About Leonberger Dogs
Leonbergers comprise a breed of giant dog that originated in Germany during the early 19th century. The breed was first created by a breeder from Leonberg, from wich the breed derives its name, and is said to have been bred to resemble a lion, the animal in Leonberg's coat of arms. Throughout history, Leonbergers have been used as farm dogs and water rescue dogs, and were used to pull ammunition carts during the World Wars.

Leonbergers are strikingly large dogs, weighing 100 to 170 pounds and measuring 25.5 to 31.5 inches in height, with exact figures varying by sex. On average, males weigh 140-150 pounds and measure about 30 inches in height, and females weigh 115 pounds and measure about 28 inches in height. Leonbergers are robust and muscular but have a balanced frame, and have broad, square muzzles and broad, deep chests.

Leonbergers have abundant, water-resistant double coats consisting of long, straight hairs. They have a thick "mane" on their necks, shorter hairs on their legs and muzzles, and feathering on the backs of their legs. A Leonberger's coat may be any of a range of shades of gold and brown, with random regions or flecks appearing darker due to black tips on the dog's hairs. Leonbergers also have characteristic black masks on their muzzles.

Leonbergers are truly gentle giants; they are kind, loyal, self-disciplined, playful, easygoing, and loving. Because they are so pack-oriented, they make excellent family dogs, being affectionate and submissive towards all family members, unperturbed by young children's loud and boisterous play, and accepting of new pets or children. Leonbergers are intelligent and generally quite obedient. Despite their playfulness, they tend to be well-composed in public and around strangers.

Because they are so easygoing and family-oriented, Leonbergers may fare well in a variety of living spaces as long as they are regularly exercised and engaged by their humans. However, they tend to fare best in houses with large lawns. They are also, of course, well-suited to a variety of family compositions, as long as they are able to spend adequate time with their humans. Leonbergers do best in cold climates.

Leonbergers have a high exercise requirement; they must be taken for a daily walk, and should exercise additionally by playing, swimming, or hiking. However, they should not partake in more strenuous exercise such as hiking until they are fully grown. Generally, Leonbergers be groomed thoroughly once per week, but require daily grooming when they are shedding their undercoats. Their ears and teeth require some maintenance to keep them clean.

Leonbergers are generally healthy and robust dogs. Like all dogs of their size, Leonbergers are prone to hip dysplasia; however, many Leonberger breeders are making an effort to reduce the incidence of the disorder among the breed. They are also prone to various skeletal disorders and eyelid defects as well as bone disease. On average, Leonbergers live for eight to nine years.