Leonberger

Group: Utility 
Size: Giant  
Lifespan: 8-10 years  
Exercise: Medium  
Grooming: Medium-high  
Trainability: Medium-high   
Area of Origin: Germany  
Date of Origin: 1847  
Original Function: Companion/multi-purpose

History
The Leonberger appeared in Leonberg, Germany in 1846. Originally, the Leonberger was an attempt by Herr Heinrich Essig to create a dog that looked like a lion, part of the crest of Leonberg. What he created was a large dog with a tawny yellow coat and black points on the muzzle and ears.
During World War I, the breed nearly became extinct. Of 25 Leonbergers, only five were of breeding quality. Two Leonberger devotees, Stadelmann and Josenhans, began a club committed to saving the Leonberger. The breeding program was taken over by the German government during the war and was reestablished after the war by the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde.

Temperament
Leonbergers are calm and quiet dogs, but they are not lethargic. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their guardians. Leonbergers are very intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn. They are not known to aggressive with people, although they do become reserved with strangers as they mature.

Upkeep
Leonbergers need to have some vigorous exercise once a day. Adult dogs can benefit from jogging or hiking with their owner or keeping pace alongside a bicycle. A large yard with a tall, strong fence is the ideal place for a Leo to run around. Remember, these are working dogs. Drafting (pulling a cart) and agility training are two good ways for a Leo to get the activity he or she needs. Leonbergers shed a lot—and twice a year, they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially in the areas of his body that tend to mat: the long hair behind the ears and on the backs of the legs. A more thorough grooming should be done once a week—and given the breed’s size, this will take a fair amount of time.

Breeders

Unfortunately there are no known breeders of the Leonberger at this time. Please take a look at some alternative suggestions below or if you know of a registered breeder please contact us.

You may also be interested in:

• Anatolian Shepherd

• Kuvasz

• Newfoundland