Should You Get a Leonberger?
Leonbergers are known to be gentle, patient, and friendly dogs. They generally get along well with small children and other pets. With proper socialization and training, they can be great family pets and have a natural instinct to protect and care for their loved ones.
The Leonberger is a relatively new dog breed
developed by Heinrich Essig in Germany in the mid 19th century. It is believed they were bred from the Landseer Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and then a Pyrenean mountain dog. Some experts say, because of the Leonberger’s unique looks, there were other breeds in the mix.
Essig wanted to create a robust
and large-sized breed of working dogs that could serve as rescue dogs in mountains and rivers. The resulting breed was named Leonberger after the lion (“leon”) found on the town of Leonbergs emblem, combined with the description of being from “Bären” (bear) country.
The Leonberger was used during
World War I as a military dog and search and rescue dog. They faced extinction after the war, with records suggesting there were only 15-20 Leonbergers left alive!
The Leonberger is a sexually
dimorphic breed, meaning the male dogs appear larger and visibly more masculine and the female dogs, smaller and distinctly feminine.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Leonberger can reach up to 32 inches in height and 170 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Lion yellow, red, reddish brown, also sandy (pale yellow,
cream coloured) and all combinations in between, always with a
black mask. Black hair tips are permitted; however, black must not
determine the dog’s basic colour.”
Leonberger’s are a Large dog
but their average litter size is only 6 puppies. However, a Leonberger named Ariel in Powell, WY gave birth to a staggering 18 puppies, setting a breed record. The world record litter size belongs to a Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff in 2004. She gave birth to a whopping 24 puppies!
Growing Up Leonberger!
Have pictures of your dog as a puppy and an adult? We give-away free random videos of dogs growing up every month. You can enter pictures here!
Because of their gentle
disposition and an uncanny ability to sense human emotion, Leonbergers generally make excellent therapy dogs. Leo owners will swear their dogs will become visibly distressed when members of the family are sad or angry!
Leo Humor!
Leonbergers Shed
a lot-all the time-specially during spring and fall months. Brushing their coat every two weeks will help control excess shedding while bathing once a month works well for the rest of the year.
So, What do You Get With a Leo?
They shed a lot. They love to swim and will think nothing of rolling in a mud puddle. They generally do not drool much but a drink of water can turn into a puddle across the floor. They like to dig. They are relatively intelligent but can be stubborn (specially during adolescence)…
AND
they are devoted to their families. They have a huge heart and will become your best friend. They will sense your bad, sad and happy moods and act accordingly. They are usually very even-tempered even in the middle of chaos and will protect their families if necessary. They are great with kids and, usually other animals. Leonberger’s are gentle giants with a huge heart!
Check Your Leonberger Facts and Take a Fun Leo Quiz!
Quick Facts About Leonbergers Infographic
Facts About Leonbergers-Final Thoughts
Leonbergers are great dogs that possess a unique combination of traits. As one of the giant breeds, their large size and thick double coat make them not only striking to look at but also well-suited to colder climates. Despite their size, they are known for their gentle and friendly temperament, especially towards smaller children. Obedience training is essential for this active breed, as it helps establish boundaries and ensure they can be well-behaved family members. Additionally, their natural swimming abilities make them great companions for water activities. It’s important to note that while they are generally good with children, supervision is recommended when they interact with very young children due to their size and energy levels. With enough exercise and socialization, Leonbergers can thrive as loyal family pets capable of protecting their loved ones from any potential intruders. Whether you’re looking for a loving companion or a majestic guardian, Leonbergers have got you covered!
