The first dogs registered as Leonbergers were born in 1846 and had many of the prized qualities of the breeds from which they were derived. :4 The popular legend is that it was bred to resemble the coat-of-arms animal of Leonberg, the lion. During the two world wars, Leonbergers were used to pull the ammunition carts, a service to the breed's country that resulted in the Leonbergers' near-destruction. They were frequently seen pulling carts around the villages of Bavaria and surrounding districts. :4 Around the beginning of the 20th century, Leonbergers were imported by the government of Canada for use as water rescue/lifesaving dogs. The breed continues in that role today, along with the Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.