Leonberger
FCI 145
76 cmAdult male
at the withers
at the withers
- Mass
- 49.9–77.1 kgSamce
Leonberger — size comparison
The Leonberger is a very large dog with a long coat, a dark mask and a broad, gentle-looking head. Adult males develop an abundant mane around the neck and ches
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground withersReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in cm
020406080
76 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Leonberger — size comparison — facts and sources
The Leonberger is a very large dog with a long coat, a dark mask and a broad, gentle-looking head. Adult males develop an abundant mane around the neck and chest. Colours include fawn, red and sandy shades, usually with black tips on some hairs. Its powerful build accompanies free, calm movement.
Heinrich Essig developed the breed in nineteenth-century Leonberg, Germany. He used Newfoundlands, dogs from the St Bernard hospice and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, aiming for a large dog resembling the lion in the town’s coat of arms. The first dogs called Leonbergers were born in 1846. They went to wealthy homes and farms, where strength in hauling and guarding was valued. The world wars severely reduced the breed’s numbers.
Leonbergers generally enjoy being among people and take an interest in everyday family life. Usually composed, they respond readily to invitations to play. They can observe their surroundings attentively without immediately reacting to every stimulus.