Leonberger: description of the breed, photo, nature, conditions of detention

The Dog — the dog is large and strong. This loving, sociable, and fearless animal, which is often called «family». The Leonberger is universal: it can be a great companion, alert watchdog, a reliable security guard and a dedicated lifeguard.

Rare breed

Perhaps many will wonder how so many virtues coexist 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 – a dog that can not be found in every yard. You can see it and not in every city. This is a very rare animal – the Leonberger. Description of the breed until recently met only in special literature for professionals.

What is notable about this dog? Why is it not widespread in Russia? These are the questions we will answer in this article.

History of the breed

Today, more and more animal lovers in Russia are interested in the Leonberger dog. Description of the breed, which appears in the special editions, suggests the existence of two versions regarding the origin of these animals. First - official. She claims that the founder of this wonderful breed was the German Explorer and plant breeder Heinrich essig.

In the forties of the XIX century, he decided to take the dog, who has the appearance of a lion. Up to our days preserved archival documents, testimonies of contemporaries, which prove that essig to achieve your goal in the beginning crossed the Saint Bernard Barry, who at that time lived in the monastery of SV. Bernard. This good dog became famous thanks to the rescue in the mountains. It was crossed with a black-and-white lendera.

The Second version says that the basis of the breed of St. Bernard was not. The founders were the Alpine mountain dogs. They were bred from the XVI century in a special family nurseries. It was a guard and hunting animals. Them, according to this version, essig and used to create new breeds of dogs.

In 1820 the monastery in the kennel all dogs were killed by the epidemic distemper. Survived only one male. It can be used essig in his breeding work. It was crossed with bitches mountain dogs. Genetic studies confirm this version.

The Dog: the breed description

This is a very large dog. Growth of males at the withers is from 72 to 78 cm, females slightly below — from 65 to 75 cm With such an impressive growth, which has the Leonberger, the weight of the animal ranges from 45 to 77 kg. the life expectancy is about 10 years.

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The Skull is a powerful, dome-shaped with a wide back of it. The muzzle is elongated, but not pointed. The nose is black. Lips are sealed tight with dark pigmentation. The jaws are well developed, strong, scissor bite is preferable, although the standard allows, and pincer. Cheekbones not too developed. Eyes oval, medium-sized. The eyelids fit tightly. Ears medium size, set high, hanging, adhering to the head. The neck is slightly extended.

Well expressed withers. The back is straight and broad. Loins muscular, strong. The croup is rounded, broad, of medium length. To the base of the tail smooth transition. The chest is broad and deep. The belly is tucked up. Tail covered with dense woolly hair.
Limbs are strong and muscular. Front legs straight and the shoulders obliquely set. Elbows close to the body. Toes arched, pads are black. The hind limbs slightly elongated.

Coat

The Coat is long with a thick undercoat. Allowed a slight waviness. The structure can be different: medium soft or hard. On the chest neck and pronounced collar. Color, too, is different: sand, reddish-brown, yellow, or a combination of named colors.

Nature

The Dog, a photo of which increasingly began to appear on the pages dog training publications has a mild, restrained and at the same time cheerful character. Despite the impressive size, this dog is completely devoid of anger and aggression, does not pretend to dominance. Leonberger, a photo of which you see below, is friendly with children and all family members of the owner.

If there are other Pets, how to treat the Leonberger? Description of the breed, reviews of the owners allow us to assert that these giants - very peaceful creatures and get along well with other animals. Even Mature and so menacing the dog react calmly to the appearance in your home a kitten or another dog. Initially, he will be too lazy to chase the kitten or puppy, and after a few days you will be able to see the funny picture – new pet snuggled together and fell asleep on the warm and soft stomach of the giant.

But this does not mean that the dog – a big goof. Yes, he will never be the first shows aggression, but if the situation requires it, he can show his unbidden guest, or to the offender the power and wrath of the lion, and Woe to the desperate attacker, who decided to get into your house. Therefore, the owners, who lives Leonberger (the price of it is quite large), I believe that best friend, guard, companion cannot be found.

These large and strongdogs quickly become accustomed to the master's family, however, pack leader choose one man who unquestioningly obey, and even not always necessary to give a command. Leonberger understands gestures, and many owners claim that views. Despite their size, these dogs love to be with family and alone and very bored.

Puppies

Sure a lot of you already like the big guy – strong and brave, kind and gentle, intelligent and fun companion and a reliable guardian – Leonberger. Puppies of this breed – it was a miracle, seeing them, is impossible to forget.

The litter of Leonberger born to 6 puppies. Pregnancy lasts anywhere from 57 to 72 days. In Russia to buy such a puppy is not easy. Specialized nurseries is not even in all major towns. But dog lovers – people whose difficulties do not stop. Therefore, if you decide to get a friend, get ready for a trip to another city.

The Handlers are recommended to take the baby of the Leonberger at the age of forty days. Usually, by this time the puppy is self-lapping from the bowl. You must pay attention to the appearance of the baby. It needs to have strong bones, shiny hair, smooth legs. If you find on the edges of the growths or twisted limbs, it is likely that this puppy rickets.

The Eyelids are a small Leonberger should be dark. Pink or light pink color usually indicates anemia. Puppies are born with a weight of 500 grams. For forty days, their weight increases ten times. Note to parents the crumbs: the exterior must conform to the standard.

How much is a puppy?

So you've found a nursery where you can buy a dog breed Leonberger. The price of the puppy you are interested in? You bet it is. The cost of the baby of this breed can be very high and inaccessible to many. In the kennel the puppy is from thousands of dollars, because today is a very rare breed.

Caring for Leonberger

Needless to say that a dog of this size should not have in a small apartment. It will be torture for you and for the animal. Twice a year the group shed profusely. In conditions of warm and dry air of the apartment molting may continue throughout the year. This dog, like any other, need a place to rest and sleep. This area needs to be removed from air conditioners and heaters.

The Coat of the Leonberger should be brushed two to three times a week with a metal comb. During molting the procedure is also carried out. Bathe the dog no more than once in two months. When soiled, the washing can be carried out more often. For grooming will fit the following shampoos:

• “Dr. ZOO”.
• “Biovaks”.
• Herba Vitae, and others.

Once a week the eyes should be cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in boiled water or weak tea. With the same periodicity and clean the ears using a moistened cotton pad.

Two times a week teeth clean from plaque. For this fit the following tools: Show Tech Tootpaste Beef, Hartz, Beaphar Dog-a-dent gel, “Denta shield”.

Feeding

Feeding this dog suitable natural products and dry food for large dogs. However, it is necessary to choose only one kind of feeding.

Dry food for large dogs contains a full spectrum of minerals and vitamins that are necessary to animals.

Moreover, such compositions can help you save time owners on cooking for dogs. For the Leonberger suitable feed only premium: Bosch, Club 4 Paws, meow.

If you choose feeding a natural diet, don't forget that the diet should be balanced and supplemented with vitamins and minerals. To make it and assign the necessary vitamins will help the veterinarian in accordance with the physiological characteristics of the animal.