Dog Breed Guide

Leon Berger

Profile

Size

Extra Large

Country of origin

Germany

Origin

19th century

Bred for

Watchdog, Working dog, Companion

Height

male 72 - 80cm (28 - 31in), female 65 - 75cm (26 - 30in)

Weight

male 54 - 77kg (119 - 170lb), female 41 - 59kg (90 - 130lb)

Life span

8 - 9 years

A powerful yet elegant giant with a lion-like mane. The medium-long double coat comes in lion yellow, red, reddish brown and sand, and the face has a black mask.

Calm and self-assured, the Leonberger is very gentle with its family, especially children. It is intelligent and fairly easy to train, but it is big and strong, so the basics should be taught firmly from puppyhood. It loves water and is a strong swimmer.

It matures slowly and takes two to three years to fill out. It sheds heavily, and frequent brushing is essential during shedding season. It does poorly in heat, and the joint problems common in large breeds and certain neurological diseases are concerns.

Good to know

The breed was created in 1846 by Heinrich Essig, mayor of the town of Leonberg in southern Germany. Wanting a dog that looked just like the lion on the town's coat of arms, he is said to have crossed the Newfoundland, the Saint Bernard, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and other breeds. The breed takes its name from the town.

Its majestic appearance made it a favorite of 19th-century European royalty and aristocrats. Owners included Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi"), King Umberto I of Italy, the composer Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hero of Italian unification.

The two world wars brought its numbers down sharply, and only about 25 dogs are said to have survived World War I. Two enthusiasts gathered those dogs and rebuilt the breed, and today's Leonbergers descend from their work.