Leonberger: a giant from the canine world

There are hairy friends of different sizes, from the little ones Teacups even those who can be considered giants. In the midst of these extremes there is a diversity of races that can satisfy tastes around the world. However, it is not only important that you consider your tastes, but also the needs of the type of animal you choose. If you like giant dogs and space is not a problem, you may want to know The Leonberger race, animals considered a perfect company for adventure.

• Size: Giant
• Weight: Between 41 and 75.
• Hair type: Medium, long and dense.
• Character: Faithful, docile and affectionate.
• Health: Predisposition to suffering gastric torsion, hip dysplasia and others.
• Life expectancy: Between 8 and 9 years.

Why choose a giant dog

Giant dogs are excellent for security, since their size gives them enough presence to impose respect, something that they themselves know how to notice. Its size also makes them brave. However, this does not imply that they are aggressive if they do not serve danger, on the contrary, they are excellent "nannies", patients and delicate with children. The force that accompanies its size makes these ideal races for rescue work or other works that require physical strength. Another characteristic associated with its size is resistance, given by The strength of your muscles, its fur and the presence of body fat. As giant dogs we find races like Newfoundland, San Bernardo, ROTTWEILER, Mastiffs, dogos and, among others, the Leonberger race, of course.

What is the origin of the Leonberger race

It is not known for sure what is the geographical origin of this race. There are those who argue that it is native to the German city of Leonberg, but there are also those who claim that its origin is Swiss, from a city called Löwenberg. A third idea proposes that the name Leonberger does not respond to a place name, but to the grim color of his fur. Neither is its biological origin very true, although the most accepted is that it descends from the Dogo del Tibet Crossed with the races of San Bernardo and Terranova. The first Leonberger standard was established in 1895. However, the race almost disappeared during the two world wars due to the expensive maintenance, although a few specimens were preserved by some breeders and could preserve it. The Leonberger race has always been considered prestige And it was used as a pet of characters from high society, a taste that is gradually recovering.

Physical characteristics of the Leonberger race

As we mentioned, this breed is considered among the giants. Its height can reach 80 cm in males and somewhat less in females, with a weight that is around 60 kg. It is considered a strong, muscular dog, with short legs, corpulent, but elegant. It is considered among the moleous dogs that have, in addition to the corpulence, rounded skull, fallen ears and short jaw. Molosous dog breeds are used in guard and rescue work, due to their physical strength. Besides, The hairy Leonberger are specifically considered excellent companions on excursions.

Fur

These animals have a golden, red, reddish, sand color, or in any of the combinations of these colors, with a dark mask that covers the snout reaching the eyes. They have a double layer of hair that allows them to isolate themselves from the cold. The outer layer is dense, long, semi -blade or smooth and with variable texture, while the interior is dense and tight. In maturity, males develop an obvious hair that covers their neck and chest, which is not observed in females. The Leonberger's tail is considerable length and is covered by a dense fur like the rest of the body.

Physical

The head of the hairy Leonberger is narrow, deep and strong. The eyes are dark brown. Naso-frantal depression is well marked and has black lips. Leonberger's ears, another of its distinctive characteristics, have a high head insertion, although then hang, being hit to the head.

Temperament of the dogs of the Leonberger race

It is considered A faithful and docile breed, affectionate and sweet with the children. Unknown makes them see their value and determination for defense, but It is not an aggressive dog Start. It is a protective dog, curious, enjoy the outdoors sniffing everywhere. Sometimes he is playful, although shy at the presence of other animals, with whom he always presents a correct attitude. Another great quality of the Leonberger race is that they do not bother with bark or snore when they sleep, which makes it pleasant and easy to enjoy their company.

Training

Being docile dogs, your training can be quite easy. However, the vitality of the Leonberger race makes it necessary to channel it since they are very small. Its great intelligence facilitates the learning of basic orders. It is also important to teach them to socialize with other animals since, as we said, they are considered shy dogs. His quiet character responds better to orders given gently but firmly. They demonstrate calm, security and self -confidence in dangerous situations, so the Leonberger are considered the easiest dogs to train for rescue work, not only on land, but also in water due to her taste for her and her ease of swimming.

Leonberger race dog care

Leonberger are animals that They require a lot of space to move and exercise in order to maintain their muscles, so they are ideal in country houses or in houses with a wide garden. Although they are active in general, they sometimes need to be motivated to run and play, in order to avoid sedentary lifestyle that can lead to obesity. Ideally, three daily walks or allow them to make races of a certain distance. An exercise that they love is to swim, which represents a wonderful way of fostering the exercise. Playing with them can also be a good way to keep them fit. However, while they are puppies, they should not be exercised, since their condition of being playful can lead them to irreparable damage to bones and joints. Although these are animals with an abundant and long fur, the Leonberger easily adapt to any type of climate. In warm and humid climates you must take care of their hydration and offer them places to be used in the hours of greater heat and solar radiation.

