Home Audience 6 Leonberger - description of the breed, care features. Description of the Leonberger, tips for care and training Standard, appearance and photographs of the dog

Leonberger - description of the breed, care features. Description of the Leonberger, tips for care and training Standard, appearance and photographs of the dog

The standard for Leonbergers is high motor activity even in old age. Therefore, keeping them in an apartment is undesirable. The best option is private house, to which they will have constant access. Under no circumstances should you put them on a chain! This can cause stress for the animal and lead to health problems.

If there are other animals living in the house, then a dog of this breed will certainly find with them common language

An unpleasant feature Leonbergers are characterized by such characteristics as strong smell dogs. It can be reduced with a balanced diet and regular grooming.

Origin and history

Country of origin: Germany

Homeland - Germany. The history of the Leonberger dog breed began in 1846, when its first representatives appeared. They inherited the excellent qualities of their ancestors. After some time large number These animals were taken from Leonberg and distributed throughout the world as a symbol of the city. At the end of the 19th century they were used in Baden-Württemberg mainly as farm assistants. At the same time, their health and ability to protect and move goods were highly valued. Two world wars and post-war hardships led to the breed being virtually destroyed. Today Leonbergers are family dogs. This is a pleasant companion - he loves children very much, is obedient, not aggressive and not timid.

How does the breed characterize the owner?

If you saw an ideal pet in the description of the Leonberger breed, then you are definitely able to appreciate loyalty and devotion. What you need from your four-legged friend is love and respect, not crazy admiration and blind reverence. Most likely, you value these same qualities in people. At the same time, Leonberger owners, as a rule, are people who lead active life. They move and live in the same rhythm with their friends.

A domestic lion, in canine form, no matter how incredible it may sound, there is no more accurate description for the Leonberger breed. Bred as a symbol of pride, the shaggy red dog still carries its high status today. The feature that distinguishes the Leonberger from other large dogs is the complete absence of aggression, or rather, an absolutely balanced temperament. You can hug, lift, roll your pet on the floor, pull it by the whiskers and ears, put a saddle on it and place the child in it, the most the ward will do is wrinkle his nose. AND we're talking about not about patience, but about devotion, calmness and sincere love for the human race.

The Leonberger dog was originally bred as a symbol. The appearance of the four-legged animal has become the hallmark of the German city of Leonberg. The region of Swabia has been famous for its standard of living since time immemorial. The region's fame and enviable status had only one reason - the annual horse fair, which attracted wealthy residents of the country, foreigners, officials and members of the governing apparatus. The action took place in a town called Lion Mountain, and from here the city symbols appeared - a coat of arms with the face of the king of beasts. Since Germany and lions in their true form are hardly compatible concepts, Heinrich Essig, one of the members of the board of Leonberg, decided to fulfill the dream of many townspeople and create a “personal king of beasts,” but in dog guise.

The official history of the breed began in the middle of the 19th century. In the history of cynology, there is evidence that Leonbergers were found on the lands of Germany earlier, in the 16th–17th centuries, however, most likely, we are talking about shaggy-haired shepherd dogs, which are the progenitors of many large long-haired breeds. It is worth noting one more point: after the description of the breed was approved, historians “dug up” rather incriminating material. According to the discovered data, we can say that Essig did not create a new one, but had already revived existing breed Alpine Shepherds.

In the breeding certificates it is noted that St. Bernards, Newfoundlands and Landseers were used to breed the breed. According to an unofficial version, the father of the breed was Barry - St. Bernard from the monastery of St. Bernard, who saved more than 130 people caught in avalanches. Whether this is true or an attempt to embellish the story, you can’t say. It is known that among the early Leonbergers there were dogs not only of the red-lion color. Taking the genes of Newfoundlands and Landseers (the black and white relative of the Newfoundland and Mountain Dog), the puppies were born black, silver, gray, and some had dark masks on their faces.

The next breed involved in breeding work was the Pyrenees Mountain Dog. As you know, mountain dogs have white color and a rich coat. As a result of interbreed matings, it was possible to strengthen the Leonberger’s bones and instill in him some qualities Pyrenean dogs. It took Heinrich Essig another 100 years to obtain a stable red coat color, and only after the results were consolidated were representatives of other colors excluded from the breed standard.

