The content of the article
Appearance breed dogs Leonberger quite impressive. These animals are very large and have a powerful physique, so they can easily be used as guards. Thanks to an unusual and frightening look, these dogs have long been considered loyal friends of farmers. They guarded the ownership, valuable property and livestock. The appearance of these four-legged pets a bit like the lion's become. If it were necessary to describe this type of dogs with a couple of sentences, then it would be enough to characterize it with the words: a strong and noble animal.
From the side of the pet seems like a huge ball of wool. He is a reliable and fluffy companion. A characteristic feature of this type of dog is its balance. Even when the dog gets into the midst of turmoil and confusion, around him will always be quiet and calm.In any situation, he remains an imperturbable dog. However, if something threatens his owners, the dog can begin to react in a matter of minutes.
It is not easy to provoke Leonberger and cause him aggressive behavior. He can only begin to react if he decides to become angry with the detractor. But more often than not, these dogs do not need aggressive behavior, as one intimidating type of dog is enough for surrounding people or animals to begin to fear it. Its large size and awesome look speak for themselves.
Story
The origin of this breed of dogs is rooted in ancient times. The breed was bred in the south-west of Swabia, in a German city called Leonberg. It is known that, translated from German, this small town is called the “city of the lion”. From here and such unusual name of this breed. In addition, the dog's nickname fully meets its external data.
In the middle of the XIX century, the famous German canine scientist Heinrich Essig, decided to breed an unusual breed of dogs. According to the plan of the breeder, the dog was supposed to become a living symbol of the city, personify all its might and nobility. The dog expert wanted the dog to look like a lion.
Characteristics of the breed and behavior
The Leonberg dog has a long, hard and thick coat. On the chest and neck of the dog, it grows thick and beautiful, which resembles a lion's mane. The wool of these dogs has a different shade: from gold to brown. Often a dark mask flaunts a dog’s face, and white spots appear on the chest and paws. The height of dogs of this breed can reach 75-80 centimeters, and the weight varies within 60-78 kilograms.
The German dog has not only a bright appearance, but also a large set of official qualities. The dog is considered the perfect friend for all family members. These pets have a sharp mind, they are faithful to their owners, have a calm and judicious nature. At the same time, it may seem that the dog’s agreeable disposition cannot harmonize with its impressive and formidable look. However, in reality, these dogs are considered obedient and benevolent pets.
Many large breed dogs have a tendency toward aggressive behavior. Because of this, most animal lovers are often afraid to start these pets in their homes. Parents with babies are especially afraid of large dogs.However, this prejudice can not be attributed to dogs of this species. These pets have no desire to transcend or compete, they are not aggressive to others. These four-legged pets are considered guard dogs, but behave calmly with family. They are quite funny and friendly dogs.
Separately, it should be said about the relationship of these dogs with kids. This large shaggy dog with big fangs is so kind and open in the family that it will allow children to indulge and play with it from the heart. Children can ride a dog, take it by the tail and ears, while the dog will calmly react to such pranks and will not even get angry. He will be happy to play with the children, while protecting the children from danger. Such a conscious attitude towards children appears in the dog as an adult. But the Leonberger puppy is quite energetic and not reasonable, therefore it is better not to leave children with him unattended.
The softness in the character does not leave any imprints on the guard qualities of this dog. A pet will always selflessly protect the possessions of its owners. This four-legged pet often needs to communicate with its owners.If the dog does not feel the attention of a friend, he may become depressed and start to get bored. The mood in the family will always be transmitted to the dog. If the house is joyous, then the dog will behave playfully, in moments of calm - will behave quietly. However, when a scandal is brewing among family members, the dog will feel it and will behave excitedly.
If the owner decides to get himself this unusual pet, he will forever find in his person a devoted friend. The dog will be able to become an excellent companion, will be devoted to protect the house and selflessly protect the members of his family. Proper upbringing of a pet can be a guarantee that a real guard and a tender comrade will settle in the master's house.
