Leonbergers are glorious, regal dogs. From their massive heads and magnificent coats to their easy confidence, they attract attention everywhere they go. Leos are the result of Heinrich Essig crossing Saint Bernards + Newfoundlands + Pyrean Mountain Dogs/Great Pyrenees during the mid 1800s. He lived in Leonberg, Germany and wanted a dog to serve as a mascot for the town. He was quite the marketer, as his Leonbergers soon became the darlings of German aristocracy.
On to modern day Leonbergers! Like many of their mastiff-type relatives, the Leo often suffers from a dry or crusty nose. In some instances, Leos have an extreme version of dog nose dryness called nasal hyperkeratosis in which the nose leather forms layers of crusty, scab-like tissue.
Basic dry noses can be caused by a dry climate, lack of humidity in the air, to a degree-breed disposition. Nasal Hyperkeratosis is a condition of unknown origin that can be controlled, but not cured.