According to data that became known after the approval of the standard, it turned out that there is a high probability of deliberate concealment of the facts of the pedigree of the breed. Disputes about who the ancestors of the breed were, St. Bernards and Barrys or the giant Alpine Shepherd Dogs, continue to this day. The similarities between the Leonberger and the Alpine Shepherd are too obvious to deny their possible relationship. Perhaps St. Bernard Barry became a tool of popularization in the hands of not only the breeder, but also, as it turns out, the marketer Heinrich Essig.

This is interesting! At home, the breed is usually called His Highness Leonberger.

The breeder’s efforts were not in vain; the qualities of the breed and its mysterious history played a role important role for the dogs' reputation. Already in the middle of the 19th century, Leonbergers were considered the elite of the canine world. The puppies, which cost a fortune, served as a worthy gift for royalty. The breed's status remains privileged today. Puppies are available for purchase in very limited quantities. All breeding stock is concentrated in a very narrow circle of breeders who respect the qualities of the breed and are not chasing quantity. According to approximate data, no more than 8,000 of these beautiful dogs live throughout the globe.

This is interesting! In addition to Germany and Europe, Leonbergers are also bred in the USA. However, taking a dog outside of America is considered illegal, and His Highness's puppies are considered contraband. There are no problems with importing dogs into the United States.

Appearance

In the photo we see a shaggy, beautiful dog with a red-red color, but what is so remarkable about that, many will ask? A very ordinary dog, except that its size is impressive... in fact, the breed has a lot of advantages. To begin with, the Leonberger belongs to the mountain type Molosser and is a dog that has collected in itself best qualities all related breeds. About His Highness is hard to find negative reviews, even if you search very hard. Perhaps this is due to the small distribution of the breed, or perhaps this dog is an ideal representative of the mountain giants.

Contents of the article:

These dogs seem to be specially created for paintings. Their bright, impressive appearance is breathtaking and at the same time alarming. But in fact, they are huge, kind, playful, furry little animals who love people very much. Due to their gigantic size, the animals are excellent guards. They also take part in rescue operations.

History of the origin of the Leonberger breed

In the southwest of Germany, in the Baden-Württemberg state union, each city has its own rich history, objects of pride and centuries-old secrets. Images of lions are everywhere in Leonberg and even on its heraldry. This symbol gave the name to the Leonberger breed, which appeared here in the 19th century - a giant variety of Great Dane. She experienced ups and downs. First a favorite of monarchs, an object of desire for aristocrats, then complete oblivion and disappearance. And as a result, world recognition, love and respect from admirers.

There are several options for the origin of the breed in its homeland. The official version says that the councilor of the city magistrate, Duke Heinrich Essing, was entrusted with the authority to glorify the name of the city. This venerable citizen was an ardent fan of dogs and a wonderful breeder. There is an opinion that he took as his base the famous St. Bernard named "Barry", who in Alpine mountains saved a lot of people. The story is certainly beautiful, but in 1814 the dog died, and at that time Henry was only 12 years old. Therefore this is only a legend.

There is another variation. According to the research of Professor Shulmatz, Leonbergers were already around much earlier than the birth of the esteemed Essing. Somewhere 200 years before his appearance, the paintings showed images of dogs guarding the Austro-Hungarian royal family. They were very similar to today's Leonbergers.

German cynologists claim that in the blood ties of this species there were no St. Bernards, but there were balancers - the current Newfoundlands. The heirs of several generations of litters were bred with Pyrenean Shepherds, and only then with the golden St. Bernard. Step by step, the shade of the hair changed from black and white to silver-gray, and then to fiery. The only permanent decoration remained the black mask on the animal’s head. At first these dogs were lighter in color, but later their shade changed.

In the diary of the Mettermich family of the 17th century, there is a record that on their estate, to protect livestock from thieves, dogs similar in type to the Leonberger were used. Around the same time period in 1701, a representative of the breed, one meter tall, was presented as a gift to Marie Antoinette. Now these two theories are being combined. Shortly before Duke Heinrich Essing began his life, there were already dogs that looked like Leonbergers.

Over time, they have undergone changes for the worse. Then Essing used the surviving specimens of the breed in his breeding activities. He managed to revive and restore the breed. Genetic research confirms this. It is also undeniable that St. Bernards participated in breeding. Leonbergers were the descendants of two bitches sent to the Leonberg monastery kennel in 1820. So the basis for creating the species was a dog from this city. The Duke still managed to immortalize his name!

