Mary Allen
This breed of dog should someday become a symbol of the city of Leonberg near Stuttgart. Their heraldic animal depicts a lion. This is why, in the 19th century, city councilor Heinrich Essig set out to breed a dog that looked like a lion. To do this, he crossed a St. Bernard with a black and white Newfoundland female. Later, Essig used Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and Landseers for breeding.
The first Leonberger as we know it today finally saw the light of day in 1846. Soon the dogs were sold from Leonberg to all countries and were kept mainly as guard, farm, or draft dogs. Today, long-haired, imposing dogs are especially valued as companion and family dogs and are popular all over the world.
General
- FCI Group 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers – Molossians – Swiss Mountain Dogs
- Section 2: Molossians / 2.2 Mountain Dogs
- Size: from 72 to 80 centimeters (males); 65 to 75 centimeters (females)
- Colors: brown, yellow (from cream to red), black.
Activity
Due to its size and mass, the Leonberger naturally needs a fair amount of exercise to stay in good physical shape. Long walks are extremely important. In addition, this dog breed usually loves to swim and loves obedience or stalking. These activities contribute not only to physical but also mental development.
Agility is usually less suitable. However, depending on the training structure, Leonbergers can also compete in competitive sports. Many and especially high jumps should be avoided so as not to damage the joints. And these four-legged friends also have problems with tunnels or slaloms due to their large size. Balancing is also suitable for Leonbergers to participate in agility. In fact, a variety of exercises contributes to the increase in the vitality of animals, and this, in turn, is important for healthy aging. On average, they live 8 to 9 years.
Features of the Breed
The nature of the Leonberger is calm, patient, and friendly. He is also alert and confident, taking good care of his family without being aggressive towards strangers.
Other typical Leonberger character traits:
- average temperament
- excellent learning ability
- quick understanding
- sovereign calm
- confidence
- loyalty to one’s people
- exceptional convenience for children.
What Do These Dogs Need?
Leonbergers can reach a height of up to 80 centimeters at the withers and are therefore one of the very large dog breeds. Males can weigh 70 kilograms. The slightly lighter female Leonberger weighs about 60 kg.
For this reason, these four-legged friends need a lot of space. Even large apartments can sometimes seem tiny to long-haired giants. Therefore, a house with a garden is recommended. In any case, it is important that there are enough opportunities for long walks nearby. Therefore, a forest, park, or lake should be easily accessible.
There, the loving South German can let off steam. As already mentioned, Leonberger loves children and is very patient. Therefore, it is ideal for families. If you want to choose this dog breed, you must have plenty of time. Four-legged friends want to keep busy and need to connect with their people.
When the whole family is together, they simply feel most comfortable. In accordance with his uninhibited nature, the Leonberger should be brought up calmly, but consistently. It plays a role in how you train him physically and mentally. Because it promotes a balanced mind. Self-care will take up most of your time together. You should clean your Leonberger regularly. This will prevent tangles and remove loose undercoats.