Leonberger

The town of Leonberg in Southwest Germany has on its crest the dog that was created there in 1840 by the mayor, Heinrich Essig. He was helped by the monks of St Bernard who had crossed their St Bernards with Newfoundlands and this cross was the basis of the new breed. It is thought that there was also an infusion of Pyrenean Mountain Dog blood. Essig wanted to create a dog of leonine appearance to match the lions on the town's heraldic crest. Selectively bred for the red and fawn coats, the breed does have a leonine quality about it. The Leonberger was originally used as a guard dog but has now gathered legions of devotees because of its gentle and affectionate temperament.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Working breed group

Over the centuries these dogs were selectively bred to become guards and search and rescue dogs. Arguably, the working group consists of some of the most heroic canines in the world, aiding humans in many walks of life, including the Boxer, Great Dane and St. Bernard. This group consists of the real specialists in their field who excel in their line of work.

Colour Watch

Category 0: Breeds with no NBS colour registration options.

Read more about Colour Watch.

Breed Standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Gold
Gold With Black Mask
Golden Red & Black Mask
Lion & Black Mask
Lion Red With Black Mask
Red
Red & Black
Red Black Mask
Red Brown & Black Mask
Red Gold & Black Mask
Red With Black Muzzle
Sandy

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed standard colours

Non-breed standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Priority health schemes and tests

The Kennel Club's Assured Breeders must use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.

DNA test – LPN1 - part of The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services. Find a list of tested dogs)
DNA test - LPN2 - part of The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services. Find a list of tested dogs)
DNA test - LEMP - part of The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services. Find a list of tested dogs)
Hip dysplasia screening scheme (BVA/KC)
Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS)
Elbow dysplasia screening scheme (BVA/KC)
Eye testing - PLA (gonioscopy) (BVA/KC/ISDS)

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Bitches not to produce a litter under two years of age
Check inbreeding calculators

Other health schemes and tests available

DNA test - LPPN3 - find a list of tested dogs

*The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests

The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our DNA Testing Services. This includes:

LEMP (Leukoencephalomyelopathy)
LPN1 (Leonberger polyneuropathy)
LPN2 (Leonberger polyneuropathy)

Kennel Club Assured breeders and Kennel Club Accredited Instructors receive a 10% discount.

Find out more about our DNA Testing Services.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Health (The Kennel Club)

Breed watch

Category 2

Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.