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| What is a Leonberger? Leonbergers are an old German breed. They have been around for about 150 years, longer actually, than the German Shepherd breed. It is thought that they descend from crosses amongst the Newfoundland, the St. Bernard and the Pyrenean Mastiff or Pyrenean Mountain Dog. They were used in Europe as versatile and vigilant family watchdogs and working farm dogs, and flock guardians. Like the Pyranees, they need a well fenced area. They were introduced in the US in the late 70’s and the Leonberger Club of America was established in the mid 80’s as the official Parent Club for the breed. Leonbergers are in the AKC' Working Class. Leos are very large, although not giant dogs, with the females around 28” and 120 lbs and the males around 30” and 140lbs. Their coats require a thorough brushing once a week and some Leos have more undercoat and a finer texture than others. They seldom need baths, but do shed profusely twice a year. The only trimming that is done for show on a Leo is neatening up of the feet. They should have their nails cut and their feet trimmed regularly as they will mat between their toes. The hair is taken off under the bottom of the foot so they do not slide. Leos do not drool but they do like to share their water with you after taking a drink! Younger Leos sometimes sleep with their chin or ear in the water dish, which can turn into a hot spot and can become a staff infection if you aren’t watchful. They love playing in mud and being wet, collect “weed seeds” in those coats, knock things off of the tables with their tails, and leave large footprints both on your floor and on your heart. They are definitely not a good choice for fussy housekeepers! Leo puppies can be rambunctious at times and enthusiastic and not laid back. They require work and diversion to use up their energy or they can become destructive. They are social and need to meet many new people and animals and experience their world during the first year of their lives so that the natural confidence comes through as an adult. The working breeds, in particular, need to be able to sort out the normal from the abnormal and the way to do that is to introduce them to continually changing stimuli as puppies. Leonbergers will wander and need appropriate fencing. We do not sell puppies to unfenced homes. The best description I have seen of a mature Leonberger’s temperament was written by noted authority and author on the breed, Guido Perosino of Italy; “ It has an outgoing temperament within the family that is slightly more contained with friends, and with strangers it becomes dignified and even reserved.” A well trained and socialized adult can be taken anyplace. Leos are capable of competitive obedience work but most are not selectively bred for those traits the way Golden Retrievers or Shelties are. They are more independent thinkers. The Leo who excels in obedience trials is the exception rather than the rule. They can do OK in agility, but they aren’t Border Collies and do not excel at speed contests. During the first two years especially, you have to be careful in jumping them due to the stress on their shoulders and the fast turns agility requires. The breed tends towards cruciate ligament problems and it is both a painful and very expensive injury. We have seen a number of Leos injured while working in agility. They are a mountain breed and their rear assembly tends to be a bit straighter than dogs like the sporting breeds, and they therefore tend towards more injuries in sports like agility. They will learn well with motivation and poorly with force. They can be stubborn when confused, like many breeds, and get bored easily. Most survey a situation, make a decision based on their observations and don’t just jump into something, wondering later if it was the right guess. Some days you think they aren’t learning at all, and all of a sudden they “get it.” Overall they are a sensible breed and a lot of fun to work with. They will teach you patience and understanding of a different culture if you let them. Next page: What is it like living with a Leonberger? Back to: "PUPPIES" |
| 18900 Chamberlain Rd. Grafton, OH 44044 | 440-926-2801 | cherrywoodleos@yahoo.com |