About Leonberger - a breed originally from the German city of Leonberg. Description of the Leonberger, advice on care and training Leonberger puppy weight by month

Leonberger is a large, powerful dog that can be used as a guard. Since ancient times, they guarded the livestock and property of the owner. All this is due to the impressive size, excellent qualities, and also thanks to the awesome appearance, which is a bit like a lion. If it were necessary to describe this breed in only a few words, then they would fit perfectly: powerful, noble and meek.

Outwardly, the Leonberger resembles a huge, fluffy, warm and reliable ball of wool. One of the most important qualities of this dog is balance. Even if chaos and disorder reign around the Leonberger, he will always remain calm and unruffled. But this does not apply to situations where he or his family members are in danger. Such moments Leonberger is able to instantly feel and begin to act. It is quite difficult to provoke aggression from him, unless he himself considers it necessary. But in most cases, these dogs do not have time to react aggressively, as people and other animals are afraid of the mere appearance and awesome size.

It should be noted that in comparison with other breeds, Leonbergers have a very interesting, but at the same time, instructive history: from the first appearance and further development. It can be said with confidence that there is not a single breed in the world that has managed to adequately survive all the triumphant ups and sad falls. Throughout the history of its development and existence, the Leonberger managed to be the favorite of kings and the dream of aristocrats, as well as an outcast, at the slightest mention of which cynologists and dog breeders began to laugh unkindly and actively criticize the breed. The Leonberger is a dog that managed to gain such huge recognition that its livestock around the world numbered in the millions, but the breed also happened to be on the verge of extinction.

In Germany, at the foot of the hills in Swabia, there is a small town called Leonberg. Translated from German, Leonberg is translated as "the city of the lion." Hence the name of the breed, which can be translated as "mountain lion", which is fully consistent with its appearance. In the mid-30s of the 19th century, one well-known dog breeder Heinrich Essig, who was also a member of the city council, decided to create a living symbol of the city, which would embody all its power and nobility, and would also be a match for the proud name "Leonberg ". That is, the obligatory and first condition was the similarity of a dog with a lion.

There is an official version, which the German "founding fathers" carefully keep as an important document. Essig first decided to cross a black and white Landser with a huge longhaired St. Bernard. After that, Essig continued to cross the resulting dogs with other breeds. At the last stage, he decided to breed the descendants received from all crossings with the St. Bernard, and after that with the Pyrenean mountain dog. As a result, a large dog was born, with a silver-gray color, black head and ears. In 1848, this breed was given the proud name "Leonberger". The dog began to rapidly win the hearts of cynologists and breeders.

A few years later, Essig successfully demonstrated to cynological circles a leonberger with a yellow-brown color, which already undeniably resembled a lion. Representatives of the silver-gray color remained for a very long time, and only in 1973 it was decided to exclude them from the main standard. For a long time, this story was considered official and unique. But right after Essig left this world, the German cynologist and artist Strebel stated that he doubted the veracity of this story. In his opinion, Essig used for crossing not St. Bernards, but huge, beautiful, mountain dogs, which were also called Alpine. Thanks to this statement or statement, a second version of the origin of the Leonbergers appeared.

The second version is now followed by more and more cynologists and dog breeders, including world-famous Luket, Likhbor, Leonard, etc. Legend has it that back in the 16th century, horse fairs that were held every month in Leonberg sold beautiful large dogs. They accompanied horses and merchants, and were also in demand by farmers and shepherds. In the diary of a noble princess, it was mentioned that Leonbergers were bred in noble nurseries already in the 17th century. There is also evidence that in the 18th century, the French Queen Marie Antoinette purchased a huge leonberger.

A little later, at the beginning of the 19th century, this breed was struck by distemper. Almost all livestock died. Several representatives were sent to the nursery of the monastery, which was located in the vicinity of Leonberg. There is a version that Essig did not create a new breed, but only recreated the old one, which already existed long before his life. He took advantage of the commercial side of the situation and thus made an excellent advertisement, thanks to which he was able to sell one puppy for fabulous money.

The Leonbergers were kept by such great people as Napoleon III, Richard Wagner, Friedrich of Baden, the Prince of Wales, etc. And in Vienna, to this day, a monument to the great Austro-Hungarian Empress Elisabeth of Baden has been preserved, next to which several of her Leonbergers are depicted. The Russian Emperor Nicholas II also had a representative of this beautiful breed in the palace.

