Leonberger

Breed Description

The Leonberger is a majestic and powerful breed, with origins tracing back to the mid-19th century in Germany. This breed was developed to create a dog that embodied the strength, grace, and grandeur of a lion-the symbol of the city of Leonberg, located near Stuttgart. The primary initiator behind the breed was Heinrich Essig, a well-known breeder and dog lover, as well as a member of the Leonberg city council. His ambitious goal was to breed a dog that represented the city’s coat of arms, which depicted a lion.

Essig began his breeding efforts in the 1830s, crossing Newfoundlands with St. Bernards, and later adding Pyrenean Mountain Dogs to the mix. This combination not only provided the Leonberger with impressive size and strength but also a gentle temperament, patience, and loyalty to humans. Essig aimed for his dogs to be not just a status symbol but also suitable for farm work, home protection, and companionship in everyday life.

The first Leonbergers appeared in 1846 and quickly caught the attention of the aristocracy and nobility due to their noble appearance and impressive size. These dogs quickly became popular in Europe, especially at royal courts. Leonbergers adorned the courts of Napoleon III, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), and other monarchs, solidifying their reputation as high-status companion dogs.

However, during the world wars, the breed’s population sharply declined, as large dogs became a burden amid resource shortages. After World War II, the Leonberger was on the brink of extinction, and it was only through the efforts of a few enthusiasts, particularly from Germany and Austria, that the breed was revived. They began searching for remaining individuals, meticulously restoring the breed’s characteristics.

Today, the Leonberger is known worldwide as a strong yet gentle dog that beautifully blends work qualities and a friendly nature. Its multifaceted history, closely tied to aristocracy and symbolism, makes it one of the most impressive breeds. The Leonberger remains a symbol of loyalty, strength, and nobility, maintaining its connection with the city that gave it its name.

The price for a puppy can range from 70,000 to 90,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Leonberger is a large, powerful, and harmoniously built dog that combines a majestic appearance with a refined, friendly expression. Its body is strong, muscular, and slightly elongated, emphasizing the working nature of the breed. The Leonberger features a broad chest and robust bone structure, which provide it with endurance and stability. Despite its impressive size, the dog remains surprisingly graceful and light on its feet, with a confident posture that highlights its natural charisma.

The Leonberger’s coat is long, thick, and water-resistant, with a soft undercoat that protects the dog from harsh weather. The fur is slightly wavy but not curly, adding texture and nobility to its appearance. The mane, particularly pronounced in males, and the bushy tail enhance its silhouette. The coat color ranges from lion-yellow to reddish-brown, with a black mask that is a hallmark of the breed.

The average height for males is 72-80 cm, while females measure 65-75 cm. Weight varies from 50 to 70 kg, depending on gender and build. These dimensions make the Leonberger one of the largest dog breeds, yet it remains balanced and elegant. The typical lifespan is 8-10 years, which is characteristic of large breeds. With proper care and a balanced diet, the Leonberger maintains its activity and health throughout its life. Its appearance perfectly reflects its character: strength, kindness, and nobility come together in one majestic figure.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Leonberger is large, harmoniously shaped, with noble and expressive features. The skull is slightly bulging, wide, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The overall expression of the head is soft and friendly, which emphasizes the breed's balanced nature.

Морда

The muzzle is long, powerful, yet proportional, slightly narrowing towards the nose. The nose is large, black, with well-developed nostrils that provide excellent sense of smell. The lips are tightly closed, not forming wrinkles, which highlights the neatness of the muzzle's lines.

Уши

Medium-sized, floppy ears are set high and lie flat against the head. They are covered with soft, dense fur that enhances the overall appearance of the dog. The ears are mobile and reflect the emotional state of the Leonberger, especially during interactions.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, and set moderately deep. The eye color ranges from light brown to dark brown. The gaze is calm, attentive, and expressive, reflecting the dog's friendly and loyal nature.

Зубы

The teeth are large, strong, and have a proper scissor bite. The jaws are powerful but not heavy, well-developed, which emphasizes the working nature of the breed. Dental care is important to prevent tartar buildup and other issues.

Корпус

The Leonberger's body is massive and powerful, with deep and well-developed muscles. The chest is wide and deep, reaching the level of the elbows, with rounded ribs. The back is strong and straight, smoothly transitioning into a muscular loin. The belly is moderately tight, emphasizing the athletic build.

