Susan Shimeld
Wildlife Artist and Natural History Illustrator

Leonberger
© Susan Shimeld

This breed was established in 1846 in Leonberg, by the German breeder Heinrich Essig in a small suburb outside Stuttgart in west Germany. As the the town's crest was a lion, Heinrich Essig decided to develop a breed of lion-like dog. To achieve this, it is believed he crossed the St. Bernard, the Pyrenean Mountain and the Newfoundland dog to produce the large and lively breed known today as the Leonberger. The first breed club was formed in 1895 along with the breed standard. The official standard was set in 1949.

Like many German breeds, the Leonberger was affected badly during both World Wars and almost died out. Thankfully, due to its attentiveness and sweet expression, today it is gaining in numbers and popularity.

The Leonberger is a large, muscular, elegant dog, adult height 30-31 inches (76-80cm) and weighing more than 88 pounds (40kg). Its coat is rough and long, but not shaggy. The Leonberger has a lively nature and is steady, affectionate and alert. It is an outstanding water rescue dog and has a waterproof coat, webs between its toes and like the Newfoundland, is an excellent swimmer.

I have always appreciated the larger breeds of dogs and lived for fourteen very happy years with a lovely Newfoundland called Orca. During the mid 1980's I was invited to a dog show in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Many owners were exhibiting a variety of large breeds including Great Danes, Bernese Mountain dogs and Leonbergers.

Handsome, calm and confident, this Leo inspired me to paint him. Working from sketches and photographs I portrayed my Leonberger pastel dog portrait.

From the sale of my 'Leonberger' painting and with the sale of each 'Leonberger' Greetings Card and Fine Art Print, a donation is given to charity.

'Nature in Art'

Original Paintings, Fine Art Prints & Greetings Cards

Please visit my

and

All Artwork, Images & Content © Susan Shimeld. 2002. All rights reserved.