After the death of Essig, there were no documents left confirming the breed standard, therefore, people who were not clean “at hand” sold a wide variety of dogs, which were large in size, under the guise of Leonbergers. The breed fell into complete decline, interest in it faded away, and they even began to laugh at it. But at the end of the 19th century, a nominal club and a standard were created, thanks to which the breeding of real leonbergers began. But the sad events of the First and Second World Wars again threatened the existence of the breed. There are only 3 purebred dogs left in the world. But even from this quantity, a whole generation of dogs was resurrected. In Russia, the Leonberger is still considered the rarest dog, but their number is increasing every year.

Character and behavior

In addition to appearance and service qualities, the Leonberger has an amazing character, thanks to which this dog is the most ideal family pet. They are smart, insanely loyal and devoted, reasonable and peacefully calm. It would seem that their gentle nature can not match such a formidable appearance. But in fact, Leonbergers are very obedient and "flexible" pets. They are always ready and willing to serve their master.

Most large dogs are prone to displaying unreasonable excessive aggression. Often, that is why, many people are afraid to have representatives of this breed in their home, and especially where there are small children. But this statement does not apply to Leonbergers. They are not subject to aggression and the desire to dominate. This is considered an unacceptable breed defect. Despite the fact that this is a watchdog, in the family it is characterized as a cheerful, calm, kind dog with a lively disposition.

A separate word should be given to Leonberger's relationship with young children. This huge ball of wool with big teeth will allow children to do whatever they want with it. Kids can climb on a pet, drag him by the tail, pull him by the ears, but he will always courageously endure such games and, in spite of everything, will protect his little masters. It is only worth noting that such a great love for a human cub appears only in adulthood, and when the Leonberger himself is still a baby, it is better not to leave him alone with his child.

It should also be noted that the gentle nature does not affect the guard qualities of the dog. He will always reliably and bravely protect the territory and property of his masters. Another important point is the urgent need for communication. If the Leonberger does not feel proper attention and does not receive communication, then he can become boring and lethargic. He will always feel the mood in your family, respond to joy with playfulness, silence with calmness, and if there is a scandal in the house, then he will be very excited.

Considering all the above qualities, it can be argued that by purchasing a Leonberger, you acquire a devoted, faithful, selfless friend, an excellent companion and a reliable guard who is always ready to give his life for you and your family.

Appearance and breed standard

The Leonberger is a very large dog. This is exactly what Essig relied on when he used a huge St. Bernard for knitting. She is muscular and very strong, but, despite this, unusually graceful. Other large dogs are characterized by clumsy and rough movements, but the Leonberger is characterized by smoothness and nobility. His body is perfectly coordinated, the coat is long and thick. Males are much more powerful and larger than females, they also have a chic mane on their chest and neck. The coloring can be a mixture of yellow, red-red, red-brown and sand shades. A small white spot on the chest is allowed by the standard.

The growth of males at the withers can reach 80 cm, females - 75 cm. The desired weight of males is 60-78 kg, females - 45-60 kg.

The modern Leonberger breed standard was adopted only in 1948. The standard states that the dog must hold its head high enough. Her skull is moderately domed, but not too high or wide. The transition from forehead to muzzle should be smooth. The lips are dry, close to the jaws. The muzzle is not too long, but moderately long and not pointed. The eyes of the Leonberger are medium in size, light or dark brown in color. The eyelids are tight.

Hanging ears, rounded ends, overgrown with hair, set high and slightly turned forward. The neck is neither too long nor too short. The chest is wide and deep. The tail should be thick and long, set very low. Leonberger always wears it down. Significant disqualification if the tail is carried high over the back or curled into a ring.

His coat is quite long, thick and hard. Fits well to the body, straight, developed undercoat. The chest and neck are decorated with a thick and beautiful collar resembling a lion's mane. The standard allows light yellow, golden yellow or reddish brown with dark ends on the coat. It is preferable if there is a dark mask on the muzzle. A white spot on the chest and white toes are acceptable.

The back of the dog is slightly raised. Her back is very powerful and straight. The limbs are straight and strong, the elbows are pronounced. Significant faults are:

• undershot or overshot;
• short and pointed muzzle;
• strabismus;
• strongly turned out elbows;
• back with a bend;
• light eye color;
• loose hanging eyelids;
• spotted color and wavy coat.

The modern Leonberger has inherited from its ancestors not only the beauty and attractiveness of the exterior, but also outstanding qualities.

