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A huge and powerful dog, yes, but Leonberger is also known for his aristocratic grace and elegance. A male can stand up to 31 at the shoulder and weigh as a fully grown human. The females run short, but still have a whole canoe. Braid hallmarks include a medium-long waterproof coat, succulent triangular ears, a bushy tail, and a black facemask that favors dark brown eyes. A dramatic feature of the male’s coat is the lion-like mane around the neck and chest. A well-built Leo moves with an easy, elastic gait. Leo is friendly but nobody’s fool. As watchdogs and nearby activists, they display intelligence and sound judgment. Leos require lots of brushing, enough room to romance and unlimited love.
Unique among the bigwigs of the AKC Working Group, Leos was developed first and foremost as a partner. The breed was the braild of 19th-century politician Henrik Essig, a German politician and entrepreneur from Leonberg, Germany. Using other St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, Essig’s goal, among other large working breeds, was to breed a princely pet for the European monarchy – indeed a dog fit for a king. He was a grand success, and clients such as Napoleon III, Czar Alexander II and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) set out to include this royal companion in their royal court. Other famous Leonberger masters, if not of blood, the soul’s aristocracy include musicians Richard Wagner and Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi. Despite their regal beginnings, Leos have long been employed as versatile Working Dogs on farms, pastures and waterways. They are surprisingly agile and are excellent swimmers. A feature of the breed is cart pulling, an activity that provides an enjoyable outlet for their eccentric strength.
Do not be fooled by its size and looks like a lion; Leonberger is a big bundle of love. Breed as farm dogs and family companions, Leonbergers are eager to please and, with their love of children, are wonderful family dogs. Because they respond so well to training, they also make excellent medical dogs. Leonberger puppies grow up to be surprisingly beautiful adult dogs, who will appreciate moderate exercise and some regular training. They are shed, so you want to brush that double coat regularly.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
Leonbergers shed a lot – and twice a year, they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially in areas of his body that are up to the mat: long hair behind the ears and behind the legs. Should be well groomed once a week – and it will take a reasonable amount of time, giving the breed size. The Leos have a thick, full outer coat and a short, fuller undercoat. A metal comb and an undercoat rake can be used to take out the undercoat, and a pin brush and a slicker brush will clean the outer coat. In addition, a Leo’s nailshold will be trimmed every week.
Leonberg is very big and strong. In addition, puppies and adolescents have loads of energy and are highly enthusiastic. Keeping these facts in mind, proper training of the breed is necessary. Leo puppies should be gently exposed to a wide range of people, animals, and settings before the age of 20 weeks. Group obedience classes will help a lion become a well-run mate and canine citizen. A Leo is probably stronger than this and can even beat his boss, and it is important that he learns to do what you want him to do.
If you live in city apartments or build homes on small, suburban lots, this may not be the breed for you. Adult Leonbergs are usually calm and tame, but they still need to do some vigorous exercise once a day. Puppies and teens are active and prolific. Adult dogs can benefit from jogging with their owner or by keeping pace with hiking or cycling. A large yard with a long, strong fence is an ideal place to walk around Leo. Remember, these are Working Dogs. Drafting – that is, pulling the cart – and agility training are two good ways for a Leo to carry out an activity.
Leonberger should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
As with all canine, proper exercise and nutrition, regular vet exams, and parasite prevention are the keys to a happy and healthy life. Larger dogs like Leos may experience bloat, where the stomach twists and the gas gets trapped inside. Bloat can quickly become fatal, and it is important to know its signs, such as drooling, restlessness, enlarged abdomen, and attempted vomiting. Owners of at-risk dogs may consider a preventive measure to surgically treat their dog’s abdomen by tackling the abdominal wall.
Essential health tests from the National Breed Club: