This section contains some answers to the Frequently Asked Question's that come with a Leonberger.

We asked these same question when we started our search for a Leo. Also there are some question that we were asked by people who bought puppies from us.

We hope this helps you in someway to decide if a Leo is the right dog for you, or should I say 'if you are right for a Leo'!

What is a Leonberger?: The Leonberger is a large breed dog. They are a majestic, friendly, intelligent, protective family dog, like most dogs, if you are not a welcome visitor, watch out!

Where do Leonbergers Come from?: No one is 100% sure, but the generally accepted history tells us that this breed was developed in Leonberg, Germany about 250 years ago by a man named Heinrich Essig, who was also the Mayor of Leonberg, he wanted a dog that resembled 'Lion Like' qualities. The Leo is believed to be a mix of 3 types of dog the St Bernard, the Landseer Newfoundland and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

What was/is the Leonberger used for?: The Leonberger is classed as a Working dog, with their background it will be no surprise that they are used for many different roles, from family pets and activities like Carting, Agility, Obedience, Flyball and competitive Showing, to working dogs, such as PAT Dogs (Pets as Therapy), Mountain Rescue, Water Rescue, Guide Dogs and during the I and II World Wars they were used as draft dogs working alongside the Armed Forces.

How big do they get?: The UK 'Standard' for a Show Leonberger should be; Males = 28.5"- 31.5" (72-80cms); Females = 25.5"- 29.5" (65-75cms). They can, of course, turn out slightly smaller and slightly larger depending on the individual, but the standard is what most breeders will be trying to attain.

How much will they weigh when fully grown?: Leonbergers grow very quickly, they don't stay puppies for very long at all. When fully mature at 4 years of age, Leo's can weigh from 45-69kg (100-160lbs) and sometimes more. Of course this can vary depending on the individual and what they are fed, how much exercise they get and the line of Leo your dog came from, some lines are heavier boned than others.

How much exercise do they need?: When they are puppies garden exercise only, with the occasional short walk to help socialize them, too much exercise can inhibit their grown and be very bad for their joints. As they grow exercise can be increased slowly a little at a time and once they reach a year old a good 30 to 40 minutes will be fine, but at the very least one walk a day. Once fully mature, they are likely to out-walk you!

How much do they eat?: Not as much as you might expect, around the same amount as a large Labrador. But again this can vary depending on the circumstances. A well exercised Leo will put away more food than a 'couch potatoe' Leo.

How much do they cost to buy?: This can vary from £750 to £900 to purchase a Leo puppy. Of course you could take the option of a Rescue Leo that might be purchased for less, usually a donation of a small fixed amount to the relevant rescue fund, or at no cost depending on the circumstances, always make sure you use a reputable Rescue Organization when taking on a rescue dog.

How much do they cost to keep?: It can cost you as little as £15 a week for food, but like many things this depends what and how much you decide to feed them. You should, of course, make provision for yearly Veterinary cost for any pet, taking in to consideration, regular flee treatment, worming and vaccinations at the very least and Pet Insurance, for those unexpected costly bills that might arise, to help cover the cost of treatments which can run into thousands of pounds.

Do Leonbergers Drool/Slobber?: No, but they are messy drinkers, splashing most of it around the floor as they go. They also drink a lot, be prepared to go through many large bowls of fresh water a day, more in the summertime.

Do Leonbergers moult/drop/lose their coats?:Yes, profusely every six months, so be prepared for hair everywhere and with everything, in food, on clothes all over your house and in your car. They need regular grooming as a result to help keep their coats matt and knot free. A really good groom once a week should do the trick and depending on the size and patience of your Leo this could take at least half an hour. Leo's have a shorter summer coat and a long dense winter coat, the coat is slightly waterproof which can make bathtime fun!

Do Leonbergers suffer from any health problems?: In general, and due to good monitored breeding practices, the breed is a very healthy type of large breed dog. The best way to help ensure you get the healthiest Leo possible is to make sure you do your research first and check out the parents, grandparents and great grandparents of the puppy you wish to buy, check out the health of siblings from previous litters by the same parents. Talk to breeders and ask if they have had any health problems with their lines, a good breeder should be honest with you.

What research would you recommend?: Initially, their are some excellent books and internet sites, I have listed these on the Literatures page and the Links page of this site as a starting point. Most importantly go and meet Leonbergers in person in a family home environment so that you can see what a real fully grown Leo looks like. Don't start by going to see lots of cute fluffy puppies as you won't be able to resist them. Leave puppy chasing to when you have decided that the Leo is the dog for you. Then visit as many different breeders and litters as availability will allow, take a list of question with you so you don't forget to ask anything.

What are the down sides about owning a Leo?: They are messy drinkers you will have a perpetually wet floor; they moult every six months which can be very irritating to the house proud; big dogs = big mess; Leos love water just try to keep them out of the local lake or river, be prepared for a big, wet, stinky dog; their size can put people and other dog walkers off, they can be quite frightening to the non-Leo aware; their size means that most dogs are dwarfed by them and as a result play is usually one sided; sadly their life span is an average of 8 to 10 years, not nearly long enough, there are those that make it to an older age but this is few and far between; big dogs can be expensive to keep; once you have one, one is never enough.

What are the good points to owning a Leo?: They are a magnificent breed of dog; they are beautiful to watch on the move or just resting; they are very loving; gentle and intelligent; patient beyond belief; they are excellent with children; they are good with other dogs and animals in general; they make great family protectors with a bark not many would mess with; they are basically a quiet dog, very rarely barking, but when they do they mean it. For every ounce of love and care you give them, you get it back tenfold.

Who would you recommend a Leo to?: Anyone who doesn't care about their new suit being covered with hair; or their skirting board being eaten; their house being redecorated with muddy paws and tail swish marks; eating dinner with the odd Leo hair in it; having perpetually wet floors; big vets bills; someone who wants a family pet they can trust and love.

Who would you not recommend a Leo to?: Anyone who is even a little bit house proud and can't give the time and love back to a Leo that will lavish both on them. If you don't have the time, money, patients and space don't have a Leonberger.

These are just some of the things you will need to consider before you decide that a Leo is for you:

Be honest and realistic with yourself, you might want to own a Leo but can you give them what they need, time, space, love and the financial commitement to a 10+ year life span.

Don't expect to be able to buy a Leo just because you want one, Leo breeders are very careful about who has these dogs and you will find that you will be interrogated before you are likely to get the ok. This might explain why there are very rarely Rescue Leo's available for re-homing.