Raising and training Leonberger

Leonberger is a dog breed that is distinguished by natural calmness, intelligence and boundless talent. They lend themselves perfectly to both education and training. All this is due to the fact that they have no desire to dominate. Therefore, they themselves like to fulfill all the commands and requests of their master. There is an opinion that this is the only breed in the world with which you do not need to communicate through an orderly strict tone and commands, it is easier and easier to communicate with them in a “human” language, letting the dog understand that you are on the same level with it.

If you have become a happy owner of a Leonberger, then try to start communicating with him respectfully, calmly, patiently with nobility. Your tone should be even and confident, but, nevertheless, you should not forget who is the pet and who is the owner. Although it is rare that a Leonberger needs such reminders. The reward for your respect and patience will surely be his boundless love and devotion, as well as immense respect.

It should be noted that the Leonberger is a fair dog that knows a lot about many things. Her intelligence allows her to always know if her punishment is just. Therefore, punish her in proportion to her faults. If Leon stumbles upon a “wall” of unrequited feelings and injustice, then resentment and misunderstanding will lurk in his heart for a long time.

Leonberger sees his goal all his life as serving the owner and his family. That is why he can be called an ideal and capable student. The training is very easy and fast. As soon as the puppy got into your house, you just need to let him feel the boundaries of what is permitted. Just one time will be enough. The only thing that will take a lot of time and patience is the socialization of the dog. She should be calm towards everyone: both animals and strangers. If you want a guard dog, then also start training from puppyhood.

Features of maintenance, feeding and care

Keeping a Leonberger is not much different from keeping other large dogs. Despite the fact that he does not need great physical exertion, he still needs daily long walks. Be sure to pay attention to the process of formation of the bones and paws. Also the main point in care is wool. Since it is long and thick, it must be combed out regularly with a special brush or mittens.

Carefully monitor the cleanliness and condition of the ears, eyes and nose. It is necessary to bathe as it gets dirty, periodically cut the claws.

Special attention should be paid to the nutrition of the Leonberger. since this is a large breed, during the period of growth, dogs especially need a balanced diet in order to properly form the bones and muscles. You don’t need to save on pet food, just like on your own. So, a few tips regarding the nutrition of the Leonberger. Despite its large size, it should not be overfed. The dog should be moderately well-fed, but with well-developed muscles.

Leonberger should not eat with greed, otherwise it may indicate health problems. Mandatory foods in the Leon's diet are raw fish, meat, and vegetables. Experts recommend giving your dog a bone or cartilage every day until the age of five. Never give your pet bird bones. If you give him vegetables, then it is advisable to add a little vegetable oil or sour cream to them.

Foods that categorically cannot be given not only to the Leonberger, but also to other dogs include sweets, salty foods, fried foods, flour, spices and spices, fatty pork and lamb, legumes.

When a Leonberger puppy is 2 months old, he should be fed 5-6 times a day, after he turns 4 months old, the number of meals should be reduced to 4 times. From 7 months to maturity, feed should be no more than 3 times a day, and an adult dog should eat 2 times a day. There should also be access to clean and fresh water.

How to choose and where to buy a Leonberger puppy

If you decide to become a happy owner of a Leonberger, then first you should weigh all the pros and cons. Despite the fact that this breed has the best qualities, there are still pitfalls that it is better to familiarize yourself with in advance. To begin with, evaluate your capabilities and, first of all, your living conditions. After all, you must understand that the Leonberger is a large dog and in a small apartment you doom both yourself and your pet to inconvenience.

If you are an amateur in the institution of a dog of this breed, then before choosing a nursery or breeder, it is recommended to visit a specialized exhibition. There you can see in all its glory all the advantages of the appearance and behavior of the Leonberger, meet worthy breeders, make useful contacts and get advice from cynologists.

The cattery must be verified with a good reputation. Conditions for keeping dogs should be at the highest level. It is advisable to personally get acquainted with the parents of Leon-karapuzov, observe their behavior. Check for all vaccinations and veterinary check-ups. After that, you can get acquainted with the kids. First of all, visually check them for physical health: shiny fur and eyes, clean ears, a cold shiny nose, an elastic but soft tummy and clean skin. Try to capture the mood and character of the puppy. He must be very active and interested in communication. Try to make contact with the little one, play with him, he should reciprocate, not show aggression and cowardice.

The right choice, the right upbringing and maintenance is a guarantee that you will be able to grow a reliable and loving friend for yourself for many years to come.

The Leonberger is a large breed of dog bred in the city of Leonberg, Baden-Württemberg in Germany. According to legend, the breed was bred as a symbol, since a lion is depicted on the coat of arms of the city.

• Leonberger puppies are full of energy and hormones, very energetic in the first years of life. Adult dogs are calm and full of dignity.