He presented his pets to famous and talented musicians, artists, politicians, and titled persons. These dogs were owned by Richard Wagner, Napoleon III, and Queen Elizabeth of Austria. There is a photograph showing the latter Russian Emperor Nicholas II with Leonberger. They also lived at court Japanese Emperor Hirohito.

The turning point in the existence of the species came after the death of the Duke. He left no documents describing their standard. In the wake of demand, unscrupulous people, under the guise of a Leonberger, sold any large dogs and over time, they were no longer counted an independent breed. But in 1895, Albert Kuhl wrote the breed standard and practically resurrected it.

Now these dogs live in different countries peace. According to the official version, there are about eight thousand of them, but in reality the number is much higher. The popularity of the animals is so high that people believe that the city was named after the dog, and not vice versa. In 2005, the residents of Leonberg held a competition to design a sculpture in honor of their favorite breed. The winners were Hungarian sculptors Nadi and Balazs.

External standard Leonberger

The first thing that catches your eye is the massive body. The weight of this dog can reach up to 76 kg. At the withers, males reach up to 80 cm, and females from 65 to 75 cm. The animal must be harmonious. Males have a courageous head. And bitches should be feminine. A large, powerful and elegant dog. Very strong, creates a feeling of absolute comfort. Gives you the feeling that you can go anywhere with them. Dogs must give an absolute feeling of confidence and reliability and obey their owner. It is normal to respond to touch - allow yourself to be stroked and not be fussy.

Leonberger character

Pets are simply created for living in a family. They are great help everyday life. Life with these dogs is an accumulation of certain experiences. They can be different: wary, kind, intrusive, overly calm. The embodiment of a dog's mighty fighting force, with the loyalty of a good servant.

The specificity of Leonberger behavior is such that they always insist on their own. The attitude towards children is special. A dog will never hurt a child and will always protect even a stranger. The boys can do whatever they want with her: pull her ears and tail, ride her. “Leon” will courageously endure all their pranks.

Leonbergers mature late, so they love to play throughout their lives. This is a very important area of their life, and they pay a lot of attention and time to it. If they need something, they lightly take the person’s hand with their teeth and move it away as needed. Like a true giant, the dog is strong in spirit, but knows the value of words. Dogs are quite silent - they rarely bark. They only speak when they want to ask or ask for something - in extremely urgent cases. They are incredibly responsive to communication. They can be understood without words. You just need to truly love Leonbergers and be able to find contact with them. Affectionate, kind and gentle giants.

Leonberger health

Leonberger - large dog, therefore, unfortunately, it does not live very long - up to 8 years. For good development, and in order to avoid further diseases, they need to be fed well and balanced. Be sure to enrich your diet with all the necessary spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Under no circumstances should you underfeed or overfeed your pet. This will negatively affect the animal's skeletal system.

These dogs have the following genetic diseases: dysplasia hip joints, cancer, nervous disorders. Impaired musculoskeletal function of the limb, most often found in large dogs. Many believe that to a large extent this is not only a genetic predisposition, but also a poor diet and improper exercise.

Cancer is an oncological disease that causes involuntary cell growth in different organs dog's body. Until now, they cannot accurately determine what factors influence its development. It is believed that it is inherited. Treatment depends on the degree of the disease, and has a very wide range manipulation. Launched forms undergo surgical intervention.

Leonbergers are very sensitive animals, fine nervous organization. Families in which there are constant scandals, quarrels and fights should never have them. They react very sharply to the influence of surrounding factors. In an unfavorable environment, they may become depressed and not eat. They behave very unusually.

These are large dogs that require careful grooming. And it takes a lot of time to devote to this. Even buying back such a colossus costs something.

Leonberger training

Leonbergers show miracles in training. They grow up quite late. They have very flexible brains. They quickly remember what they were taught. They are easy to work with, but it is worth remembering one rule - learning occurs while playing. You should never yell at them. It is important to establish close contact with the dog.

Of course, it is not so easy to raise them, but there is no question of an impossible task. The commands: sit, lie down, place, are not a problem for them. Speaking about training dogs in Germany, it should be noted that the Germans begin training dogs early, and demand from them not just obedience, but strict discipline.

