Leonrua Leonbergers – Responsible Breeding in New Zealand
When choosing a dog to join a family with children, temperament, size, and reliability are all essential factors. At Leonrua, we’re often asked: Are Leonbergers good with children? Our answer, grounded in years of experience breeding and raising these majestic dogs in family homes, is a resounding yes—with the right guidance and supervision. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the Leonberger a potentially perfect match for family life, especially with children, and what prospective owners should keep in mind.
The Leonberger Temperament: Gentle Giants at Heart
Leonbergers are known for their calm, patient, and affectionate nature. Bred originally as companion animals for European nobility, they thrive on being involved with their human family and are especially tolerant and gentle with children.
At Leonrua, we select for these stable temperaments—dogs who are friendly, responsive, and trustworthy in a family setting. Our Leonbergers are not just large, beautiful dogs—they are deeply people-oriented companions.
Key temperament traits that suit families include:
- Gentleness – Despite their size, well-raised Leonbergers are incredibly soft in spirit.
- Tolerant and forgiving – They tend not to overreact to noise or sudden movements common with younger children.
- Bond-focused – Leonbergers are happiest when they are part of the family’s daily routine.
- Protective but not aggressive – They will often place themselves between their child and perceived danger but are not prone to unwarranted aggression.
Size and Sensibility: Managing the Gentle Giant
While Leonbergers are affectionate and steady, they are undeniably very large dogs. Adult males can weigh between 60–80kg and stand over 70cm at the shoulder. This means that even a gentle bump from a happy Leo can accidentally knock over a toddler.
At Leonrua, we emphasise early training and appropriate boundaries—on both ends. We help our puppies learn to moderate their behaviour around small humans, and we guide our families on teaching children how to respectfully interact with a dog of this size.
Raising Them Right: Early Socialisation is Essential
A well-socialised Leonberger is a confident, adaptable, and responsive family member. From an early age at Leonrua, our puppies are handled daily, exposed to children, and introduced to normal household sights and sounds. We encourage all new owners to continue this foundation with puppy socialisation classes and consistent, gentle training.
We also provide guidance on:
- Safe play between dogs and children
- Setting clear boundaries for both puppy and child
- Teaching young children how to read a dog’s body language
- Creating “safe spaces” for the dog to retreat to when they need downtime
Living Together: What to Expect
Leonbergers thrive in family homes where they are treated as part of the team. They love to join in on outdoor activities—swimming, walking, playing—and will often form strong bonds with children in particular.
Many of our Leonrua families describe their Leonberger as “a furry sibling” to their kids. They are calm companions during storytime, willing participants in garden adventures, and comforting presences during hard days. Their intuitive nature often means they respond to a child’s distress with a comforting nuzzle or silent presence.
However, it’s important to remember:
- Leonbergers are not nannies – All interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised.
- They need mental and physical stimulation – Boredom in a Leo can lead to mischief, which may not pair well with a busy household.
- They shed—a lot! – Be prepared for fur on the clothes, furniture, and sometimes in the lunchbox.
Is a Leonberger Right for Your Family?
If you’re looking for a loyal, gentle, intelligent, and loving dog who will thrive on companionship and inclusion, the Leonberger may be just the dog for you.
Ideal homes for Leonbergers with children:
- Understand and respect the needs of both dog and child
- Are committed to early socialisation and training
- Provide secure outdoor space and regular interaction
- Have realistic expectations about grooming, feeding, and exercise
- Are ready for a dog who weighs more than most adults!
The Leonrua Difference
At Leonrua, we are more than just breeders—we are passionate advocates for the breed and dedicated supporters of our puppy families. Our Leonbergers are raised with the love and structure needed to become treasured members of your household.
We welcome inquiries from families with children and are happy to provide advice on choosing the right puppy, preparing your home, and ensuring a smooth introduction between your new Leonberger and your children.
To learn more or to register your interest in an upcoming litter, please get in touch with us. We’re always happy to talk Leo!
Leonbergers and children can make a magical combination when mutual respect, supervision, and care are at the centre. At Leonrua, we believe that with the right match and environment, these gentle giants can grow into lifelong protectors, companions, and furry best friends for your children.
