Leonberger
Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 72 – 80 cm
Female 65 – 72 cm
Weight:
Male: 64 – 82 kg
Female: 45 – 46 kg
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Companion/multi-purpose
Lifespan: 8 – 10 yrs
Recommended for: Most people/families
About This Breed
Leonbergers are loyal, outgoing “lions” who originated in the mid-nineteenth century in Leonberg, Germany. These wonderful, weatherproof family dogs are one of the oldest of the German pure breeds. Although fairly well known in France, Germany and Scandinavia, they are considered uncommon in most other countries.
One of the giant breeds, the Leonberger is powerful and elegant. They are enthusiastic participants in most family activities and socializing at human gatherings. They will happily adapt to a wide variety of living situations as long as they are loved and included in activities.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Large sized body. Dome shaped head, should not be wrinkled, medium size, dark almond-shaped eyes. Well feathered, pendant shaped ears hang to the side of the head. Tail long & bushy. Web-footed.
Temperament: Noble, powerful, and gentle, amendable, intelligent and fearless companion; distinguished by his friendliness. Self-assured and playful. Neither timid nor aggressive.
Colour: Lion gold, red, reddish brown, sandy (fawn or cream) and all combinations in between, always with a black mask. Black hair tips are permitted. Black must not dominate basic colour. Lighter colour on underside of tail, mane, feathering on front legs and breeches on hindlegs normal, but must not be pronounced. A small white patch or stripe on the chest and white hair on the toes tolerated.
Coat: Medium soft to hard, fairly long, lying close to body despite good undercoat. Slightly wavy but never curled. Very evident mane at throat and chest.
Grooming: Leo coats are slow to dry. Leonberger coats vary in length and thickness. They shed moderately year round and they “moult” with dramatic season changes, usually twice a year. If you have one with a very thick undercoat and long feathers and mane your grooming activities will be more demanding than if you have one with a more compact coat. All Leo’s coats are waterproof and very wear resistant. To keep these coats shining and elegant requires at least some brushing on a daily basis.
Exercise: As puppies they require training and consistent, frequent socialization activities. As adults they require frequent and consistent exercise.
Health: