Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder from Leonberg in Germany, created the Leonberger during the mid-1800s. The St. Bernard and the landseer were two of the breeds that went into the Leonberger’s development. The Leonberger’s main roles were family companion, draft dog and farm hand. After World War I, their numbers had diminished to near extinction, and devoted efforts successfully restored the breed. In 2010, the American Kennel Club recognized the Leonberger as a member of the working group.
The Leonberger is a giant and very muscular dog breed but with a noble elegance. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. Their most distinctive feature is their black mask. Their coats are double and straight. They need to be brushed regularly. Bathe when needed.
Personality
The Leonberger is gentle, patient and affectionate. Leonbergers are very affectionate and loving. They are very fond of children, and are sweet and kind towards most people. They need to be walked on a daily basis but are not massively energetic. Leonbergers get on well with other dogs or pets.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 6-8 Years |
| Nicknames: | Leo, Gentle Lion, Gentle Giant |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Leonberger Build Information
The giant Leonberger stands at an average height of 25.5 to 31.5 at the shoulders, and the dog tips the scales at 120 to 170 pounds. The regal appearance is due in part to a thick and luxurious double coat that covers the Leonberger’s muscular physique. The length of the hair is between medium and long. The coat may be reddish brown, sandy, red or yellowish brown. These dogs always have a black mask, and some dogs may exhibit black tips on the hairs throughout the outer coat. There is feathering on the ears, tail and the backs of the legs, and a mane is displayed around the dog’s shoulders. The bushy tail and the triangular ears all hang downward. The Leonberger is a giant and very muscular dog breed but with a noble elegance. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. Their most distinctive feature is their black mask. Their coats are double and straight. They need to be brushed regularly. Bathe when needed.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 27-33 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Leonberger is the perfect example of the calm and gentle giant. The breed is a sweet, loving, affectionate and loyal companion for families. It gets along exceptionally well with children, and it is also good with most other household pets. The Leonberger is intelligent and easy to train, and it makes a good watchdog. Young Leonbergers need plenty of obedience training, socialization, daily walks, play sessions and mental stimulation to keep them manageable, outgoing and out of mischievous trouble. The regal and magnificent Leonberger makes an outstanding family companion with its affectionate, loyal and child-friendly demeanor. The Leonberger is gentle, patient and affectionate. Leonbergers are very affectionate and loving. They are very fond of children, and are sweet and kind towards most people. They need to be walked on a daily basis but are not massively energetic. Leonbergers get on well with other dogs or pets.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The thick double coat of a Leonberger has plenty of hair to shed. Thoroughly brush through the coat once or twice a week to remove some of the dead hair and minimize the accumulation on house floors and furnishings. During the heavy shedding seasons, brushing will need to be accomplished daily. Combing the feathered hair on the tail, ears and legs will prevent tangling. Keeping the ears clean and dry will reduce the incidence of ear infections. Brushing the teeth every other day will keep oral and overall health optimal.
| Colors: | Black & Tan, Cream, Gold, Red, Red-Black Brindle, Sandy, Yellow |
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Water-Repellent |
Leonberger Common Health Conditions
Sadly, like most of the giant breeds, the Leonberger has a short average lifespan of 6 to 8 years. The breed is also prone to numerous health conditions. Some orthopedic problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, osteochondritis dissecans and osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. Some eye conditions include entropion and cataracts. Other conditions of note include Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, polyneuropathy and gastric torsion, or bloat.
Leonberger Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Leonberger originated in Leonberg in Germany. The Leonberger is a loyal and loving gentle giant. The Leonberger stands 25,5 to 31,5 inches tall and weighs 120 to 170 pounds. Leonbergers have moderate energy levels. Leonbergers require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for Leonberger is 6 to 8 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | Yes |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | Yes |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