• They love to be around family and are not suitable for life in an aviary or on a chain.

• This is a large dog and needs space to keep it. A private house with a large yard is ideal.

• They shed and profusely, especially twice a year.

• They are very fond of children and affectionate with them, but the large size makes any dog ​​potentially dangerous.

• The Leonberger, like all large dog breeds, has a short lifespan. Just about 7 years old.

History of the breed

In 1830, Heinrich Essig, breeder and mayor of Leonberg, announced that he had created a new breed of dog. He crossed a female and a male Barry from the monastery of St. Bernard (we know him as).

Subsequently, according to his own statements, blood was added and the result was very large dogs with long hair, which was valued at that time, and good character.

By the way, the fact that Essig was the creator of the breed is disputed. As early as 1585, Prince Klemens Lothar von Metternich owned dogs very similar in description to the Leonberger. However, there is no doubt that it was Essig who registered and named the breed.

The first dog to be registered as a Leonberger was born in 1846 and inherited many of the traits of the breeds from which it was descended. Popular legend says that it was created as a symbol of the city, which has a lion on its coat of arms.

Leonbergers became popular with the ruling families in Europe. Among them were Napoleon II, Otto von Bismarck, Elizabeth of Bavaria, Napoleon III.

A black and white engraving of a Leonberger was included in The Illustrated Book of Dogs, published in 1881. By that time, the breed was declared an unsuccessful craft under, an unstable and unrecognized breed, the result of a fashion for large and strong dogs.

Its popularity was explained by the cunning of Essig, who gave puppies to the rich and famous. Traditionally they were kept on farms and valued for their guard qualities and ability to drag loads. They were often seen pulling sleds, especially around Bavaria.

The modern look of Leonbergers (with dark hair and a black mask on the muzzle) was formed in the second half of the 20th century, through the introduction of new breeds, such as.

This was inevitable as the dog population was severely affected during the two world wars. During the First World War, most of the dogs were abandoned or killed, it is believed that only 5 individuals survived.

By the beginning of World War II, the breed had recovered and was again under attack. Some dogs were left at home and were too expensive to maintain, others were used as a draft force in the war.

Today's Leonbergers trace their roots to nine dogs that survived World War II.

Through the efforts of amateurs, the breed was restored and gradually gained popularity, although it remains one of the rarest dogs in the working group. The American American Kennel Club recognized the breed only on January 1, 2010.

Description of the breed

The dogs have a luxurious double coat, they are large, muscular, elegant. The head is adorned with a black mask, giving the breed an expression of intelligence, pride and cordiality.

True to its roots as a working and search and rescue breed, the Leonberger combines strength and elegance. In dogs, sexual dimorphism is expressed and it is quite easy to distinguish between a male and a female.

Males at the withers reach 71–80 cm, on average 75 cm and weigh 54–77 kg. Females 65–75 cm, on average 70 cm and weigh 45–61 kg. Capable of hard work, they are well built, muscular, with heavy bone. The chest is wide and deep.

The head is proportional to the body, the length of the muzzle and skull is approximately the same. The eyes are not very deep set, medium in size, oval, dark brown in color.

The ears are fleshy, medium in size, hanging down. Scissor bite with a very strong bite, teeth close together tightly.

The Leonberger has a double, water-repellent coat that is very long and close to the body. It is shorter on the muzzle and legs.

Overshirt with long, smooth hair, but slight wavy is allowed. The undercoat is soft and dense. Mature males have a well-defined mane, and the tail is decorated with thick hair.

Coat color varies and includes all combinations of lion yellow, red, sand and auburn. A small white spot on the chest is acceptable.

Character

The character of this wonderful breed combines friendliness, self-confidence, curiosity and playfulness. The latter depends on the age and temperament of the dog, however, many Leonbergers are playful even at a respectable age and live like puppies.

In public, they are well-mannered and calm dogs that greet strangers, are not afraid of the crowd, and calmly wait while the owner talks or makes purchases. They are especially gentle with children, Leonbergers are considered a breed well suited for a family with a child.

Moreover, this character trait is found in all dogs, regardless of gender or temperament. Aggression or cowardice is a serious vice and is not characteristic of the breed.

With other dogs, they behave calmly, but confidently, as befits a strong giant. Once introduced, they may be indifferent or disposed toward them, but should not be aggressive. Fights can happen between two males, but it all depends on the socialization and training of the dog.

In institutions such as hospices, you can often find dogs of this breed. They are engaged in therapy, bring comfort, joy and peace to hundreds of patients around the world. As a watchdog, they take their job seriously and bark only when necessary.