Leonbergers are versatile animals. Until the end of the 19th century, and after the end of the Middle Ages, they were often used in cities as horse-drawn vehicles. They transported goods on small carts, guarded houses, and looked after children. True all-rounders that have retained their qualities to this day.

In Italy and Germany, they are involved in rescuing drowning people. They have a perfect sense of smell, which makes them indispensable assistants mine rescuers. Until now, in all countries of the world, they are used as guard dogs.

Animals are huge physical strength. At the same time, they are light and bouncy. Oddly enough, they are considered the favorites in agility.

Dogs quickly learn the habits of their owner. Depending on the situation, they may increase their attention or calmly accompany you nearby.

In 2009, a new birth rate record was set in the United States. A female dog named “Riel” gave birth to 18 puppies, while female large dogs give birth to no more than 6–8.

Buying a Leonberger puppy

Of course, the Leonberger is a great dog, but you need to think carefully before bringing it home. First of all, it's huge. City apartment not the most suitable place for them, you need to have a country house. Life expectancy is no more than eight years. In addition, they may have health problems. When it comes to grooming, be careful - they are champion shedding dogs. Smart animals, easy to train. Very sensitive, react sharply to family quarrels. Despite its impressive size, it is difficult to find a more loving dog. An excellent option for those who want to have a huge, good friend.

The cost of a puppy depends on why you need a pet. A puppy for exhibition or breeding activities is expensive. When you just need a pet, you can buy a puppy with slight deviations from the exterior - it will cost less. Average cost Leonberger puppy from $500 to $1,500.

More about the Leonberger dog breed:

Brief description

Aggressiveness
Upbringing
Training
Intelligence
Shedding
Behavior with children
Watchman
Security Guard
Difficult to care for
Endurance in the cold
Endurance in the heat

Leonberger is a guard dog. Since ancient times, dogs belonging to this breed have guarded livestock and property. “Gentle giant”, shaggy friend, excellent “family dog” - the breed deserves exactly these characteristics.

The Leonberger, along with the Deerhound and Newfoundland, is included in the ranking of the largest dogs (by height at the withers). Despite their size and colorful appearance, which inspires awe, Leonbergers are distinguished by their gentle disposition, exceptional devotion to their owner and nobility. It is no coincidence that they are called “domestic lions.”

The breed belongs to group 2 in the ICF classification “Pinchers, Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs”, to section 2 “Molossians”.

The name of the breed comes from the small town of Leonberg, located in Swabia. The translation from the German word “Leonberg” means “city of the lion”, respectively, and the name of the breed can be translated as “mountain lion”, which fully corresponds to its terrifying appearance.

In the 30s of the last century, Heinrich Essig, a prominent figure in the city council and plant breeder, put forward to the public the idea of creating a living symbol of the city, personifying its nobility and power. This symbol was supposed to be a dog, resembling a lion. As a result of crossing the Landser and St. Bernard, the Leonberger breed appeared. The animals were characterized by a massive build, a large head and a silver-gray mane, vaguely reminiscent of a lion's. The breed quickly gained popularity among both dog breeders and ordinary people.

Continuing to improve the breed, within a few years Essig introduced the golden-yellow Leonsberger to the public; the resemblance to a lion's mane became undeniable. At the same time, individuals of silver color were excluded from the breed standard only in the early 70s of the 20th century. Subsequently, many dog experts expressed the opinion that Essig used Alpine dogs rather than St. Bernards when crossing.

There is a second version, according to which large dogs were sold at fairs in Leonberg back in the 16th century. Animals were in demand among the common people, in particular among shepherds to protect their flocks. In the 18th century, the Leonberger dog became popular among the palace nobility; in particular, a pet of this breed even lived in the mansion of Queen Marie Antoinette.

In the 19th century, distemper caused the death of almost all Leonbergers. Only a few individuals were saved, and they were sent to a monastery nursery on the outskirts of Leonberg. According to this version, Essig was not the creator of the breed, but he simply recreated it and made good capital from it, selling puppies for a fabulous sum.

Interesting! The Leonberger dog breed was kept by the Prince of Wales, NapoleonIII, Emperor NicholasII.

All documents confirming the breed standard after Essig’s death disappeared, so dishonest breeders, for the purpose of thirst for profit, sold under the guise purebred dogs ordinary big dogs. The breed was in danger of rapid degeneration, and only at the end of the 19th century, thanks to the creation of a registered club and the definition of a new breed standard, animal breeding resumed.

