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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Leonberger

dog Breed Profile

Leonbergers are large dogs weighing anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds. Male Leonbergers are 28 1/2 to 31 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder females are smaller at 25 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches. The body is longer than the tall the dogs have drop ears and a mane that appears at 2 to 3 years of age. Leonbergers generally mature by 3 years old, although they reach their full size around 1 year old.

Attributes

Floppy ears (naturally).

Size

Weight

100-150 lbs.

90-140 lbs.

Height

27

(at withers)

30

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

Golden yellow to red, black mask.

Care

Exercise

20 minutes/day.

Energy level

Laid Back.

Longevity

8-10 yrs.

Needs

Low

Traits

Barking

Low

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Social Needs

Low

Club recognition

UKC Class.

Guardian Dog

Prevalence

Rare

The Leonberger Dog Breed

During World War I, the breed nearly became extinct. Of 25 remaining Leonbergers, only five were of breeding quality.

About the Leonberger

Leonbergers are large dogs weighing anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds. Male Leonbergers are 28 1/2 to 31 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder females are smaller at 25 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches. The body is longer than the tall the dogs have drop ears and a mane that appears at 2 to 3 years of age. Leonbergers generally mature by 3 years old, although they reach their full size around 1 year old.

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Leonberger personality

Leonbergers are calm and quiet dogs, but they are not lethargic. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their guardians. They are active dogs outside and require more exercise than just a walk.

Leonbergers are very intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn. They are not known to aggressive with people, although they do become reserved with strangers as they mature.

What to expect

Leonbergers need a large amount of interaction with people. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized but can be dog aggressive.

These dogs require brushing and combing two times a week. They do not require trimming. They do not drool.

Leonbergers love activities such as agility, carting, sledding, backpacking and swimming. They love water.

This breed is ideal for a guardian who wants a large, active dog that can be taken hiking, backpacking, sledding, carting and swimming. Leonbergers do not do well left alone for long periods.

Leonbergers typically live eight to 10 years.

History of the Leonberger

The Leonberger appeared in Leonberg, Germany in 1846. Originally, the Leonberger was an attempt by Herr Heinrich Essig to create a dog that looked like a lion, part of the crest of Leonberg. What he created was a large dog with a tawny yellow coat and black points on the muzzle and ears.

During World War I, the breed nearly became extinct. Of 25 Leonbergers, only five were of breeding quality. Two Leonberger devotees, Stadelmann and Josenhans, began a club committed to saving the Leonberger. The breeding program was taken over by the German government during the war and was reestablished after the war by the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde.

The breed has a modest but growing following in the United States United Kennel Club recognized the Leonberger in 1991.

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