Leonberger
Summary
The Leonberger is a German giant created in the city of Leonberg in the 19th century by the mayor Heinrich Essig, who wanted to create a dog that resembled the lion on the city's coat of arms. To do this, he crossed Saint Bernards with Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, obtaining an impressive result: an enormous dog with a golden-leonine coat, a large dark mane around the neck, and an extraordinarily gentle temperament.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Giant
- Height (male)
- 72–80 cm
- Height (female)
- 65–74 cm
- Weight (male)
- 48–77 kg
- Weight (female)
- 41–61 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 7–9 years
- Coat
- Medium to long, dense, wavy, with characteristic mane on the neck and chest
- Common Colors
- Golden-yellow to reddish-brown, always with a black mask
Temperament & Personality
The Leonberger is one of the gentlest of all "gentle giants". It is extraordinarily balanced, calm, patient with children, sociable with other animals, and generally friendly with strangers. It does not have pronounced guarding instincts — it prefers to socialise rather than watch. It needs a lot of human company and suffers with loneliness. It is a family breed in the truest sense of the word.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Heavy
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Cancer (mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)
- Gastric dilatation/torsion
- Hip dysplasia
- Leonberger Hereditary Neuropathy (LPN — a breed-specific neurological disease)
- Osteosarcoma
- Recommended Health Tests
- Cardiac examination
- Genetic test for LPN
- Hip radiography
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
