Leonberger

The large size and gentle temperament of the Leonberger dog breed make it an impressive and majestic breed. Known for being a "gentle giant," this breed has won the affections of numerous families due to its amiable and devoted disposition.

The Leonberger breed, which originated in Germany, was intended to resemble a lion, and it certainly looks the part. They are a multipurpose working dog because of their strong, muscular build and thick, water-resistant coat. They are also aesthetically pleasing.

Leonbergers are renowned for getting along well with kids and other animals, which makes them an excellent family pet despite their massive stature. They are especially good with young children because of their calm disposition and patience, and they are vigilant about their loved ones because of their protective instincts.

The Leonberger breed is still very popular, whether it is used as a working dog or a family pet because of its admirable mix of gentleness and strength.

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Leonberger
Origin	Germany
Size	Large
Weight	90-170 lbs (40-77 kg)
Coat Type	Thick, water-resistant
Temperament	Loyal, friendly, protective
Life Expectancy	8-10 years
Exercise Needs	High
Training	Needs early socialization
Good with Children	Yes, very gentle
Grooming	Regular brushing needed

General characteristics of the Leonberger breed

Breeds of service dogs include leonbergers. They were bred especially to perform a variety of tasks and to assist people. They were initially employed as draft animals. They protected the house and the plot, assisted in grazing and watching over livestock. This is a great family dog because it can be a nanny and is friendly despite its enormous size. It is also a great choice for a rescue dog and guide dog.

The breed’s name is connected to Leonberg, the location of its breeding. However, it may be connected to these dogs’ physical characteristics and personalities. "Mountain lion" is how leonbergers are translated from German. Breed leaders are big, strong, and have a regal stance along with thick, shaggy fur in one of the many shades of red. They are brave, serene, self-assured, and unfazed by life.

Parameters	Characteristics
name of the breed	leonberger (German. Leonberger)
country	Germany
time	19th century
group of breeds	Pinschers and Schnauzers, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs
application	companion, guard, security guard, shepherd, rescuer
life expectancy	9-11 years
height	males 72-80 cm, females 65-75 cm
weight	males 59-77 kg, females 45-59 kg
aggression	no
activity	average
intelligence	standard
training	easy to handle, suitable for inexperienced owners
care	simple, but sheds a lot
health	good

Pros

The primary benefit of the Leonberger breed lies in its well-mannered and amiable disposition. It is hard to rile up this serene, well-mannered dog. Even inexperienced owners can benefit from him because he is intelligent, easy to train, and not domineering. These dogs can protect the home and save lives without the need for specialized training. They possess strong territorial instincts and natural security traits. Furthermore, they will act without the owner’s permission to save anyone they notice in need of assistance in the water. The Leonberger offers a number of additional benefits.

• it has no aggression;
• loyal, affectionate, good-natured;
• sociable, easily finds a common language with any person;
• obedient, reasonable, tries to please the owner;
• has an attractive appearance;
• in adulthood can be an excellent nanny;
• unpretentious, not picky in food;
• he is not characterized by strong salivation;
• strong, hardy and hard-working;
• lives quietly next to other pets;
• vigilant guard;
• does not bark without reason;
• has good health.

Cons

Leonbergers are big, strong canines. They are not appropriate for a small apartment because they require a lot of space. The breed is highly valued and uncommon. Furthermore, keeping a dog of that size can be expensive. There are a few more drawbacks for Leonbergers:

• they love to swim – even in puddles or in the mud;
• grow up slowly, become fully mature by 2 years;
• fur sheds a lot;
• have a short life expectancy;
• slow and phlegmatic;
• do not tolerate heat well.

The breed’s characteristics are enhanced by the video:

Video: Overview of the benefits and drawbacks of the Leonberger dog breed

Video: Leonbergers are one such breed.

