Leonbergers: Leonbergers are very large, muscular dogs. Their heads are rectangular shaped and deeper than they are broad. Males heads are generally larger than female heads. Their skulls are somewhat domed. Leonbergers black masks and long muzzles. Their large noses are always black with clearly outlined nostrils. Their lips are black, and are usually tight and dry. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Their medium sized ears are triangular in shape, fleshy, hanging flat and close to their heads. The tips of their ears are level with corners of their mouths. Their necks are muscular, and strong with no dewlap. Leonbergers have medium to long, water resistant, double coats that come in lion-yellow, golden to red, red-brown, sand, cream, pale yellow and any combination of those colors, always with a black mask. All colors may have shorter, medium or long black tips on the outer coat. There may be a small stripe or white patch on their chests and some white hairs on their toes. Leonbergers have thick manes that create lion-like looks. Their manes in males can take up to 4 years to develop. The manes in females are less obvious than in a males. Their front and rear legs are feathered. Their bushy tails hang straight down. The pads of their feet are black. They sometimes have webbed feet.
Leonbergers have a lively nature - they are brave, intelligent, steady and affectionate. Leonbergers have a sweet expression. Loving and steadfast, stable and calm, Leonbergers love everyone. Their intelligence is extraordinary; their loyalty and love for their families is unparalleled. Leonbergers have a friendly personality that are well balanced. Leonbergers are highly trustworthy and have incredible patience, even with the most obnoxious children. With most of these dogs, if the situation becomes too intense, instead of showing any aggression, Leonbergers will simply walk away. Most of these dogs can take bad behavior in their stride. Leonbergers do not respond well to harsh training-methods - training requires patience. Owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent. Leonbergers are often called gentle giants. Leonbergers can get along with other dogs, sp socialize and train them early, as this puppy will become a very large adult. Leonbergers are more active and coordinated than many other giant breeds.
Leonbergers were established as a dog breed in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany in the region of Wurttemberg by the German breeder Heinrich Essing from a crossing of the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. Heinrich Essing's goal was to create a breed that would closely resemble the look of a lion. Leonbergers have been owned by many royal families, including Napoleon II of France, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the Prince of Wales, Emperor Napoleon II, Bismarck, and Italian King Umberto. In the nineteenth century, many Leonbergers were imported to Russia. Like many breeds, the world wars almost brought it to extinction. By the end of World War II, only a few dogs remained. In 1945, several Germans gathered some of the few remaining Leonbergers and re-established the breed. Today, Leonbergers have regained their popularity in Europe. The first Leonbergers were imported to the United States in 1971. Leonbergers have been successful for guarding livestock, search and rescue, obedience, water-rescue, tracking and as a loving family companion.
The Leonberger Size:
Height: 29-31 inches
Weight: 130-170 lbs. |
