# 1. Like most giant breeds, they are really big softies at heart. If you arent happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. Males / Females Available. For example: The smallest dog breed- the Chihuahua can weigh as low as 3.3 lb (with most members of the breed weighing between 3.3 lb and 6.6 lb). They can be rambunctious and may unintentionally knock over small children, and are also intolerant of disputes and may choose to break up squabbles between children or adults. Lifespan: 10 - 12 years. They adapt to children very well and may become more protective of the home if you have kids. Read our guide for further information on the Leonbergers health, personality, history, and more! Also, because Leonbergers are especially susceptible to hip dysplasia, many owners like to provide their dog with a high-quality fish oil supplement. An anomaly among working dogs, the Leonberger was originally bred as a companion animal and later transitioned into capable watchdogs and all-round working dogs. All our Leonbergers are health tested (hip and elbow scored, eyes including gonioscopy etc) and temperament checked to ensure only healthy and balanced puppies are born. 7. They typically weigh between 120 and 170 pounds, but really big males can push these boundaries. Read our guide on the Kokoni dog. Reach me at[emailprotected] or connect with me on LinkedIn below. Transportation. Kids can be a great help in this. He is a family pet through and through, who wants to be with his pack at all times. This stability, however, assumes early and ongoing socialization and a sound-tempered bloodline. Above all else,the Leonberger is a lover, who will shower every member of the family with affection whenever he can. Use a slicker brush after to maximize the shine to your dogs coat. But despite having an assortment of wonderful traits, Leonbergers are not suitable for all families. Recommended: Highly intelligent and fiercely loyal, read more about Korean Jindo here! ): Yes, this breed is registered with the Kennel Club. This is where clear leadership and consistency is really needed. Great Dane. This gentle giant has a strong, balanced gait. Energy Levels Just because a dog is known as one of the most docile dog breeds does not mean that any individual dog will always be docile. Their greatest strength is undeniably their ability and willingness to drag or haul heavy loads, but they make capable guard dogs too. He isnt as goofy as some of the other big playful breeds are (he was, after all, expected to accompany members of the royal family), but hell love running around with the kids and playing tug-of-war with mom or dad. Keep in mind that this amount is for puppies of 10kg. These dogs were traditionally livestock guard dogs and are still one of the best dog breeds for that job. Though they may become lazy without encouragement, they have plenty of stamina for long days spent playing or working. The Bernese has one of the shortest lifespans of all dog breeds, about six to eight years. Socialization will help enhance their friendly and gentle behavior. Their docility is similar to that of the dog on the top of this list, the Bernese Mountain Dog. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(21), 4081. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6861953/, Farhoody, P., Mallawaarachchi, I., Tarwater, P. M., Serpell, J. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. The Leonberger is a playful breed too. They are prone to hip dysplasia, eyelid diseases, and epilepsy. A breed like the Great Pyrenees averages 10 years, while a study found that Leonbergers usually average only about 7. Many thanks, Dr.Mark. Interesting enough, these foreighers imported those breeds as puppy for sale in their big mall. Leonbergers are at risk of bloat, which can be life-threatening. Most female Leonbergers are at least 25 inches tall at the shoulder, and males stand much taller than this. Large, powerful, and bred for protection, . PLATINUM. If none of these options pan out, look into buying a dog from an ethical breeder. Best Watch Dogs. Though protective instincts develop at maturity (three to four years) and he becomes more discriminating with strangers, he should never be aggressive. A breed of dog can be perfectly docile, but if an individual is abused and not loved and cared for properly, he can change as he becomes older. Calories: 386 kcal/cup. Since they do not look like one of the regular household guard dog breeds, they are often discounted out of that role. They also have a high rate of cancer, and many older dogs begin to suffer from hip and elbow disease. Liz--I have read that the main benefit of having a Lab as a guard dog is that it gives the theif something to trip over as he comes into the house. He wont appreciate being left outside all day, and he is a poor choice for families who spend a lot of time away from home. This dog can be left alone a lot more than others on this list, but if it's excessive, they will become destructive. You can take them for doggy meetups and can have other different breeds within your household. and are very alert and protective of their family "Leona" is a huge 16 week old Leonberger puppy Burt holds puppy "Leona" "Berkeley" poses with our rescue volunteers "Berkeley" smiles for the camera Some might be charmed by his general messiness and puppylike . Kuvasz Puppies. Don't tell the Leonberger he's not a lapdogthey're cuddlers who can't accept the fact that they're too big to curl up with their people. Theyre among the biggest breeds in the world, and they are likely some of the most loving pets you could own. