True to its original purpose, the Leonberger is a very large, extremely strong dog with an elegant, harmonious body. He is characterized by self-confidence, inner peace and gentleness contrasting with his powerful figure. Dog lovers agree that whoever gets to know the Leonberger at least once, will always remain under the charm of this breed.
According to the FCI classification, Leonbergers are classified as mountain type molossians (FCI: group II, section 2, standard no. 145). This dog is a sexually dimorphic breed, which means that males and females are immediately recognizable. Female dogs have a more graceful, slender figure, with narrower hips and shoulders. Males are thicker, have larger heads and paws, and fur with a prominent mane.
Regardless of gender, the Leonberger is impossible to miss due to its impressive size. Adult males reach a height of 72-80 cm, and females 65-75 cm. The weight of these giants is on average 50 – 75 kg.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The Leonberger's coat is medium length, with slightly wavy hair on the chest, belly and tail. Males have a characteristic lion's mane around the neck, heavily haired forelegs and characteristic trousers. The inner coat is made up of a very dense undercoat, which gives the dog a fluffier and shaggier appearance.
The coat color is a variety of lighter shades, from lion's lion and gold through light brown and red. The colors are generally solid, except for the breed-specific black mask on the muzzle and ears. This element gives the dog an interesting and friendly look. The Leonberger's eyes are large, almond-shaped, and uniformly dark brown.
Heinrich Essig, a famous politician, is considered the creator of the Leonberger breed. He was an avid pet lover and trader. He lived in Leonberg, Germany. His dream was to breed a dog that would resemble the lion on the city's coat of arms. In 1846, Essig announced that he had created a new dog by crossing the Landseer Newfoundland with the Saint Bernard and then with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. He named the new breed Leonberger, praising his beloved hometown. He then traveled around the world popularizing the breed, while his niece, Marie, bred and trained Leonbergers at home.
Essig was an extremely effective propagator of the breed. Without any major problems, he made her famous among royal families and celebrities around the world. He also used his position on the city council to promote both his city and the dogs that were associated with its name.
Leonbergers soon became the property of Giuseppe Garibaldi, King Umberto of Italy, Tsar of Russia, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, King Edward VII of England, and the composer Richard Wagner.
The Leonberger proved itself during both world wars as an efficient guard dog and pulling ammunition wagons. In modern times, this quadruped is often used during search and rescue operations. He is valued for his great strength and innate desire to help and protect people. The specific features of the Leonberger make it easier for him to track missing people and pull them out of water, from under piles of earth or snow.
This breed of dog has a great temperament. You need a daily dose of exercise to stay healthy and avoid obesity. It is a great companion for a lover of hiking and running. He loves swimming. A large, fenced yard or garden is the perfect place for a Leonberger to stretch his big legs.
The Leonberger's temperament is characterized by two poles. The gentleness and extraordinary attachment to the owner contrasts with the strong, stubborn character. Some individuals, especially adolescent males, tend to dominate. Sometimes the only solution is friendly persuasion, a request or negotiation.
Leonberger likes to swim, track, pull a stroller or sled, and lift weights. However, fetching a ball or frisbee is not a natural activity for this breed. Obedience training is an absolute necessity due to the huge size of this dog. However, the owner must be positive, patient and consistent towards him.
Leonberger is known for his sensitivity. That's why you get the impression that he is clearly concerned when watching family quarrels. This four-legged friend loves the company of household members, he is a giant teddy bear, warm, friendly and loves his family. Does not do well when left alone for long hours. Due to the dog's large size, children should be supervised by an adult.
This gentle giant is perfect as a guardian of the sick. The Leonberger is great with children and the elderly, showing incredible gentleness for a dog of its size.
Leonberger is not a very clean dog, he can be a bit messy and sometimes drools (especially when he is stressed). While walking, he likes to slide on the mud, roll in wet leaves, and after returning home, he is reluctant to groom himself.
The Leonberger has a thick, double coat that gives it the appearance of a lion. They are said to shed almost all the time, so frequent brushing becomes a necessity. An additional challenge arises each spring and fall when the dog sheds its undercoat.
Dogs of this breed struggle primarily with obesity and stomach bloating. Therefore, it is recommended to divide their meal into several smaller portions. In addition, typical diseases include hip dysplasia and bone cancer.
Leonbergers live on average 11 years.
When the period of your four-legged friend's adaptation to the new environment is over, there will finally come a point where your dog will have to stay home alone. You just can't take it with you everywhere. By taking the time to teach your pet that loneliness is not a cause for stress, you protect him from unnecessary anxiety and separation anxiety. How to teach a dog to stay at home?
The Dalmatian (or Dalmatian Pointer) is an extremely intelligent, friendly, energetic dog. He is a learned student with a clown soul. He likes tricks and loves to show off his talents. He has an endearing personality and can easily win the sympathy of everyone around him.
Lipomas in dogs are a fairly common problem that makes owners understandably worry. Fortunately, not every subcutaneous lesion noticed is dangerous. Lipomas are usually not dangerous and do not require treatment. However, in any case, it is necessary to visit a vet for a thorough examination and diagnosis of the pet.
