Leonberger
The Leonberger is a large and powerful dog breed with a history dating back to the 19th century. It was developed by politician and entrepreneur named Heinrich Essig in Leonberg, Germany. He crossed St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees dogs. The breed was initially bred to resemble the lion on the town's crest, and it quickly gained popularity as a majestic and versatile working and companion dog. Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II and King Edward VII all added the Leonberger to their royal court. Leonbergers are used as working dogs on farms, pastures and waterfronts. They are surprisingly good swimmers and are very good at pulling carts, some Leonbergers have also been used as rescue dogs in Canada.
- Origin
- Germany
- Alternate Names
- Leo, Leon
- Life Expectancy
- 7 years
- Average Male Height
- 28-31.5 inches
- Average Female Height
- 25.5-29.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 110-170 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 90-140 pounds
- Coat Length
- Long
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Red, Reddish Brown, Sandy, Yellow
- Coat Pattern
- Black Mask
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Leonbergers are large dogs that are susceptible to bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that can come on suddenly, so it’s important to know the warning signs and get an affected dog immediate veterinary care. This breed may also suffer from cancer, cataracts, heart problems, hip dysplasia, juvenile-onset polyneuropathy, and thyroid problems.
Personality and Behavior
Leonbergers are known for their gentle, calm, and friendly nature. They are highly devoted to their family members and are excellent with children, making them great family pets. Despite their imposing size, they are typically gentle giants and are not aggressive. They are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please, which makes them suitable candidates for various activities such as obedience, therapy work, and water rescue. Their long coats shed a lot and should be brushed daily.
Fun Facts
Lifesaving Abilities: Leonbergers have a history of being water rescue dogs. They are known for their strong swimming abilities and were once used to rescue drowning people.
Celebrities' Choice: Several notable figures throughout history, including Napoleon II, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and King Umberto I of Italy, have owned and admired Leonbergers.
Leonbergers have a double coat, with a dense and water-resistant outer coat and a thick undercoat. Their fur is moderately long, straight, and slightly wavy. The mane around the neck and chest area is more pronounced in males, giving them a more majestic appearance.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/leonberger/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_leonberger
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/271/ https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/LEONBERGER-145.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/leonberger