Welcome to LionsGate Leos.

We are a group of dedicated dog lovers, working to provide easy access to information about the amazing Leonberger breed for those individuals that might consider purchasing a Leonberger puppy or dog and for the tried and true Leonberger enthusiast.

The Leonberger is truly a Rare Breed in the United States. We are extremely excited about the chance to share our love of this breed and hopefully educate the public about the Leo's true breed character, temperament and structure. Leonbergers, affectionately known as Leos, are renowned for their wonderful temperaments, being particularly good with children. They are also a very social animal and really enjoy the company of other dogs and pets. Leo's are exceptional dogs having the rare talent of combining natural exuberance and love of life with a calm, gentle disposition.

Please feel free to browse the website and visit our upcoming Leonberger Forums!

Leonberger Breed Information and History*

According to his original purpose, the Leonberger is a large, strong, muscular yet elegant dog. He is distinguished by his balanced build and confident calmness, yet with quite lively temperament. Males, in particular, are powerful and strong. As a family dog, the Leonberger is an agreeable partner for present day dwelling and living conditions, who can be taken anywhere without difficulty and is distinguished by his marked friendliness towards children. He is neither shy nor aggressive. As a companion, he is agreeable, obedient and fearless in all situations of life.

At the end of the thirties, beginning of the forties of the 19^th century, Heinrich Essig, town Councillor in Leonberg, Germany near Stuttgart, crossed a black and white Newfoundland bitch with a so-called “Barry” male from the monastery hospice Grand St. Bernard. Later a Pyrenean Mountain Dog was added. This resulted in very large dogs with predominantly long, white coats. Essig’s aim was for a lion-like dog. The lion is the heraldic animal of the city of Leonberg.

The first dogs really called “Leonbergers” were born in 1846. They combined the excellent qualities of the breeds from which they stemmed.

Only a short time later, many of these dogs were sold as status symbols from Leonberg all over the world. At the end of the 19^th century, the Leonberger was kept in Baden-Württemberg as the preferred farm dog. His watch and draft abilities were much praised.

In both World Wars and the needy post war times, the numbers of breeding stock reduced dramatically. Today the Leonberger is an excellent family dog which fulfills all the demands of modern life.