The history of the Leonberger
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 19th 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 167th breed and a member of the Working Group.
