This large dog appeared in the German city of Leonberger, the description of the breed can be expressed in several words: a powerful dog with a frightening appearance, noble and meek, with excellent qualities of a guard. He has an impressive size and appearance, a bit like a lion.
Leonberger - characteristics of the breed
Dogs seem to have been created for paintings. Their impressive bright appearance is breathtaking and alarming. Terrible description of appearance does not match the character - in fact it is a huge, kind, fluffy animal, loving people. For the leonberger, a giant size and a long coat are included in the breed standard. Outwardly, it resembles a warm fur lump, the dog is serious and intelligent, perfectly lends itself to training. Pets are used as watchdog, service, participate in rescue operations.
The breed of Leonberger dogs is the origin
These are the oldest individuals, bred in the homonymous German city with a lion on the coat of arms. The founder of the breed - Henry Essig, crossed Newfoundland with St. Bernard in the early 19 th century. The resulting hybrid is mixed with a mountain dog. The subsequent offspring of Essig crossed with the St. Bernard of yellow color and received a large breed of reddish-gray color with a dark mask on the face and a brave, kind heart. He called her a leonberger, the description of the breed emphasizes the similarity of the animal in color and wooliness with the lion. Dogs are popular with shepherds and farmers.
The breed was on the verge of extinction several times during the world wars, but it was possible to resurrect it from five purebloods. Since 1922 in the Leonberger there is a breeding book with a description of the population. In the same place, there are world exhibitions of the breed, a monument to a dog is established, which has made the region famous for the whole world. For Leonberger, protection and search are the most popular professions. Now the individuals are successfully bred and have about 8000 dogs.
Leonberger is the breed standard
Their modern appearance was formed in the 20th century. Standard breed description:
- a large muscular body, a heavy bone;
- in the case of Leonberger, the dimensions of the giant are up to 80 cm in height, weight - up to 77 kg;
- the head is proportional to the body, the length of the muzzle is average;
- thorax - broad and powerful;
- ears - black, fleshy, shaggy, hang;
- eyes - medium, brown;
- tail with long hair, hangs;
- The muzzle is adorned with a black mask of an intimidating appearance;
- lips - dry, tightly adjacent to the jaws;
- luxurious double water-repellent coat, shorter on the muzzle and paws, the mane is visible on the chest;
- The color of the breed varies from lion-yellow, reddish, sandy to reddish.
Leonberger is a character
This is the best companion and family dog - fearless, obedient, devoid of timidity and aggression. Leonberger has the characteristic of an intelligent, peaceful and loyal animal, which is actively used as a watchdog. His soft nature is surprisingly combined with a formidable appearance. Leonberger seeks to please the master and is easy to learn. In public, the dog is well-bred and calm, welcomes strangers, is not afraid of crowds, waits for the owner to make purchases.
Leonberger has a special tenderness in the description of the breed in relation to children - this huge tangle of wool allows them to do with it whatever they want. Kids are climbing him on his back, pulling his tail - he will endure all and protect them reliably. The soft character of the breed does not affect the guarding qualities in any way - the Leonberger bravely guards the territory. He loves communication and without it becomes sluggish, sloppy with food and drink. Acquiring a giant, the family will acquire an excellent companion and reliable security guard, ready to give her life.
The breed of Leonberger dogs - maintenance and care
It is a long-haired and large dog, needing some care. Leonberger needs combing, bathing, quality food, walks, hygiene procedures. When kept in an apartment, it will have to be removed from the wool. If the dog lives in the enclosure, it must be periodically released. Leonberger has a life expectancy of about 9 years - small, like all large dogs. He needs mandatory vaccinations and veterinarian examinations.
Leonberger breed - care
From the point of view of care, the Germans need to give them some time. Leonberger - detailed description of care:
- daily comb the hair with a metallic comb to avoid the appearance of coils;
- Leonberger should be bathed in the measure of contamination or once a month;
- To examine eyes in order to avoid souring, to wipe with tea leaves;
- clip the claws once a month;
- wipe your ears;
- to examine teeth and gums, to give solid food for cleaning - carrots or dry food;
- to treat means from parasites, to wear a collar from ticks and fleas , to inspect the fur of the Leonberger after a walk;
- do annual vaccinations;
- It takes about 1 hour a day, not too active with the team's training.
Because of the large size, the leonberger feels better in a spacious courtyard. He is very fond of swimming, if he installs a bath in a territory where he can dive if necessary, such procedures will benefit him. Leonberger is a healthy dog. Problems often appear with joints - you need to show the dog to the vet. Sometimes there is a turn in the intestines, so you need to feed it in small portions.
How to feed a leonberger?
Nutrition is given special attention. The dog is large, but it can not be overfed, it should not be greedily. To feed leonbergerov suitable and dry food and natural food. The first type includes a set of vitamins and minerals, it does not take time to cook food. Description of natural and useful products for leonberger:
- low-fat meat (with boiling water);
- boiled fish without bones;
- porridge (buckwheat, rice);
- vegetables;
- cartilage;
- turkey neck;
- apples;
- 1 teaspoon per day of vegetable oil - in any dish.
Hot or cold food should not be given to it - it should be at room temperature. The adult Leonberger is fed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Portion should be completely eaten. If the food remains, the next time it needs to be reduced. Fresh water should be in the bowl constantly. If the dog refuses food, it can be a symptom of the disease and you need to show it to the doctor.
How to raise a leonberger?
Germans show miracles of training. They grow up late, but then quickly remember everything that they were taught. You need to know how to train a leonberger, so that he grows obedient. It is important to remember a simple rule - the Germans learn during the game. You can not shout at them, you need to establish a trusting relationship and close contact. Leonbergers are light and jumpy, the main teams remember easily, are capable of more - become excellent athletes. They can often be found at the agility competitions.
Leinberger mating
The first mating of a young specimen is best done after the third estrus, which they have every six months, beginning with a one-year-old age. The breed of Leonberger dogs is bred only with the use of healthy dogs. Two months before knitting pets should be examined for the absence of inflammation. From the sick female Leonberger offspring is doomed. A healthy girl is taken to the boy, it is better to meet the animals twice. The Germans bring the litter to five or six years of chicken weighing about 500 grams.
Puppies of Leonberger - Features of Care
Kids are born active, with shiny hair and strong bones. By 40 days their weight increases to 5 kg., They begin to eat themselves. Feed puppies 5-6 times a day, decreasing gradually this number to two. Meals include porridges on meat broth, cottage cheese, vegetables, chicken, veal. The leonberger breed is planted - the first vaccination of puppies takes place at 8-9 weeks and is duplicated at 12. Pets need walks, but their limbs can not be overloaded. Toddlers of Leonberger need to comb their hair, train, then it's easy to get a well-bred quiet dog and a good friend.
If a well-balanced dog guard is needed in the house, the German handsome Leonberger is perfect, the description of the breed includes such qualities as strength, calmness and equanimity. Dispute, he retains, even if there is chaos around him. It is difficult to evoke aggression from a Germanic, but in most cases it is not required - people and other animals fear only the frightening appearance and size of such a pet. For the family, the Leonberger is a loving and devoted defender, friendly and good-natured.