Leonberger in the video. Price, selection criteria, facts, history, care, and pros and cons

History of the breed"s origin

In the 1800s, the Leonberger breed made its debut in Germany. Heinrich Essig, the mayor of Leonberg, made the decision to produce big dogs. He had an idea for a new breed, whose members would be shaped like the city’s emblem, the lion. He crossed St. Bernards and Newfoundlands to start the selection process. Pyrenean mountain dogs were first utilized in breeding a few years later. Essig was successful in achieving his goal of having a color akin to a lion.

German dog breeders recognized the new breed in the middle of the 19th century, and it was registered under the name Leonberger. It turned out that these were large dogs with thick, long hair and a distinctive black mask on their muzzles. They were first well-liked by farmers because they were courageous, fearless, and had great hearing in addition to being hardy and industrious swimmers. They came to represent the city of Leonberg, and a monument was built in their honor.

Nonetheless, Essig started promoting his dogs in social circles. After ten years, they became well-liked by the aristocracy, and owning one of these dogs was considered noble. Puppies were costly. German breeders created a standard for the breed at the close of the 1800s. However, it was acknowledged on a global scale in 1905.

The breed was almost extinct by the middle of the 20th century. There were just 8 Leonbergers left in Germany after World War II. Although the breed’s population has since increased, it is still among the rarest in the world. The end of the 20th century saw the arrival of Leonbergers in Russia. The breed is rare and has not yet gained widespread popularity.

Description of the appearance of Leonbergers

A large dog with a broad chest, a balanced build, and thick hair is the Leonberger. Males can weigh 70 kg and reach heights of 80–85 cm. The breed’s unique feature is how drastically females and males differ from one another. Their collar and withers are not very well defined. Female Leonbergers are likewise smaller in stature, weighing no more than 59 kg and seldom growing to a height of 75 cm.

Head

Despite being large, the head is in proportion to the body. The stop is somewhat noticeable, and the skull is convex. The muzzle is long and broad, not constricting. The nose bridge has a tiny raised area. Given its size, the earlobe must be black. Strong jaws with a scissor bite are present. The lips are thin, black, and do not curl out.

The medium-sized, oval eyes are set quite wide at the stop level. The whites are nearly invisible, the eyelids are black, and they fit tightly. Iris color can range from light brown to dark brown. The tiny, plump ears hang freely. possess a triangular form with rounded corners. pressed up against the cheeks, planted high.

Body

The neck is muscular, long, and dewlap-free. Particularly in men, the nape is clearly defined. The body has a nearly rectangular shape and is constructed harmoniously. The standard states that the length at the withers should be somewhat larger than the height (10:9). The croup is rounded, the back is broad and straight. The chest is broad, deep, and extends to the elbows. The abdomen is tucked in just a little. The tail is heavily furred and set low. It is lowered when at ease. The tip may be lifted in excitement, but not higher than the back.

Limbs

The limbs possess strength and power. The front ones are fairly wide and arranged parallel. The elbows are pressed to the sides, and the shoulder blades slope. The thighs are long, the back ones are muscular, and the joint angles are clearly defined. The toes are gathered into a lump, and the paws are compact. The dog can swim well because of the bridges that connect them. Because of the pads’ density, you can run without slipping. The motions are sweeping, free, and uniform.

Coat and colors

Apply a thick, double coat. The guard’s hair is straight, medium length, and somewhat soft. The undercoat is thick and fluffy. On the neck and chest, the hair grows longer and resembles a lion’s mane. The tail and legs have noticeable feathering.

There are multiple Leonberger colors allowed by the breed standard. Any shade of red will do, including sand, yellow, and reddish brown. It’s acceptable to be fawn with black hair tips. On the chest, there could be a tiny white spot. A black mask on the muzzle and dark ear tips are required characteristics of the breed.

Images support the breed’s description:

Character traits

Dogs that focus on people are leonbergers. They easily establish a common language with everyone and are friendly. peaceful, laid-back, devoid of hostility and mistrust, and not easily tempted to assume power. They make excellent guide dogs because of these traits as well as their high level of intelligence.

