. With the right mindset, couples can protect comfort and health while making room for meaningful moments with their Leonberger.
Leonbergers can be surprisingly steady “wedding teammates” when their job matches their temperament, coat needs, and stamina. Use the musts you already planned, venue safety, a quiet break space, hydration, and a realistic timeline, to choose a role that feels joyful, not stressful.
When your dog’s role is simple, comfortable, and well-rehearsed, it’s easier to troubleshoot the real-life questions, like crowd anxiety, heat management, and what a truly pet-safe venue needs to have.
Got a few last-minute worries? You’re not alone.
Q: What are some safe and comfortable outfit ideas for dressing my Leonberger for a wedding?
A: Choose minimal, breathable pieces that will not pinch the ruff or trap heat, like a lightweight bandana or soft bow tie on a breakaway collar. Skip tight elastic, scratchy fabrics, and anything that rubs under the armpits. Do a short trial run, then brush the coat to prevent friction mats.
Q: How can I keep my Leonberger calm and happy during the busy wedding day?
A: Build predictability: a quiet retreat spot, regular water breaks, and a handler who can step out before your dog hits their limit. A fear-free approach focuses on helping your pet feel safe, predictable, and understood, which is exactly the goal on a high-energy day. Watch for early stress signals like yawning, lip-licking, or scanning the room, and take a quick decompression break.
Q: What are creative ways to include my Leonberger in wedding photos and invitations?
A: Plan a calm “portrait window” before guests arrive, then capture a second short session later when your dog is refreshed. For invitations and signage, use one clean photo and a simple icon version for small prints, then export everything into a single print-ready PDF using an image-to-PDF converter, including converting PNGs to PDFs online.
Q: How do I prepare the wedding venue to ensure it’s pet-friendly and suitable for my Leonberger?
A: Confirm shade or indoor cooling, a non-slip path, and a low-traffic potty area away from food service. Ask about noise peaks, crowd flow, and any off-limits rooms so your Leonberger is never surprised. Because pet anxiety claims nationwide are up 93% since 2019, it’s smart to plan for lower stimulation, not just “allowing dogs.”
Q: What support can help me plan, including my Leonberger in wedding festivities, without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Assign one dedicated dog handler and give them a simple checklist: arrival time, potty plan, water schedule, photo times, and an exit cue. Do one venue walk-through together, then keep your dog’s “job” short and winnable. If you’re making printed signs, batch your images and notes into one shared folder so decisions do not snowball.
A calm plan creates the joyful Leonberger memories you’ll actually want to relive.
Here’s how to move from plan to action.
This process helps you include your Leonberger in the celebration while protecting their comfort, body safety, and stress level. Because Leonbergers are powerful, sensitive, and heat-prone under that gorgeous coat, a few rehearsals and clear logistics prevent overwhelm for both dog and humans.
When your Leonberger knows the routine and has real breaks, joy looks effortless and feels safe.
Weddings are busy and sensory-rich, and it’s easy for a big-hearted Leonberger to get overwhelmed or under-managed in the excitement. A comfort-first plan, clear roles, thoughtful pacing, and responsible dog care at celebrations keep the day joyful while enhancing weddings with pets in a way that truly fits your dog. When that mindset leads, celebrating Leonbergers on special days becomes safer, smoother, and more meaningful, creating lasting memories with wedding dogs that everyone can cherish. Choose one job your Leonberger can enjoy, and let comfort set the pace. Pick one meaningful role your dog already excels at and commit to that single assignment for the day. That’s how the positive impacts of pets at weddings support connection and well-being long after the last dance.
Today is my birthday and we are spending it in Baltimore (don’t worry we have people watching house and dog etc.). Our son, his wife and their son Jack (our first grandchild) lives in Baltimore. Jack just turned six months. That is why I have not been very active in the blogosphere lately. Below are a few Leonberger Happy birthday photos.
Today we visited the Cherry Blossom at Fort McHenry National Monument. Fun fact: “The Star-Spangled Banner” was born as a poem written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Below are some Baltimore photos.
A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about publishing a Leonberger related post on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. The title is “Helping Your Leonberger Thrive Through Life’s Big Changes”. See the article article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos of our Leonberger as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.
The photo tile above includes four photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One photo is from when he was three months old, in another photo he is about one year old and giving me a hug, and in one photo our mini-Australian Shepherd is biting his tail, and one photo of Bronco shows him standing in an open door. He is a bit agitated in that photo. There is also a photo of five Leonbergers celebrating fourth of July. That photo was taken by a friend Jen O’Keefe. Finally, there is a shutter stock photos ID:731020957 by Peter Josto.
Leonberger dog owners often notice that the hardest moments aren’t the big grooming days or the seasonal shedding, they’re the household transitions that quietly unsettle a steady dog. Moves, schedule shifts, new babies or roommates, travel, renovations, and changes in who handles care can disrupt pet routines that once felt automatic. When the rhythm changes, a Leonberger’s emotional well-being in dogs can wobble, showing up as clinginess, restlessness, or unexpected behavior that feels out of character. A clear plan helps keep life changes affecting pets from turning into long weeks of confusion.
