Leonberger

Now this is a big boy! The Leonberger can weight up to 170 lbs and be as tall as a five year old child, but don’t let this big size deter you as he is truly a reliable, family companion.

Leonberger Town Crest

The Leonberger is the oldest German-bred dog, dating back to the mid-19th century where the founder of the breed, Heinrich Essig, wanted to create a legendary dog that resembled a lion; the inspiration coming from the town of Leonberger’s crest. Essig claims that the Leonberger came from the breeding of long-haired Saint Bernards, black/white (Landseer) Newfoundlands and white Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. The distinct tawny colour and black mask would come after his death in 1889, when his nephew continued to breed them.

They were very popular with celebrities and wealthy people at this time in Germany, a pair of Leonbergers even toured the United States performing in theatres and exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club. However, less than two decades after Essig’s nephew took over the breeding program, the Leonberger almost died out due to World War I. There were only 25 still found to exist, and only five of those which could be bred. Breeders from across the country worked hard to bring the Leonberger back and they some how managed to survive World War II.  They were recognized in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010 and are today ranked 101st most popular dog breed based on AKC registrations.

These dogs are big – no doubt about it. But unlike other large giants, like the Great Dane, the hair comes with it! They have a medium to long-haired, double coat that is water resistant and sheds a lot! Many owners and breeders claim that this breed could win a competition of amount shed per year. This means this dog will require a high volume of brushing and picking their hair up everywhere in your home. The Leonberger comes in 4 colours : red, reddish brown, sandy, and yellow brown and all dogs, no matter what colour, will have a black mask.

Males also have a profoundly distinct lion-like mane that carries on the neck and chest. Leonbergers also have webbed feet, making them superior swimmers and are even used as water search and rescues today in Italy and Germany. They are also quite surprisingly light on their feet and are graceful in motion. These dogs have a short life span of only 8 years.

The Leonberger was built to be a multi-purpose working dog and believe me they have the strength to prove it – however their personality is more geared to being a reliable family companion. Very people pleasing dogs, positive reinforcement will work wonders for training. However, although these dogs will do just about anything to please its owners, they are a strong and BIG dog. Leonberger puppies are especially known to grow fast, be “mouthy” (like to chew and bit) and be a little rowdy at times. Thus, they will need early training and socialization that is consistent into adulthood; in order for you as the owner to feel confident in controlling the strength and size of this dog.

To keep in mind as well, although fairly calm and gentle once in adulthood, the Leonberger is not suited for apartment living. It needs space to move around and get daily exercise by long walks or running on an acreage.

Now this next section is going to explain the health concerns with the Leonberger breed. It is important to keep in mind that as a potential dog owner, you will need to be aware of these conditions so that if they appear within your dog –  you are not surprised. However, that being said, this does not mean all Leonbergers will have one or more of the following conditions. The next paragraph is merely stated so that you as the dog owner are aware of the risks to this particular breed.

Leonbergers do have a number of health conditions that are of concern. Hip and elbow dysplasia are very common, as well as eye diseases (such as cataracts and entropion / extropion – where the eyelids either turn inwards or outwards), and cancers (especially bone). Neurological diseases, such as polyneuropathy, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, and bloat / gastric torsion are also common. Not all of these can be tested for and many do not appear until later in a dog’s life, however a step you can take is to find a reputable breeder who is committed and willing to show you the health history of all their dogs.

The Leonberger can make a very lovable, family companion – but keep in mind that this dog sheds a lot and is very BIG. They will also need consistent, positive training from puppy-hood into adulthood. As long as these facts are known ahead of time and you take the proper steps to cater to the dogs needs, the Leonberger will be a very people pleasing member of your family.