The First and Second World Wars also threatened the breeding and existence of the breed. This is surprising, but from the three purebred individuals that survived the war, the breeders were able to raise a new generation of dogs.

IN Russian Federation This breed is rare, but its popularity is growing every year.

Characteristics, description, character

The Leonberger is a dog of colossal size and strength, but at the same time it is unusually graceful and does not at all appear clumsy. The animals are beautifully built, but their true pride is the luxurious lion's mane.

Breed standard:

The muzzle is elongated, not pointed.
The skull is convex and low.
The lips are dry, tightly fitting to the jaws.
The neck is not long.
The chest is powerful and wide.
Limbs are straight and strong.
The tail is thick, long, set low.
The eyes are medium-sized, dark or light brown, with close-fitting eyelids.
The ears are hanging, rounded, set high, slightly turned forward.
The coat is hard, thick, long, lying close to the body.
Color: light yellow, red-brown, golden yellow. There is a thick soft collar on the neck and chest, forming a mane.

The disadvantages of the breed are wavy hair, a curled or straight tail, a short muzzle, light eyes, drooping eyelids.

Bitches are smaller than males. Their height at the withers reaches 75 centimeters, weight – up to 60 kilograms. Male height is 80 cm, weight is up to 78 kg.

Attractive appearance and unique character traits were passed on to the handsome Leons genetically. A person who sees such a dog with his own eyes and communicates with it will be impressed for a long time.

Outwardly, a representative of this breed looks impressive and is capable of causing fear, surprise, and admiration for its strength and massiveness. However, one of the most important traits of his character is balance. Anything can happen around the dog, it will remain just as calm and unperturbed. It is quite difficult to provoke aggression from him, but if danger threatens his owners, then the offender will not be happy. However, it comes to the manifestation of aggression extremely rarely - there is hardly a daredevil who is not afraid to incur the wrath of a Leonberger, whose appearance alone inspires awe.

Representatives of this breed are intelligent, loyal, devoted and very obedient to their owners. They are tactful, always feel the atmosphere in the house and need attention. If your Leonberger is ignored for a long time, it can become lethargic and boring. The gentle, non-malignant character in no way affects the watchdog qualities of the dog. The dog will always reliably guard his home and his owners.

You couldn't imagine a better friend for children. Many dog breeders are afraid to get this breed if there are kids in the house, but these fears are completely unfounded. Leonbergers are not prone to aggression. Manifestations of anger are considered serious defect breeds The dogs have a kind, cheerful disposition and easily find a common language with every member of the family, including the smallest.

Diseases

Although “domestic lions” are not included in the list of long-lived dogs, they can boast of good health.

Diseases inherent to the breed:

hip dysplasia;
bone cancer;
entropion of the eyelid;
Addison's disease.

The most common problem they have is joint disease, which can arise due to their large weight and height.

Care and maintenance

Caring for a “pet lion” is actually no more difficult than caring for any other representative large breed. Leonbergers need daily walks (at least an hour) and moderate physical activity (no jumping). high altitude). While walking, it is best to practice commands or run at an easy pace.

Dogs love it very much water procedures and easily tolerate rainy, damp weather, but the heat gives them a lot of inconvenience - no wonder, because their coat is very thick and dense. In summer, the Leonberger should be taken out for walks either early in the morning or in the evening.

Caring for a dog consists mainly of its coat, which should be combed with a special brush. Ears, eyes and nose should be wiped regularly. Leonbergers are bathed as needed and their claws are trimmed periodically.

You should take a responsible approach to feeding your child. This is a very large dog; during development, it needs balanced feeding for the proper formation of bones and muscles. You can feed “natural” or quality food super premium. These two types of feeding should not be mixed.

The dog should be well-fed, but not fat. If he eats greedily and sloppily, this may be a symptom of some disease. The dog’s diet must include fish and meat “delicacies”, cereals and vegetables seasoned vegetable oil or sour cream. The dog should always have unlimited amounts of clean drinking water.

You should not give sweet, salty, smoked foods, or fatty meats.

Puppies are fed often - up to 6 times a day, adult Two feedings a day in the morning and evening are enough.