Life changes can flip on a Leonberger’s stress response, even when nothing “bad” is happening. Since pet anxiety is real, the first clues are often small behavior shifts like pacing, shadowing you, or sudden sensitivity to noise.
Temperament matters, but it is not the whole story. Research suggests breed contributions were relatively small, so environment and routine changes can affect even the most steady Leo. Reading the stress signals early helps you respond with care instead of guessing.
Picture a week of packing, rearranged furniture, and fewer walks. Your Leonberger may skip meals, guard doorways, or get extra mouthy during brushing because their “normal” cues disappeared.
Big changes can flip on stress signals fast, clinginess, pacing, sudden barking, or “selective hearing.” These seven Leonberger-friendly strategies give your dog predictable anchors while you build confidence and calm.
When you combine routine anchors, calm reinforcement, and purposeful enrichment, you’re not just managing behaviors, you’re giving your Leo a clear plan for coping. These habits also make it simpler to troubleshoot tough moments like barking, regression in manners, or restlessness on your busiest days.
Q: How do major life changes like moving to a new home or welcoming a baby typically affect a Leonberger’s behavior and stress levels?
A: Many Leonbergers become more vigilant when their “normal” shifts, showing clinginess, restlessness, noise sensitivity, or a temporary drop in manners. Stress can also look like appetite changes or trouble settling, especially in a new layout with unfamiliar sounds. Keep expectations gentle for a few weeks and reward calm, quiet choices.
Q: What practical strategies can I use to maintain my Leonberger’s routine and comfort when my household schedule suddenly changes?
A: Protect a small, non negotiable trio: sleep, meals, and movement at roughly the same times daily. Prioritize enough exercise through steadier walks and low impact sniffing games rather than trying to “wear them out.” Add one consistent quiet spot where your Leo can decompress undisturbed.
Q: How can I recognize signs of emotional distress or anxiety in my Leonberger during periods of household transition?
A: Watch for patterns like pacing, panting when the room is cool, trembling, hiding, or shadowing you from room to room. You may also see more barking at small noises, accidents, or compulsive licking. If the signs persist beyond a couple of weeks or escalate, your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional can help you rule out pain and build a plan.
Q: If I’m feeling overwhelmed by these life changes affecting my pet’s care, what resources or approaches can help me regain balance and clarity to support my Leonberger effectively?
A: Shrink the goal to a simple management plan you can repeat: protected sleep, a daily walk, and a reliable quiet space. Use a weekly “must do, nice to do” list so essentials happen even on chaotic days, and ask your vet for a realistic exercise and weight target for a giant breed. If you are juggling work and a major transition, consider an online healthcare degree as a flexible accredited education path that fits your schedule so life feels more stable overall.
This checklist turns good intentions into simple actions you can repeat on busy days. Use it to protect your Leonberger’s health, coat care, and emotional steadiness while your household shifts.
✔ Set fixed meals and potty times for the next 14 days.
✔ Create one quiet “do not disturb” rest zone with water nearby.
✔ Schedule two calm movement sessions daily, prioritizing sniffing and slow walking.
✔ Track appetite, stools, sleep, and new stress behaviors in a quick daily note.
✔ Keep grooming brief: brush hotspots, check ears, trim nails as tolerated.
✔ Confirm vet plan for weight, joints, and any new anxiety or pain signs.
Small steps, repeated daily, build confidence for both of you.
Big household shifts can leave even a steady Leonberger feeling uncertain, and that stress can spill into behavior and bonding. The way through is a calm, consistent mindset: prioritize emotional health support for pets with predictable rhythms, gentle observation, and patient reassurance. Over time, that steady care builds resilience and brings positive outcomes of care, more relaxation, easier transitions, and long-term pet well-being. Consistency is the kindest way to help a Leonberger feel safe through change. Pick one strategy from the checklist to start today, and lean on community support for dog owners when questions or worries pop up. That steady support doesn’t just solve today’s stress, it strengthens confidence and connection for every new chapter ahead.
Please go and check it out. Thank you so much Sally.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leonbergers shed year-round, but the most intense shedding happens during seasonal transitions.
Most Leonbergers experience two major shedding periods:
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.
Many owners underestimate how often this breed needs grooming.
For most Leonbergers:
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 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:
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.
Both tools are essential, but they serve different roles.
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.
Undercoat rakes are designed with longer teeth that penetrate through the outer coat. Using both tools together creates a balanced grooming routine.
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.
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 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.
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.
After bathing, always dry the coat thoroughly and brush again. Wet undercoat can trap loose hair and lead to matting if left unmanaged.
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:
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.
During peak shedding periods, increase grooming frequency.
Helpful strategies include:
Many professional groomers use forced-air dryers to blow out loose undercoats after a bath. This method can remove large volumes of fur quickly.
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:
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.
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.
Another article by Emma Johnson is Leonberger Health Issues – A Veterinarian’s Guide to Preventive Medicine.
Leonberger Life 