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History
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Leonberger dogs come from Germany, where they were first bred in the mid 1800s by Heinrich Essig. Essig combined Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and great Pyrenees to create the Leonberger line.
Features
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Leonbergers were bred to resemble lions. Males stand at least 28.5 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 170 pounds. Females are only slightly smaller. The dogs come in various shades of browns, with black points, and have long, relatively soft hair.
Lifespan
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The life expectancy of a Leonberger dog is 8 to 9 years, given good care. They reach physical maturity at 18 months. Older Leonberger dogs are prone to hip displaysia, which can cut down their lifespan.
Care
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This breed is relatively low maintenance, but does require plenty of exercise. They are not recommended for apartments, as they are prone to more activity when they're outside. These long-hair dogs should also be groomed when they're shedding, to avoid tangles in their coats.
Considerations
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Leonberger dogs were nearly exterminated in Germany during the World Wars. This current breed is descended from the 300 dogs that survived those conflicts. For this reason, the dogs are rare.
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Lifespan of a Leonberger Dog
Leonberger dogs, also called Leos, are renowned for their mellow temperaments and natural exuberance. The dogs can be valuable members of households with children.