Education and training

Leons are highly intelligent and easy to train and train. They completely lack the desire for leadership, so they allow themselves to be controlled, but only by the person they truly respect. Dog handlers assure that this is the only breed for which there is no need to raise its voice, it is quite adequate and is always ready to carry out the owner’s commands.

You need to treat your pet with respect and calm, without showing your superiority over her. The relationship between the owner and the pupil should be built on trust. As a reward for your patience, you will receive a true friend who is ready to give his life for you. Lenberger will serve you with devotion, will do any job - guard, protect, search, act as a nanny for a child or a guide for a blind person, a companion for an elderly person.

Leon is an ideal obedient student, but when you bring a puppy into the house, you need to immediately show him what he can do and what he cannot do, so that he does not overstep the boundaries of what is permitted. Training should begin at 2-3 months. From this age he needs to be trained basic commands, hygiene procedures, accustom them to places of rest and feeding. It is important that Leon firmly knows that you cannot take food from someone else’s hands!

Puppies

If you decide to get a Leonberger puppy, you should understand that this is a very important step. First of all, you need to consult with the rest of the household whether they are ready for “ house lion" Your living conditions must allow you to keep a large animal. As you understand, a two-room Khrushchev apartment is far from the best option for keeping a Leonberger. He will feel most at ease in a private house with a large yard and lawn.

The breed cannot be called common, so finding a good nursery will not be easy. This establishment must have a positive reputation, and Leonberger puppies must be maintained at the proper level. If you cannot find such a kennel on your own, you can visit a specialized exhibition, communicate with other “dog lovers,” and find out where you can buy a Leonberger puppy.

In the nursery, pay attention to the baby’s parents, observe them and the behavior of the future pupil. The puppy must have all the necessary vaccinations and certificates of veterinary examinations. A fluffy little one should be strong, well-groomed, with clean ears, an elastic but soft tummy, shiny coat and pink paws. Curved limbs and growths on the ribs indicate the presence of rickets. Choose an affectionate, cheerful, playful and brave puppy, remember that aggressiveness and cowardice are considered breed defects. In the Leonberger breed, puppies are “ready” to move to a new home when they reach 1.5 months, and their weight at this time must be at least 5 kilograms.

Prices

As mentioned above, these dogs are rare and there are not many kennels in Russia, therefore, the price for the Leonberger breed is quite high. However, saving in this case is inappropriate, because you are choosing not just a watchman, but a reliable friend and guardian of the whole family.

The starting price for puppies is $500-700. The Leonberger dog breed, the price of which is lower than this value, may have health problems, defects in appearance or inconsistencies in character. Weigh all the pros and cons: either you risk purchasing a sick pet, which will later become a burden, or a healthy, cheerful, robust one, although the purchase will cost you more.

Pet class puppies cost from $500 to $700. These are individuals that are not allowed to participate in exhibitions and breeding due to minor deviations from the standard. Such defects do not matter to non-professional dog lovers.
Nonsense class - 600-800 dollars. Puppies meet the breed standard and can be allowed to participate in exhibitions and breeding.
Show class – from 800 dollars. These are babies from elite parents. It is important to understand that the dog will require considerable investment and quality training in the future.

Photo

The Leonberger, whose photo is presented in the gallery above, is a reasonable and reserved dog, which is not always typical for guard dogs.

Interesting facts about the breed:

From the 3 purebred dogs of the breed that survived the Second World War, about 8,000 Leonbergers were bred (this is the number registered worldwide today).
In Russia, dogs began to be bred only in 1989.
The breed is a symbol of the city of the same name in Germany – Leonberg.

Video

Brief description

Other names: Leonberger, Leo, Gentle Lion, Gentle Giant, leon.
Height: for an adult male at the withers from 80.0 cm, for females - from 75.0 cm, there is no upper limit.
Weight: 78.0 kg and 60.0 kg respectively.
Color: light yellow, golden yellow, red-brown, black mask on the face.
Wool: straight, long, moisture resistant with thick waterproof undercoat, neck and chest covered soft collar like a mane.
Lifespan: up to 8 years old.
Advantages of the breed: Excellent watchdog qualities with a complete lack of aggression towards humans and animals. Madly loves children. Shows excellent results in training, but only after reaching adulthood.
Difficulties of the breed: A giant dog, not amenable to apartment living. Puppies are late in development, reaching adulthood at three years of age. Needs a long walk. In education, it requires a special approach, despite good controllability.
Price: $1000.

