Leonberger
Leonberger
History:
Country/Date of Origin: Leonberg, Germany/1850s
Arguably one of the oldest German pure breeds the Leonberger was created by Mayor Heinrich Essig of Leonberg in the mid 19th Century. An excellent water dog renown for its life saving capabilities the Leonberger is also a superb family dog. The breed nearly became extinct after the first and second World Wars if it were not for the devotion of a handful of people who kept the breed alive.
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
Back to TopLeos, which literally means lion
AKC Group: Working/ Rare Breed
Breed Club: The Leonberger Club of America
Rescue Club: Leonberger Rescue Inc
Back to TopBody Type:
- Powerful and fairly massive yet elegant
- Height: 26-31 inches
- Weight: 100-150 lbs (most weigh around 120 lbs)
- Tail: a hanging tail that is bushy and slightly curled
- Round-tipped pendant ears that are feathered
Personality:
- Gentle and calm yet powerful, Leonbergers are great with children
- Even tempered dogs that make excellent watch dogs
- Has an instinctive love of the water
- Displays a great desire to be part of the family
Coat:
- Has a dual coat that is weatherproof
- Should have a black mask and muzzle while the rest of its body ranges in color from a golden yellow to a rich mahogany producing what some people have termed a lion coat
Health Concerns:
- The very strict breeding guidelines and the diligent oversight of the national Leonberger Clubs have been successful to date in preserving the general health of the breed, but like most large dogs the Leonberger does have special medical problems
- Hip and elbow dysplasia has been reported in at least 11% of Leonbergers
- Other diseases known to plague the Leonbergers are Eosinophilic Panosteitis ('Pano'), Addison's Disease, Entropion and Ectropion Eyes and Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
Tasty Tidbits:
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