Leonberger – breed description, character, many photos, nurseries

The Leonberger may be the ideal addition to your family if you’re searching for a gregarious giant. This magnificent breed is renowned for both its striking appearance and gentle disposition. Everywhere they go, Leonbergers draw attention due to their imposing stature and fluffy coats. However, they are much more than just attractive people!

Leonbergers were originally bred in Germany as multipurpose working dogs that were used for companionship, guarding, and cart pulling. Their loyal disposition and robust, well-balanced physique are testaments to their rich past. These dogs are excellent companions for seniors, single people, and families because of their reputation for affection.

The personality of Leonbergers is one of their most distinctive traits. They are generally peaceful and amiable, and they love interacting with people. Training these dogs is a rewarding experience because they are not only gentle giants but also intelligent and eager to please. Leonbergers can grow up to be well-mannered members of any household with the correct upbringing and socialization.

This post will go into greater detail about the special qualities of the Leonberger breed, include a ton of adorable pictures, and give you information on reliable nurseries where you can locate your future best friend. You’ve come to the right spot if you’re thinking about bringing one of these gorgeous dogs into your house or you just want to know more about them!

History of origin

You will surely be curious to learn how this incredible breed—the Leonberger—came to be. The head of the municipality in the German city of Leonberg (Lion City) at the end of the 19th century decided to combine his love of animals and his hometown into one by creating a lion dog as a symbol of the city, with the king of beasts depicted on its coat of arms.

He first crossed a black and white Newfoundland and a St. Bernard. Unusual puppies emerged as a result. Then, the Pyrenean mountain dog breed was heavily infused with the blood of another sizable breed. The Leonberger, whose fur was originally silver-gray, was bred in this manner. And the breeder only succeeded in achieving a yellow-red color and a black mask a few decades later.

These dogs were prized, kept by German nobility, and their puppies were expensive presents for international dignitaries. But the breed also had its drawbacks, as the cynological community did not regard it with much respect. Breeding producers were in danger of going extinct during World War Two. The population wasn’t restored until the 1970s of the previous century. In 1989, this breed made its debut in Russia.

Description of the Leonberger breed

A Leonberger dog exudes strength at first glance. This big, well-built dog was formerly employed to haul heavy loads because of its extreme strength. However, in spite of its bulk, it is incredibly flexible, mobile, and agile. Let’s examine the breed description together in order to better understand the breed:

• the height of an adult male Leonberger at the withers is 72-80 cm, females – 65-75 cm;
• the weight of the Leonberger is between 41 and 75 kg, and males are much larger than females;
• the head is large with medium-sized ears that hang down to the cheeks;
• eyes from dark to light brown, although dark is preferable;
• the eyelids fit tightly to the eyeball; the expression of the eyes is thoughtful and intelligent;
• the dog is supposed to have 42 teeth, with the exception, perhaps, of the absence of molars (M3); the dog has a scissor bite;
• the body with a straight back and a sloping loin, but in no case humped or arched;
• the paws are straight and powerful, stronger in the male than in the female;
• the dog"s movements when running are powerful and sweeping;
• the tail is lowered and curled, and when moving should not rise above the back;
• the fur has a thick undercoat, very soft, without partings, can be smooth or slightly wavy; there are "pants" on the hind legs, and a mane on the chest and neck, which makes the dog look like a lion.

Leonberger breed colors

There are many different shades of red in the Leonberger breed, ranging from light sand to dark red. The primary rule stated in the breed standard is that gray or brown colors are not acceptable for dogs. Furthermore, the breed lacks a zonal color. Furthermore, the Leonberger is said to have a "mask" that covers part of the head and the shoulders. This is the red coat being made darker with black.

White hair is permitted on the Leonberger chest, but it cannot be wider than the palm. Individual white hairs on the dog’s fingers are another possibility. The pet’s coat requires routine care, such as combing, to keep it looking fantastic.

Crucial! It is a disqualifying defect for the breed if the dog’s mask is missing or incomplete.

