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.

They can be trained to pull carts and sleds. They also are a dry-mouth breed, and do not drool.

PUPPIES AVAILABLE!!

Born 12/7/2011

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Website Updated on 01/26/2012