Leonberger: Personality, Exercise, Grooming

Group

The Leonberger is classified by the FCI in the molossians, type mountain dog. It is not a typical working breed.

Also Known As: Leos, which literally means lion.

About Leonberger

Origin and History of the Breed The Leonberger is one of the oldest breeds originating in Germany. At the end of the thirties and beginning of the forties of the 19th century, Heinrich Essig, town Councillor in Leonberg, Germany near Stuttgart, crossed a black and white Newfoundland bitch with a so-called “Barry” male from the monastery hospice Grand St.Bernard. Later a Pyrenean Mountain Dog was added. This resulted in very large dogs with predominantly long, white coats. Essig’s aim was for a lion-like dog. The lion is the heraldic animal of the city of Leonberg. The first dogs really called “Leonbergers” were born in 1846. They combined the excellent qualities of the breeds from which they stemmed.

A General Description of the Breed

The the Leonberger is a large, majestic, strong, muscular yet elegant dog, distinguishable by its balanced build. The Leonberger has a medium length soft to coarse double coat that is very water resistant. Coat color can range from lion yellow, red, rich mahogany and reddish brown to sandy. It sports a characteristic black mask upto the eyes or above the eyes. The nose and lips are black. The teeth meet in a tight scissors bite. The skull is somewhat domed. It is important that the brown eyes have a gentle, kindly expression. The round-tipped pendant ears are medium-sized. The neck is normally strong with no dewlap. A small white star on the chest and a little white on the tip of the paws are permitted. Leonberger's thick mane creates a lion-like expression. The front and rear legs are feathered. 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.

Height

Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm.) while that of the f
Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm.).

Weight

Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg.)
Females: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.).

Personality

Temperament of the Breed

The Leonberger is lively, steady, friendly, calm, eager to please and affectionate with a sweet expression. Leonbergers are sometimes affectionately referred to as "lean-on-bergers" because of their tendency to lean against their loved ones. Their intelligence is extraordinary; their loyalty and love for their families is unparalleled.

Leonbergers are excellent watchdogs, not given to frivolous barking or unnecessary alarms. They instinctively establish and maintain their household's territorial rights.

However, upon receiving the OK from family members, strangers are accepted and welcomed. Fear and aggression in a stranger can activate a dog's protective instincts. With most of these dogs, if the situation becomes too intense, instead of showing any aggression, the Leonberger simply walks away.

Most of these dogs can take bad behavior in their stride. The Leonberger can get along with other dogs. The Leonberger is more agile than many other giant breeds.

Better suited to outdoor or indoor lifestyle?

As a family dog, the Leonberger is an agreeable partner for present day dwelling and living conditions. It doesn’t necessarily need a big yard and house to roam around. They are adaptable and don’t take up only as much space when curled up to sleep as any other medium to large dog.

Suited to families with children?

Leonbergers are considered highly trustworthy and have incredible patience, even with the most obnoxious children. They are perfect for toddlers to nestle into and clutch.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

This breed needs only moderate exercise. However, they do need to be taken on a daily walk and provided with a bit of brain stimulation. They love to be included in all family outings and are very adaptable to changing environments. They love to swim (having an instinctive love for water), hike and be trained to pull carts and sleds.

Dogs below 18 months of age are nor recommended for pulling carts.

Trainability

Leonbergers need training and proper socialization from early puppyhood to become excellent watchdogs and companions. They don't respond well to harsh training methods. Aggression may develop with improper training and lack of socialization.

Grooming

The Leonberger sheds very heavily. For this reason, it requires extensive daily brushing and combing. The ears must be kept clean and the teeth should be cleaned when needed. The Leonberger should be bathed only when necessary. Some de-matting is required to avoid hotspots caused due to wetness and damp-wet weather conditions. The backs of ears, feathering on legs, and tail should be checked for mats.

Health Problems

Like most giant breeds, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and other skeletal diseases/disorders. They frequently suffer from eyelid defects and bone diseases. Other diseases known to plague the Leonbergers are Eosinophilic Panosteitis ('Pano'), Addison's Disease (hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands), Entropion and Ectropion Eyes, Hypothyroidism, Bloat (gastric dilation), Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), neuropathic disorders and OCD. Some dogs of this species develop behavioral problems.

Life Expectancy

The median lifespan for a Leonberger is 7 years which is about 4 yrs less than the average purebred dog, but similar to other breeds of their size. However, a life span of 8-10 years is not unheard of.