Origin story

Colossal size Leonberger, natural strength and the gracefulness of movements cannot but arouse admiration. The beautiful build and the presence of a proud dog's lion's mane attract attention.

The dogs owe their appearance in the 30s of the 19th century to the German cynologist Heinrich Essin, who was also the burgomaster of the city of Leonberg, in whose honor the breed received its name.

In the first version, carefully preserved by German breeders, G. Essig managed to cross a giant long-haired St. Bernard with a white and black Landseer. The adult puppies of the litter were then crossed with a Pyrenean mountain dog. The newly obtained litter was bred with a St. Bernard to consolidate the breed characteristics.

Ultimately, the breeder was presented with a large individual of silver-black color, whose ears and head were black. It happened in 1848, when the name Leonberger was assigned to the breed introduced to the canine community.

There is another version, more historical in nature. According to documentary facts, this breed, but under a different name, has been known since the 14th century. Shepherds used it to protect their flocks of sheep, until the palace nobility in the middle of the 18th century paid attention to the huge beautiful dogs. So the shepherd breed was ranked among the elite pets of the imperial court.

But at the beginning of the next century, the country was struck by a wave of distemper, which claimed the lives of many dogs. Only a few managed to survive the period of pestilence, and the animals were placed in a monastic monastery that has existed on the outskirts of Leonberg since time immemorial. According to this version, Essing did not create, but only restored, with the help of monks, a breed that had practically disappeared from the face of the earth, from which he made a considerable fortune.

The phenotype characteristic of modern dogs was formed only by the middle of the twentieth century, thanks to the influx of new Newfoundland blood, since during the First and Second World Wars the Leonberger population was practically exterminated. Only five dogs survived, becoming successors to the Leonberger family, the breed standard of which was adopted by European dog handlers only in 1948.

The International Canine Association FCI approved the modern breed standard in April 1996, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Leonberger breed only in January 2010.

Purpose

Leonbergers were originally used by peasants and shepherds as working dogs. Animals guarded flocks and houses, transported carts with luggage and played the role of rescuers on the water.

Rescue qualities The dogs have been preserved to this day, and the influx of Newfoundland blood strengthened their abilities and gave membranes between their toes, thanks to which Leons became excellent swimmers.

Today, these amazing animals are primarily family companion dogs. Possessing an even and gentle disposition, imperturbable giants try to please their owner in everything, harnessing themselves to the household, looking after children, and at the same time perfectly amenable to training. This is a very obedient and easily controlled dog, with whom you can always come to an agreement.

Character

The initial acquaintance with an impressively sized dog evokes trembling admiration mixed with fear. But Leonberger characterhas wonderful. In a calm and calm dog balance and awareness of one’s own power prevail. Leon absolutely non-aggressive, as long as the owner or family members are not in danger.

They say that if the lion is considered the king of animals, then the leon is the king among dogs. Smart and loyal, tactful and devoted, unusually obedient Leonberger has a gentle, gentle character, which in no way affects reliability security qualities representatives of the breed.

Still, the dog needs communication and attention from the owner. Dogs quickly become attached and do not tolerate long separations well. They become bored and lethargic if the owner is away for a long time.

Leons are great with children, they are ready to tinker even with little ones all day long, guarding and protecting their own and human cubs from rash actions. They are not as clumsy as Newfoundlands or St. Bernards, and they have no equal in fun games with children.

Video review of the breed

A story about representatives of the giant Leonberger breed - a video with stories from life, as well as about the fate of dogs and humans and about the character traits of these tireless, cheerful companion dogs in the program about animals of the Animal Planet channel - 101 dogs, an introduction to dog science:

https://youtu.be/80Lkz1ttb74

Choosing a puppy

Before you negotiate with the breeder of the Leonberger kennel, you need to discuss the issue of purchasing a giant breed dog with all members of your own family. It is advisable to distribute responsibilities on raising a puppy between the entire family in case of full agreement.

The breed is not widespread, and there are only a few breed nurseries in Europe. It is possible that you will have to go abroad to get the dog of your dreams.

When choosing a puppy, you should get to know the parents of the litter. Typically, Leons give birth to 6-8 babies. After giving birth, the mother may shed, but external characteristics, even if the mother does not have a hairstyle, will give an idea of the breed qualities of the puppies - fluffy, strong creatures, quite active, with healthy shiny fur and smooth paws.