Usually they lie in a strategically important place, where a view of the entire territory opens. Their mind will allow them to assess the situation and not use force unnecessarily, but in case of danger they act decisively and boldly.

Despite the fact that Leonbergers have excellent character, as is the case with other large breeds, you should not rely on him alone. Early socialization and education is essential. Puppies have a loving nature and often welcome strangers into the house as if they were a loved one.

At the same time, they grow slowly both physically and psychologically, and full maturation reaches two years! Training at this time allows you to bring up a smart, manageable, calm dog.

A good trainer will allow the dog to understand its place in the world, how to solve problems and how to behave in the family.

Care

In terms of care, they require attention and time. As a rule, they do not salivate, but sometimes they can flow after drinking or during times of stress. Also, they splash water.

The coat of the Leonberger dries slowly, and after walking in wet weather, huge, dirty paw prints remain on the floor.

Throughout the year, their coat sheds evenly, with two heavy molts in spring and autumn. Naturally, a dog with a long and thick coat needs more care than a smooth-haired one. All Leonbergers have a water-repellent coat that protects them from the elements.

If you want it to look well-groomed, you need to comb it daily. This will significantly reduce the amount of hair falling out. Washing a giant dog requires a lot of patience, water, shampoo and towels.

But the breed does not need grooming. Brushing, clipping nails and a little trimming on the paw pads, it is the natural look that is considered ideal.

Health

Large, fairly healthy breed. Hip dysplasia, the scourge of all large dog breeds, is less pronounced in the Leonberger. Mostly due to the efforts of breeders who test their dogs and rule out sires with potential problems.

Studies of the lifespan of Leonbergers in the US and UK have come up with a figure of 7 years, which is almost 4 years less than other purebred breeds, but which is common for large dogs. Only 20% of dogs lived 10 years or more. The oldest died at the age of 13.

Serious diseases that affect the breed include some types of cancer. In addition, all large breeds are prone to volvulus, and the Leonberger with its deep chest is even more so.

They need to be fed in small portions, and not given all the food at once. According to statistics, the most common causes of death are cancer (45%), heart disease (11%), other (8%), age (12%).

Take a look:

A domestic lion, in a dog guise, no matter how incredible it may sound, but there is no more accurate description of the Leonberger breed. The shaggy red dog, bred as a symbol of pride, carries its high status today. The feature that distinguishes the Leonberger from other large dogs is the complete absence of aggression, more precisely, an absolutely balanced temperament. You can hug, lift, roll a pet on the floor, pull him by his mustaches and ears, put a saddle on him and put a child in him, the maximum that the ward will do is wrinkle his nose. And this is 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 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 fame and enviable status of the region had only one reason - the annual horse fair, which was attended by wealthy residents of the country, foreigners, officials and members of the administration. The action took place in a town called Mount Lion, and hence the city symbols appeared - the 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 Leonberg's board, decided to fulfill the dream of many citizens and create a "personal king of beasts", but in a dog guise.

The official history of the breed began in the middle of the XIX century. In the history of cynology, there is evidence that Leonbergers met 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 thing, after the approval of the description of the breed, historians "dug up" quite compromising material. According to the data found, we can say that Essig did not create a new one, but revived an already existing breed of Alpine Shepherd Dogs.

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

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

According to the 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 breed's pedigree. Disputes about who the ancestors of the breed were, St. Bernards and Barry, or still giant Alpine Shepherds, are ongoing to this day. The similarities between the Leonberger and the Alpine Shepherd are obvious enough to negate their possible relationship. It is possible that St. Bernard Barry became a popularization tool in the hands of not only the breeder, but also, as it turns out, the marketer Heinrich Essig.

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

The work of the breeder was not in vain, the qualities of the breed and its mysterious history played an important role in the reputation of the dogs. Already in the middle of the 19th century, Leonbergers were considered the elite of the canine world. Puppies, which cost a fortune, served as a worthy gift for royal people. The status of the breed remains privileged today. Puppies are available for purchase in a very limited number. All breeding stock is concentrated in a very narrow circle of breeders who honor the qualities of the breed and do not pursue quantity. According to approximate data, no more than 8,000 of these beautiful dogs live on the entire globe.

It is interesting! In addition to Germany and Europe, Leonbergers are also bred in the USA. However, taking the dog out 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 here, many will ask? A very ordinary dog, except that its size is impressive ... in fact, the breed has a lot of advantages. For starters, the Leonberger belongs to the mountain type of Molossian and is a dog that has collected the best qualities of all related breeds. It is difficult to find negative reviews about His Highness, even if you search very hard. Perhaps this is due to the small distribution of the breed, and perhaps this dog is the ideal representative of the mountain giants.

