Leonberger

Lion-maned and sociable, the Leonberger was developed in Germany from Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Pyrenean lines, and makes an even-tempered family dog for an active household. Before buying, ask for DNA results for the inherited polyneuropathies, which can cause laryngeal paralysis and hind-leg weakness, and know that bone cancer and haemangiosarcoma rates are high. Typical lifespan is 8 to 10 years, and the thick coat sheds heavily, worst of all in spring.