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A recent introduction into the United Kingdom, the leonberger hails from the German town of Leonberg. Produced originally by crossing the Newfoundland with the saint Bernard, he is naturally a powerful dog, though not as massive as either of the breeds from which he came. A good guarding breed, he is of generally equable temper and could well establish himself here. His well feathered, pendant ears, his black mask and his medium textured coat give him an attractive appearance. He moves in a deliberate, firm fashion, and never appears to be in a hurry.

General appearance ** Very strong and muscular.

Characteristics ** Faithful, intelligent, amenable, good watch dog. Web footed.

Temperament ** Equable, self confident, neither timid nor aggressive.

Head and Skull ** Tolerably wide skull, moderately deep. Broad, not too short,square muzzle. Slight stop. no wrinkles.

Eyes ** Meduim size, dark with intelligent, good-natured expression, showing no haw,

Ears ** Set on high, close to head but not too far back. Wideas long, rounded at tips, well feathered and pendant.

Mouth ** Lips black and well fitting with no open corners. Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite,i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck ** Strong, moderately long. No dewlap.

ForeQuarters** Shoulders well laid, elbows close to chest, forelegs straight and well boned.

Body ** Slightly longer than height at withers. Strong back and loins. Chest deep, ribs well sprung but not barrelled.

HindQuarters ** Strong and muscular. Hindlegs well angulated and parallel when viewed from behind. Hind dewclaws removed.

Feet ** Well furnished, carried at half mast, never too high nor over back.

Gait & Movement ** Strong and firm.

Coat ** Medium soft to hard, fairly long, lying close to body despite good undercoat. Slightly wavy but never curled. Very evident mane at throat and chest.

Colour ** Light yellow, golden to red brown preferably with black mask. Dark or even black points on coat permissible. Hair at throat, on forelegs and underside of tail may be somewhat brighter.

Size ** Height at withers, dogs 72-80 cms (28 - 32 ins ) bitches, 65 - 75 cms ( 26 - 30 ins ).

Faults ** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.