Leonberger
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General Description
The Leonberger is a very large breed, proud and majestic in appearance, with a characteristic black mask. The females will be slightly smaller. The skull is domed. The medium-sized, pendant ears flank kind and gentle brown eyes. The face will have a black mask, which should not extend above the eyebrows in show dogs, and the nose and lips are black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. Unlike most large breeds, the Leonberger has a dry mouth, and therefore doesn't drool. The powerful neck will have no dewlap. The coat is long and rough-looking, with colors that vary from tawny to reddish-brown. Black-tipped hair on the outer coat is acceptable in show dogs, as is a small white star on the chest, or white on the tips of the paws. Males have a larger mane than the females, and can take up to four years to develop. Both the front and rear legs are feathered, and the rear dewclaws should be removed. The tail is set low, and long, reaching at least to the hocks, and bushy. The feet of the Leonberger have black pads, and webbing between the toes which helps in swimming. The coat is water-proof.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Leonberger, like most giant dogs, is usually calm and confident, kind and gentle, and considered to have a sweet expression. They are intelligent and friendly, and are very patient, even with children. Rather than showing aggression, the Leonberger normally walks away from misbehaving children. Obedience training is important, but the trainer must be patient - harsh training methods do not work with this breed. The Leonberger is a slow mover, but can be agile enough when it needs to be. They get along with other dogs, but must be well-socialized, as early as possible.*
Leonbergers get unusually attached to their family and do not enjoy being left alone. Although large, they are very adaptable and therefore they fit in easily to an active family life.
Size
27-31 inches
Weight
100-170 pounds
General Health
The Leonberger is prone to hip dysplasia, as well as other skeletal diseases/disorders. Eyelid defects and bone disease have also been reported.. Well cared for, the Leonberger lives about 9 years.*
The Leonberger is prone to bloat. Most live to 11 years old at the very oldest.
History
The Leonberger was established in 1846 by German breeder Heinrich Essing, by cross-breeding a Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. Legend has it that he was attempting to create a breed that would resemble the Leonberg town crest. Many royal families owned the breed. It was used for guarding livestock and tracking purposes, as well as water rescue. After the end of World War I, not a lot of the breed were left...and although the breed was re-established it was almost destroyed again during the privations of World War II. German breeders re-established it again, however, and the official standard was set in 1949. The first Leonberger was brought to the United States in 1971 - currently there are almost one thousand dogs registered.*
During the 1920's a man named Mr. Wolf imported his Leonbergers to the USA from Germany. In 1927, he bred the first litter in the United States under the Kennel name Berkeley-Kimmel. Mr. Wolf lived and died in Newark, New Jersey. There are currently 2,800 to 3,000 Leonbergers in Britain, excluding the Republic of Ireland. Leonbergers were almost exterminated during the World Wars, with only 5 left in the UK after WW1 and just 8 after WW2. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized in the UK and Europe.
Maintenance
The Leonberger sheds heavily during season, and should be brushed and combed daily, but other than that time, weekly brushing is fine. Always check behind the ears, the tail, and the feathering on the legs for mats. The ears must be kept clean to avoid ear infections, and teeth should also be brushed on a regular basis. Bathe only when necessary.
Ideal Environment
The Leonberger is most comfortable in cool climates, and can live inside or outside, but prefers to be with its humans. They can be kept in apartments, as they are relatively lazy, but will do best in a large yard. They are keen swimmers, and once old enough, can be trained to pull carts or sleds.
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Heiloo the Netherlands, HI
Breeder in The Netherlands, site in English, Dutch, French and German. Lot of pictures, showresults etc.
Breeder in The Netherlands, site in English, Dutch, French and German. Lot of pictures, showresults etc.
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Ask a QuestionLeonberger Q&A
The pup I adopted from our local shelter was tagged "St Bernard Mix"; but, as she growsI think I may have a Leonberger. How can I tell for sure?
A easy question:
Leonbergers are good guarding dogs? Would they protect the master and family is totally necessary?
Thank you very much,
Tomas
My extra-large one-year-old Leo male recently developed a large pocket of fluid on his elbow from laying on the hard floor. Its about the size of a goose egg, but you dont notice it to look at him, and it doesnt seem to bother him. The Vet said to put pillows and blankets down where he likes to lay for padding. We got a couple of used futons and put them in the bedroom and in the commons, in addition to the other large dog bed we had. Although he will lay on the beds when we tell him to, he prefers to lay on the hard floor. Perhaps the beds are too warm? Have any other Leonberger owners had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions?
I would like to know the average weight for a 5 month old Leo puppy. My puppy was sick with parvo and spent a week at the vet's. He got through it very well. I am wondering, though, if he is underweight for his age. He seems fine (I can feel his ribs but not too much) and layful again, so I am happy no matter what, but I would like to know if he is within standards for the breed at that age.
My leonberger was around 30kg at 5 months. I wouldn't worry too much about what the scales say, it's better to go by how he looks and behaves. If you can feel his ribs with gentle pressure he's about right. It's also difficult to consult charts with leonbergers as these dogs are easy to just feed and feed and many people's leos weigh enormous amounts. Its not good for them to put on too much weight as it affects their bone development.
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Rating:
Leonberger
Leonbergers are proud, gentle, beautiful giants. Very intelligent, and very good with children. Leonbergers are like velcro, where you go, they go too!
Pros: Gentle, and sweet. Very, very smart, learns easily. Beautiful coloring.
Cons: Lots of shedding, ear infections very common. LOVE MUD.