Brief history of the breed
Tradition records that around 1830, Heinrich Essig, a dog breeder and marketer of Leonberg town (near Stutgart, Germany, Baden-Württemberg), took the initiative to create a new breed of dogs to be the a symbol of the community.
For this race started from a female Newfoundland (Terra Nova) (Landseer variety, characterized by the combination of black and white coat) and a male giant mountain dog brought from the Monastery St. Bernard (where it stabilized breed Saint Bernard). Leonberger dog was named to symbolize the city where he was born as a race, but because they wanted a replica of the translation of the name ("Leon" = lion, "berg" = mountain).
Race initiator wanted to get a dog whose coat color suggesting lion coat with a waist equally imposing and a rich mane of hair on the head and neck. Subsequently, Essig continued to improve physical characteristics exhibited by the first specimens obtained using crosses and in the Pyrenean Shepherd copies. First dog officially registered as the Leonberger was born in 1846 and apparently held most qualities exhibited by modern race.
By the late nineteenth century, the Leonberger was used mainly as a farm dog, especially noted for his ability and working guard dog (companion of herds of cattle). Imposing and majestic, Leonberger was noticed by representatives of the aristocratic class, even many crowned heads wanted to have such a pet around them. Among masters "August" of some copies of Leonberger at the end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century have included: Napoleon II, Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, Otto von Bismarck, Emperor Napoleon III and King Umberto I of Italy. Also in the beginning of the twentieth century the Canadian government has imported some copies of Leonberger dogs that he trained in rescue and recovery operations in water. This role is still an honor given to these dogs in Canada and Newfoundland breed with (Terra Nova), Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, also they are used with priority in Italian School for Dogs lifeguard. Current appearance of specimens with black face and hair roan coat with black stripes is due to improvements in other races, the most recent date. Leonberger breed was very threatened during the two world wars. Experts race record that this breed of dog rehabilitation started only 6 purebred specimens survived the 1920s and from 8 specimens that could not be recovered in the years 1947-1948. Because of these considerable difficulties in recovery and rehabilitation breed Leonberger received official recognition from the AKC later, in 2010, together with Iceland and Shepherd breed Cane Corso. It was one of the 167-a breed recognized by the prestigious institution.
Description and maintaining race
Lifespan: 7-14 years
Group: Working
Color: colors from golden yellow to reddish brown with black mask. Hairs may have black tips are accepted small white spots on chest and toes.
Size: large
Shedding: intense
Height: 65-88 cm
Weight: 40-76 kg
Leonberger is a large dog, strong, with a massive body but harmonious set and elegant movements. Muscular trunk is filled with an impressive head, very strong, rather broad than long, with medium length muzzle and black nose. Right ears that are left beside skull length and are covered with hair longer than the head, forming fringe. Long tail to the hock joint with a long hair thick and bushy. The coat is double, the outer coat of medium length, often. The hair can be soft or coarse hair is slightly wavy and slightly longer and richer in the neck and chest, forming a ridge. The color varies from golden yellow to reddish brown with black mask. This dog is solid, calm, with great powers work. Rich fur be regularly brushed, as Leonberger breed dogs shed profusely. It is very well suited for any climate, it feels great outdoor exercise and exercise needs and will be pleased if you have the opportunity to swim.
Temperament and specific behavior
The general structure of a dog is alert, intelligent, peaceful and temperate reactions. Being a powerful dog, conscious force, requires early socialization and obedience training from an early age performed thoroughly. If they develop their personality under the close supervision of the master, Leonberger will be an adult dog affectionate and devoted attachment with good predisposition for play and games, permissive and carefully in relation to children. If this dog early interacts strongly with other adult animals will accept without problems.
Foreigners are reported as proximity, but momenttul where they are recognized and accepted by the owner there will be no interaction problems. There is a dog with aggressive tendencies, young males exhibit a dominant temperament and territoriality tendencies can be modeled by early training. This dog is good for protection and security for that impresses with its simple appearance and forced flaunting. No need for their effective intervention and Leonberger, he prefers to control the situation rather than solve it by direct action (deterrent).
About training
Being a powerful dog, needs early socialization and training carefully coordinated. It will focus mostly on local obedience, but Leonberger has the resources and agility training. Can be trained for various useful activities family breeds like Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Shepherd of Bern (tow trucks, tow sled, aistenta the swimming session, his recovery from water objects and so on). It is a good guard dog well covered territory is quite lively and agile in this regard. Effective protective actions by imposing allure and air naturally exposed sober. A good supervisor and engage children in fun and thoughtful games and activities with them.
Care and sensitivity to disease
Leonberger needs adequate food, carefully balanced and age correlated with the stage reached. As a junior puppy should not be involved in large-scale exercises and high degree of physical involvement (jumping, overtaking obstacles, carrying or towing weights, distance running too long), so register fast development of musculo-skeleton and it takes time to adapt and strengthen it. Leonberger is a breed of heavy shedding so will require intensive brushing, especially developed to changing seasons. Eyes and ears of these dogs must undergo periodic inspections to notify potential problems in early stages.
-Health are raised a number of specific diseases or conditions that breed dogs are predisposed. Among them stands out: hip dysplasia, heart disease, inherited polyneuropathy, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteochondritis dissecans, digestive allergies, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems and perianal fistulas. Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of death reported in Leonberger breed dogs is cancer. Specialists in veterinary medicine specialized in problems of this breed sustained efforts to eliminate race genetic characteristics that expose this cruel disease.
Our conclusion:
Partners wonderful, imposing and gentle like domesticated bears, Leonberger breed dogs are a pillar of peace and security in her family who owns a permanent source of good humor for children. Utility watchdog role, Leonberger dogs are actually pet dogs with beneficial impact on overall family atmosphere. Sure and comforting as an account "fat" from a German bank, Leonberger, he is truly a family emblem united and strong.
Traditional name Leonberger breed dogs:
Males: Arkon, Amaretto, Barroso Bergodi, Bluto, Boris, Centaur, Cronos, Darko Fritz, Falstaff, Gordo, Goliath, Hannibal, Napoleon, Nero, Morpheus, Othello, Samson, Simba, Titanic, Vertigo, Zeus
Females: Argenta, Athens, Barbara Bona, Karelia, Cassandra, Dalida, Daria, Erika, Fatima, Gerta, hibiscus, Indra, Korona, Leonidas, Serena, Solana, Tundra, Venera