Leonberger (Leonberger) refers to mastiff-like dogs, in the classifier of the International Cynological Federation is present at number 145. The birthplace of this embodiment of stateliness and "sociable independence" is Germany and Switzerland.

The ancestral forms of mastiffs come from Central Asia. As shepherd dogs in the family group, they work to this day. In Europe, they are known and loved as companion dogs.

The Leonberger dog breed is one of the types whose appearance and character are the result of long-term work of breeders, and not natural selection. In addition, this is a breed of local origin: it is based on aboriginal dogs of one province in Germany. In the 19th century, they were crossed with St. Bernards and Pyrenean Cattle Dogs. The goal was to preserve the working qualities of the Mastiffs and give them a representative appearance.

Now it is a family dog ​​with a balanced character and guard qualities.

Leonberger breed standard

Leon lop-eared (property of breeds formed in Central Asia), strongly built, bony and massive. Moderately narrow-bodied and moderately tall.

Leonberger dog breed: description of the exterior provides for an elongated hairline with a cloak on the back, with a puffy collar and pants, with feathers, a suspension on the tail. The color is solid, from fawn to golden, brown-red, with a dark mask. Often there is a black awn.

This is a large dog, of the same group with and. The growth of males is 72–80 cm, females - 65–75 cm. For an adult dog, the Leonberger weight is in the range of 55–65 kg. is the norm. The average life expectancy is 10 years.

The Leonberger breed standard is a look that gives the impression of imposing and calm power:

• the head is large, with a slightly convex one, smoothly turning into a long muzzle;
• withers are weakly expressed;
• the chest is voluminous, but not rounded;
• the body is elongated;
• the back of smooth lines, the lower back is flexible;
• the croup is elongated, slightly rounded and slightly inclined;
• limbs of a parallel setting;
• tail of medium length, with a bend to a half ring;
• the ears are set at eye level, hanging, not long, with a triangular apex.

Leonberger dog breed: the photo clearly demonstrates these signs.

The nature and ability of the breed

Leonberger: A description of the breed would be incomplete without a mention of character. A special feature of mastiff-shaped - with the ability to make decisions independently, combined with a focus on the family (flock) and on the person. Thanks to this regard for "their" mastiffs are highly valued as companion dogs.

Modern breeds of this group are a little aggressive. Independence remained, combined with devotion without helpfulness.

Leonbergers are good with children. Acquaintance should take place under the supervision of adults, with the obligatory adjustment of the behavior of both.

Important! Do not allow the child to take a lower position next to the dog than he is. A small child alone should not be left with any dog ​​in any position. Walks with adults only.

In order to use the “transfer” to the person of his focus on the pack during the upbringing of the Leonberger puppy, Do not take more than one puppy into the family at once. Otherwise, they will be engaged in establishing relations with each other, and the owner will have to earn authority from this team.

Mastiffs are very difficult to perceive the change of the owner (counselor, if we are talking about the service). A group of working dogs may lose their ability to interact and work. A single dog can change behavior dramatically as a result of stress.

Leonberger breed: the photo perfectly conveys how much devotion is in his eyes.

Conditions of keeping, feeding adult dogs and puppies

Despite the massive Leonbergers are mobile and hardy. They need long walks at a measured pace, preferably over rough terrain (for the proper development of muscles, keeping them in shape, in order to avoid excess weight and at the same time to “work up” an appetite).

The rest of the time, ideally, the dog should have a closed yard at its disposal, preferably a back yard, with the ability to go into the house at any time. Leonberger is not just important, but vital to feel like a member of the family, do not stay apart from her, especially on the chain.

In an apartment, the Leonberger will most likely choose the hallway.

Hair care

A sharply continental climate - with large temperature fluctuations - allowed dogs with thick and voluminous coats and soft undercoats to survive, which the Leonberger inherited. Shedding occurs twice a year. The rest of the time the dog is combed once a week.

Grooming a Leonberger will require consistent use of a slicker brush and a metal comb. Start with the front paws, end with the tail. The hair at the base of the ears is better to first disassemble with a comb and hands.

Important! Pushing the brush too hard or choosing teeth that are too long can easily damage your dog's skin. For the abdomen, muzzle, armpits, use a soft brush with plastic or natural bristles.

