The Leonberger
 Grasslands Leonbergers |
 Corleone |
 Heronview Leonbergers |
 Ginger Heaven FCI |
Many royal families have owned Leonbergers, including Empress Elizabeth of Austria, Napoleon II of France, the Prince of Wales, Emperor Napoleon II, Bismarck, and Italian King Umberto. Many Leonbergers were imported to Russia in the nineteenth century.
It is believed that the Leonberger comes from a large Saint Bernard and a Landseer Newfoundland. Later two puppies were traded for a second Saint Bernard, which introduced Leonberger blood into the lines at the Hospice. It has been noted in Hospice records that the early Leonbergers were often used to strengthen bloodlines at the Hospice after a terrible epidemic in 1830.
All three breeds most likely come from the Molossers, which were ancient Tibetan Mastiff-like dogs that were brought to northern Europe by Alexander the Greats' conquering armies.
Leonbergers served in the armies during the two World Wars. Most died in the battles or due to starvation. In 1945, several German fanciers collected the remaining specimens of the breed and began breeding once again. In 1948, the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde was founded.
Today the Leonberger has regained his popularity in Europe. The first Leonberger was imported to the United States in 1971, and there are currently close to one thousand registered today. This versatile breed has been successful in many endeavors. The Leonberger has been used for guarding livestock, obedience and tracking. The breed is also used in Germany for search and rescue and has a reputation as a great water-rescue dog. The Leonberger's warm, gentle personality makes him a fine family companion dog.
The Leonberger has a lively nature and is steady and affectionate. It has a sweet expression. Loving and steadfast, stable and calm, the Leonberger just loves everyone. Their intelligence is extraordinary; their loyalty and love for their families is unparalleled. He has a friendly personality. Most are considered highly trustworthy and have incredible patience, even with the most obnoxious children, but there are some that are not as patient. With most of these dogs, if the situation becomes too intense, instead of showing any aggression, the Leonberger simply walks away. Most of these dogs can take bad behavior in their stride. The Leonberger does not respond very well to harsh training-methods; training requires patience. To be an excellent watch-dog it requires some special training. A gentle giant. Serious, intelligent and brave, the Leonberger wants to please, and responds well to training. The Leonberger can get along with other dogs. Socialize early and well, as this puppy will become a very large adult! The Leonberger is more agile than many other giant breeds.
This breed does not need a lot of exercise. They love to be included in all family outings and are very adaptable to most any environment. They truly love to swim, hike and be trained to pull carts and sleds. If you plan to have your Leo pull carts or hike, one has to wait until the dog is grown. It is not recommended before the dog is about 18 months old.
Males should be 28-32 inches tall, females 26-30 inches. Their colors can be sand, golden to red. The Leonberger's long thick coat would tend to make people feel that they need a lot of grooming. Their coats are waterproof and for the most part tangle-free. As long as there is regular brushings the coat should remain in wonderful condition. The Leonberger does blow its coat twice a year and during this time, it is not uncommon to completely fill trash bags with fur.
Health concerns include Hip dysplasia, which is a result of abnormal development of the "ball-and socket" joints of the hips. OCD, which is a condition where an area of cartilage dies and falls into the associated joint. Panosteitis, which is pain that often shifts from one limb to another (treatable with rest). Addison's disease which is a very rare hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands, Entropion and Ectropion which is the turning in or out of the eyelids, Osteosarcoma which is a highly destructive tumor state which spreads rapidly to other organs, particularly the lungs. Bloat and Hypothyroidism are also concerns with the breed.
