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The Leonberger is a large dog breed that originated in Germany. They are known for their lion-like appearance, with a thick mane and bushy tail. Leonbergers are friendly and gentle with their families, but can be aloof with strangers. They require regular exercise and grooming, as their thick coat can become tangled and matted. Leonbergers make great family pets, but their size and strength require responsible ownership and training. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners or those with small living spaces. Despite their imposing size, Leonbergers are known for their calm and patient temperament.
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Despite its size, the Leonberger is a gentle and affectionate family dog with a loving and protective nature. Hans Surfer/Getty Images
If you haven’t come across the Leonberger breed, you’re not alone. So what exactly is a Leonberger? The Leonberger was developed by breeding the Newfoundland, the long-haired Saint Bernard and the Great Pyrenees to create a dog that resembled a lion. This large breed typically weighs between 120 and 170 pounds (54 and 77 kilograms) and stands at 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.7 meters) tall at the shoulder. It has a medium-to-long waterproof coat, triangular ears, a bushy tail, dark-brown eyes framed by a black facemask, and the male has a mane around his neck and chest, giving it a lion-like appearance.
“Leonbergers have a lion-like appearance, with reddish-brown bodies and black masks,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet expert with Rover.com. “They are so large and lion-like that they can look like they are straight out of Narnia. Although they are big and love to eat, they are agile, graceful, and surprisingly light on their feet. Leonbergers are well-rounded in everything, intelligent, gentle and sensitive family dogs.”
Ellis adds that Leonbergers require plenty of space, exercise, and grooming. They are giant, lovable companions who are happiest when they are with their families. Additionally, their deep and low bark, combined with their size, makes them excellent watch dogs.
However, the only issue with this breed is that they can be hard to find. “Although Leonbergers are quite common in Germany, their country of origin, there are only a few in the U.S. these days,” says Steffi Trott, owner and head trainer at SpiritDog Training in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Nonetheless, “since being accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC), Leonbergers seem to be gaining popularity in the U.S.,” says Sara Ochoa, a small animal and exotic veterinarian in Texas and veterinary consultant for doglab.com. She currently has two Leonberger patients at her clinic.
Now That’s Interesting
Leonbergers were initially used as watchdogs and draft dogs that pulled carts through towns and villages, similar to horses. “In both WWI and WWII, they were used to pull ammunition carts, and this is part of what nearly caused them to go extinct,” says Carbridge. “Only eight survived WWII, and all Leonbergers today can be traced back to them.”
What’s the History of This Relatively New Breed?
“There’s no written record of the origins of the Leonberger,” says Ellis. “However, it’s believed that Leos were first bred in the German city of Leonberg, near Stuttgart, in the mid-1800s.” Heinrich Essig, a noted politician and professional animal trader, wanted to create a dog that looked like the lion on the town’s crest by crossing the Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard and a Great Pyrenees. The result was a new large and aristocratic-looking breed named after Essig’s beloved hometown, which was owned by royalty and celebrities such as Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Prince of Wales, King Umberto of Italy, and the czar of Russia.
The Leo breed gained popularity in 1891 with the creation of the first clubs for the breed. During World War I, the breed almost went extinct with only 25 Leonbergers remaining, and only five being suitable for breeding. Two devotees of the breed, Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans, formed a club committed to saving the dog. The German government took over the breeding program during the war, and it was later reestablished by the Deutscher Club fГјr Leonberger Hunde. Leonbergers were exported to the U.S. in the early 1970s, and the Leonberger Club of America was formed in 1985. The breed was finally recognized by the AKC in 2010. Although Leonbergers are mostly found in Europe, they are popular in Canada as water search and rescue dogs due to their webbed feet. Leonbergers are gentle giants and have a loving personality, making them great with children. However, they go through a long adolescent period and need training, play, and socialization experiences to avoid destructive behavior. They are also sensitive to their owner’s emotions and should be watched around younger children due to their size. Leonbergers have an excellent bedside manner and are family-friendly, but socialization is necessary to avoid accidents due to their giant size.
According to Trott, the Leonberger is a distinctive breed among other giant dogs due to its primary purpose as a companion. They have a friendly and gentle nature, and their drive level is lower than other working group dogs. However, they are protective of their family. To train a Leo, it is best to start as early as possible and enroll them in puppy kindergarten. Positive reinforcement and consistency in training are necessary for success. The breed is prone to several health issues, including allergies, orthopedic problems, and neurological diseases. It is crucial to find a reputable breeder who screens for genetic defects. The thick, double coat of the Leonberger requires frequent brushing to avoid hairballs.
According to experts, the Leonberger breed of dog requires regular and frequent grooming to keep their double coat healthy and prevent matting. In addition to regular brushing, weekly nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing is recommended. The Leo is an active breed that requires at least an hour of exercise daily, but high-impact exercise should be avoided due to their large size. To find a Leonberger, experts suggest using online resources such as the World Dog Finder website or contacting local breed clubs. Rescue organizations may also have Leonbergers available for adoption.
According to Trott, if you’re looking for a Leo in the United States, you can find one through an AKC-registered breeder. However, she warns against purchasing any breed of dog, including Leonbergers, through ads on Craigslist or similar outlets. Trott suggests that although a pedigreed puppy may cost more (around $1,500 to $2,000 for a Leonberger), it will come from proven and health-tested parents and have a great temperament.
Carbridge recommends using the “Find a Puppy” function on the AKC website to find an approved and registered breeder. He also suggests that you can meet and socialize with some of these massive dogs by joining breed groups online.
FAQ
1. What is a Leonberger?
A Leonberger is a large dog breed that originated in Leonberg, Germany. They are known for their lion-like appearance, with a thick mane around their neck and a bushy tail. Leonbergers are also known for their gentle personality and loyalty to their owners.
2. How big do Leonbergers get?
Leonbergers are a large breed, with males typically reaching a height of 28-31 inches (71-79 cm) and weighing between 120-170 pounds (54-77 kg). Females are slightly smaller, with a height of 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) and a weight between 100-135 pounds (45-61 kg).
3. What is the temperament of a Leonberger?
Leonbergers are known for their gentle and friendly personality. They are loyal to their owners and enjoy spending time with their family. They are also patient and good with children, making them a great family pet. However, they can be protective of their family and may be wary of strangers.
4. What kind of exercise does a Leonberger need?
Leonbergers are a large breed and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and swimming. They also enjoy playing games and participating in activities with their family.
5. How much grooming does a Leonberger need?
Leonbergers have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. During shedding season, they may require daily brushing. They also require regular bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy.
6. Are Leonbergers good with children?
Yes, Leonbergers are known for being good with children. They are patient and gentle, making them a great family pet. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs to prevent accidents.
7. Do Leonbergers have any health issues?
Like all breeds, Leonbergers can be prone to certain health issues. These can include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues. It is important to choose a reputable breeder and to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure your Leonberger is healthy.
8. What kind of training does a Leonberger need?
Leonbergers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy learning new things. Basic obedience training is important for all dogs, but Leonbergers may also benefit from advanced training, such as agility or therapy dog training.
9. Are Leonbergers good guard dogs?
Leonbergers can make good guard dogs due to their protective nature. They are loyal to their family and will defend them if necessary. However, they are not aggressive and should not be trained to be aggressive. They should be socialized from a young age to prevent any potential aggression towards strangers or other animals.
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