Ears should be clean and odorless. Dental system have a regular scissor or pincer bite and a full set of teeth. The paw pads are pink, the character is cheerful and playful. The puppy is taken to a new home no earlier than seven weeks of age.

The puppy is accompanied by a whole package of documents:

Dog birth certificate indicating the names and pedigree numbers of the parents.
Veterinary passport with the required dates entered.
Certificates documenting the veterinary examination and health status of the puppy.
Photocopies of parental pedigrees indicating the titles received.
Memos and recommendations on raising a large breed from the breeder.

An eight-week-old puppy can weigh between 8 and 12 kg. It should be remembered that Leonberger puppies grow very quickly, and it is important to take this process seriously, listening carefully instructions experienced owner nursery

Remember that no breeder will not give the puppy up for housing, especially if those who want to buy a puppy live in Khrushchev.

But even the owners of a spacious apartment located above the second floor, without an elevator, may not count on purchasing a Leonberger dog. Since up to six months of age, puppies forbidden go down the steps on your own. You can go up, but you have to carry the giant dog down in your arms.

Names and nicknames

The official nickname for a specific letter, which appears in the stud book of the breed club and at exhibitions, is given by the breeder. As a rule, these are sonorous, breed-worthy English or German names with a factory or kennel prefix.

But calling a dog according to its nickname, especially if the new owner doesn’t like it, is not at all necessary. Leon can be given a pet name approved by the dog itself and the rest of the family. Leonbergers are usually called the sonorous names of mythical heroes of antiquity.

Male dogs are often given the names of their favorite characters, borrowed from English classical literature. And bitches, due to their calm and balanced character, are named after the historical names of the monarchs who reigned during the period of antiquity.

Leonberger dogs it is better to start for owners of private houses and country estates, where space reigns and the dog can always be in the lap of nature. It is physically difficult for giants to live in an apartment. In apartment-kept dogs, even the quality of their fur is completely different from that of Leons from the private sector.

Caring for long-haired giants involves frequent brushing with a special brush. The feathering on the paws, mane and tail requires regular care after each walk, since dead wood and burdock cling to the coat.

Your pet's eyes and ears require regular attention. Ears once a week, eyes are examined daily, and, if necessary, washed with special ophthalmic solutions. Extremely strong teeth in rare cases need cleaning from plaque.

And the claws are trimmed as they grow, if not worn down during walks. They bathe dogs only when absolutely necessary, since Leons are not averse to swimming themselves in any body of water at the first opportunity.

It is important to carry out preventive treatment against and in a timely manner, since it is problematic to find insects in the long hair of an animal. Timely treatment for infected bloodsuckers can save the dog's life.

But it should be taken into account that for the giant Leonberger breed of dogs the price of preventive treatments is quite high, and it should be treated regularly with early spring until the insects go into hibernation.

Genetics and heredity

In general, Leons - strong and healthy Unfortunately, this is a short-lived dog breed. As with all giant breeds, the most common occurrence is considered to be changes in bone structure and joint diseases caused by improper rearing or breed predisposition.

With a trusting relationship between the dog and the owner, the latter receives a faithful and devoted friend, obedient and smart.

Advantages and disadvantages

Brave guard and true friend - the main characteristics of Leon. In addition, he can be a draft helper, harnessed to a special cart; fortunately, harnesses for giant dogs are not in short supply these days.

A special character trait of Leon should include high level sensitivity of the interlocutor's intentions. The dog never won't allow communication between the owner and the person calling negative emotions those around you.

He will not even allow a person with bad intentions onto his threshold. They are not characterized by malice or aggression; the Leonberger does not strive to dominate the inhabitants living with him under the same roof. Representatives of the breed are more than loyal even to same-sex creatures.

Thick fur protects dogs from weather conditions, and he stoically endures winter period and the rainy season. Leonberger direct sun and heat are scary when the dog may get sunstroke or heatstroke. Therefore, during the hot period, it is necessary to provide the dog with a well-ventilated place in the shade.

The only drawback is the fact of how long the Leonberger lives. Unfortunately, the maximum lifespan is no more than nine years. And the early departure of a faithful and devoted friend is always accompanied by the pain of loss.