LargeGermany, Switzerland

Landseer

"A majestic black-and-white working dog with a gentle soul and a legendary passion for water – the Landseer is the ultimate companion for active families with space."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 76 cm

Age9-11 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 72-80cmHead Height: ~96cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight60-75 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€130+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Requires regular exercise and loves water-based activities, but remains calm and balanced indoors.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Eager to learn and people-oriented, but its physical strength requires consistent guidance from the start.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

A true gentle giant with a very high tolerance level, making it exceptionally patient with children.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

A highly social dog that usually reacts friendly and confidently towards other dogs and strangers.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

While its nature is gentle, its physical power requires a high level of responsibility and management.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Due to its enormous size and space requirements, it is not suitable for small apartments.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The long, weather-resistant coat with dense undercoat needs thorough brushing several times a week.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds throughout the year, with a massive amount of hair loss during seasonal coat changes.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Landseer exudes calm confidence and deep loyalty. Known as a gentle giant, he instinctively protects his family with a steady, non-aggressive temperament. Training requires patience and consistency, as his sharp intelligence and heritage as a rescue dog can lead to occasional independent thinking. A gentle, positive approach is essential for success, as this sensitive breed responds best to affection and clear leadership rather than harsh physical commands.

Living & Exercise

This massive breed is ill-suited for apartment living. A Landseer thrives in a home with a large, securely fenced garden where he can roam freely. While daily long walks are necessary for his health, his true passion lies in the water. Owners should provide frequent opportunities for swimming to satisfy his natural instincts. He is a high-energy giant who needs both physical and mental stimulation to remain balanced.

Health & Grooming

Like most giant breeds, Landseers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as gastric torsion (bloat). Cardiac issues such as sub-aortic stenosis are also known concerns within the breed. His dense, water-repellent double coat requires thorough brushing several times a week to prevent painful matting. Potential owners must prepare for significant shedding, especially during seasonal changes, and should monitor for heat sensitivity during summer months.

History

Descending from the working water dogs of Newfoundland, Canada, these dogs originally assisted fishermen with heavy nets and sea rescues. While categorized as a color variant in the UK and US, European breeders in Germany and Switzerland preserved the taller, more athletic ECT type. They are named after the painter Sir Edwin Landseer, whose 19th-century portraits immortalized the breed as noble, heroic lifesavers of the sea.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.