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Leonberger

General
Other Names
Dog Group Kennel Club		Working
Breed Classification		The Leonberger is a member of the working group. They were originally bred as companions and are still used as such today.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£7.50-10 per week
Feeding Requirements		The young Leonberger must be fed the correct diet in the correct amounts. The breeder will be able to advise on the best diet for your puppy.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The price for a Leonberger puppy is £800 upwards.
Average Puppy Price		>£800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years On average the Leonberger lives to around 11 years, some are reported to live into their teens.
Average Litter Size		8 Litters vary greatly in size; anything from 6 to 14 puppies can be born in any one litter, although litters of 17 are not unheard of.
General Physical Description		The Leonberger is a large, strong and muscular dog. They have an unusual feature, webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers.
Height Min Max Bitch 65cm (26") 75cm (30") Dog 72cm (28") 80cm (32") Weight Min Max Bitch 34kg (75lbs) 50kg (110lbs) Dog 34kg (75lbs) 50kg (110lbs)
Size Category		Large
Weight Height Range		Ideally dogs should measure between 72-80cms at the withers and weigh between 34 – 50kgs. Bitches should measure between 65-75cms and weigh between 30 – 50kgs.
Ailments		The Leonberger is in general a healthy breed. As long as they have the correct diet to allow their proper growth there should not be too many bone and joint problems. Many breeders are now screening their dogs for hip problems.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The Leonberger dog was created in the 1840’s to resemble the lion of the Leonber town crest. It is a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard, and a backcross to a Pyrenean Mountain dog. Another dog may also have been used in the creation of the Leonberger in order for the colour we see them in today to be developed. They became very popular and many distinguished people owned them. However during World War I they almost died out as people could not afford to feed them. The handful of dogs that were left were bred from carefully until the World War II when they were nearly all lost again. Today the Leonberger is still relatively rare but it is gaining in numbers and popularity.
Intelligence		The Leonberger is an intelligent dog, it learns quickly and will become aware of what is expected of it. Due to its large size training should be started as early as possible.
Show Characteristics		The Leonberger should have a relatively broad head with a square muzzle. The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size and dark. The ears are high set, hanging close to the head, wide, long and well feathered. The neck should be strong and long. The chest should be deep with well sprung ribs. The front legs should be straight and well boned, the back legs should be strong and muscular. The feet should be tight, round and webbed. The tail should not be carried too high or curl over the back. The coat should be fairly long, relatively soft and slightly wavy, never curly, with a good undercoat. They have an obvious mane at the throat and chest. The colours desired are light yellow, golden to red/brown in colour, with a black mask. The hair on the underside of the tail, throat and front legs can be a shade or two lighter than the rest. Some white on the chest and toes is allowed.
Country Of Origin		Germany
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		40 - 60 minutes per day. As a puppy this dog should not be over exercised or allowed free running up and down stairs. When the bones are properly developed then the exercise can be gradually increased. The adult Leonberger can and should have long walks and loves to run around and play. They also have a great love of water and like nothing better than a good swim
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Low
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		They are easy-going, placid, loyal and even-tempered. They get on well with other pets and children.
Grooming
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		> Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The coat needs to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis to remove any dead and loose hair.
Colour		They can be light yellow, golden to red/brown in colour, with a black mask. Usually the hair on the underside of the tail, throat and front legs is a shade or two lighter than the rest. Some have white on the chest.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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