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Leonberger breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Leonberger a lush-coated giant of German origin with a gentle nature and serene patience that relishes the companionship of the whole family.
It has a medium-long waterproof coat, lush triangular ears and a black facemask framing kindly dark-brown eyes.
Temperament
Unique among the big dogs of the AKC Working Group, Leonbergers were developed first and foremost as companions. A well-built Leo moves with an easy stride.
Leonbergers are very large and strong and young dogs and adolescents are extremely enthusiastic with loads of energy, so proper training is essential.
Lifespan
Leonbergers live 7 years. Large dogs may get bloat, in which the stomach twists and gas is trapped. It can quickly be fatal, so owners should know its signs: drooling, restlessness, an enlarged abdomen and attempts to vomit.
Owners of at-risk dogs can consider the preventive step of having the stomach surgically tacked.
Care
Leonbergers shed a lot and twice a year they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially where the coat tends to mat: the long hair behind the ears and on the backs of the legs.
A more thorough grooming once a week takes a fair amount of time given the breed's size. A city apartment or a small suburban lot may not suit the breed and adults still need some vigorous exercise once a day.
History
The Leonberger was the brainchild of Heinrich Essig, a 19th-century politician and entrepreneur of Leonberg, Germany. Using Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands among other large working breeds, he aimed to breed a majestic pet for European royalty.
He succeeded grandly and clients such as Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II and the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, lined up to add the stately companion to their courts.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 4 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 4 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |