Leonberger is a large and strong dog. This is a faithful, sociable and fearless animal, which is often called "family". Leonberger is universal: he can become a great companion, a watchful guard, a reliable guard and a dedicated rescue worker.
Rare breed
Probably, many will be surprised: how many virtues get along in one dog? The answer to this question is simple - all these qualities are harmoniously combined thanks to the incredible endurance of this giant and high intelligence. Leonberger is a dog that you will not find in every yard. You can not see it in every city. This is a very rare animal - Leonberger. The description of the breed until recently was found only in specialized literature for professionals.
What is remarkable about this dog? Why is it not common in Russia? We will answer these questions in this article.
From the history of the breed
Today, more and more animal lovers in Russia are interested in the dog Leonberger. The description of the breed, which appears in special publications, indicates the existence of two versions regarding the origin of these animals. The first is official. She claims that the founder of this amazing breed was a German researcher and breeder Heinrich Essig.
In the forties of the XIX century, he decided to bring a dog with the appearance of a lion. Archival documents, testimonies of contemporaries, which confirm that Essig first crossed St. Bernard Barry, who by that time lived in the monastery of St. Bernard, had been preserved to this day. This glorious dog became famous thanks to salvation in the mountains. He was crossed with a black and white landseer.
The second version says that there was no Saint Bernard breed at the base. The founders were alpine mountain dogs. They were bred since the XVI century in special family nurseries. These were guard and hunting animals. Judging by this version, Essig used them when creating a new breed of dogs.
In 1820, in the monastery kennel, all dogs died as a result of the plague epidemic. Only one male survived. Essig used it in his breeding work. He was crossed with mountain dog bitches. Genetic studies confirm this version.
Leonberger: breed description
These are very large dogs. The growth of the male at the withers is from 72 to 78 cm, the bitches are slightly lower - from 65 to 75 cm. With such an impressive growth, which has a Leonberger, the weight of the animal ranges from 45 to 77 kg. Life expectancy is about 10 years.
The skull is powerful, dome-shaped with a wide occipital part. The muzzle is elongated, but not pointed. The nose is black. Lips closed tightly with dark pigmentation. The jaws are well developed, strong, the bite is preferable to a scissor-like, although the standard also allows tick-shaped. Cheekbones are not too developed. The eyes are oval, medium-sized. The eyelids fit snugly. Ears of medium size, set high, hang down, resting on the head. The neck is slightly elongated.
Well expressed withers. The back is straight and wide. The loin is muscular and strong. The croup is round, wide, of medium length. The transition to the base of the tail is smooth. The chest is wide and deep. Belly tightened. The tail is covered with thick fluffy hair.
The limbs are powerful and muscular. The front legs are straight and the shoulders are set obliquely. The elbows fit snugly against the body. Fingers vaulted, have black pads. The hind limbs are slightly elongated.
Hair coat
The coat is long with thick undercoat. Slight undulation is allowed. The structure can be different: medium soft or hard. A pronounced collar on the chest and neck. Color also varies: sand, tan, yellow, as well as combinations of these colors.
Character
Leonberger, whose photo increasingly began to appear on the pages of canine publications, is distinguished by a soft, restrained and at the same time cheerful character. Despite its impressive size, this dog is completely devoid of anger and aggression, does not claim to dominate. Leonberger, whose photo you see below, is friendly to children and all members of the host family.
If other pets appear in the house, how will the Leonberger react to this? Description of the breed, reviews of the owners suggest that these giants are very peaceful creatures and get along well with other animals. Even an adult and such a formidable-looking Leonberger will react quite calmly to the appearance of a kitten or another dog in your house. At first, he will be too lazy to chase a kitten or puppy, and in a few days you will be able to see a funny picture - a new pet comfortably settled down and fell asleep on the giant's warm and soft stomach.
But this does not mean that Leonberger is a big lump. Yes, he is never the first to show aggression, but if the situation requires it, he will be able to show the uninvited guest or offender the strength and anger of a real lion, and woe to a desperate attacker who decided to get into your house. Therefore, the owners who live Leonberger (its price is quite high), believe that it is impossible to find a best friend, security guard, companion.
These large and strong dogs quickly get used to the owner's family, however, the leader of the pack selects one person to whom they obey implicitly, and for this it is not always necessary to give a command. Leonberger understands gestures very well, and many owners claim views. Despite their size, these dogs are very fond of being with their family and are very bored in solitude.
Puppies
We are sure that many already like this big guy - a strong and courageous, kind and gentle, smart and cheerful companion and reliable guard - Leonberger. Puppies of this breed are a real miracle. Having seen them, it is already impossible to forget.
In the litter of Leonberger, up to 6 puppies are born. Pregnancy lasts from 57 to 72 days. It is not easy to buy such a puppy in Russia. Specialized nurseries are not even in all major cities. But dog lovers are people whom difficulties do not stop. Therefore, if you decide to make such a friend, be prepared for a trip to another city.
Dog handlers recommend picking up a baby Leonberger at the age of forty days. Usually, by this time the puppy is already self-lapping from the bowl. It is necessary to pay attention to the appearance of the baby. It should have a strong skeleton, shiny coat, smooth legs. If you find outgrowths or twisted limbs on the ribs, then it is likely that this puppy has rickets.
Little Leonberger's eyelids should be dark. Pink or light pink color usually indicates anemia. Puppies are born with a weight of 500 grams. By forty days, their weight increases tenfold. Pay attention to the crumbs parents: their exterior must comply with the standard.
How much is a puppy?
So, you have found a kennel where you can buy a dog of the breed Leonberger. Are you interested in the price of a puppy? Sure yes. The cost of a baby of this breed can be very high and inaccessible to many. In the kennel, a puppy costs from a thousand dollars, because today it is a very rare breed.
Leonberger Care
Probably, it is not necessary to say that a dog of this size should not be kept in a small apartment. It will be a torment for you and for the animal. Twice a year, Leonberger shed heavily. In conditions of warm and dry air of the apartment, molting can continue throughout the year. This dog, like any other dog, needs a place to rest and sleep. This area should be removed from air conditioners and radiators.
Leonberger hair must be combed out two to three times a week with a metal comb. During molting, this procedure is also performed. They bathe the dog no more than once every two months. If contaminated, washing can be carried out more often. For hair care, the following shampoos are suitable:
- "Dr. ZOO."
- BioVax.
- Herba Vitae and others.
Once a week, the eyes should be cleaned with a soft cloth soaked in boiled water or a weak tea leaves. Ears are cleaned with the same frequency with a moistened cotton pad.
Twice a week, teeth are cleaned from plaque. Such tools are suitable for this: Show Tech Tootpaste Beef, Hartz, Beaphar Dog-a-dent gel, Denta Shield.
Feeding
Both natural products and dry food for large dogs are suitable for feeding this dog. However, you need to choose only one type of feeding.
Dry food for large dogs contains a full range of minerals and vitamins that animals need.
Moreover, such formulations help save owners time in preparing food for the dog. Only premium foods are suitable for Leonberger: Bosch, Club 4 Paws, Royal Canin.
If you choose natural food, then do not forget that the diet should be balanced and supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Compose it and prescribe the necessary vitamins will help you a veterinarian, in accordance with the physiological characteristics of the animal.