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Hip dysplasia is common, as are ruptured cruciate ligaments. A Leonberger puppy may nip or bark to initiate play. Trimming nails regularly will help prevent painful splitting, cracking, or a broken nail. The contents of this website should never replace the professional opinion of your veterinarian. She loves everybody and loves hugs. The breed name derives from that of the town and district of Kangal in Sivas Province, the easternmost province of the Central Anatolia Region in central Turkey. Best Guard Dogs. They're not likely to wander, but fenced areas are idealand they should not be left unsupervised, even in a fenced area. We compare some of the most durable chew toys on the marketto make things easy for you. AKC Champion Bloodline. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. How Does Leonberger Behave Around Strangers? 16. It makes them ideal as therapy dogs and as family companions. Dogs for sale in pet shops are produced by puppy mills or backyard breeders and will have had no genetic screening to look for health problems and may have been raised in filthy conditions that will prevent them from ever being house-trained. has been added to your cart. If something would happen he or she would protect you. Yes, Leonbergers make good guard dogs. The Leonberger usually stands at 70 - 75cm at the withers and usually weighs between 50 - 70 kg. If the local shelter does not have the dog you are looking for, you can also contact Petfinder.com and look at their website for dogs available in local cities or states. Expect a waiting list Leonbergers need a fair bit of care, but the things they need arent especially unusual they tend to need the same kind of care that most other giant breeds with livestock-guarding backgrounds do. Leonbergers are famous for their kind, gentle, even disposition. Their large size can accidentally injure others. AKC Breed Standards. If they are not socialized, they can be kind of shy, but very rarely will they be aggressive. You should start with obedience training first. Please see our disclosure policy for more details. They are intelligent and do recognize how big they really are. This is because female Leonbergers have a much more athletic physique than the more sturdy males. The original creator of the breed Heinrich Essig, a German politician and entrepreneur did not intend for Leonbergers to perform work like most other giant breeds do; instead, he simply wanted them to serve as companions for wealthy nobles and members of the royal family. Their long ears make them prone to ear infections. Also, it is important to note that some municipalities may prohibit Leonbergers entirely, so be sure to check the local laws and regulations before adding one to your family. Your email address will not be published. He's huge, playful, and mischievousa wonderful combination for a family that appreciates a usually goofy, often messy, canine. Fear and aggression in a stranger can activate a dog's protective instincts. Due to their history in hunting and as guard dogs, Caucasian Shepherds rank as one of the world's most protective and aggressive breeds. Find out the positives and negatives regularly seen in the Leonberger: This breed is a big friendly giant however things can still go wrong if you havent trained this pooch properly. Leonbergers make excellent family pets and superb therapy dogs . These are the five best breeds to guard your home (and kids). Some of the most notable health problems that afflict Leonbergers include: Additionally, some veterinarians caution that Leonbergers are occasionally more sensitive than other dogs to anesthesia, so pre-operative blood work is always advisable. They need access to outdoor space so they wont feel frustrated. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Since 1856. Our local vet helped us rehome her. This dog is intelligent and respect will generally be gained once they understand your leadership. . This breed is double coated and will need to be bathed every 2-4 weeks. After all, even big boys and girls need paw protection! Though the breed is large and sturdy, children should never be allowed to climb or ride on a Leonberger or any other breed, as it may injure the dog or instigate a bite. The Leonberger is a very large, strong dog, substantial yet elegant. About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Both varieties of Corgis don't have excessive drooling issues, which is yet another reason why they're such great dogs to own. I have always used the words watchdog and guard dog interchangeably. Leos can be messy: Their huge paws track in mud; they may drool if stressed; and most play in their water bowls, dunking their heads and coming up slobbering. Consistent training with positive methods works best for the Leonberger. Most dog owners report that the Great Dane is mild, tranquil, and easy to handle. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. They aren't typically aggressive dogs around strangers, although they can be a bit suspicious. