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Leonberger
Leonberger Puppies for Sale
Leonberger
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Pronunciation |
Leonberger |
Description |
This is a very large, majestic dog with a
characteristic black mask. Males have a majestic-male head and the females
should have a somewhat smaller more feminine head. The black mask The mask
should not extend above the eyebrows; the mask can
be up to eyes or above the eyes, but never the complete head. The nose and lips
are black. In males with a very majestic male head slightly loose flews and
sometimes slightly open hooks of eyes, are often found. Loose flews collect
saliva, so some males might drool slightly. The teeth should meet in a tight
scissors bite. The skull is somewhat domed. It is important that the brown eyes
have a gentle, kindly expression. The hanging ears are medium-sized. The neck
should be strong with no dewlap. The rough-looking waterproof coat is tawny to
reddish-brown and may have black tipped hair on the outer coat. A small
white star on the chest and a little white on the tip of the paws are permitted.
There is always discussion about the amount of white aloud. FCI standard states
"like the palm of a hand". But it all depends on who's hand you are
referring to. Leonberger's thick mane creates a lion-like expression. The mane
in males can take up to 4 years to develop; the mane in a female is less
recognizable than in a males. The front and rear legs are feathered. Rear
dewclaws should be removed. The tail is bushy and set low, reaching at least to
the hocks, and the feet have black pads. The Leonberger has webbing between the
toes to aid in swimming. |
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Temperament |
The Leonberger has a lively nature and is steady
and affectionate. It has a sweet expression. Loving and steadfast, stable and
calm, the Leonberger just loves everyone. Their intelligence is extraordinary;
their loyalty and love for their families is unparalleled. He has a friendly
personality. A well balanced Leonberger will be highly trustworthy and have incredible
patience, even with the most obnoxious children. With most of these dogs, if the situation becomes too intense,
instead of showing any aggression, the Leonberger simply walks away. Most of
these dogs can take bad behavior in their stride. The Leonberger does not
respond very well to harsh training-methods; training requires patience. Owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent. Proper human to canine communication is essential. To be
an excellent watch-dog it requires some special training. A gentle giant.
Serious, intelligent and brave, the Leonberger wants to please, and responds
well to training. The Leonberger can get along with other dogs. Socialize early
and well, as this puppy will become a very large adult! The Leonberger is more
agile than many other giant breeds. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 29-31 inches (74-80 cm.)
Bitches 27-29 inches (61-74 cm.)
Weight: Males 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg.) Bitches 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
As in all giant breeds, they are prone to hip
dysplasia, and other skeletal diseases/disorders. Also eyelid defects and bone
disease. Possible behavioral problems. |
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Living Conditions |
The Leonberger is not recommended for apartment
life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large
yard. They prefer cool climates and can live inside or outside, but mostly
prefer to be wherever you are. |
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Exercise |
This breed does not need a lot of exercise,
however, they do need to be taken on a
daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They
love to be included in all family outings and are very adaptable to most any
environment. They LOVE to swim, hike and be trained to pull carts and sleds. If
you plan to have your Leo pull carts or hike, one has to wait until the dog is
grown. It is not recommended before the dog is about 18 months old. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 8-9 years. |
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Grooming |
Weekly brushing is needed. The ears must be kept
clean and the teeth cleaned when needed. Bathe only when necessary. Some
de-matting is required to avoid hotspots. Wetness and damp-wet weather
conditions are responsible for the hot spots. Check behind ears, feathering on
legs, and tail for mats. The Leonberger is a seasonally heavy shedder, during
this time the dog should be brushed and combed daily. |
Origin |
This breed was established in 1846 in Leonberg,
Germany in the region of Wurttemberg by the German breeder Heinrich Essing from
a crossing of the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. Heinrich
Essing was attempting to create a breed that would closely resemble the lion in
the town crest. The Leonberger's tawny coloration and thick mane are evidence of
his success. Many royal families have owned Leonbergers, including Empress
Elizabeth of Austria, Napoleon II of France, the Prince of Wales, Emperor
Napoleon II, Bismarck, and Italian King Umberto. Many Leonbergers were imported
to Russia in the nineteenth century. However the two world wars almost destroyed
the breed. It was very difficult to feed the huge breed when food was scarce. By
the end of World War II, only a few dogs remained. In 1945, several Germans
gathered some of the few remaining Leonbergers and re-established the breed.
Today the Leonberger has regained his popularity in Europe. The first Leonberger
was imported to the United States in 1971, and there are currently close to one
thousand registered today. This versatile breed has been successful in many
endeavors. The Leonberger has been used for guarding livestock, obedience and
tracking. The breed is also used in Germany for search and rescue and has a
reputation as a great water-rescue dog. The Leonberger's warm, gentle
personality makes him a fine family companion dog. The official standard was set
in 1949. |
| Group |
Mastiff |
Recognition |
FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, ANCK CKC, CKC, APRI, ACR |
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FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
NKC = National
Kennel Club
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Teddy, loved by all! Courtesy of Lionhill Kennels.
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Courtesy of Lionhill Kennels.
Leonberger
Pictures 1
Leonberger
Pictures 2
Leonberger
Pictures 3
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