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Leonberger Facts
- Group
- Other Breed Classes
- Affiliations
- CKC, UKC
- Height
- 25.5" - 31.5"
- Weight
- 100-135 lbs.
- Lifespan
- 10 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
none known
Origin
This breed developed in Leonberg in south-west Germany.
Date Of Origin
The breed was created in 1846 however the official standard was not set until 1949.
History
Breeder, Heinrich Essing created the Leonberger by crossing the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. The popular legend is that it was bred to resemble the coat-of-arms animal of Leonberg, the lion. The Leonberger was always a companion rather than a working dog. It almost became extinct following WWI but the breed was revitalized by fanciers.
Description
The Leonberger is a strong, powerful dog that is well proportioned with a powerful head that is deeper than it is wide. The end of its deep muzzle is black and it has medium size drop ears and brown eyes. The tail is long and bushy. The double coat has a dense undercoat and long, weather-resistant outer coat. It may be coarse or soft and is wavy, longest at the neck and chest and the tail. Color ranges from gold to reddish brown with a dark or black mask. The hair may have black tips and there may be small, white markings on the chest and toe tips.
Temperament
Bred as a companion, the Leonberger makes an excellent family dog: affectionate, playful, and very good with children. It is protective of family and home.
Uses
This is an outstanding water rescue dog. Only a short period of training is needed to augment its natural instincts. Not only does it have a water proof coat, but nature has furnished it with webs between its toes which facilitate swimming. It is also a notable companion dog.
Health Concerns
Addison?s disease, bloat, cancer, ectropion, entropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, OCD
Additional Information
It does best with an active family in a rural or suburban home.
This dog sheds frequently. Consistent, professional grooming will all but eliminate this issue.
Sources
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
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