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We have carried out detailed analysis to find the best dog insurance for Leonberger dogs. We have researched the breeds history, health, personality and temperament, all areas that may be important when searching for the best pet Insurance for your dog.
There is a definite need for obedience training of the Leonberger as a puppy, so that as a strong adult, it does not pull on the lead. The Leonberger usually loves water and is sometimes used as a water rescue dog so a towel might be advisable on some walks.
Their intelligence and sensitivity makes them suitable for a range of working applications, such as Therapy dogs and farm dogs. They like to be with their own kind and are good companions.
The Leonberger is not so easy to train as it is a giant of a dog, so needs early and firm handling. Good as a watchdog and will protect its family if threatened.
The Leonberger dog breed originates from Leonberg, Germany. Over the years, it is believed that other dog breeds were crossed with early Leonbergers by Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder and seller and mayor of the town of Leonberg.
The dog's appearance was bred to resemble a lion on the coat-of-arms of Leonberg. The first dogs registered as Leonbergers were born in 1846 and had many of the qualities of the breeds from which they were derived. The Leonberger dog became popular with several European royal households. There were very few Leonbergers left at the end of both world wars.
Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans are thought to be the breed's saviours, bringing them back from almost extinction. Leonbergers today can have their ancestry traced to the eight dogs that survived World War II. Although still quite rare their temperament and personality is winning them increasing admirers.
Leonbergers are Giant dogs. Males generally reach a height of 72 – 80 CM and weigh around 48-75 Kg. Females are normally a bit smaller reaching a height of between 65 – 75 CM and weigh around 41-59 Kg.
Like most large dogs the Leonberger has some health risks associated with the breed. It is important to understand the potential health issues of your dog, so that you know what level of vet fees cover to insure for. Some of the more common health problems that Leonbergers suffer from are;
Hip dysplasia – A heritable condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip joint. The condition may show in one or both of a dog’s rear legs, but in many cases, you may not notice signs of any problems. As dogs get older, this problem can eventually lead to arthritis. Treatment for Hip dysplasia can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £6,000 depending on how serious the problem is.
Elbow dysplasia – Also a heritable condition, more associated with larger breed dogs. Where different growth rates of bones in the elbow cause them to become misaligned, which can lead to cartilage damage and bone fractures. The cost to treat Elbow Dysplasia varies between £1,500 and £4,000.
Cardiomyopathy - is a disease found in predominantly large and giant breed dogs that results in progressive heart muscle dysfunction, chamber dilation, and eventual congestive heart failure or death of affected patients. The exact cause of the condition is unknown but genetic factors are presumed to play a role. Treatments can cost between £500 - £1,500
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus - Commonly referred to as Bloat. This condition can occur in any breed and but is fairly common in the Leonberger. In deep-chested breeds the stomach can fill with gas and twist, trapping the gas inside. This is a life-threatening event and immediate veterinary care is needed. Costs to treat bloat vary from £1,500 for mild cases to £7,000 for serious conditions.
Osteochondritis Dissecans - OCD is another condition prevalent in larger breeds, where an area of cartilage dies and falls into the associated joint. This can happen naturally or as the result of an injury. OCD is more often associated with the shoulder joints and less common with the hock joints. In most cases surgery is required to treat the condition and the cost varies between £1,000 - £7,000.
Panosteitis - Commonly known as "Growing Pains occurs in younger dogs between the ages of 8 & 12 months. The cause is inflammation of the long bone, can happen at any time and may shift from one limb to another. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed and treatment costs are between £200 - £800.
Leonberger Polyneuropathy - These are neuromuscular diseases, which presents as progressive weakness and loss of coordination sometimes including paralysis of the larynx and wasting of the muscles. Sadly there is no cure for this particular condition and treatments revolve around managing laryngeal paralysis where present with surgical stabilisation of the larynx in an open position (‘tie-back’) to improve the affected dog’s breathing, and management of pain sustained as a result of progressive weakness.
Leonbergers are intelligent, gentle giants, good companions and all-round family dogs. They are best known for being kind, friendly and confident. Unprovoked aggression is not in keeping with the character of the breed, but they can be wary of strangers if not properly socialised. As they are exceptionally large dogs if you are house proud this is not the dog for you.
They like water and mud and are good watchdogs. They are happy to mingle with owners and strangers alike when socialised. As with most dogs, they benefit from training as puppies to socialise and obey commands, involve the whole family in training, making it fun and not a chore. They need plenty of opportunities to exercise and play. A well-trained and socialised Leonberger makes a wonderful pet.
The Leonberger needs lots of exercise and likes to be active. Their coat is long and thick and needs constant grooming, especially as they like water and mud.
The Leonberger will need to be showered on a regular basis,(or when they become dirty as they like puddles) to stay clean, and when they shake themselves dry, you may find yourself joining in the shower.
