 The Leonberger is a large breed of dog. The breed's name derives from the city of Leonberg in south-west Germany. History Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder and seller from Leonberg, Germany in southwestern Germany, originally bred the Leonberger from the Newfoundland (the Landseer type, with black/white marks), Saint Bernard, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the early 1800s, although it has been an established race in Germany only from 1846. The popular legend is that it was bred to resemble the coat-of-arms animal of Leonberg, the lion, but in fact the earliest Leonbergers were predominantly white and the coloring of today's Leonbergers, brown with a black mask, was developed during the 19th century, probably by introducing other breeds. The Leonberger was initially used to protect livestock and pull loads in West Germany and other European countries. Leonbergers were seriously affected by the privations of the two world wars. During World War I most Leonbergers were left to fend for themselves as breeders fled or were killed. Only five Leonbergers survived World War I and were bred until World War II when, again, almost all Leonbergers were lost. All Leonbergers today trace their ancestry back to eight dogs that survived World War II. Appearance According to the original purpose, the Leonberger is a large, strong, beast-like yet dainty dog, and they were ostensibly bred as a 'symbolic dog' that would mimic the lion in the town crest. They are distinguished by a balanced build and coolness under pressure, yet with quite a lively, friendly temperament. Males, in particular, are powerful and strong. Leonbergers love the water, have been used for water rescue, and can even hunt for wild salmon in their natural environment(s). Leonberger males are known to occasionally drool, but it depends on the aize of their flews. Height at withers: - Dogs: 28.5 to 32 inches-average 29-30 inches. (resp. 72 to 81 cm., avg. 74-76 cm.)
- Bitches: 25 to 30 inches-average 27 inches. (resp. 64 to 76 cm., avg. 70 cm.)
Weight: - Dogs: 100-170 lb (individuals can reach over 200)- average 140-150 lb. (resp. 45–76 kg., avg. 63–68 kg.)
- Bitches: 80-130+-average 130 lb. (resp. 36-58+ kg., avg. 58 kg.)
The Leonberger has a medium length soft to coarse double coat that is very water resistant. Males often have particularly thick fur on the neck and chest creating the appearance of a mane. There is distinct feathering on the backs of the front legs and thighs. Coat colour can range from lion yellow, red, reddish brown, and sandy. Black hair tips are permitted, but black must not determine the dog's basic colour. All Leonbergers have a black mask. The Leonberger sheds fur very heavily. A good brushing every week is sufficient to keep it in fine shape, except when the undercoat is being shed; then daily combing or brushing is in order for the duration of the moult. Regular use of a drag comb (it looks like a small rake), especially in the undercoat, is highly effective. Temperament Leonbergers are very loving and great with children. They are very large but do not necessarily need a big garden and house to roam around. They are adaptable and do not take up much more space when curled up to sleep than any other medium to large dog. Like any dog they ask for nothing more than to have a daily walk and bit of brain stimulation. Aggression often comes from improper training when young or from bad experiences. A well-raised Leonberger can provide loving and loyal companionship. Since World War II, the numbers and popularity of Leonbergers have grown and in Britain alone there are over 2,000 registered Leonbergers.
Health Leonbergers are strong, generally healthy dogs, and providing they have the right diet they may be more resistant to hip dysplasia. Breeders are now screening their dogs to reduce the risk of bone/joint problems. Longevity and Causes of Death Leonbergers in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 7 years, which is about 4 years less than the average purebred dog, but similar to other breeds of their size. In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (45%), cardiac (11%), and "unknown" (8.5%). In a 2000 USA/Canada Leonberger Club of America survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (37%), old age (12%), cardiac (9%), and "sudden death" (8%). Studies have indicated problems with inherited polyneuropathy in certain populations of Leonbergers and cataracts in dogs in the United Kingdom. (copyleft)
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