Leonberger Characteristics: The courageous and faithful Leonberger is a breed of Giant dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:2010). The Leonberger, is characterized by its imposing, powerful appearance with a strong, muscular body and a friendly, confident expression. Other characteristics include brown, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; high set, medium sized drop ears; a long, gently sloping tail and a strong, fluid gait. The temperament of the Leonberger can be described as Adaptable, Fearless, Loyal. The coat type of the Leonberger is described as soft to coarse, water-resistant coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Leonberger demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Herding and guard dog and is known by its nick name the "Lion Dog". The origin of the Leonberger dog breed was in Germany where it was developed in the 1800's. Fast Facts about the Leonberger: The following facts provide fast information about the Leonberger breed. Size: Giant *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2010) *** Nick name: "Lion Dog" *** Origin: Germany *** Male Height: 29 - 31 inches (74 - 80 cm) *** Female Height: 27 - 29 inches (61 - 74 cm) *** Male Weight: 130 - 170 pounds (59 - 77 kg) *** Female Weight: 100 - 130 pounds (45 - 59 kg) *** Coat Type: soft to coarse, water-resistant coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 6-8 puppies *** Health Problems: None *** Lifespan: 8-10 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Leonberger Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:2010): The Leonberger is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:2010). Other names for the Leonberger: The Leonberger is known by the nickname of the "Lion Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Leo and the Gentle Lion Dog Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Leonberger" derives from the Bavarian town of Leonberg in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany, located about 13 miles from Stuttgart. Leonberger History and Origin: The country of origin of the Leonberger breed was in Germany during the 1800's. The name of the man credited with developing the Leonberger is a German dog breeder and farm owner called Heinrich Essig (1808 - 1887). In 1846 Heinrich Essig developed the Leonberger breed by crossing a St. Bernard with the black and white Newfoundland dog and a Pyrenean mountain dog. Heinrich Essig loved his hometown of Leonberg and wanted to develop a breed that would be similar to the emblem of the city of Leonberg, a lion. Hence the nickname of the Leonberger - it wasn't because the dog hunted lions. Heinrich Essig was an extremely ambitious man and used his position on the Leonberg town council to promote both his town and the Leonberger. It also turned out that Heinrich Essig had a flair as a salesman and for marketing. He delegated the breeding program to his niece, Marie and concentrated on generating publicity and interest in the Leonberger dog. His efforts were rewarded and due to his political connections one of the most important men in Germany, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815 – 1898) became the owner of a Leonberger. Other noted owners of the Leonberger at this point in history were the Italian general and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807 - 1888), King Umberto of Italy (1844 – 1900) and Alexander II, the Czar of Russia (1818 - 1881). The auspicious start of the Leonberger was nearly brought to an abrupt end by the turmoil and devastation reeked by World War I (1914 - 1918). The Leonberger was on the verge of extinction but saved by the efforts of two German dog breeders, Otto Josenhans and Karl Stadelmann. Josenhans and Stadelmann gathered together the last of the Leonberger breed in Stuttgart, about 25 dogs, and began a breeding program to revive the breed. The Leonberger survived World War 2 (1939 - 1945) and the numbers of Leonbergers increased significantly Leonberger Modern History: The modern history of the Leonberger moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Farm worker, Search and Rescue dog and family companion. The Leonberger was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010. Leonberger Height: The Leonberger breed is classified as a Giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 29 - 31 inches (74 - 80 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 27 - 29 inches (61 - 74 cm). Leonberger Weight: Not surprisingly for a Giant sized dog, the weight of a Leonberger male dog is 130 - 170 pounds (59 - 77 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 100 - 130 pounds (45 - 59 kg). Leonberger Coat Type: The coat type is described as soft to coarse, water-resistant coat. Leonberger Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Sandy, Mahogany, Yellow and Red. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Mahogany is a strong reddish-brown color. Leonberger Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Leonberger are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Leonberger is considered to be high-maintenance and requires daily brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Leonberger dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Leonberger Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6-8 puppies. Leonberger puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Leonberger puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Leonberger Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Courageous, Adaptable, Fearless, Loyal and Faithful. Leonberger Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Leonberger requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a strong, fluid, easy gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Leonberger Diet: A fully grown Leonberger should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Leonberger Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Leonberger breed have shown no recurring problems. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Leonberger dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Leonberger Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Leonberger breed is 8-10 years. Leonberger Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Leonberger breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Leonberger names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Varick *** Milo *** Kellen *** Heinz *** Buddy *** Toby *** Heinrich *** Varick *** Fritz *** Conrad *** Claus. Leonberger Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Leonberger names are Gretchen *** Maggie *** Phoebe *** Sasha *** Abby *** Wanda *** Elsa *** Berta *** Mercy *** Brandy *** Rosie. Fast Facts about the Leonberger: The following facts provide fast information about the Leonberger breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2010) *** Size: Giant *** Country of Origin: Germany *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Leonberger Height: 29 - 31 inches (74 - 80 cm) *** Male Leonberger Weight: 130 - 170 pounds (59 - 77 kg) *** Coat Type: soft to coarse, water-resistant coat *** Litter Size: 6-8 puppies *** Leonberger Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Leonberger Lifespan: 8-10 years *** | 