by Tylisa Schadams

Created on: August 01, 2009

True to the name, the Leonberger name originates from the southwest Germany city of Leonberg. A dog breeder named Heinrich Essing from the city of Leonberg is the first recorded man to breed the Leonberger dog breed. In the early 1800's he bred the Leonberger from the Newfoundland, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and the Saint Bernard. However, the breed was not established in Germany until 1846. A very trendy legend in Germany tells the breed was bred to bear a resemblance to the Leonberg coat-of-arms, a lion. Their protective instinct made the Leonberg breed excellent protectors of livestock to the European countries.

The two world wars devastated life as we knew and threatened every single human life. However, no one suffered quite as back as the Leonberger breed did. Only five Leonberger dogs survived the First World War because most were left to fend for themselves when their owners ran away or were killed. Those five Leonbergers that somehow survived were taken and bred. Tragically, in World War Two, nearly all the breed was wiped out again in the same manor, eight surviving this time.

Being a majestic and loyal dog, many royal families have owned a Leonberger. Such as Napoleon II of France, Italian Kind Umberto, Prince of Whales, and Empress Elizabeth of Austria, only to name a few. The first Leonberger was brought to the United States in 1971. Today there is an estimated one thousand of the breed registered in the United States.

Leonbergers are massive, yet eloquently beautiful dogs. Being squarely built with solid muscle, this dog is not only larger but powerfully strong. Their medium length, double coats are known to be soft, yet water resistant. Shedding is a problem to Leonberger owners considering the breed sheds quantity and frequently. Colors range from shades of red, tan, brown, and gold. The Leonbergers most distinguishing feature is a black mask over his red, tan, brown, or gold face. Their eyes are usually very large and dark, with a kind and playful glint to them.

Having webs between their toes, the Leonbergers are excellent swimmers. With a generally tight fitting snout, most do not drool except for the occasional male that might. Female Leonbergers are very feminine when compared to the male. The males have a thick mane resembling a male lion that can take over four years to develop and a long feathered tail. Both females and males tend to have front and back feathered legs. Females range about 25-31 inches in height, weighting 100-140 pounds.

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