Would Leos make good family dogs?
Leos are devoted family members, especially fond of children and well able to tolerate other household animals. They usually remain stable and calm amid noise and chaos, and will participate joyfully in almost any family venture, from boring shopping trips to stimulating hikes in the woods or swims at the beach. It is vital that these very sociable dogs be an integral part of family life, as they suffer more than most breeds if kept from family-"pack" activities.
What about health and life-span?
Leos are subject to the short life span and various health problems that plague most giant breeds. However, Leos tend to be healthier overall than the other large breeds. More details about Leonberger health can be found in the health section of this web site.
Are they easy to train?
Leos are not natural obedience and agility zealots; however, they are so loyal and conforming to their family's culture and expectations that they tend to participate in obedience exercises in order to please. They usually excel in commands like Down, Stay! Achieving a perfectly executed Sit and Finish is another story. Leos are known in obedience classes for their casual approach to sitting. The sitting part is not a problem, but sitting up straight is not a priority for a dog that prefers to be laid back and relaxed. Retrieving is also not a favorite activity but can be taught with some patience. Chasing a ball, a toy, or a stick is great fun, but bringing it back is such a bother! There are Leos with obedience and agility titles, but these don't come as easily as they do for some other breeds.
How about grooming?
Leos do shed with their long, thick coat. At their semi-annual "molts", hair does fly everywhere and during the rest of the year moderately so. You will find dog hair floating around your house throughout the year, and every so often in your food as well. Their coats are waterproof and very wear resistant. Daily brushing is necessary to keep their coats shining and "vegetation" picked up during a walk out of their coat. Brushing also keeps clothes and furniture in acceptable condition. It's worth noting that grooming, beyond brushing, toe nail clipping, and a little trimming to even the fur on toe tips, is not allowed for the conformation ring in Europe. The natural look of a real working dog that does real work is the sought-after ideal.
What questions should I ask a breeder before choosing a puppy?
Be very sure that the breeder is a member of their country's Leonberger Club and is on the current list of approved breeders. For a more detailed answer, please visit our "Finding a Puppy" section.
Do they drool?
No! Leos were bred with an eye toward eliminating drooling. They will occasionally drool when stressed and definitely after drinking (usually with their heads and front paws as far as possible in the water!).
How do I get one?
Because Leos should be carefully bred only after 2 years of age and with a minimum of 10 months between litters for each female, those from conscientious breeders are limited in number and may be difficult to acquire. The good Leonberger breeder is highly selective when choosing homes for the puppies. The best approach is to become a member of the LCA and begin corresponding or conversing with breeders in your area. A good method is to get on a waiting list for a puppy bred by a breeder you trust and whose dogs you like.
Prices differ from region to region, but if the price quoted for a Leo seems out of line, either much lower or higher than the typical price for your country, that is a definite warning sign to be careful and to visit several other breeders. Leos are expensive (in the $1,600 - $2000 range, possibly more for a show quality puppy, regardless of country). The current prices allow most breeders to recoup the costs of breeding healthy litters and also help keep frivolous buyers from purchasing Leos on a whim.
Where and in what events can Leos be shown?
Leos are now in the AKC Miscellaneous class and can be shown in AKC conformation, and all AKC performance events. Besides conformation and obedience, Leos participate and enjoy tracking, pulling, agility, and especially therapy work.
