History

The Leonberger originated in Leonberg, a small town in South-Western Germany in the early 1800s.

Heinrich Essig, wishing to produce a dog resembling the lion on the Imperial Coat of Arms of the town hall of Leonberg, Germany, used the Landseer, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog to create this distinguished breed. (See picture: right) World Wars I and II almost rendered the breed extinct; however, because of the dedication of Herr Stadelmann and Herr Otto Josenhans, the breed survived.

The Leonberger is a strong, muscular yet elegant dog whose body structure was originally built as a working dog but today serves as a great companion.

Today, the Leonberger is still generally rare, but is increasing in popularity.