As one of the few breeds that offer us a precise date on its birth, the Leonberger is certainly one of those breeds that not everybody recognizes but that always catches the attention due to its uniqueness, beauty and tenderness. Experts believe that the Leonberger was firstly bred in the year of 1846 in the homonymous region of Germany. In its genes it features elements of other large breeds such as the Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees and the Saint Bernard. The main purpose of the creation of this breed was to obtain a fabulous and high quality dog that could resemble a lion in both strenght and appearance. This dog was especially created for many important historical figures and became immediately popular among aristocrats and high status people. Nowadays, this great companion dog counts with the recognition of many dog associations except for the AKC.
Like most Mastiffs, the Leonberger features a compact and muscular body with strong legs and neck. They also display a long and hairy tail, a slightly tucked in abdomen and a broad head which is properly framed by two long and pendant ears. The chest is wide and counts with abundant coat in order to protect the animal from the cold weathers in which it was born. The head is triangular and the nose is large and dark. The eyes are bright and large with a nice expression. The coat is waterproof and even though it is quite dense, it is not really long. It is also soft to the touch and it can be found in many different colors.
The temperament of the Leonberger is lively and happy. These are truly intelligent dogs that are easy to train and that will obbey your commands as best as possible. They are also devoted family dogs and they will not only enjoy human company but will also stand up for any possible danger that may put their family into jeopardy. They need to be trustable animals so as to be easy to handle and maneuver. This is only achieved with an early socialization but especially with a firm and consistent training method. These dogs have been bred to follow a ruler and that must be you. They do not respond to aggressive or violent training. They can be good with children but small pets should never be left alone with a Leonberger.
Although quite healthy, the Leonberger tends to suffer from hip dysplasia and some other minor health conditions that can and should be prevented. They are obviously not good for apartment life, being their usual measurements 29 to 31 inches of height and 130 to 170 pounds of weight. You must provide your Leonberger with a good amount of exercise that keeps it entertained, relaxed and also fit since they can show tendency to become overweight if not properly exercised. Life expectancy for these dogs is one of the shortest of all: it goes from eight to nine years and it depends greatly on the quality of life you provide your Leonberger with.