<C>Height:</C> 28 1/2 to 31 1/2 inches (male); 25 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 80 to 160 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Very Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Leonberger was developed in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany by Heinrich Essig, one of the city's alderman, from crosses between the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees and St. Bernard. Herr Essig was attempting to create a breed that would closely resemble the lion on the town crest. The Leonberger's tawny coloration and thick mane are evidence of his success. Many royal families have owned Leonbergers, including Empress Elizabeth of Austria, Napoleon II of France, the Prince of Wales, Emperor Napoleon II, Bismarck, and Italian King Umberto. Many Leonbergers were imported to Russia in the nineteenth century. However, the two World Wars almost destroyed the breed; it was very difficult for people to feed these huge animals when food was scarce. By the end of World War II, only a few dogs remained. In 1945, several Germans gathered some of the few remaining Leonbergers and reestablished the breed. Today, the Leonberger has regained his popularity in Europe. Over 25,000 Leonbergers are registered there, though the breed is still rare in the United States. The first Leonberger was imported to the United States in 1971, and there are currently close to one thousand registered today. This versatile breed has been successful in many endeavors. The Leonberger has been used for guarding livestock, obedience, tracking and Schutzhund. The breed is also used in Germany for search and rescue and has a reputation as a great water-rescue dog. The Leonberger's warm, gentle personality makes him a fine family companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A very large, majestic dog with a medium sized head, with a characteristic black mask. The black mask should extend above the eyebrows. The nose and lips are black. There are no loose flews to collect saliva, so this breed does not drool. The teeth should meet in a tight scissors bite. The skull is somewhat domed. It is important that the brown eyes have a gentle, kindly expression. The hanging ears are medium sized. The Leonberger's body is a little longer than it is tall, and slightly taller at the front than at the rear. The neck should be strong with no dewlap. The rough looking waterproof coat is tawny to reddish-brown and may have black tipped hairs on the outer coat. A small white star on the chest and a little white on the tips of the paws are permitted. The Leonberger's thick mane creates a lion-like impression. (The mane takes several years to develop to its full glory.) The forelegs are feathered and straight. Rear dewclaws should be removed. The tail is bushy and set low, reaching at least to the hocks, and the feet have black pads. The Leonberger has webbing between the toes to aid in swimming.
<b>Notes:</> Socialize early and well, as this puppy will become a very large adult! The Leonberger is more agile than many other giant breeds. He can be trained to pull sleds and carts and is a good backpacker and hiker. Prone to hip dysplasia, eyelid defects and bone disease. Buy only from breeders affiliated with a national breed club and from parents certified free of hip dysplasia and congenital eye disease. Breed clubs have very stringent standards.
<b>Personality:</> Sweet, loving, and steadfast. Stable and calm. Friendly personality, yet protective and devoted. A good watchdog, but fairly quiet as a rule. A gentle giant. Serious, intelligent and brave. Wants to please; responds well to training. Very affectionate and patient with children. Good with other family pets if raised with them.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Short (under 10 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, watchdog, guarding, search & rescue, water rescue, sledding, carting, competitive obedience, and Schutzhund.
<b>For More Information:</>
Thanks to the Leonberger Club of America for information given here.
Leonberger Club of America, 15210 Upper Ellen Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030, e-mail: Blissisber@aol.com
Leonberger Home Page: http://www.webcom.com/isberg/leonberger-html
<b>Photo Caption:</> LEONBERGER
Ch. Alaska From the Lion's Den (LC-APA 352). Owned and photographed by Emily Shank, Leo's Lair Leonberger Kennels.
