The Leonberger is a large dog, he is recognizable to many by his impressive appearance. He is massive and muscular, but one need not be afraid of this gentle giant. Despite its size, this is a well-balanced, calm and friendly family dog, intelligent and very loyal to its owner.
General
The Leonberger is one of the larger dog breeds and belongs to the breed group ‘Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers and Swiss Mountain Dogs’. Males grow to between 72-80 centimeters and can weigh as much as 70 kg. Bitches are slightly smaller with their 65-75 centimeters and 45-60 kg, but they are certainly also impressive. His beautiful coat makes him look even bigger, especially because of his collar around the neck and chest. The hairs are long and straight and this breed comes in the colors cream and sand, but also reddish brown. A daily brushing is a requirement and especially during moulting, special attention must be given. The Leonberger has a black face (the so-called black mask). The average age of this breed is 9-11 years.
Origin
The Leonberger was created by a cross between Saint Bernard, Pyrenean mountain dog and Newfoundland. It takes its name from the German town of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, where this dog has been since the early nineteenth century. The founder of this breed was city councilor Heinrich Essig. He tried to breed a dog that would look like a lion, because this animal was in the city’s coat of arms. So this is where the appearance of this stately animal comes from. At the end of the First World War, the breed was almost extinct, but luckily there were a number of German breeders who prevented this. The Leonberger is therefore seen as the oldest breed in Germany. Here and in France and Scandinavia they are used as working dogs and companions. In other countries they are not (yet) that common.
Character
Despite its impressive appearance, the Leonberger is a friendly dog, who is very affectionate and loves to cuddle. He is intelligent, eager to learn, good-natured and very patient. He is especially good with children, which is why he is also a very suitable family dog. With proper education, this dog can be taken anywhere. However, the Leonberger is also self-aware and is very protective of his people. He is very vigilant and despite his kindness he will not let himself eat the cheese from the bread. With enough exercise, he is calm in the house and outside playful and full of life. This breed is not aggressive or fearful and gets along well with other animals. He is tolerant of his kind. It is not a dog that can easily be left alone for a long time, it prefers to be with its family.
Movement
Because the Leonberger needs a lot of space, it is not wise to keep it in a small house or apartment. A house with a large enclosed yard would be best for him. Furthermore, they are actually suitable for all kinds of (dog) sports, such as swimming, walking, running, etc. They are also very suitable as therapy or rescue dogs.
Hereditary Disorders
Leonberger is prone to hip dysplasia and polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy can present as vocal cord paralysis and hindquarters weakness or lack of coordination. Symptoms of this abnormality include coughing after eating or drinking, heavier breathing or a change in barking (as if the dog is hoarse). Sometimes they also get tired earlier, so they have to rest more quickly.