"LuLu", our Irish Princess, was a fun-loving girl!
Leonbergers are loving, calm and steadfast giant breed dogs. They are classified as a working breed, but what sets them apart from other dogs in this class is their versatility. They are quite at home doing a wide variety of activities such as carting, obedience, herding, water rescue work and other outdoor activities. They also seem to have a natural affinity for therapy work. That said, they are happiest taking part in family activities, even something as mundane as a car ride to the store to get groceries.
Affectionately nicknamed “Leon-on-bergers” because of their tendency to lean against their loved ones, Leos are known for their consistently even temperament, even in situations that would be highly stressful and difficult for most other dogs. Though protective instincts may develop at maturity (three to four years), Leonbergers should never be aggressive. They make great family dogs, but given their impressive stature and strength they are not for everyone. They are very social and thrive on being an integral part of the family. It is therefore important that they be included in daily activities, so if you are looking for an “outside only” dog, a Leo is not for you because they can be very destructive if kept isolated from their family.
To enable Leos to develop into a well-behaved member of the family they need positive and consistent training on an ongoing basis. Be prepared though. While they can be trained to do almost anything, a sense of humor and patience is a must because Leos are extremely intelligent and known to have a mind of their own!
Grooming on a regular basis is also a must to keep a Leo’s coat healthy and looking its best. They are typically good with other animals and children of all ages, provided they are properly socialized to them. In fact, socialization to a wide variety of people and experiences is very important, starting from puppyhood and throughout their entire lives.
Although most people’s introduction to the Leonberger is at dog shows and public events where they have been “spiffied up” to look their best, Leos can be quite messy. And even though they are not known to drool, they may slobber if stressed or if they have their sight set on a juicy tidbit of food. Add to this their natural tendency to play in their water bowls and track in mud and dirt on their huge paws, and you get a general idea of what life with a Leo is like. In fact, it is said that “their natural look is slightly damp with leaves stuck to their coats”!
Click here for more information, and to take a fun but serious quiz* to determine if a Leo is right for you and your family.
* Quiz provided courtesy of the Leonberger Club of Ontario
Affectionately nicknamed “Leon-on-bergers” because of their tendency to lean against their loved ones, Leos are known for their consistently even temperament, even in situations that would be highly stressful and difficult for most other dogs. Though protective instincts may develop at maturity (three to four years), Leonbergers should never be aggressive. They make great family dogs, but given their impressive stature and strength they are not for everyone. They are very social and thrive on being an integral part of the family. It is therefore important that they be included in daily activities, so if you are looking for an “outside only” dog, a Leo is not for you because they can be very destructive if kept isolated from their family.
To enable Leos to develop into a well-behaved member of the family they need positive and consistent training on an ongoing basis. Be prepared though. While they can be trained to do almost anything, a sense of humor and patience is a must because Leos are extremely intelligent and known to have a mind of their own!
Grooming on a regular basis is also a must to keep a Leo’s coat healthy and looking its best. They are typically good with other animals and children of all ages, provided they are properly socialized to them. In fact, socialization to a wide variety of people and experiences is very important, starting from puppyhood and throughout their entire lives.
Although most people’s introduction to the Leonberger is at dog shows and public events where they have been “spiffied up” to look their best, Leos can be quite messy. And even though they are not known to drool, they may slobber if stressed or if they have their sight set on a juicy tidbit of food. Add to this their natural tendency to play in their water bowls and track in mud and dirt on their huge paws, and you get a general idea of what life with a Leo is like. In fact, it is said that “their natural look is slightly damp with leaves stuck to their coats”!
Click here for more information, and to take a fun but serious quiz* to determine if a Leo is right for you and your family.
* Quiz provided courtesy of the Leonberger Club of Ontario
