High Alps Kennel - Leonbergers

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High Alps Kennel
Breeders of Leonbergers

Welcome to High Alps Kennels - owned and operated by David and Angela Radel of Kingsley, Michigan (not far from Traverse City, Michigan).

The Leonberger is often called a Lion dog - with a thick tawny coat and a mane on the neck. Referred to as a gentle giant, it has been in existence since the 1800's.

Named after a small town in Leonberg, Germany, the Leonberger's (Leo) origin is credited to Herr Heinrich Essig (1808 - 1889). An animal lover with a special fondness for very large dogs, Essig developed a goal to create a dog that resembled the Lion, which graced the town's crest.

He developed the Leonberger from a Male Saint Bernard from the Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzerland to a Landseer (Newfoundland) bitch.

Essig wanted more white in the dog, so, he crossed them with a Great Pyrenees. the first true Leo was born in 1846.

Leonberger Facts:

Origin	Leonberg, Germany
Life Span	10 - 12 years average
Size	Dogs: 28 - 31 inches, 120 - 140 Lbs. Bitch: 25 - 29 inches, 100 - 130 Lbs.
Gait	Ground covering extending well in front. Good drive from hind quarters.
Coat	Medium soft to coarse long, straight, slightly wavy. On neck, a mane resembling that of a Lion.
Color	Lion Yellow, Red, Reddish Brown, Sandy Cream, and always a black mask.
The Breed is	Trustworthy, patient, fun loving, gets along with other dogs, loves family outings, loves water, swimming, and hiking. They are devoted to family, and love children.