A hard, hard floor will wear down the hair of a heavy dog, especially on the elbows. The bedding should be dry, washed regularly, preferably at high temperature.

The puppy is combed with a soft massage brush and daily. So that the baby does not get bored with the ritual and remains a pleasant, fun, expected activity:

• we comb only a few minutes a day;
• put a soft towel under the paws;
• encourage the puppy with praise and treats;
• be sure to complete the grooming game.

Water procedures

You can wash your dog as needed. A rubber mat is placed at the bottom of the bath. A heavy Leonberger without an assistant can be put into the bath “in stages”: first the front paws, then the hind legs.

Wetting starts from the tail, patiently let the undercoat get wet. Shampoo is applied diluted, and washed off very carefully, to the “squeak”. Dry the coat with a towel, then with a hair dryer, starting from the hind legs, without directing a jet of hot air directly onto the skin.

Like any dog Leonberger needs regular examination of teeth, claws, skin, eyes, anal area. It is convenient to combine such a check with grooming and make it one familiar ritual.

Attention! Neither on the table nor in the bathroom should a dog be left unattended, especially a tied one, in order to avoid injury and suffocation. Don't even give an accident a chance.

Feeding

Before you decide what and how to feed the Leonberger, it is wise to listen to the experience of the breeder.

Main choice: natural food or dry food. In the first case, you should adhere to the standard diet and diet. More about natural nutrition It is acceptable to use dry food without mixing it with natural food.

The first days of the puppy is better to feed the same that he ate at the breeder, in 4 feedings. If there are no problems with digestion, hair, then the arguments of the veterinarian to change the brand of food should be convincing.

For babies, dry food is soaked in water, goat's milk, and given in dry form as a reward. But without increasing the total amount of the diet.

Attention! The Leonberger needs plenty of fresh water.

Appetite, on the contrary, can surprise with its modesty. It is not difficult to mistake moderation in food for dissatisfaction with food. It is better to first reduce the one-time portion and take a longer walk.
A puppy (up to 1.5 years old) of a Leonberger needs:

• non-slip floor;
• lack of stairs;
• stopping the game when he is tired, and not when other dogs or children have played enough;
• short walks, strictly fixed duration, which should be increased gradually;
• games and walks - not just nearby, but together with the owner;
• training with motivation, encouragement, and not with shouts, punishments and not in a strict collar.

The content 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, fluffy little animals that love people very much. Due to their gigantic size, animals are excellent guards. They are also involved in rescue operations.

The history of the origin of the Leonberger breed

In the South-West of Germany, in the unification of the lands of Baden-Württemberg, each city has its own rich history, pride and centuries-old secrets. Images of lions in Leonberg are everywhere and even on its heraldry. This symbol gave its name to the Leonberger breed, which appeared here in the 19th century - a giant variety of Great Dane. She went through 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 of admirers.

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

There is another variation. According to the research of Professor Schulmatz, Leonbergers already existed much earlier than the birth of the esteemed Essing. Somewhere 200 years before its appearance, there were images of dogs guarding the Austro-Hungarian royal family in the paintings. They were very similar to the current Leonbergers.

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

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

Over time, they have changed for the worse. Then Essing used the preserved specimens of the representatives of the breed in his breeding activities. He managed to revive and restore the breed. Genetic studies support this. It is also indisputable that the St. Bernards participated in breeding. The Leonbergers were the offspring of two females sent to the Leonberg monastery kennel in 1820. So the dog from this city became the basis for creating the species. The Duke still managed to perpetuate his name!

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

Now these dogs live in different countries of the world. According to the official version, there are about eight thousand of them, but in fact the number is much larger. 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 people of Leonberg held a competition to design a sculpture in honor of the beloved breed. Won the Hungarian sculptors Nadia and Balazs.

