LeonbergerCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that at the end of the 1830s and the beginning of the 1840s, Heinrich Essig, a town councillor of Leonberg, mated a black and white Newfoundland bitch with a “Barry” male from the Great St Bernard hospice. Later a Pyrenean Mountain Dog was also added. Essig's aim was a dog that would look like a lion, the town's heraldic animal.

The first dogs truly called “Leonberger” were born in 1846 and were soon sold all over the world as status symbols. At the end of the 19th century it was the favourite farm dog in Baden-Württemberg, valued for guarding and draught work. During the two world wars, the number of breeding dogs fell dramatically.

How the breed developed

• Late 1830s – Heinrich Essig begins crossbreeding in Leonberg.
• 1846 – The first dogs called Leonberger are born.
• Late 19th century – The favourite farm dog in Baden-Württemberg.
• The world wars – The number of dogs falls dramatically.
• 17 February 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a large, strong, muscular yet elegant dog, with a balanced build and a confident calm, but quite lively. Males are particularly powerful. The AKC says a male can weigh as much as an adult human.

General appearance

The coat is long, abundant, straight or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat, and forms a mane on the neck and chest, especially in males. The front legs have feathering and the hind legs abundant “trousers”. The AKC mentions the triangular ears, the bushy tail and the black mask.

The accepted colours are lion yellow, red, reddish brown and sandy (pale yellow, cream), with all combinations between them, always with a black mask. Black tips on the hairs are permitted, but black must not be the base colour.

The standard says that, as a family dog, it is a pleasant partner for modern life, can be taken anywhere without problems and is very friendly with children. It is neither shy nor aggressive; it is obedient and fearless in every situation.

The AKC says that, as it is very large and strong and the puppies are very enthusiastic, proper training is essential. Puppies should be gently socialised before 20 weeks of age, and group obedience classes help a lot.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it before 20 weeks. The advice comes from the AKC.
• Teach it to walk nicely on the lead. As an adult it will be very strong.
• Be calm and consistent. It learns easily and remembers well.
• Go to group classes. The AKC says they help a lot.

The AKC says it is not the right breed for a city flat or a small yard. Adults are usually calm, but they need sustained daily exercise; they can jog or go hiking with their owner.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a house with a large yard.
• In summer, keep it out of the heat.
• Moderate, controlled exercise for puppies.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the Leonberger sheds a lot, and even more twice a year. It needs daily brushing, especially behind the ears and on the back of the legs, and once a week it needs a full grooming session, which takes quite a long time.

Common health problems

The AKC says that, like other large dogs, it can suffer from bloat. Responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Ask for the parents' DNA tests.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need growth food suited to very large breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• Like a lion. Essig wanted a dog that looked like the lion on the coat of arms of Leonberg.
• A status symbol. The first dogs were sold all over the world as status symbols.
• As heavy as a person. The AKC says a male can weigh as much as an adult human.
• Noise does not frighten it. The standard requires a Leonberger to be indifferent to noise.
• A farm dog. At the end of the 19th century it guarded farms and pulled carts.

Where does the name come from?

From the town of Leonberg, near Stuttgart.

How big does it get?

Males measure 72–80 cm and females 65–75 cm at the withers.

Is it good with children?

Yes. The standard says it is very friendly with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives a life expectancy of about 7 years.