The Leonberger Loves people, is sociable, and good with other pets if introduced in the right way. When young they can be boisterous and want to play, which may intimidate a small pet at first meeting. They are intelligent, loving and a happy addition to most pet loving owners and families. It does have a prey drive. Something to remember if water- fowl are around.
Leonbergers like children, and aren’t the slightest bit bothered by the noise and commotion created by a young family and want to join in games, but as they are big and boisterous, do better in a family with older children.
If socialised properly from a young age, they will be tolerant and easy going. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away. This is common sense that should apply to all dogs. Leobergers are not often constant barkers, a good trait in a busy family.
Dogs 101 The Leonberger!
The average Leonberger lifespan is around eight - nine years, which is lower than the average breed of dog, although some can live much longer. (The oldest recorded age being 13 years).
When choosing dog insurance for your Leonberger, pay special attention to the age at which an Insurer will either no longer quote or require an additional payment when it comes to settling any claim.
A common complaint among pet owners regarding their dog insurance is that the premium increases every year. Unfortunately as your dog gets older, the risk of treatment gets greater and as a result your Insurer has to factor this in when calculating premiums. Leonberger dogs don't general live as long, and you may find premiums increase more than some other breeds.
We have illustrated this point by producing a graph of the market average lifetime premiums for Leonbergers from the ages of 1 - 9 years. You can see that Insurance for Leonberger dogs is quite expensive, but there is a real increase in premiums once your dog reaches the age of 7.
You can choose between three levels of cover for your Leonberger, Time limited, where treatments are limited to a maximum of 12 months from first diagnosis. This is general the cheapest option. Maximum Benefit, where no time limit is applied, but there is a limit on the amount paid out. If you are interested in this option, you may want to look at higher levels of insurance cover, to provide the protection you need. Finally lifetime cover, the most common policy and the generally the most expensive, because as the name suggests, provided the policy is renewed, cover continues each year, even if the condition is ongoing.
The graph below demonstrates the difference in cost between the three levels of cover, using the same information. Quotes are based upon a 5 year old male Leonberger and assumes a minimum of £2,000 vet fees cover. The premiums are an average of the whole pet insurance market. You will notice there is not a great deal of difference between the average maximum benefit and the average lifetime premium.
Aside from Accident Only cover, Time Limited is the lowest dog insurance you can purchase, and is chosen by 23% of dog owners. The amount of vet fees covered is normally per condition, but for a maximum of 12 months from the date of the injury or illness. If you believe that any claim is a one off and not likely to recur, then this may be a suitable option.
However be aware that after 12 months all cover ends, even if the treatment has not finished. Here are our top picks for Time Limited Insurance for Leonbergers.
Quotes are based on a 1 year old male Leonberger with at least £2,000 of vet fees cover per condition.
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
90
Per Condition Time Limited 2,500
Complimentary Treatment 2,500
Dental 2,500
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
75
Per Condition Time Limited 2,500
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 2,500
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
99
Maximum Benefit Time Limited 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 750
Dental 4,000
Death from Accident 750
Death from Illness 750
Theft or Straying 750
Advertising and Reward 750
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
60
Per Condition Time Limited 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
100
Per Condition Time Limited 5,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 5,000
Death from Accident 250
Death from Illness 0
Theft or Straying 0
Advertising and Reward 0
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
85
Per Condition Time Limited 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Maximum Benefit as the name suggests covers treatment up to a certain amount. Unlike the Time Limited policy there is no limit on how long treatment can take, provided the overall limit is not reached. Although this type of policy is not offered by every insurer, it is statistically the most popular preferred by 39% of dog owners.
Normally Maximum Benefit policies are per condition and if you can afford to take a high limit, this may be worth considering. Check out our top picks for Maximum Benefit Insurance for Leonbergers.
Quotes are based on a 1 year old male Leonberger with a least £2,000 of vet fees benefit per condition.
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
105
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 7,500
Complimentary Treatment 7,500
Dental 7,500
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 850
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
100
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 0
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 2,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
80
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 750
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
100
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 2,500
Complimentary Treatment 400
Dental 2,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 250
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
95
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 8,000
Complimentary Treatment 8,000
Dental 1,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,500,000
Lifetime Dog Insurance is the most expensive, because of the possibility that the Insurer may have to pay out for long term conditions over a period of years and may cost them tens of thousands of pounds. A policy that is offered by most Insurers and taken up by 31% of dog owners.
The amount of cover is normally an overall policy limit rather than per condition. These are our Lifetime policy selections for the Leonberger.
Quotes are based on a 1 year male Leonberger with at least £3,000 of vet fees cover.
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
100
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 5,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 5,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
100
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 7,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 7,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
80
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 750
Dental 4,000
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
60
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 500
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
99
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 7,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 7,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Leonberger
Group: Working
99
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 0
Death from Illness 0
Theft or Straying 0
Advertising and Reward 200
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
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