Leonberger is a giant dog breed that comes from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Despite its size and rugged looks, these pooches are friendly, great with kids and excellent family dogs.
Origin
In the 1830s, Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder from Leonberg created the the breed by crossing a female Landseer Newfoundland with a “barry” male from the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Monastery (which would later create the Saint Bernard breed). Essig later added a Pyrenean Mountain Dog to the mix, which resulted in a very large but even-tempered breed.
Description
The Leonberger is a large, muscular, and elegant dog with balanced body type. The head is adorned with a striking black mask, and projects the breed’s distinct expression of intelligence, pride, and kindliness.
The Leonberger has a generous, water resistant, double coat on his body that is complemented by the shorter, fine hair on his muzzle and limbs.
Coat colors include all combinations of lion-yellow, red, red-brown, sand, with the trademark striking black mask.
As for the temperament, the Leonberger is well socialized, easy to train, self-assured, insensitive to noise, submissive to family members, friendly with, well composed with passersby – in one word – a true family dog.
Pros
- even-tempered
- dog/cat friendly
- intelligent
- trainable
- adaptable
- great watchdog
Cons
- requires a lot of grooming
- susceptible to hip dysplasia
Should I adopt/buy a Leonberger?
If you are looking for a large and frightening watchdog that will also be a perfectly friendly family pooch, this Gentle Giant is the breed for you.