An Introduction to the Leonberger

Leonbergers are a giant breed, meaning they grow up fast and are big!  Yes, they can become a friend, companion, and an ideal family dog, but only after a lot of socialization with people on and off their property and only after formal obedience training, using positive reinforcement.   It takes consistent work and participation from all family members. No dog is born with good behavior - you must teach that to your Leo.

Leos are high-energy dogs with amazing intelligence. They do well in obedience, agility, as therapy dogs, in water rescue work, and in many other outdoor activities, but it takes lots of patience, training and work.  All of this adds up to TIME!

Leos do not adapt to being an outside dog. They must be integrated within your family. They are demanding of your time and most of them like to have the companionship of other animals.  A Leo alone in a yard is not a happy dog and dogs that are consistently unhappy often become bored, destructive, or ill.  Make sure to provide for the body and mind of your Leo.

Leos enjoy being part of a "herd" of Leos!  They are attracted to each other, but will accept other breeds.  They accept cats, horses, farm animals and kids!  Most Leos instinctively like children, but not all children instinctively like dogs. Never leave your Leo puppy or adult alone with strange children. Remember, an adult Leo is at eye level with a 5 or 6 year old child. 

A Leo is extremely sensitive to your moods and your family's interactions.  Family squabbles can make a Leo very unhappy, so be sure to avoid loud angry arguments in the presence of your Leo.  Leos love to go with you on errands, trips and outings. You will need a vehicle large enough to accommodate your giant Leo. Taking your Leo along is part of proper socialization and socialization must continue throughout the dog's life.

As puppies, Leos can be very destructive if left to invent their own games. Be sure to provide lots of interactive toys like Wiggly balls, hide-a-treat balls, Kong toys, and frizbees. Whatever you purchase, use common sense to avoid choking hazards like toys that are too small or that break apart. Toys are great, but do not replace your companionship.  Leos are inherently playful and need lots of playtime throughout their lives. If you combine play breaks with training, your Leo will be much happier learning what makes you happy.

Older Leos also enjoy play periods, proving that old does not mean inactive.  Walks, exercise and play periods also keep your Leo's weight under control while tuning up the immune system.

Dogs dig. Leos are dogs. Leos dig. Provide an out-of-the-way area for digging and you'll both be happier. Something under a bush away from the traffic areas because Leos can excavate a fairly large bunker.  Leos are mud puppies throughout their lives. They love water and see nothing wrong with rolling in dirt. Lakes, rivers, and oceans make Leos very happy! They are a drip-dry breed, but as they dry, the mud covers your house. That's life with a Leo. If you're very meticulous about your carpet and furniture, a Leo may not be your ideal dog.

Leos, like most dogs, need some help and reassurance when they enter adolescence.  They may demonstrate shyness or fearfulness.  You can overcome this and help your Leo develop into a self-confident dog by reassurance, and exposure to new things. Bikes, skateboards, traffic, all of these things can startle and frighten which is why you are there with your Leo to help it overcome any shy behavior.  Shyness can lead to very negative behavior.

The average Leo can easily surf your kitchen counters taking whatever it wants including your dinner. Remember, if your Leo reaches 30 inches at the shoulder, its big head is at least 6 inches higher. Dogs have a one thousand times greater sense of smell than humans - Leos can smell any food left on your kitchen counter!  Leos, being a large dog, can cover your house with a lot more fur than a small dog. Keep that in mind when deciding on a Leo. Their fur can jam your vacuum cleaner, many times over!

Leos should grow slowly. Giant breeds should be allowed to grow at their own genetic pace and not overfed to promote growth. Leos weigh upwards of 100 pounds, and like most dogs, they like to eat the wrong thing.  A fat Leo is not a healthy dog.  Keep track of those ribs - when you can no longer see them or feel them, your Leo needs a diet.

Most Leos are sensitive to some drugs, usually tranquilizers, anesthetics and sulfa-based drugs. Whenever possible, avoid overuse of these drugs. This should be discussed with your veterinarian when you bring your puppy in for a health exam.

Enjoy your Leo, but never forget it's a dog.  It will never speak English - you must learn to communicate in ways it can understand, so train...TRAIN....TRAIN!