Leonberger
The Leonberger originated in Germany in the Black Forest area in the 1800's. The mayor of the town of Leonberg wanted a dog that looked like a lion, as in the town's coat of arms. The breed was developed using the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It has inherited both the temperament of these noble giant dogs, and the love of water from its Newfoundland ancestors. The two world wars saw the breed's numbers decline dramatically, until it was nearly extinct; but breeders in Great Britain and in the United States imported dogs and brought the breed back to a level where it was out of danger of becoming extinct.
Height: 26 - 31.5" (66 - 80cm)
Weight: The average range is 75-110 lbs (34-50 kg), with some specimens being heavier.
Coat Type: The coat is thick, dense, of medium length, and is waterproof.
Temperament: The Leonberger is an intelligent dog that makes a great companion for adults and children alike. It is also gentle with other animals.
Health Problems: As with all giant breeds, care must be taken not to accelerate its major growth period, and that it not be allowed to become overweight during this period.
Special Interest: The Leonberger has inherited the webbed-foot characteristic of the Newfoundland, and makes an excellent swimmer.
Classifications:
AKC: Not recognized
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Utility Group
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
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