Leonberger character

In spite of his superior guard status, the Leonberger does not exhibit an aggressive demeanor. Important and unflappable, he is prepared to frighten away an intruder with a single, menacing look—all without spitting. Psyche that is malleable enables it to fit any owner.

Crucial! Aggression in this breed is grounds for the dog’s disqualification.

Leonberger looks after kids of all ages with love and care. However, this is only applicable to adult dogs; large puppies of this breed pose a risk to the infant due to the possibility that they may drop it or attempt to bite it unintentionally. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave the small children alone or permit them to interact closely with the puppy when you bring them into the house.

But don’t worry—despite its sweet disposition, the Leonberger will defend its pack and its domain from harm. You won’t have to worry about either your own safety or the security of the belongings entrusted to it when using it. This breed is known for its total composure in the face of loud noises, such as hail, thunder, and gunshots, even in the absence of specific training.

Crucial! People who are unsure of their ability to manage a dog of this size are misguided. A leonberger dog is content to serve its owner and obey his commands; it does not pursue dominance. He will never face competition from the dog for family hierarchy.

Training a Leonberger

It’s likely that you’re wondering if this breed has inherent intelligence or if it can be trained. Although this dog is obviously well-mannered, this does not guarantee that it will be perfectly obedient at home, when out for a walk, or at public events where lots of people will be around. The dog requires the most time and effort to socialize. The dog should respond to people, pets, and vehicles in a neutral manner.

Crucial! Training must begin as soon as possible if you intend to train a Leonberger to be a guard. The ideal age is two to three months.

Raising this proud dog means that punishment is not appropriate. Furthermore, since the dog is intelligent by nature and aspires to please its owner, it won’t be necessary. Thus, affection and treats are necessary for training.

Care and maintenance

A Leonberg’s maintenance is no different from that of any other large dog. The dog requires a spot to relax in. It is ideal if it is an aviary in a private residence. This large ball of fur needs to be able to move around a lot during the day. Both his mood and his musculoskeletal system will benefit from this. If this isn’t feasible, the dog will always be gloomy and sedentary, which will eventually cause illness.

Due to the thick coat and undercoat of Leonbergers, hair on furniture and the floor cannot be avoided. Every two days, you should comb the animal’s coat with a slicker brush and a special rubber glove to reduce it and maintain its beauty.

Crucial! The dog requires a place to live, a leash, a collar, as well as timely vaccinations, a healthy diet, and veterinary care.

Health of the Leonberger breed

One could argue that people who already own Leonbergers or are just considering getting this amazing breed are fortunate. Dogs are not prone to getting sick often or being afraid of getting cold. However, they still suffer from hip dysplasia, a condition that is genetically transmissible. Although it is irreversible, it can be treated if caught early. For this, the dog receives little exercise but is permitted to swim frequently and go for walks in deep snow during the winter.

Just like in many large breeds, arthritis is common in older dogs. You should keep an eye on your pet’s diet for the duration of their life to prevent overeating, unhealthy eating, fast food swallowing, and painful bloating. It might be fatal. If the dog becomes ill, a gas outlet tube is provided, and in extreme cases, the stomach wall is punctured to release gases.

Crucial! For this breed, life expectancy is short. It only lasts for eight to ten years.

What to feed a Leonberger

Take note! A Leonberger is a large dog, so you shouldn’t assume that it requires a lot of food. Their slow rate of digestion means that they only need food sparingly and gradually. Overeating has a severe negative impact on the joints, the motorcycle of the stomach, and it causes obesity. As a result, a diet high in beneficial trace elements and vitamins rather than calories is recommended.