External Standard Leonberger

1. Head deep extended. The cheekbones are moderately developed. The skin fits well all over the head.
2. Muzzle- long, massive, equal in length to the skull. The transition to the forehead is moderate. The bridge of the nose is flat and wide. Lips tightly closed, black pigmentation. Jaws developed, scissor bite. Fangs are white, large, standing upright. He must have 42 teeth.
3. Nose- the lobe is large, only black.
4. Eyes leonberger harmonious fit. Oval shape, medium size. Eyelids close, dark pigmentation. The white of the eye is slightly visible. Eye color from amber to hazel and dark rich brown, almost black.
5. Ears set high, but not far back. Medium in size, well filled, hanging close to the cheekbones.
6. Neck- muscular, with well-developed withers with a smooth bend, without dewlap. In males it is more pronounced.
7. Frame powerful, muscular, with a straight back. The loin is broad, the croup is gently rounded. The chest is oval, wide. The abdomen is slightly tucked up.
8. Tail- long with lush hairline. Looks elegant. Set on neither high nor low. When moving, it bends slightly above the spine.
9. Forelimbs Leonberger has straight lines parallel to each other. Middle position. The shoulders are at an oblique angle. Rear - upright. Femurs of mesomorphic musculature, long, obliquely set. They form a pronounced angle with the legs. Dewclaws are removed.
10. Paws. They stand straight. They have jumpers, which makes them excellent swimmers. The fingers are well-knit, arched. The pads are developed. Nails of black pigmentation.
11. coat dense, with long outer hair. The coat is quite long, moisture resistant, with an undercoat. It fits well, but the outlines of the body are visible. Softer to stiffer in texture, may be slightly wavy. Around the neck, a collar of the color of lion's hair is clearly visible. Good feathering on the forelegs. On the back - fluffy pants. The tail is smartly dressed.
12. Color from golden like a lion to red-brown. The tips of the hair can be black in any basic color. Be sure to decorate the muzzle with a black mask. Ears are black.

Leonberger character

The specificity of Leonberger's behavior is such that they always insist on their own. Attitude towards children is special. A dog will never offend a child and will always protect even a stranger. The boys can do whatever they want with her: pull her ears and tail, ride. "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 this is given a lot of attention and time. If they need something, they gently take a person by the hand with their teeth, and take them 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 vote when they want to ask for something or ask - in extremely urgent cases. They are extremely responsive to communication. They can be understood without words. You just need to truly love the Leonbergers and be able to find contact with them. Affectionate kind and gentle giants.

Leonberger Health

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

Cancer is an oncological disease that causes the involuntary growth of cells in various organs of the dog's body. Until today, 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 of manipulations. Running forms are subjected to surgical intervention.

Leonbergers are very sensitive animals, with a fine nervous organization. Families in which there are constant scandals, quarrels and fights should never start them. They are very sensitive to the influence of environmental factors. In an unfavorable environment, they can become depressed, not eat. They behave very unusually.

• Wool. Bathe the Leonberger as it gets dirty. After all, this is not a small animal, and bathing procedures require a lot of effort, time and money. Wash their coat with the help of typed shampoos and conditioners. After manipulation, they must be thoroughly wiped. The dog until dry, is in a warm room, without drafts. They have abundant, long hair with a thick undercoat, so it is best to comb them every day. They do this with a slicker. You can complete the procedure by combing the animal with a metal comb.
• Ears. To reduce the accumulation of dirt, and the ear canal is not so clogged, it is better to pluck the hairs inside the ear. This will improve ventilation in the ear canal, and it will have to be cleaned less often.
• Eyes. They are only taken care of in emergencies. If necessary, wipe with sedatives. To do this, use decoctions or pharmaceutical preparations. Wipe the eyes only towards the inner corner.
• Teeth. To prevent plaque formation, they must be cleaned regularly. After all, prevention is better than cure. Purchase a variety of natural and artificial chewing bones for your pet.
• claws. If during walks they do not grind, they are sheared. Manipulation is carried out as the claws grow with special scissors.
• Feeding. Leonbergers are fed both natural food and ready-made concentrates. It all depends on the preferences of the breeder. Solid feed and canned food should only be of high quality. Natural food is 80% lean meat and 20% fiber. But no matter what your pet eats, it is necessary to enrich his diet with vitamins that correspond to the age and condition of the dog's body.
• Walks. When you get a Leonberger, do not forget that these dogs are very playful and active. In order for your pet to maintain good spirits for many years, he needs to at least just play with his fellow tribesmen. In a cheerful, "shaggy" company, your pet will frolic well and receive a charge of positive emotions. Such active walks guarantee a good physical and psychological shape for your four-legged friend.

Training of Leonbergers

Of course, it is not so easy to educate them, but there is no talk of an impossible task. Commands: sit, lie down, place, are not a problem for them. Speaking about training dogs in Germany, it should be noted that the Germans start training dogs early, and require them not just obedience, but strict discipline.

Leonbergers are diverse 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 carried goods on small carts, guarded houses, looked after children. Real station wagons that have retained their qualities to this day.

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

In 2009, a new birth rate record was set in the United States. A bitch named "Rielya" gave birth to 18 puppies, while female large dogs give birth no more than 6-8.

Purchasing a Leonberger Puppy

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. The average cost of a Leonberger puppy is from $500 to $1,500.

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