History

The Leonberger was developed in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany by Heinrich Essig, one of the city's aldermen, from crosses between the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard and other, unknown breeds. Herr Essig was attempting to create a breed that would closely resemble the lion featured on the town crest. The Leonberger's tawny coloration and thick mane are evidence that Essig succeeded in his quest. To promote his majestic breed, Essig donated many of his dogs to celebrities and royals, including Empress Elizabeth of Austria (who eventually owned several) and King Umberto of Italy. Many Leonbergers were also exported to Russia during the nineteenth century. However, the two World Wars almost destroyed the breed, as it it was difficult for people to feed these huge animals when food was scarce.

In 1945, at the end of World War II, several Germans gathered together some of the few remaining Leonbergers and reestablished the breed. Today, the Leonberger is once again popular in Europe. More than 25,000 Leonbergers are registered there, although the breed remains rare in the United States. The first Leonberger was imported to the United States in 1971; currently close to one thousand are registered here today.

A versatile breed, the Leonberger has been successful in many endeavors, including herding and guarding livestock, obedience, and tracking. German search and rescue teams also use the Leonberger in their work and the dog has a reputation as a great water-rescue dog. The Leonberger's warm, gentle personality makes him a fine family companion dog