This
breed was established in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany, in the region of
Wurttemberg by the German breeder Heinrich Essing from a crossing of the
Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. Heinrich Essing's
goal was to create a breed that would closely resemble the look of a
lion.
Leonbergers have been owned by many royal families including Napoleon
II of France, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the Prince of Wales, Emperor
Napoleon II, Bismarck and Italian King Umberto.
In the nineteenth century many Leonbergers were imported to Russia.
Like many breeds, the world wars almost brought it to extinction. By the
end of World War II, only a few dogs remained. In 1945, several Germans
gathered some of the few remaining Leonbergers and re-established the
breed.
Today the Leonberger has regained his popularity in Europe. The
official standard was set in 1949. The first Leonberger was imported to
the United States in 1971. This versatile breed has been successful for
guarding livestock, search and rescue, obedience, water rescue, tracking
and as a family companion
The Leonberger received American Kennel Club recognition as a member of the Working Group on January 1, 2010