Grooming

Leonbergers have long fur, can be messy, and may be considered "high maintenance" dogs from the perspective of housekeeping. Although they don't drool as a rule, typically they may occasionally drool before eating or after drinking (usually with their heads and front paws as far as possible in the water). Any water bowl is fair game for pawing and spilling! Leonberger coats are slow to dry. Huge, muddy paw prints are a given during the rainy season. Leonbergers shed mainly twice a year (in large quantities called "blowing their coats"). If you have one with a very thick undercoat, long "feathers" (the pants of the hindquarters) and mane, your grooming activities will be more demanding than if you have one with a more compact coat. All Leonbergers coats are waterproof and very wear resistant. To keep these coats shiny and elegant, as well as to keep clothes and furniture in acceptable condition requires at least some brushing on a daily basis. Bathing a giant dog, regardless of coat thickness, requires lots of patience, water, shampoo and towels. Professional grooming works well.