Any person looking at buying a Leonberger puppy should ask the breeder to show you the results from tests performed on the eyes (which should be done annually) and hips and elbow x-ray scores.

What is this and why do we do it?

Leonbergers along with many other breeds (Labradors and German Shepherds for example) can suffer from hip dysplasia. However with the right health checks and careful breeding, this condition can be greatly reduced. Although all these tests cannot guarantee a puppy will be free from these conditions, it should give you more confidence when choosing a breeder. Environment can also play a part in a Leonbergers health. For example, if you puppy is overweight and/or is exercised excessively, or is given and incorrect diet for a large breed dog, all these can cause irreversible damage. When you buy a puppy from a breeder, information on these and a diet sheet should be supplied.

How do you know what is a good score?

The basic rule of thumb here is the lower the better!
These are examples of hip scores (LEFT HIP:RIGHT HIP)
0:0
1:3
5:2
23:13

Most breeders don’t use dogs with hip score greater than 12 or higher than 8 on any one hip. However at the end of the day it is at the discretion of the breeder and all information should be available to you so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you would like a puppy from that litter.

Elbow scores work a similar way. However The Leonberger Club of New Zealand does not consider grades 2 and 3 acceptable for breeding with.
These are examples of elbow scores (LEFT ELBOW:RIGHT ELBOW)
0:0
1B:0
1A:1A
2:3

Once again any dogs used with a high score are at the discretion of the breeder, and all information should be available to you.

Eye tests are normally performed annually from the date of the first eye test. These should be clear.