How Much is a Leonberger? The Price Guide with Calculator - PetBudget (2024)

A Leonberger comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes a Leonberger into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator.

A Leonberger puppy is likely to cost between $1,700 and $3,250 with the average price being $2,400. First-year expenses are around $4,930 and will be about $2,105/year (or $175/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Leonberger is $25,980.

These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, microchip, and the like. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $59,155 to $126,930 range.

The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas.

Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, a veterinarian, a dog groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Leonberger. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising this breed.

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

The price of Leonberger puppies

After reviewing 16 ads from sources like PuppyFind, NextDayPets, breeders websites, and the American Kennel Club, we have found that 80% of Leonbergers under 6 months are falling within the $1,700-$3,250 range, with an average cost of $2,400.

If you are in the market for a Leonberger, we strongly suggest doing your research and locating reputable breeders or shelters as it is important for the dog’s health and longevity. Finally, adoption might prove an affordable alternative, with rehoming fees generally ranging from $50-$500.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A LEONBERGER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 23 best places to find your perfect pet.

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies for a Leonberger

Having the right supplies can make welcoming your Leonberger into your home much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $245 and $925. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $495 mark for such a large dog.

Things do get cheaper after your initial investment, with the cost for each following year falling between $105 and $410. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $225. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit.

Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Do Leonbergers need professional training?

Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that private training is usually not necessary for this breed. However, she would recommend a few group lessons to cover basic obedience, house manners, and positive leadership. These classes usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.

A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

Medical costs to consider for a Leonberger

Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising a Leonberger. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Leonberger owner should expect.

Vet cost for a Leonberger puppy

According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Leonberger puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses.

She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They usually cost $75-$150 and $100-$150, respectively for a puppy.

Moreover, your puppy may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your Leonberger spends a ton of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water a lot, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot).

The yearly costs will therefore range from $440-$885.

A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Leonberger, generally costs $200 to $500. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100.

As Leonbergers are large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected.

Medical expenses for the following years

According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location.

Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $125-$250 and $225-$400 for the year, respectively.

The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Leonberger is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended.

Leonberger potential health issues

The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Leonberger owner might have to deal with during his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks.

This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment, including pain management and physical therapy, is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect a dog at any age.

Panosteitis: this cost estimate includes a diagnostic (with x-ray) and treatment with pain medication and antibiotics. I will be on the more expensive side if the puppy needs to be hospitalized.

Osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD): budget $1,000-$3,500 for diagnostics and surgery, along with medications.

Cancer: the cost depends on the type of cancer and whether an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments versus electing to keep the pet comfortable with medications.

Addison’s disease is a life-threatening condition that must be treated for the rest of the dog’s life with various medications, which can be expensive. Budget $1,000-$3,500 for diagnostics, treatment, and lifelong medications. The high end of the price range is for dogs who have to be hospitalized if they are in an “Addisonian Crisis.”

Cardiomyopathy: the cost estimate includes diagnostics (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram) and heart medications.

Pet insurance price

Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay around $190 per annum.

These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursem*nts percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

The cost to feed a Leonberger

Leonbergers are large very dogs that can easily weigh 130 lb. (usually 90 to 170 lb.). As a result, your food-related expenses are likely to be high. For the first year, a puppy eats around 450 lb. of dry food, putting your expenditure in the $335-$660 range.

As they grow, they eat even a little more, with 490 lb. being a reasonable estimate. For each subsequent adult year, expect to spend about $230-$765 on food. These figures are based on the prices of four popular brands available in most stores (see details below).

After reviewing 27 best sellers on Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart, owners using treats to train or reward their dog should expect to pay an extra $345 every year on average for a large breed.

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

With food and treats, you must be ready to pay much more if you opt for premium grade products compared to regular ones.

Four dog food brands compared

A Leonberger puppy will need to eat about 450 lb. of dry food during the first year.

Every year after that, the owner will feed his dog close to 490 lb. of food.

Ask your veterinarian for the most suitable food for your dog. Also, buy in bulk when possible to save money, especially for a breed this large.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Leonberger grooming

Typically, Leonbergers do not require a ton of upkeep. As an experienced dog groomer, Corryne Smith thinks that most owners could groom this breed at home themselves.

If they choose to hire a professional instead, they should take their dog to a grooming salon up to 6 times a year. With prices ranging from $70 to $100 for each visit, because of the dog’s size, the annual cost should be between $0 and $600 for grooming services. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but could benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds.

Professional dog grooming usually includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing and eye and ear cleaning. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors, such as dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested.

If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, a DIY grooming kit can be found online for $75 on average and ship with all the tools and equipment you will need to handle your Leonberger’s grooming needs at home!

Additional costs to consider

License

Licenses range from $10-$20 across the U.S.A, provided your dog is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identification to your Leonberger, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50.

Dog walking

Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter says that Leonbergers usually need regular exercise. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she recommends hiring a dog walker for 30-minutes sessions. These 30-minute walks usually range from $15 and $25 each, ($25-$50 for a 1-hour walk).

These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so take that into consideration when planning for the expenses that come with a dog. Dog walkers can be found on apps like Rover or Wag. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.

Traveling

In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are generally available, provided you plan. They cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so.

If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as these prices can add up very quickly. But obviously not everybody will be able to host and care for such a large dog.

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog.

Yearly and monthly cost of a Leonberger

How much is a Leonberger puppy during the first year?

The average cost of raising a Leonberger for the first year falls within the $3,030 to $7,305 range, with an average cost of $4,930. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your dog.

Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding.

Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (30-minute walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $6,955 to $14,830 range.

Adult Leonberger yearly and monthly costs

For each adult year, a Leonberger will require $945-$3,585 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $79-$299 range or $175 on average.

Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $5,220-$11,210 every year ($435-$934 every month).

Leonberger total cost of ownership

Leonbergers have an average life expectancy of 11 years (usually 9 to 12 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $12,480 to $43,155 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $25,980 over the years.

Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at total cost of ownership range of $59,155 to $126,930, with an average overall cost of $90,050 for 11 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Leonberger cost calculator

The cost of a Leonberger – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Leonberger puppy?

On average a Leonberger puppy will cost $2,400 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $1,700 and $3,250. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Leonberger need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Leonberger professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, house manners, and positive leadership.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Leonberger?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $440 to $885 for a Leonberger puppy during the first year and around $475 to $1,075 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $200 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively).

5 – How much food does a Leonberger eat and how much will it cost?

A Leonberger puppy will eat around 450 lb. and an adult close to 490 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $335 and $965 for a puppy and $230 to $970 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Leonberger be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Leonberger is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $70 to $100 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Leonberger, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Leonberger. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.

Related Topics

• Leonberger
• Working Dogs