The 'Essig' Legend is the popular myth regarding the creation of the Leonberger as a breed. Essig bred St Bernards with Newfoundlands and Pyreneans to create a large dog. These were mainly white or silver with black heads and ears, although some had brown heads and ears and were yellow. In 1865 Essig showed a dog that was yellow and brown with black shades which resembled a lion.

After Essig's death as far as we know no written records were found. The breed declined but the Klub von Leonberger Hunden was founded in the1890's near Heidleberg and Albert Xull wrote the first Breed Standard in 1895.
Stadelmann and Josenhans were instrumental in the breed's development in the early 1900's and they raised numbers to 350 in the studbook. After the Second World War numbers declined again but Albert Keinzle kept the breed going with the help of others and by 1958 there were up to 400 Leonbergers
 

Today there are 8,000 Leonbergers worldwide.

Leonberger Club of Great Britain

Leonberger Club of America