Leonberger Puppies Blog

Named from the city of Leonberg in Germany, the Leonberger is believed to be bred to resemble the lion of its town’s coat-of-arms (thus its nickname, “Gentle Lion”). This large dog breed has an even richer history than the one thought to be in the legend.

1830’s

Heinrich Essig (1809-1889), an animal trader originally created the Leonberger by crossing a female Landseer with a Saint Bernard. He later added a Pyrenean Mountain Dog resulting in large dogs with long white coats. Essig’s marketing skills caused the dogs to find their way to homes of royalty.

1846

The first dogs registered as Leonbergers were born. Essig declared the “creation” of the Leonberger as a legitimate breed of dog.

1895

“Internationaler Klub für Leonbergerhunde” was founded with Albert Kull as president. Kull authored the first Leonberger Standard for the defensible description of the dog’s breeding program.

Late 19^th Century

The modern look of Leonbergers (darker coats and black masks) was developed through the introduction of other breeds. They were kept as farm dogs because of their ability in guarding livestock and draft work.

1914–1945

Leonbergers were used to pull the ammunition carts during the World Wars I and II. Breeders who fled or killed by war left the dogs and almost caused its extinction. Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans saved the breed by finding five dogs for breeding in war torn Germany.

1948

Both dogs and records survived the destruction of the World Wars and the current German Leonberger Club was formed led by the veterinarian Dr. Herbstreith. Robert Beutelsbacher succeeded leadership and wrote a firm set of breeding regulations.

1975

The German Leonberger Club joined all breeding clubs in Europe and formed the International Union of Leonberger Clubs.

2011

Leonbergers received recognition from the American Kennel Club as the 167^th breed and a member of the Working Group.

The Leonberger is a large and very energetic dog that resembles a lion. They are a versatile breed because they can function in areas such as hunting, herding and family companion. It is probably because they are a mix of Newfoundland, St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees. Adapting to almost any task is its characteristic. They have a very intimidating bark that makes them excellent watchdogs.  Apartment living may be manageable if access to a large yard.

Also, shedding may be a problem for they do shed heavily.  Their coats are of red, reddish brown or lion yellow color with an outer coat being long, rough and the undercoat is soft and dense. Both are weather resistant. What is unique about the mane is that it forms a mane around the neck of the male dog, giving it a similar imposing look as the lion. Females on the other hand have less-prominent manes.  The Leonberger can stand 29 to 31.5 inches high for males and 25.5 to 29.5 for females. They usually weigh anywhere between 105 or 132 pounds respectively.