Grooming a Giant: Behind the Scenes with Izzy the Leonberger

Grooming a large dog is no small feat—especially when that dog is a Leonberger who hasn’t been bathed or professionally groomed in a year. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a full grooming session with Izzy, a 5-year-old Leonberger, and share helpful tips for anyone struggling with grooming extra-large breeds. Whether you’re a pet owner, dog lover, or aspiring groomer, you’ll learn about the unique challenges and rewards of working with “gentle giants” like Izzy.

The Challenge of Finding a Groomer for Large Dogs

Izzy’s owners faced a hurdle familiar to many large-breed pet parents: finding a professional groomer equipped and willing to handle a giant dog. At over 100 pounds, many salons simply don’t have the space, equipment, or manpower to safely bathe and handle such a massive animal. And it’s not just about size—accommodating these dogs requires specialized tubs, non-slip surfaces, and sometimes extra staff for safety and comfort.

Big box stores may accept giant breeds, but not all dogs—and owners—have positive experiences there. For many, it comes down to finding a groomer who not only has the practical setup but understands the breed’s temperament and needs.

Starting the Groom: Bathing a Leonberger

Izzy is described as “a very good dog,” like most Leonbergers. These dogs are known for their calm, confident, and tolerant nature. Still, after a year without a bath, her coat needed some serious TLC. While many smaller dogs can be bathed in a home bathtub, that’s not a practical option for a dog of Izzy’s size. For most owners of giants, bathing indoors is out of the question; unless you have a walk-in shower or, weather permitting, you can do it outside.

In Canada, where Izzy lives, the weather rules out outdoor bathing for much of the year. This is an important consideration for anyone thinking of adopting a giant breed: regular grooming is a must, and logistics can be complicated.

Tackling Dirt, Grease, and Shedding

Leonbergers have dense, double coats that are naturally dirt-repellent. Surprisingly, despite a full year between baths, Izzy’s coat wasn’t as dirty as expected—“just goes to show you how dirt-repellent their coats really are.” It took about three canisters of shampoo and half a canister of deshedding conditioner to thoroughly clean her, removing the built-up grease and dead hair.

Bathing such a large dog efficiently requires a specific routine:

Superficial Wash: Removes the surface grease and dander with basic shampoo.
Deep Clean: A more intensive cleanser breaks down the stubborn oils and remaining dirt.
Deshedding Formula: Helps loosen masses of dead undercoat for easier removal later.

Pro tip: For giant-breed owners struggling with coat maintenance, a high-velocity dryer can be a game-changer. Even if you don’t wash your dog, simply using a dryer to blow out the loose hair and dander will make brushing much easier and keep the coat healthier. This technique also distributes less dirt throughout the house and gives local birds plenty of nest-building material!

Drying and Dealing with Mats

After washing, Izzy was towel-dried thoroughly. With a dog this big, removing as much moisture as possible with towels is critical before moving to the drying table—not only to cut drying time but to reduce stress for the dog.

Izzy’s “phenomenal coat” hadn’t become matted or tangly despite a year without grooming—a testament to her genetics and perhaps some regular home brushing by the owners. Only a couple of small mats near her back legs required shaving, rather than brushing out, to spare Izzy discomfort.

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The Importance of Handling and Safety

When working with large dogs, safety is always the top priority. Unlike smaller breeds, getting a Leonberger on and off a grooming table poses risks—for both dog and groomer. With Izzy, the groomer chose to work without pumping up the table and instead bent over to her level, prioritizing Izzy’s safety and comfort over their own back.

During drying, most dogs—big or small—might object to loud dryers or to attention on sensitive areas like their paws. Izzy especially disliked having her paws dried, which hinted at future challenges with nail trimming later in the groom. With giant breeds, even if they’re tolerant, handling paws is tough: standing on three legs is hard, and resistance can be strong. Patience, reassurance, and sometimes a second pair of hands are necessary.

Brushing, Nails, and Finishing Touches

Brushing out a Leo’s coat after bathing and drying should leave you with a handful (or an armful!) of shed hair. Surprisingly, Izzy had very little actual shedding and brushing her coat was “not going to take me long at all.” After brushing and combing through every section, it was time for nails and paws—a task that can be ticklish, tricky, and sometimes exhausting with big dogs.

To protect Izzy and make her feel safe when turning her on the table, the groomer lowered her completely before moving her, minimizing height and risk if she panicked.

Grooming Finished: Izzy’s Results

Izzy’s grooming session lasted around 2 hours and 15 minutes—a testament to planning, patience, and experience. The session ended with Izzy fresh, fluffy, and ready to go outside for a well-deserved break.

Takeaways for Giant-Breed Owners

Grooming a Leonberger—or any giant breed—comes with special challenges. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Invest in Equipment: A high-velocity dryer and sturdy brushes are worth every penny.
Safety First: Always prioritize the dog’s stability and comfort over your own.
Think Ahead: Regular maintenance, even if not full baths, will keep the coat manageable.
Find the Right Groomer: Look for professionals with experience and facilities built for extra-large breeds.

With the right tools, knowledge, and patience, even the biggest and dirtiest pup can be transformed into a clean, happy companion—just like Izzy the Leonberger.