A Leonberger will provide your family with many years of loyalty and companionship. However it is important to remember that your 8 week old puppy while jumping up at you and grabbing onto your trousers is cute, they are very quickly going to grow into a 60-70 kg dog and the habits that they had as a puppy you will no longer find cute or amusing. Leonberger puppies require time, patience, socialisation and training in order for them to grow into well mannered and well adjusted adults. Leonbergers are easy to train and are always willing to please.
Regular grooming of your Leonberger is essential to your dog’s health. Not only will it leave your dog with a healthy shiny coat, It also gives you time with your dog one on one and gives you a chance to examine your dog more closely to check for any more potentially serious problems. Due to the Leonbergers thick double coat, Hot spots can be quite common. Leonbergers lose their undercoats up to twice a year so a really good stripping comb or brush (and many hours) is required to try and remove as much of the dead undercoat as possible.
Exercise for any dog is really important as it helps your Leonberger to stay fit and healthy. However it is also just as important not to over exercise your Leonberger. As a puppy, a walk around a small block is more than efficient. It is important that not too much strain is put on their joints while they are still developing. It is vital that your puppy is not let jump out or into your car, or off the veranda as the impact of these activities could cause irreversible damage. All credited breeders have their Leonbergers hips, elbows and eyes tested before breeding. To find out more information on this please visit our hip scores page. As an adult your Leonberger will enjoy a generous amount of exercise, especially swimming. With their webbed feet they glide through the water with ease.
As a family dog, the Leonberger is an adaptable breed for present day dwelling and living conditions. They are neither shy nor aggressive and can be taken anywhere with ease. However be prepared to be stopped often and asked questions on your beautiful kind natured dog as their grace and presence attracts attention and people want to know all about them. As a companion, they are loyal, obedient and love all family members especially the ones who give them continuous cuddles. Although at times very active or excitable, they always know when it is time to be gentle. The Leonberger is often used as aid dogs, as their gentle nature makes them ideal dogs for visiting disabled and the elderly. We ourselves have taken Ollie to a retirement home for an animal therapy session.
Want to know more on this Beautiful breed?? Please contact us and will can arrange for you to come and meet us and our beautiful dogs, and even put you in contact with other Leonberger owners who may be in your area. |
