Leonberger Breed
Leonbergers are a giant breed dog with a lush double coat. The males are typically quite a bit larger than the females and have a thick ruff around their necks. Males range in height from 72 cm to 80 cm at the withers and weigh between 48-75 kg. Females range in height from 65 cm to 75 cm at the withers and weigh between 41-59 kg.
Leonbergers are gentle-natured and fun-loving dogs. They make ideal family pets and can be excellent partners for a variety of dog sports.
History
The Leonberger breed originated in Germany in the mid 1800s and was officially recognized by FCI in 1955. Their history has little documentation but it is generally agreed upon that they were bred by Heinrich Essig through mixing St. Bernard, Newfoundlander, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog bloodlines. Essig named the new breed "Leonberger" to promote the city of Leonberg, Germany - because the heavy-maned and substantially sized dog resembled the lion in the crest of the city. For more information on the history of the breed click the link below
Breed Characteristics
Leonbergers are versatile dogs for their size. Though they can do a variety of jobs from therapy to search and rescue to carting, they are bred primarily to serve as companions animals. Leonbergers are very attached to their families and are normally good with children and other pets. While they can be protective, the breed is not designed to be guard dogs. Leonbergers are known for their gentle, steady temperament and good nature. That said, Leonbergers can be independent thinkers and stubborn. They require basic training and respond best to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, scratches).
Things to know
Leonbergers are great family dogs but they're not for everyone. Some things to keep in mind before deciding if this is the dog for you are:
1. Leonbergers blow their coats twice a year. These dogs are double coated and every spring and fall they shed their undercoat and some of their outer coat in preparation for the new season. This means about 4 weeks of daily (or several times a day) grooming, fluff bunnies blowing around your house, and enough fur to build a new dog (or knit a sweater from - it's been done!). Ask your local pet store for a stripping comb!
2. Leonbergers love water (and mud). They will generally jump into any body of water with great enthusiasm, and not understand why they can't also jump back into the car or sit on the couch or snuggle up to you. If you can't tolerate a degree of mud and wet dog smell, this might not be the breed for you.
3. Leonbergers have opinions and can be slow to let go of them. They are very smart and trainable dogs, but punishments tend to elicit a stubborn refusal to cooperate. If you want your Leo to see things your way, you need to convince them that your idea is better than theirs.
4. Some Leonbergers, though not all, are vocal. This is not to say they bark a lot - they don't generally bark more than as an alert, but they do "talk". Imagine living with Chewbacca from Star Wars. I would bet money that the creator of this character had a Leonberger at home.
5. It is important to train your Leos early to remain calm during a greeting. Leonbergers love their family and can be exuberant in their welcome when you've been gone. They can sometimes jump up to greet their most favourite people. This can be quite a lot of dog coming at your face. A well mannered large breed dog is very important for a happy relationship.
