Perhaps the first dog to result from a marketing campaign, the Leonberger was created in the 1840's to resemble the Lion on the town crest of Leonberger, Germany. The Leonberger was developed from Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees and Landseer Newfoudlands. Males are 28.5 to 31.5 inches tall at the shoulder, bitches 25.5 to 29.5 inches. The Leonbergers characteristic mane should be in it's full glory by 3 years of age. The Leonberger is intelligent and easily trained. It is calm and noted for it's fondness of children. It's webbed feet make it an excellent swimmer. (Above info taken from DOGS USA)
I've learned that Leonbergers like any breed require lots of early socialization and training. Coming from a background of raising another large breed for 13 years, I understand the importance of this and early training. These dogs do not stay cuddly wee bergers for long, they grow and they grow fast so unless you want a 8-9 month old puppy weighing about 100 pounds dragging you around and running your house hold get started early and be consistent. You should make sure you have the time to devote to a dog and it's physical and mental development before you make that commitment and don't take your responsibilities lightly. Leonbergers do not thrive without a companion animal.
Even a cat would do. They also cannot be tied out in a yard and left alone,
it is the worst thing you can do to a Leo, they desire to be a part of the family.
Leos can excel in water sports and activities and are excellent swimmers but should be introduced to it correctly. If you force it the Leo can hate it, they need to be allowed to have time to explore the fact that they can do it, take some time with gentle or fun coaxing and they should be fine.
Leos are lovingly referred to as THE GENTLE LION DOG and known for their fondness of children. I would caution with any large breed that do don't leave them unattended with small children as accidents do happen and it wouldn't take much for a dog as large as this to accidentally knock over a small child. This breed is much loved and protected by Leonberger CLub's and their members all over the world. Leonbegers have often been compared to other quality German imports like the Mercedes Benz, in a class of their own.
They are dependable, reliable, elegant and agile. I hope you'll take advantage of the LCA website and other links to learn more about this breed.
Early socialization is crucial, getting the puppy off your property and out where ever you will find people, like pet stores for example they make a great place for socializing youngs pups as does puppy classes and your vets., the local Walmart parking lot, use your imagination and encourage people to pet and interact with your puppy. Doing this at the very least two times a week is my recommendation. Be consistent, you might also try a therapy group which allows puppies to participate. Training should begin in your home from day one, establishing the pack order of your home. Then enroll the puppy in training class and follow up with an Obedience class which will be crucial in its mental development..
Leonberger's due best with positive training methods not harsh, when choosing your training classes be sure to ask if they focus on positive training.
Training