This dog requires continuous care because it is extremely attached to its owner and family. His behavior would not indicate it, but he enjoys lying quietly and watching people around him. However, he is constantly willing to help the game or just hang out with the owner. Long periods of separation from their family cause Leonbergers agony, and they struggle when their owners change. Depression and other disorders can be brought on by neglect and loneliness.

These canines are gentle and submissive. They never vie for leadership with the owner. They dislike arguments, disputes, and loud voices. Strangers are not considered enemies by Leonbergs. This is an excellent guard dog, but it’s not mistrustful or suspicious. However, it will always safeguard the owner and his belongings if needed. This dog’s appearance and deep bark ward off would-be intruders.

Leonbergers have a great affection for kids. They are kind and patient with them, always willing to defend and encourage any games. An adult dog can make a wonderful nanny because he will never hurt the child and will look out for and shield him. This mindset extends beyond family members to include the children of other people. Despite the fact that puppies view children as their relatives. Leonbergers also develop slowly. Until a child is two years old, you should never leave them unattended with a pet because it could bite, crush, or drop them.

All pets get along well with Leonbergs. They respond calmly to small, noisy dogs and never chase cats or birds. They avoid confrontations with other dogs, though they can readily defend themselves if needed. Being silent in the presence of loud noises is another trait of this breed.

The following qualities define these dogs’ personalities:

• compatibility;
• prudence;
• good nature;
• balance;
• patience;
• loyalty;
• slowness;
• fearlessness;
• cheerfulness;
• sociability.

Education and training

Leonbergers are placid, quick-witted, and extremely intelligent. Because they are not prone to dominance, training them is simple. However, socialization and training must begin at a young age. When the puppy is old enough to walk on a leash and comprehend simple commands, it should be able to respond calmly to both strangers and the sounds of the street.

The dog needs to be taught the rules of behavior right away. It must get used to a new name, location, and eating routine. It’s crucial to start teaching the puppy to walk beside you and not tug on the leash right away. It’s also essential to be familiar with the following commands:

Regular puppy training is required. The best kind of training is game-based; it should be brief and engaging. These canines are intelligent and pick up on instructions fast. They are not trained in tricks and dislike monotony, but they still make an effort to please their owner. Leonbergers are not like shepherds in that they will not blindly obey orders. It should be remembered that members of the breed tend to be slow, so patience is required.

You must communicate with a Leonberger in a somewhat strict manner. Using physical punishment or raising your voice is not advised. These dogs respond to violence with great pain. A good way to discipline a pet would be to make them stop playing and to use the owner’s firm voice. However, it is preferable to train with affection, praise, and treats more frequently. Numerous owners observe that these animals respond to intonation and tone of voice, and they are able to quickly understand people.

Captivating images highlight the traits of these dogs’ personalities and actions:

Because they are modest and quiet, Leonbergers don’t cause any particular issues in the home. However, it is preferable to keep this dog on the grounds. Its thick fur helps it to withstand the cold. Representatives of the breed require freedom and ongoing human interaction, so they shouldn’t be chained. Long-term confinement of the dog in an aviary is also not advised. It ought to have unrestricted access to the home.

Regardless of the method used, the dog must go for two daily walks. Despite this, Leonbergers don’t need a lot of exercise. Walks don’t have to be long, and you shouldn’t make your pet run a lot. In particular, serious loads are not recommended for puppies. It’s not advisable to let them climb stairs or jump. However, they should explore their surroundings and acquire fresh perspectives.

Hygiene procedures

The long, thick coat of the Leonberger easily becomes tangled. Sheds heavily twice a year, and continuously sheds little by little if the dog is housebroken. The coat needs to be combed every day. For this, use various combs, brushes, tangle cutters, and slicker brushes.