Конечности

The limbs are straight, strong, and well-defined in musculature. The front legs are parallel, powerful, with strong shoulders, while the hind legs have moderate joint angles, which provide strength and smoothness of movement. The feet are large, round, with sturdy pads and strong claws.

Хвост

The tail is long, densely covered with fur, and set low. When at rest, the tail hangs down, but when excited, it may rise slightly without curling. It completes the harmonious silhouette of the Leonberger and emphasizes its nobility.

Шерсть

The fur is long, thick, and has a soft undercoat. It is slightly wavy but without curls, which provides water-repellent properties. The mane on the neck is especially prominent in males, adding a majestic appearance. The fur uniformly covers the entire body, including the limbs and tail.

Окрас

The coat color ranges from lion yellow to reddish or reddish-brown, with a black mask on the face. Light white markings on the chest and legs are permitted. This contrasting and rich coloration highlights the majestic appearance of the Leonberger, making it easily recognizable.

Character

The Leonberger is a dog with a gentle, balanced, and friendly character, making it ideal for family life. They are incredibly loyal to their owners, possess a high level of intelligence, and easily form strong emotional bonds with people. Due to their natural sensitivity, Leonbergers are adept at picking up on their owners’ moods, making them not only excellent companions but also a true support during difficult times. This breed loves being part of the family and seeks to participate in all its activities, whether it be walks, games, or simply relaxing together.

Leonbergers are patient and affectionate with children, making them perfect for families with young kids. They handle the youngest family members with care and tenderness, often taking on the role of a caring friend or even a nanny. Additionally, they get along well with other animals, thanks to their inherent social orientation.

These dogs have a high energy level but remain surprisingly calm in a home environment. Leonbergers enjoy long walks, active play, and tasks that require intelligence. They possess working instincts and are always ready to take on challenges, making them great helpers in rescue operations or other activities. However, despite their energy, they know how to relax peacefully if their exercise needs are met.

The Leonberger is not an aggressive breed, but when necessary, they are capable of defending their family. Their impressive size and confident demeanor can often deter potential threats. However, they never display unnecessary aggression and remain composed and noble in any situation.

This breed does not tolerate loneliness well. Leonbergers love to be around people and may experience stress if left alone for extended periods. It is important for them to feel part of the family and receive enough attention. Their habits include a desire to be close to their owner, a wish to participate in family activities, and a love for water-many Leonbergers adore swimming. This dog has a balanced and gentle character, becoming not just a reliable companion but also a full-fledged family member.

Care and Maintenance

The Leonberger requires regular grooming to maintain its health and beautiful appearance. Its thick coat with a soft undercoat needs to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent tangling and remove dead hair. During seasonal shedding periods, which occur twice a year, the coat should be brushed daily as it actively renews. It is best to use brushes with long bristles that can reach the undercoat for grooming. Bathing the Leonberger should be done as needed, using shampoos meant for long-haired dogs to avoid damaging the natural protective layer of the skin and coat.

Special attention should be given to the ears, as their shape can trap dirt and moisture, leading to infections. Regular cleaning of the ear canals and inspections can help avoid these issues. The Leonberger’s teeth also require care: brushing 2-3 times a week or using special chew toys can help prevent tartar build-up. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks if they do not wear down naturally. The paws should be regularly checked for injuries, especially if the dog often walks on hard or rocky surfaces.

The Leonberger loves active walks and playing outdoors. It needs long daily walks to expend energy and maintain physical fitness. This breed also enjoys swimming, so time by the water will be a real pleasure for the Leonberger. However, due to its large size, it should not be subjected to excessive physical exertion at a young age to avoid future joint problems.

The Leonberger does not like being alone. It is emotionally attached to its family and requires attention and interaction. This dog does not respond well to harshness or punishment, as it has a sensitive nature. Softness and respect from the owner are important for maintaining trustful relationships. The breed values consistency and stability in care and daily routine.

These dogs adore comfort and prefer to spend time close to their owner. They do not like tight spaces or excessive chaos, so it’s important to provide enough room for the Leonberger to rest in the home. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and attention to its emotional needs will help your Leonberger stay healthy and happy.

Training and Education

The Leonberger is an intelligent and trainable dog that responds well to a gentle and consistent approach to training. Its calm and balanced temperament makes the learning process enjoyable, especially when using positive reinforcement such as praise, treats, or games. It’s best to start training at an early age to lay the groundwork for good behavior and socialization. The Leonberger learns quickly, especially when it understands that its efforts are rewarded, but it can become stubborn if it feels mistreated or unfairly treated.