Company

The hairy Leonberger Excellent companion animals are Because they also enjoy it. This is an important condition to take into account if you have opted for them. A Leonberger does not support loneliness for a long time, nor is he tied for his need for constant activity.

Cleaning

That distinctive characteristic of the Leonberger race as its fur requires careful attention. His long and dense fur tends to get entangled easily, so It is advisable to brush it regularly, even up to 2 or 3 times a week to remove dead and loose hair. During the two times of mute annually it is recommended to brush it daily. Brushing is essential for Leonberger because not doing so can cause skin problems. The possible presence of injuries due to fleas, ticks or mites should be carefully reviewed, since the dense fur of the Leonberger can hinder its detection. They must bathe every six or eight weeks and you have to pay special attention to the nails, eyes and teeth. The daily review of the ears is also important, since they are prone to infections.

Feeding

As large animals, loving Leonberger have a lot of appetite, so they require greater amounts of food but without exceeding, since they can suffer from obesity. Food should be balanced, maintaining sufficient doses of essential minerals, minerals and nutrients for the maintenance of bones and cartilage. Due to the Leonberger's tendency to suffer gastric torsion, it is convenient to offer them small rations more frequently to reduce risks. Likewise, it should be monitored that they do not ingest large amounts of water in one shot to avoid these gastric complications.

Possible health conditions

Canine gastric torsion

Maybe the greatest health problem presented by the Leonberger race, as a breed of giant dogs, is the predisposition to suffer gastric torsion. It is not a hereditary condition and can be serious if you do not have the necessary care. It can be presented if you do not take care to avoid exercise just before or after eating, as well as that it does not ingest water after exercising. This condition causes a stomach torsion on its longitudinal axis, leading to its blockade, the animal has excessive salivation and shows desires to vomit without achieving it. It must be immediately taken to the veterinarian to release the stomach.

Hip dysplasia

Another of the injuries that can affect the Leonberger It is hip dysplasia. It occurs when these furry are subjected to strong exercises that can mismatch the union between the head of the femur and the cavity in which it enters the hip. It is an innate condition that generates the susceptibility to suffering malformation, which can be relieved with surgery. Being a hereditary disease, parents with dysplasia will have more likely to have puppies that also present this ailment.

Hypothyroidism

This endocrine disease, related to the low production of thyroid hormone, can produce the dogs of the Leonberger race symptoms of lethargy, depression, weight gain and need for warm sites. Hypothyroidism is also related to skin problems, such as excessive dandruff due to dryness or excessive loss of hair. However, it is an easy control disease, as long as our friend is offered a good quality of life.

Eye -related problems and vision

In the Leonberger race, entropion is common. This is a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards, with which the eyelashes irritate the eyeball, which can produce major problems. Leonberger dogs can also suffer atrophy or progressive deterioration of the retina that leads to blindness in adults. Finally, the Leonberger are prone to develop cataracts. The loss of transparency in the lens of the eye can lead to the blindness of these dogs if it is not treated surgically.

Ancestral paralysis polyneuropathy of the Leonberger

This degenerative disease of the peripheral nervous system is quite common in the Leonberger, as indicated by its name. This disease causes muscle weakness and progressive fatigue, mainly in the hind legs. Nervous degeneration also affects the laryngeal nerve, producing rum, which manifests itself in changes in the way of barking, gasps and cough after eating food or water.

Did you already decide for a Leonberger?

If with what you have read you are willing to put a Leonberger in your life, follow these tips to try to make your breed choice accompanied by the choice of a good copy:

• Look for your partner with a true connoisseur of the race, who knows how to answer all doubts and give you the assurance of monitoring the puppy once he is already another member of the family. It is good to do some type of investigation to see if other breeders recommend it or there are references about their work.
• Make sure you have all your permits and give you all the papers of your new partner in order.
• Ask for guarantees on the health of the copy you chose: Veterinary Card, Chip, Vaccines update, registration of deworming and visits to the veterinarian.
• Ask everything you want to know about the Leonberger's health, because as we have seen, you can have some serious complications.

If you already decided on a huge, hairy and adorable Leonberger, remember to provide all the necessary care, the attention and the company that it needs, because it is certain that he will do it with you as The most faithful and affectionate of friends.