As soon as the Leonberger gets dirty, you must give it a bath. If housed indoors, you can give it a monthly bath to avoid odors associated with dogs. The dog loves to swim, so you should allow them to swim in open water during the summer. However, you must remember that they frequently get dirty because they don’t mind swimming in puddles.

Your pet needs to be acclimated to a few additional mandatory procedures from a young age:

• examine the eyes every day, if necessary, remove discharge with a cotton pad soaked in tea or boiled water;
• clean the ears of sulfur and dirt once a week, you can use Chlorhexidine or a special veterinary lotion;
• if the claws are not ground down during walks, they need to be trimmed once a month, this is a must on the dewclaws;
• it is important to monitor the pet"s teeth, you can prevent the appearance of plaque and tartar with weekly cleaning with special pastes.

Nutrition

The Leonberger can be fed both natural products and dry food. These dogs eat a little because their metabolisms are slow. To overfeed them is not advised. They are prone to bloating and weight gain. As a result, you must feed little meals frequently throughout the day. Puppy: based on age, three to six times; after a year, twice.

Food shouldn’t have a lot of calories, but it should be full of all the essential nutrients and beneficial microelements. You are not allowed to feed your dog sausages, fatty foods, or food from your table. Pickles, pastries, smoked meats, and sweets are not recommended.

Lean meat or offal, vegetables, and cereals should make up no more than 20% of the diet. Vegetable oil and fermented milk products are beneficial. Foods must contain complexes of vitamins and minerals, with calcium being particularly crucial. Veterinarians advise adult dogs to take chondroitin and glucosamine supplements as a preventative measure against joint issues.

You should choose premium and ultra-premium brands when feeding dry food. They should be designed for large breeds of dogs that are not active.

Health

A Leonberger’s life expectancy is not very long. They have an average lifespan of ten years, similar to most large dogs. Rarely, some people live for 11 or 12 years, but not longer. Despite the fact that these are robust, healthy dogs. They seldom become ill when given the right stuff. But these illnesses do occasionally occur:

• hip dysplasia;
• arthritis;
• osteosarcoma;
• osteomyelitis;
• A eyelid inversion;
• Addison"s disease;
• indigestion;
• allergy;
• dermatitis.

How to buy a leonberger puppy

Based on global statistics, this breed is considered rare, with fewer than 10,000 individuals worldwide. Although they are not very common in Russia, nurseries can be found in Moscow and other major cities. A purebred puppy costs 40,000 rubles initially. A dog without documentation can be purchased for less money, but there is a chance that it will be immortal or have inherited illnesses.

Puppy sales begin at 1.5–2 months of age. The baby should be lively and playful at this age. He is cooperative and already laps well from a bowl. Puppies in good health have dark lips, eyelids, and noses; they also don’t have any eye discharge or flea or worm infestations. They weigh roughly 5 kg, have thick, fluffy fur, and are well-fed.

The image depicts the appearance of Leonberger puppies:

An additional fascinating Leonbergers video:

Video: 3 year old, 88 kg Leonberger Micah. Micah Leonberger, age three, 88 kg

With a heart as large as its stature, the Leonberger is a gentle giant. This breed is well-known for its loyalty and placid demeanor, which make it an excellent family pet. They frequently exhibit patience and protectiveness, making them especially wonderful with kids.

Leonbergers love to be active and are surprisingly agile for their size. They must exercise frequently to stay happy and healthy. Regular grooming prevents matting in their thick coat, which also contributes to their magnificent appearance.

If you"re looking for a loving, devoted dog with a calm nature, the Leonberger could be the perfect fit. With the right care, they will become a beloved member of the family.

Giant and gentle, the Leonberger breed is renowned for its lion-like appearance, calm temperament, and loyalty. Its loving disposition and tolerance for small people make it an excellent family dog, despite being bred to be a working dog as well as a companion. Leonbergers, despite their size, are intelligent, amiable dogs that need regular grooming and exercise to stay in good health.

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