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Often called “the gentle giant,” the heavy boned, muscular Leonberger is characterized by his lionlike mane and black mask. This German breed was developed in the mid-1800s as a multipurpose working dog and family companion. The calm, playful Leonberger has a stable temperament and is willing to please. His thick, water-resistant coat should be brushed daily to avoid mats and tangles.
DID YOU KNOW? A cross among the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard, the Leonberger was founded by Heinrich Essig in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany, to exemplify the lion that was featured on Leonberg’s town crest.
The Leonberger dog breed was created in the 1840s to resemble the lion of the Leonberg town crest. It is a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard, and a backcross to a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. They became very popular and many distinguished people owned them. However, during World War I they almost died out, as people could not afford to feed them. The handful of dogs that were left were bred from carefully until World War II when they were nearly all lost again. Today the Leonberger dog is still relatively rare but it is gaining in number and popularity.
As with many breeds, Leonberger dogs can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip and elbow dysplasia (joint conditions that can be painful and lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.
As a puppy, this dog should not be over exercised or allowed up and down stairs. When the bones are properly developed then the exercise can be gradually increased. The adult Leonberger dog should have long walks and loves to run around and play. They also have a great love of water and like nothing better than a good swim. A couple of hours' daily exercise is advised for a fit adult.
Giant-breed dogs, as well as having giant appetites, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. Leonbergers are also prone to bloating and stomach problems; try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk.
The Leonberger has a double coat, which consists of a fairly long, close top coat and a thick undercoat. There is a 'mane' of longer/thicker hair around the neck and chest, and feathering on the legs. The coat needs to be brushed two or three times a week to remove any dead and loose hair and keep it in good order.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