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, leading to either aggression or . These dogs are not albinos and should have good pigment on their nose, pads and around the eyes. Popular pages. St Bernards are also prone to eyelid problems like ectropion and entropion because of their faces. These huge and powerful dogs are known for their elegance and grace. Dogs are individuals. The different levels of waterwork titles are earned when Leos learn and present specific skills at trials. Leonbergers dislike conflict and may attempt to break up disputes between family members. 3. A Pyrenean Mastiff was then added to the development, helping to produce the Leonberger we now see today. The Leonberger is an affectionate and gentle dog breed that makes a delightful companion. This is especially true of Leonberger males. Basically, they are very good boys, whether small. The Leonberger's long, double coat sheds heavily, especially seasonally. They do not have the hip dysplasia as much as some of the giant dog breeds, but about a third of them die of cancer, and others die young of heart disease, Addison's, laryngeal paralysis, and polyneuropathy. The Rottweiler got a bad reputation in films but these sturdy guardians are some of the sweetest, most loyal family dogs around. (A barking guard dog is a good thing, but when it becomes excessive most of us end up ignoring the sound.). Small Animal Veterinarians' Perceptions, Experiences, and Views of Common Dog Breeds, Dog Aggression, and Breed-Specific Laws in the United States. To be clear, Im not talking about getting guard dog training or looking to make a dog more aggressive , just for a dog that has the size/intelligence/capability to not just bark, but engage in someone intruding into a home/attacking its owner? Leonbergers are pretty heavy shedders, so youll have to learn to cope with fur covering everything you own. They can be raised around cats and other household animals, but it is always best to raise them together from puppyhood. I have included this breed at the bottom of the list because they are usually, but not always, docile. Another origin story claims development began much later, with a Landseer Newfoundland cross in Leonberg in Baden-Wrttemberg, Germanyand that they were meant to resemble the lion on the town's coat of arms. While checking Petfinder, you can also check breed rescue organizations by typing in the kind of dog you are looking for, the word rescue, and your city and state. Obedience training should start at three months old. No matter how well-behaved and obedient your Leonberger is, you simply must keep him leashed. Watch Dog or Guard Dog. This breed dislikes conflict and will attempt to stop disputes between family members. On the other hand, Leonbergers dont really require much grooming (aside from regular brushing). Mark dos Anjos, DVM (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on July 26, 2020: Miebakagh--if your weather is like mine over on this side of the ocean, the only one of these dogs that would work is the Great Dane. 27 certified breeders. Dating back to the mid-19thcentury, the Leonberger has a bit of an unusual history. Males present a masculine mane, while females offer a decidedly feminine appearance. They are otherwise friendly with other dogs. The Leonberger dog certainly isnt a great breed for all owners, and they arent the ideal choice for people who dont have a lot of experience with big dogs. Any time you consider these giant breeds, health is a consideration. Regardless of sex, Leonbergers are impossible to miss. . They get bored, and when a dog this large becomes destructive, there can be a lot of damage. Breeders can give you detailed information on the health screening of the parents. The Leonbergera giant dog breed developed in Leonberg, Germanyis a majestic, mild-mannered dog with a strong love of family. Specifically my wife and kids. But From Where? This breed stands between 25-31 inches tall and can weigh as much as 170 pounds. Newfies are known to be good with children, although some owners complain that the dogs get too excited and will accidentally knock down small children. We had similar dog to a leonberger if we went on a walk in forrest and he would hear something he would get very close to you and protect you. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. And as the Rottie . Some problems like gastric torsion and entropion may show up later, however. Weimaraners are loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving dogs that make . If you have any questions about your dog's diet or feeding schedule, chat with your vet. Home; 2019 Championship Show . Protect your family with a guard dog. 8. Pictured above, this large, powerful breed is used in Turkey to guard against animal predators. A Leonberger dog is independent but can be rather stubborn. A firm and consistent owner will be required for the Leonberger. During adolescence, his hormones will kick in and he might start to test his owner, who must respond with consistent leadership and more training. In some cases , breeders may have fully grown dogs. Like many of the giant dog breeds, Great Danes do not have a long lifespan. (That is no guarantee that there will not be problems, but it does help in many cases.). It is thanks to Karl Stadelmann and Otto Josenhans that this breed was able to recover post war. Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. . Dogs are also prone to cruciate injuries, arthritis aggravated by obesity, and retinal problems. Bernese are one of the most docile breeds around, no matter what the size. Many Leo owners provide a special sucky toy or blanket for their big softie. 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