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How to Identify a Leo
Note: The
information presented below is only a guideline. It is important to know that variations
in breeding can and do deviate from all the characteristics mentioned. Also a found dog or traumatized dog in a
shelter may not match the usual physical characteristics or personality
traits – perhaps due to illness, stress, malnutrition and/or mistreatment
by previous owners.
** The photos on this page are not
necessarily of rescued dogs. Owners have agreed to have photos of
their dogs posted to assist in the information
requirements of this page and the website.
Leonbergers, or Leos as they are often called, are considered
a giant breed dog. They have
outgoing personalities and are generally known for their stability and
consistent even-temperedness.
Adult males are approximately 76 cm
(30") at the shoulders, and females are approximately
70 cm (27.5”). Upon maturity, males usually weigh around
140 lbs, although some males have been know to reach a weight in excess of
180 lbs. Females are considerably
lighter, weighing around 90 - 100 lbs.
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Full Body Side
Profile
( Adult Male )
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Full Body Side
Profile
( Adult Female )
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Male / Female Size
Comparison
( Adult Male in
foreground )
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The general appearance of the Leonberger is that
of a large-sized dog, robust and muscular.
There is usually a black mask covering the foreface and extending at
least up to and over the eyes. They
have webbed feet and the coat is rather long, but not flowing or parting,
with a dense undercoat. The males
usually, although not always, develop a luxurious mane around the neck and
chest area, while females may have a mane, but to a lesser extent. Adolescent male and female dogs do not
have a mane as a general rule. The
furnishings (the long fur on the front quarters, hind quarters and tail)
are very abundant.
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Face with Dark Mask
( Adolescent Male )
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Face with Dark Mask
( Adult Female )
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Face Mask with some
Grey
( Adult Male )
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As far as colouring goes, Leonbergers can range
from an almost white cream to mostly black.
The most common colours, however, are lion yellow, red,
reddish-brown, and sand. Wolf grey,
while not that common, is also seen.
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Lion Yellow
( Adult Female )
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Reddish-Brown
( Adult Male )
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Sand
( Adult Female )
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Wolf Grey
( Older Adult Female
)
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Dark Colouring -
Mainly Black
( Adult Male )
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Red
( Adult Female )
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In addition to all this, Leos should have tight flews that
prevent them from drooling.
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Happy Leo with No
Drool !
( Adult Male )
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Happy and No Drooling !
( Adult Female )
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Still No Drool
! Also Happy !
( Adult Male )
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Sketch of a typical Leonberger physique.
Main characteristics pointed out in red
text.
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