Leonberger

In product development, brand name translations can be problematic, leading sometimes to misunderstandings and embarrassing consequences…then sometimes, things just fall into place.

The town of Leonberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, a state in southwest Germany bordering France and Switzerland, is home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It also is home to Wilhelma, a royal estate turned zoo and gardens, the 19th-century Hohenzollern Castle in the southern Swabian Alps and the Black Forest.

Back then, many European states and cities had a town crest, Leonberg’s prominently featured a lion silhouette. Short on lions, the town mayor, and dog breeder, set out to create a dog that looked like the crested lion and was a superior companion dog a royal family would buy.

To obtain the size and coat, specifically the thicker mane, the mayor mixed two of the biggest working breeds, a St. Bernard and a Newfoundland…and it didn’t disappoint. This massive breed has fur on top of fur and sheds…a lot, not including the bi-annual super-shedding undercoat event. And a super companion that loves time with their family.

With their lineage, though, they were also popular with the common folks as their massive frame could pull some significant weight. Unfortunately, this same skill made them popular options during both world wars to haul ammunition carts. These events nearly wiped them out.

But “Leos” survived, and the dog that sounds more like the house specialty sandwich has earned a plaque of their own.

Trainability: B-
Leonbergers live to please their pack and are highly intelligent making dog training easily effective. Their size can make integration into society a little more challenging. A heavy dose of socialization training in a variety of environments and scenarios before the age of two builds confidence through experience. With some advanced training, Leonbergers make for great therapy dogs.

Read more about the Newfoundland on the American Kennel Club,  The Leonberger Club of America.