How to raise a leonberger?
Dogs of the Leonberger breed are distinguished by congenital peacefulness, keen intelligence and intellectual qualities. These pets are easy to train and teach new teams. They never seek to transcend, and therefore master commands are quietly executed. Leonberger is one of the unique breeds in the world.According to dog breeders, representatives of this species should not be treated rudely and in an orderly tone. Dogs of this breed perfectly understand the usual "human" language, and can communicate with their owner on an equal footing.
If the owners have purchased a dog of this breed, then you should start raising this dog from an early age, inculcating respect and patience in him. The atmosphere in the family where Leonberger lives should be calm. The owner should maintain a trusting relationship with the dog, partnerships, the tone of communication is best kept even and confident. However, you should not give your pet too much will, he must remember who is the boss. Although most of the representatives of this breed have always been famous for their good relationship to the owners. If the owner of the dog is patient and respectful of his pet, he will receive a reward devotedly to a dog who respects his owner immensely.
These dogs are smart enough and accustomed to justice. The dog has a natural intelligence, which allows it to assess how fairly or unfairly the owner acts with it. Therefore, do not punish and shout at the dog for no reason.
Note! Teaching a dog the right behavior and punishment is necessary if the dog is really guilty in front of the owner. If the pet is faced with injustice and incomprehension, it can for a long time harbor a grudge against the abuser.
The main goal in the life of this dog is to serve its owner. The dog is faithful to all members of his family. Therefore, the dog can be attributed to the loyal and intelligent four-legged pets that are easy to learn and understand everything.
From the first days of life in the new house, the puppy of this breed needs to clearly define the "boundaries" that he should not overstep. However, the dog is so smart and grasps everything on the fly, that it will be enough for him once to understand what is good and what is bad. At the same time, the owners need time to educate and accustom the dog to the outside world. The dog must learn to perceive extraneous animals and people on its territory. If the owners of the dog intend to make a real guard of the pet, then you should start training from an early age.
How to care and feed a pet
Caring for this pet should be exactly the same as for other members of his family.The dog does not require strong physical exertion, but the owners should bring their pet for long walks.
Dog owners should pay attention to the dog's hair, to monitor the formation of the paws of the animal. Long and thick pet hair should be combed more often. To do this, use special comb for dogs. Also, with special care, owners should monitor the condition of the ears, eyes and nose of the animal. To carry out water treatment is necessary as the dog became contaminated. It is also important to trim the long claws from the dog's paws. If the dog has a shiny, combed coat, clean ears and eyes, a wet and cold nose, a soft tummy and clean skin - this indicates a complete physical health of the pet.
An important place in the process of caring for a pet is given to its nutrition. These dogs are large breeds of dogs, which means they need a balanced and healthy diet. Proper diet will help the proper formation of bones and muscles of the pet. It is not necessary to save on the nutrition of the animal, however, it is also not recommended to overfeed the dog. The dog should develop well musculature, and the dog’s food itself should be moderate.
The list of prohibited foods, which in no case should not be allowed to eat to a pet, includes sweet, spicy and salty dishes. It is also harmful for a dog to eat fatty pork, roast lamb, flour products, spices and fruits of legumes.
A two-month-old Leonberber puppy is fed five to six times a day. After the puppy grows up to four months of age, the amount of its food should be reduced to four meals per day. Adult seven-month-old dogs, up to their maturity, are usually fed at least three times throughout the day. In a pet bowl, there should always be clean and fresh water that needs to be changed several times a day.
Price
Currently in Russia, representatives of the Leonberger breed are considered to be quite rare dogs. However, many pet lovers every year more and more often express a desire to acquire such an unusual and intelligent pet. At the same time, the cost of such four-legged pets of Russia is quite high. A puppy of this breed can cost its owner 30,000 rubles, while the price of a show dog can vary between 50,000 rudders.
Video: Leonberger dog breed
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