Zoot + Persia
All About Leonbergers
Living with a Leonberger
If you have a Leonberger it will share your home whether you want it to or not! They are devoted to their people and want to be with you as much as possible. They won't mind being left home by themselves for short periods, as long as they spend time with you when you are home but don't let them get bored.They are fantastic family dogs, very affectionate and loyal, great fun to be with and have the patience of a saint, with all members of the family from small children to smaller cats.
Although their tails are at the perfect height to wag cups etc clean off the coffee table, they don't drool, but they are not the most efficient about closing their mouths after drinking water, or eating.
When you see a Leonberger at a show they have groomed coats and are dry and fluffy. The Leonberger's true nature is to romp and swim outdoors. They thrive on being wet and don't mind mud at all.
They want to please you, but they need guidance from you to know how to. So do go to a puppy socialisation course, as well as basic obedience classes before the dog is one year old. You and your Leonberger will enjoy life together so much more.
Training
Although they are gentle Giants, it's important to teach them to respect you and your rules at this point - if you don't, you will have a 7 stone (45kg) canine delinquent that does not know how to behave to make you happy.
They may:
take food from the table (because they can),
sleep on the couch or your bed when full of mud,
take off chasing a cat down the street,
or rabbit in a field,
or your neighbours ducks + chickens,
sometimes with you attached to the other end of the lead.
It is essential to do 1-2 short (10-20 minute) homework sessions each day while your dog is attending obedience classes, as well as incorporating the lessons into your daily life as often as possible.
This training cannot be delegated to someone else because the relationship of respect and obedience is personal between the dog and the person doing the training.
As each lesson is learned, the rest of the household must also work with the dog, insisting that they are obeyed as well.
Grooming
They have long fur that tends to be everywhere, Weekly brushing is 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.
They moult mainly twice a year, during this time the dog should be brushed and combed daily.
Zoot in a muddy hole.
They adore being wet and muddy - that means wiping four big paws every time they come in from outside unless you don't mind the occasional muddy paw print.
They love to give you their paw to get your attention regardless of whether it is clean or full of outdoor muck.
Their coats usually look and smell clean which means that the mud and muck that they love to play in has come off on your floors, and often walls and furniture as well.
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 can be trained to pull carts and sleds and as water rescue dogs. If you plan to have your Leo pull carts or hike, wait until the dog is grown. It is not recommended before the dog is about 18 months old.
The Leonberger is not recommended for life in a confined space. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large garden. They prefer cool climates and can live inside or outside, but mostly prefer to be wherever you are.
What to look for in a Leonberger
This is a very large, majestic dog with a characteristic black mask. Males have a majestic head and the females should have a somewhat smaller more feminine head. The skull is somewhat domed.
The black 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 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.
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.
The 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.
The tail is bushy and set low, reaching at least to the hocks.
The feet have black pads with webbing between the toes to aid in swimming.
The Leonberger is more agile than many other giant breeds.
Character
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.
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.
A gentle giant. Serious, intelligent and brave, the Leonberger wants to please, and responds well to training.
The Leonberger gets along with other dogs. Socialise early and well, as this puppy will become a very large adult!
This versatile breed has been successful in many endeavours;
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.
Statistics
Height: Dogs 29-31 inches (74-80 cm.)
Bitches 27-29 inches (61-74 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg.)
Bitches 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.)
Health Problems
As in all giant breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia, and other skeletal diseases/disorders.
They may also be affected by eyelid defects and bone disease.
Life Expectancy
Approx. 8-9 years
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. The official standard was set in 1949.