Leonberger Newfoundland Mix
The Leonberger Newfoundland Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Leonberger and the Newfoundland. This could make for a very powerful breed. Is it more like the Leonberger or the Newfoundland? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Leonberger Newfoundland Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Leonberger Newfoundland Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Leonberger Newfoundland Mix puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Leonberger Newfoundland Mix
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix History
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Newfoundland History:
The Newfoundland Dog is known for its working ability. One of it’s original working purposes was used for taking ropes ashore in North Atlantic seas, retrieving lost fishing gear and rescuing humans. It is a very strong and powerful swimmer. Due to its size it has also been used as a pack animal, sled dog, and carting dog. It has a thick double layered coat which makes it great for cold weather. Like many breeds, no one really knows the history, but it more than likely originated from dogs brought from the island of Newfoundland to England in the early 1800's.
The most popular theories are: They were developed from the black 'bear' dogs transported to Newfoundland and the Americas by Vikings around 1000 A.D. This obviously makes it a very old breed. They possibly evolved from the American Black Wolf or from other native dogs.
They developed from the inter-breeding of European dogs brought to Newfoundland in the 15th and 16th century by explorer's.
Leonberger History:
Originally the Leonberger were kept as farm dogs. They pulled carts and did other tasks as needed. In the 20th Century, they became water rescue dogs, and they still continue to live in that role today.
In the 1830s a dog breeder named Heinrich Essig claims to have created the Leonberger by crossing a male dog that would later create the Saint Bernard breed along with a female Landseer Newfoundland. Later down the line, Essig claims to have added a Pyrenean Mountain dog to the mix, which created the large dog with long white coats.
This may just be a story since the claim is still disputed. The reason for this is due to a description that claims animals the looked like Leonbergers were owned by Austrian Prince Franz Metternich, of Wolfberg in 1585.
The more modern look of a Leonberger, which includes darker coats and black masks, came later in the 20th century. This happened when other breeds, such as the Newfoundland, were reintroduced to the genetic pool. The reintroduction was due to the loss of Leonbergers during World War I, and even though the breed started to thrive again, it was lost once more during World War II. Leonbergers were used to pull ammunition carts during these wars.
Interestingly, all Leonberger today can be traced back to the only eight survivors of World War II.
Awesome videos of Leonberger Newfoundland Mix puppies
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix Size and Weight
Newfoundland
Height: 25 - 29 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 100 - 150 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 10 years
The Leonberger is considered a giant-sized dog. The average height of a male Leonberger is 28 to 31.5 inches, while a female is between 25.5 to 29.5 inches in height. The weight average for a male Leonberger is 120 to 170 pounds. On the other hand, the Leonberger female averages 100 to 135 pounds.
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that will have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. Both of these parent breeds have higher energy and a very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Leonberger mixed with the Newfoundland might be prone to Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Heart Conditions
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
This will be a tougher dog to groom as both of these dogs have pretty long hair. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
Leonberger Newfoundland Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.