The Leonberger is a very large dog breed of German origin. The massive four-legged friends emerged in the 19th century and were used as reliable watchdogs for a long time. In the meantime, however, the Leonberger has developed into a popular family and companion dog thanks to its relaxed and child-loving nature.
Key facts at a glance:
- FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2, Standard No. 145 (without working test)
- Life expectancy: 8 to 9 years
- Origin: Germany
- Size: males 72-80 cm / females 65-75 cm
- Weight: males 50-70 kg / females 45-60 kg
- Colours: Red, maroon, lion’s yellow and sand (single or multicolored) with a black mask
- Character: self-confident, stable, relaxed, capable of learning, fond of children
Origin and history of the Leonberger
The Leonberger owes its name to the town of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, where the dog breeder and town councilor Heinrich Essig began breeding the breed in the late 1930s.
The Leonberger was created by crossing Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards. In the further course of breeding, the French Patou (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) was also crossed. Essig’s original goal was to breed a lion-like dog based on the Leonberg coat of arms.
The massive four-legged friends quickly became very popular and, not least thanks to their loud barking, were mainly used as watchdogs on farms. During the two world wars, however, breeding came to an almost complete standstill, so that the Leonberger almost became extinct.
However, a few dedicated lovers were able to prevent this. In 1948 the German Club for Leonberger Dogs, which is still active today, was founded in Leonberg. Today, the Leonberger enjoys great popularity in many countries and is also valued as a loyal and gentle family dog.
Description of the Leonberger
Just like its ancestors, the Leonberger is one of the particularly large and heavy dog breeds. Its average life expectancy is correspondingly low at around eight to nine years.
Male Leonbergers can reach a shoulder height of up to 80 centimeters and weigh up to 70 kilograms. Bitches are slightly smaller and lighter with a maximum shoulder height of 75 centimeters and a maximum weight of 60 kilograms.
The physique of the Leonberger is very strong and muscular overall, without the animals making a misshapen impression. The large head and powerful muzzle blend harmoniously into the overall picture of the breed.
The Leonberger’s coat is quite long and is described as medium soft to coarse. In the neck and chest area, it forms a characteristic mane that is somewhat reminiscent of that of a male lion.
The breed standard allows the coat colors red, reddish brown, lion yellow and sandy colors, whereby the animals may be both mono-colored and multi-colored. Regardless of the exact coloring of the rest of the coat, the Leonberger always wears a black mask.
Nature of the Leonberger
Due to its enormous size, the Leonberger seems a bit intimidating at first. However, he is characterized by an extremely calm nature and a high stimulus threshold. Leonbergers are very good-natured and remain calm in almost every situation.
Nevertheless, the faithful four-legged friends turn out to be curious and playful companions who love to romp around extensively. When dealing with children, Leonbergers are friendly and considerate playmates who, despite occasionally being stubborn, are easy to train.
At the same time, they are always courageous and vigilant, without any tendency towards aggression or showing excessive territorial behavior. Leonbergers form a close bond with their family, while they tend to be more relaxed or indifferent towards strangers.
Possible areas of application for the Leonberger
In the past, the Leonberger was mainly used as a guard dog for house and yard and to protect herds of cattle from predators. In addition, the powerful four-legged friends were sometimes used as draft dogs for pulling loads.
Although in theory the Leonberger still makes an excellent guard dog today, it is primarily a family dog that enjoys great popularity. Thanks to his friendly nature, he is a fairly uncomplicated companion. However, the cost of keeping it should not be underestimated.
In addition to long walks and playing together, some dog sports, such as dog diving and obedience, are also possible activities. However, you should limit yourself to disciplines that do not require excessive mobility.
Leonberger diseases
Unfortunately, like many pedigree dogs, the Leonberger is more prone to some typical diseases. Due to the weight, these include joint problems in particular, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and arthrosis.
In addition, Leonbergers have an increased risk of developing the heart disease DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy), which causes the heart muscle to expand progressively. Like most large dogs, the Leonberger also has an increased tendency to suffer from life-threatening gastric torsion.
The Leonberger in films
Even if it has not yet been enough for a major leading role like Lassie, the Leonberger has repeatedly appeared in Hollywood films in the past. Among others, Leonberger has acted in The Secret of the Moon Princess, The Equalizer and The Call of the Wild.