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.

Size

Weight

Male 100-150 lbs.

Female 90-140 lbs.

Height (at withers)

Male 30 in.

Female 27 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Texture

Double coat

Color

Golden yellow to red, black mask.

Care

Exercise

20 minutes/day.

Energy Level

Laid back

Longevity

8-10 yrs.

Needs

20 minutes/day

Traits

Barking

Snoring

Drooling

Grooming

Social Needs

Digging

Club Recognition

AKC Class.

Working

UKC Class.

Guardian Dog

Prevalence

Rare

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

About

The Leonberger's coat is straight or wavy and with a dense undercoat. The texture is medium-soft to rough. The color of the Leonberger is that of a lion: golden-yellow to red-brown. He should have a dark or black mask.

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

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.