Leonbergers are an old German breed. They have been in existence for over 150 years, longer actually, than the German Shepherd breed. They were used in Europe as working farm dogs, family watchdogs and flock guardians. Today they are mostly companions. This is not a good breed for an apartment or a small, suburban lot. An appropriately fenced 1/2 acre not including the house is about the minimum to assure a dog who does not becomefrustrated and territorial. The Leo was introduced in the US in the late 70’s and the Leonberger Club of America was established in the mid 80’s. In 2010 the LCA became the official AKC's Parent Club and it's job is to protect our breed. Leonbergers are shown in the AKC's Working Class. Leos are very large and substantial dogs, with the females 25 1/2"-29 1/2" at the withers and the males 28" to 31 1/2" at the withers. Weight runs from 120 lbs - 160+, depending on size and substance. Their coats require a thorough brushing once a week although they seldom need baths unless you are showing. They shed profusely twice a year. 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. In the showring the only trimming that is allowed on a Leo is neatening up of the feet. Leos should 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. Like most very large breeds their lifespan is about 7-10 years. They are definitely not a good choice for fussy housekeepers nor people who like to wear black clothes! Leo puppies are often rambunctious and enthusiastic and are not laid back! They require work and diversion to use up their energy or they can become destructive. They are social but 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, unique, stimuli as young and adolescent dogs. Leonbergers wander and need appropriate 5'-6' fencing. Young Leos will not thrive in small yards and homes. They need space. 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, but as is true of all dogs, an untrained and unsocialized adult may be a liability. It's not "just add water," nor love. It is training. Leos are capable of competitive obedience work but most are not selectively bred for those traits and they do better in Rally. They are more independent thinkers although they enjoy working with humans. Adults can be stubborn. Due to their size and build I do not suggest agility work as it can lead to injuries. The breed tends towards canine cruciate ligament problems and it is both a painful and very expensive injury. Part of the reason they need a yard large enough to run straight out without turning in tight circles is that those kinds of sharp turns can also cause CCL unjuries. They are a mountain breed and their rear assembly tends to be a bit straighter than dogs of the herding or sporting breeds, and they therefore tend towards more injuries in sports with sharp turns and fast stops. They will learn well with motivation and poorly with force. Like many smart breeds, they get bored easily. Most survey a situation, make a decision based on their observations and experiences and don’t just jump into something, as a Golden Retriever would, wondering later if it was the right guess. Some days you think they are not learning at all, and all of a sudden they “get it.” Overall they are a sensible breed as adults and a lot of fun to work with. They will teach you patience and to begin understanding the culture of a different species if you let them. Next page: What is it like living with a Leonberger? Back to: "PUPPY PACK" |
| Cherrywood Kennels |
| PUPPY PACK: What is a Leo? |
| Grafton, OH 44044 | cell (440) 328-5647 | cherrywoodleos@yahoo.com |
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