Banner Photo: Georgia Hogg Photography

- THE LEONBERGER -

The Leonberger originated in a town called 'Leonberg' in Germany and was claimed to have been created by a mix of the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees.

Leonbergers are known to have been bred to resemble the Lion. They are a large, strong and muscular dog, with an unusual feature of webbed feet! Making them great swimmers, so much so that some countries have used them in water rescue. 

Along with their love of water comes wet paws, wet dripping mouths, muddy paws and muddy floors....not to be forgotten, the tumble weeds under the couch and your personal ear and face cleaner..…getting the idea?

A loving and loyal dog, dedicated to it’s family, the Leonberger makes a great companion, sharing a natural bond with children. As well as water rescue, Leonbergers have been known to do well in obedience, agility, carting and therapy work. Leonbergers can be trained to do almost anything as long as you have patience and a sense of humor!

Resources:

Considerations:

  • Contracts of sales - don’t let this alarm you, this is to benefit both you, your puppy and the breeder. A breeder should be willing to send you a copy of their contract prior to committing to the purchase of a pup.

  • Dietary requirements - ask breeders what they feed, recommend and what information will be provided to you prior to purchasing your puppy. Work out the approx. costs to budget for when you bring your puppy home.

  • Grooming - Leonbergers moult throughout the year and have two big coat drops, I’m talking shopping bags full! As Leos love water, sand, mud and all of the above, a blowdryer is definitely something to add to the wish list!

  • Purchase cost of puppies - most breeders in Australia & New Zealand charge between $3500-$4500. The sale price or importing does not determine or guarantee the quality or health of a pup.

  • Waiting periods - it is not unusual to have a 1-2+ year for a puppy from a reputable breeder in Australia.


Health Testing:

Even if all health tests have been followed no breeder can guarantee a perfect puppy...however by breeding to the recommendations it eliminates chances of issues giving your puppy best possible chance of a healthy life.

  • Hips & Elbows - ideally the lowest score possible, being 0:0. There are two ways of scoring hips, "AVA/CHEDS" and "Pennhip".

  • Eyes - Clear of Hereditary Disease such as (but not limited to) Cataract, Distichiasis, Glaucoma, Goniodysgenesis.

  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy is a DNA test performed from a blood sample, referred to as LPN1, LPN2, LPPN3.

  • LEMP stands for Leukoencephalomyelopathy. It is a neurological illness and carriers can be identified by a simple DNA test like LPN Testing.

For more information on LPN and LEMP, please refer to: 

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/academic-departments/vbs/CanineGeneticsLab/index.htm

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/academic-departments/vbs/CanineGeneticsLab/LeonbergerPolyneuropathy/index.htm

http://www.leonbergerunion.com/health/lemp.htm