1. Kids who were taken away from the mother (and this happens, as a rule, in 1 month), you can feed milk, it is good if it is a goat. A little later, porridge is boiled on it, gradually reducing the amount of milk and replacing it with water.
2. Puppies 2-3 months from the clan is supposed to feed 5-6 times a day. The diet should mainly consist of liquid cereals with meat, kefir, cottage cheese and quail eggs. Boiled vegetables in the form of a separate dish or along with porridge are required. The protein of the chicken egg is extremely undesirable.
3. At six months you can give food already 3-4 times a day with preserving the diet. A grown puppy should be given raw cartilage for the correct formation of joints, as well as boiled fish fillet.
4. By the age of one year, there are two feedings left – in the morning, after a walk and in the evening.

It’s advised to give an adult dog:

• boiled sea fish;
• offal;
• meat and large beef bones;
• all kinds of seasonal vegetables, except cabbage;
• porridge from any grains, except legumes, preference for rice and oatmeal;
• kefir, buttermilk.

Additional information: what to feed an adult dog Apart from natural products, this breed of dog can also be fed premium dry food. They should only be bought from reliable vendors. It is advised that babies start eating canned food at two months of age, and they can switch to dry food at six months.

Crucial! Giving your dog sweets, smoked foods, or salty food is never a good idea because these foods are poisonous to dogs.

Photo of a Leonberger

A picture cannot possibly capture the grace and gentle disposition of a Leonberger. If you want to fall deeply in love with this breed, it is best to speak with him face-to-face.

Reviews of the Leonberger breed

Alexander: "I decided to try to bring this enormous dog home after seeing the Leonberger breed for the first time at a dog show. I have never regretted my impulse in all the years I have spent talking with my dog.

Alina: "This breed is not appropriate for people who live in apartments, especially small ones. This was unknown to us. We were forced to relocate home as a result. Thus, our Shah turned into a motivator for the family to upgrade their living space."

Eduard: "I own a professional nursery and I am a breeder of the wonderful Leonberger breed. With all due respect, I can state that there isn’t a better breed out there, and the owner feedback on this dog is overwhelmingly positive.

The Leonberger is a magnificent and gentle giant that makes a wonderful family pet due to its striking appearance and amiable disposition. We’ll explore the breed’s attributes, temperament, and special qualities in this post, along with gorgeous images that highlight their beauty. In order to give you all the information you need to decide whether to bring one of these adorable dogs into your house, we’ll also highlight reliable nurseries where you can find a Leonberger.

Price of puppies

Considering that the breed is not very common among our fellow countrymen, there aren’t many nurseries offering puppies for sale. The breed is reserved for those who can afford such luxury because they are not inexpensive. A baby can be purchased for as little as 30,000 rubles or as much as 60,000 rubles.

Breed Description	Leonbergers are large, friendly dogs known for their lion-like appearance and gentle nature. They have a thick, water-resistant coat and are great family pets.
Character	These dogs are loyal, protective, and good with children. They are also quite intelligent and require regular mental and physical stimulation.
Many Photos	Check out various galleries online to see their stunning looks and playful behavior in action.
Nurseries	Look for reputable breeders or rescues that specialize in Leonbergers to ensure a healthy puppy.

The Leonberger, renowned for both its exquisite appearance and kind disposition, is a truly remarkable breed. These dogs are difficult to miss because of their magnificent mane-like fur and impressive size. They are a wonderful companion and a striking presence in any setting because they combine grace and strength.

The amiable and loving nature of Leonbergers is one of their most notable characteristics. They are excellent family dogs since they get along well with kids and other animals. They make great watchdogs in addition to being loyal companions because of their strong protective instincts. The Leonberger may be the ideal dog for you if you’re searching for a companion that will always be by your side and show you love.

Selecting a trustworthy breeder is crucial for anyone who is considering adopting a Leonberger. Health, temperament, and socialization are the main priorities of nurseries that specialize in this breed. Always seek out breeders who are concerned about their dogs’ welfare and who can offer advice on care and training. This guarantees a happy and healthy upbringing for your new pet.

Leonbergers can enrich your life with happiness and companionship, whether their gentle demeanor or attractive appearance captivate you. These dogs can become treasured members of your family for many years to come with enough love and care. You won’t be sorry if you’re prepared to accept the big, fluffy love that a Leonberger has to offer!

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