Early training should focus on socialization: introducing the dog to various people, animals, and sounds. This will help the dog grow up confident and friendly. Basic commands such as “sit,” “heel,” and “come” should be mastered first to ensure comfortable interaction with the dog in daily life. Due to its natural tendency for cooperation, the Leonberger willingly engages in tasks that require its attention and participation.

This breed forms a strong emotional bond with its owner and chooses a leader who displays patience, respect, and a willingness to spend time with it. The Leonberger listens to those it perceives as confident yet kind leaders. Harshness or inconsistency in training can diminish its motivation and trust, so maintaining calmness and stability during training is crucial.

The Leonberger particularly thrives on tasks that provide it with a sense of purpose. It can be trained not only in basic commands but also in more complex skills, such as helping around the house or participating in rescue operations. It enjoys physical and mental challenges, so sports training, swimming, and games that stimulate its intellect are excellent for this breed.

This dog makes an ideal companion for active, caring individuals who are ready to give it attention and time. The Leonberger obeys an owner it respects, offering exceptional loyalty and becoming a reliable and loving partner. Such an approach to training allows for the best qualities of the breed to emerge, creating a harmonious and joyful life together with the dog. At Zoonyka, the best breeders offering puppies with pedigrees are gathered.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Leonberger puppy requires a careful approach to ensure it grows healthy and meets breed standards. First and foremost, it is essential to find a reliable breeder with a good reputation who specializes in breeding Leonbergers. The breeder should provide all information about the puppy’s parents, their achievements at shows, health status, and character. Inspecting the parents will give insight into the appearance and behavior of the future puppy.

The puppy should be active, curious, and friendly, exhibiting confident behavior. Its coat should be clean, thick, and shiny, with clear eyes free of discharge, and ears and skin showing no signs of irritation. Pay attention to the puppy’s movements: it should move freely without limping or stiffness. It’s also important to check how the puppy interacts with other dogs and people – it should not be overly timid or aggressive.

Documents that need to be checked include the puppy’s metric (puppy card), confirming its lineage and compliance with breed standards. This document can later be exchanged for an official pedigree. It’s also important to review the parents’ pedigree to ensure there is no close inbreeding and no hereditary issues. The pedigree should include information about several generations of ancestors, as well as their titles, if applicable.

The puppy’s veterinary passport should contain records of its initial vaccinations and parasite treatments. A reliable breeder will also provide test results for the parents regarding hereditary diseases characteristic of the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart issues, and eye conditions. These tests ensure that the puppy has minimal risks of genetic problems.

Ask the breeder about the puppy’s diet, feeding schedule, and habits. A good breeder will offer recommendations for helping the puppy adapt to its new home and will remain available for questions that may arise in the future. A responsible approach to choosing a Leonberger puppy will ensure that it grows up healthy, balanced, and becomes a true representative of the breed. Zooinika is a site showcasing the best breeders with verified pedigrees.

Health and Diseases

The Leonberger, like many large breeds, has robust health but is predisposed to a number of diseases that owners should be aware of. One of the most common problems is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and pain. This condition may manifest with age, especially if the dog experiences excessive physical activity in its youth. Regular veterinary check-ups and weight management can help minimize the risk.

Leonbergers are prone to heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which can lead to weakening of the heart muscle and deterioration of its function. Early diagnosis and monitoring of heart condition through ECG and ultrasound can help detect issues promptly. Polyneuropathy in Leonbergers is also encountered-a rare but serious condition that causes weakness in the hind limbs and coordination problems. This hereditary disease makes it crucial to choose puppies from verified parents.

Among other potential issues, gastrointestinal disorders can arise, including a tendency towards bloat (gastric dilation). This condition can be life-threatening, so owners should feed their Leonberger small meals multiple times a day and avoid vigorous activity immediately after eating. The breed may also experience eye problems, such as cataracts or entropion (eyelid inversion), which require regular examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Leonbergers are prone to obesity, especially if they aren’t provided with adequate physical activity. Excess weight can exacerbate joint and heart issues, making it important to monitor the dog’s diet and exercise level. Additionally, the Leonberger’s thick coat requires care to prevent skin infections and irritations. Regular brushing and skin checks help maintain its condition.

The average lifespan of a Leonberger is 8-10 years. With proper care, balanced nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, these dogs can lead long and active lives. It is essential for owners to focus on prevention, timely veterinary visits, and keeping their pet active to minimize the risk of hereditary and age-related diseases.