Leonberger Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Have you heard of the elegant and proud Leonberger? As their name suggests, this giant dog breed originated from the town of Leonberg in Germany. While they have been around for over a century, these dogs are still quite a hidden gem. They have a small but dedicated fanbase, and owners praise them for their sharp minds and unwavering devotion. If you’ve fallen head over heels for this breed, you might be wondering how much you should budget to purchase one of your own. Let’s explore prices for Leonbergers in 2024 and discuss other expenses that owners might run into during the first year after they bring one home.

How Much Does a Leonberger Puppy Cost?

The price of any purebred dog will fluctuate depending on factors such as your location and the pedigree of the dog, and prospective owners will likely pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a Leonberger puppy. Be very wary if you see someone advertising Leonberger puppies for prices significantly below this range. This is often a red flag that a breeder is engaging in unethical activity and not performing proper genetic testing on their animals. While low prices can be attractive, what you don’t pay upfront you’ll often pay in medical bills later. If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative, consider adoption instead. Finding a Leonberger in a shelter might be a bit of a challenge. If you do get lucky, prices can be as low as $150 to $300.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Leonberger

In addition to the breeder’s reputation and your location, other factors will play a role in the final price of your Leonberger puppy. This breed is quite rare, and finding one may be difficult for individuals living in certain locations. If you live in an area with a low density of breeders and a high demand for puppies, this may inflate prices. In addition, certain fur colorations and textures are more desirable than others. Those who seek out these patterns specifically may have to pay a premium. In addition, show-quality dogs bred for this purpose will often cost more. Finally, if your dog receives any special training before you bring them home, this will inevitably increase the price as well.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Leonbergers

It is important to get your Leonberger vaccinated if your breeder does not provide this service themselves. In the event this is an out-of-pocket cost for you, you can expect to pay roughly $100 for the first set of immunizations. After this, each set of boosters costs about $40. During this appointment, you can ask your veterinarian to give your Leonberger an initial health panel as well, which will cost about $65. In addition, many dogs can be microchipped for as little as $50.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Leonbergers

Because Leonbergers are giant breed dogs, they have higher caloric and exercise needs than medium or small-sized breeds. At maturity, many Leonbergers will grow to weigh between 100 and 150 pounds on average. However, in some cases, these dogs can grow to be even larger. According to petMD, dogs of this size should be eating between 4 1/2 cups and 6 1/4 cups of food per day. This equates to about 45 pounds of dog food per month, which can cost anywhere between $30 and $100 per month. This cost does not include the price of dog treats or wet food.

Some owners praise certain specialized diets for the benefits they provide, such as prescription diets and raw diets. However, if owners choose these options, costs can rise even more. In certain cases, individuals may pay as much as $250 to $300 per month. In addition to the cost of food, owners should put aside about $350 for supplies for their new puppy. Items like dog toys, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, and a grooming kit are purchases first-time owners will want to consider making.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Leonberger

While Leonbergers are quite healthy, medical emergencies can happen to any animal. No one likes to think about it, but an owner’s finances can determine whether or not a dog will be able to receive the treatment they need. Having pet insurance removes financial burden from the equation, allowing dog owners to focus on what’s really important: the health of their animal. Plans start at as little as $30 per month, and owners can choose which coverage option is right for them.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Leonberger

Leonbergers are highly intelligent animals. Because of this, they train very well, and many find success becoming service dogs and therapy dogs. While some owners choose to train their dogs at home, others simply don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to this task. In those cases, professional training classes are available. Depending on the kind of training you’re interested in your Leonberger receiving, prices per class can vary greatly. However, as a rule of thumb, each class will cost between $50 and $100. The kind of training you choose for your dog will determine how long they should be enrolled. On average, owners will pay for about six months’ worth of classes to ensure their dog is fully trained.

Final Thoughts

Leonbergers are praised for the wealth of wonderful qualities they have. Owners describe these dogs as smart, playful, loving, and utterly loyal. These traits give them the ability to mesh well in a variety of home dynamics. Although these dogs are excellent at adapting to the lifestyles of their owners, they can be a bit labor-intensive. Owners should prepare for this responsibility both mentally and financially. On average, owning a Leonberger will cost owners roughly $7,000. After this, the following years will be more affordable at just $1,000.