Characteristics & temperament, socialization, training, health

Leonbergers belong to the giant breeds. They grow quickly and at adult height will be able to “counter surf” without lifting their heads. Puppies at 8 weeks old look like lambs wool dusters, later like seal babies with soft round faces and big dark eyes. Grown, they are the sleek, majestic- looking animal they were bred to resemble - a lion.

Leos – as the Leonberger community call them - can become a great friend, companion, and ideal family dog. In order to enhance these qualities socialization (with people on own property and in daily life, with other animals) and training is a MUST. The sweetest, most lovable dog is going to be a nightmare without training. These animals can reach weights of 160lbs! Involve all family members in socialisation and training. Use only positive reinforcement. Praise the pup for the “Do’s” and ignore it for the “Don’ts”.

Puppies can be rather destructive and a Leo puppy is no exception to that rule. Be sure to provide lots of suitable toys and spend enough time to play with the puppy, as playing alone is boring. Integrate small training units and your puppy will learn without stress. Leos love to play as adults and we know even “seniors” who still enjoy playing with toys.

Like all giant breeds, Leos should grow slowly and must not be overfed. Growing too fast in combination with too much weight can result in skeletal disorders. Leo’s reach about 85% of their final size within the first year of life and growing is a tremendous work for the juvenile metabolism. We recommend weight control to avoid skeletal disorders as well panosteitis (also known as growth disorder). Do not worry, your Leo will reach his genetically-determined size – but the slower, the better for the health.

A Leo puppy must be protected from his or her self. No jumping up or down more than the height from the “elbows” to the floor. Walks while your puppy is growing should be unhurried and kept to a moderate distance. Large and giant breed dogs need to be protected so that growing joints are not unnecessarily stressed!

Leos can be sensitive to some drugs, (such as tranquilizers and anesthetics). In the past, the amount of aesthetic medication was measured due to weight. Leos respond to less, e.g. a 70 kg. Leos might already respond to the amount of anesthetic for a 45-kg dog. Most veterinarians are aware of that problem and with new anesthetics (IV) it became much better and only rarely problems have been reported.

While Leos love the outdoors, this is exercise time. A Leo kenneled or left outdoors will be a very unhappy, destructive dog. They love their people and need to be integrated within the family. They will demand a lot of time and attention and only that way they will develop the “true” characteristics of the breed. If you do not have this time to spend, a Leo is not for you.

Leos enjoy being part of a "pack" of dogs and they go well along with other animals (cats, horses, birds).

Most Leos are very fond of children, as long as they didn’t make any bad experiences with a child. Never leave your Leo puppy or adult alone with children – we recommend monitoring both of them.

Dogs love to dig – and Leos are no exceptions to that. So, best share a small part of your property for that action. We suggest an area out of site of your outside entertaining area. If there is no immediate area, create one and then plant around the area needed to be screened from view. To train your Leo to dig in that area, start stashing little treats for them to find. You will have to replace treats from time to time to reinforce that this is the correct place to dig, but much better that holes all over your yard. You will have a very difficult time trying to persuade your Leo that digging is off limits completely!

Leos are also very fond of water (with a few exceptions who do not like to swim) and “water” can mean a river, a pool, a dirty pond. If these are not available, your Leo will play in his or her water bowl or any other container with water. Be aware of some dirt and mud in the house and fur on your carpet and furniture. If this is a big problem for you, a Leonberger might not be the ideal breed for you.

Some Leos may demonstrate a shy or fearful behavior, mainly around puberty. Help your Leo teenager during that phase of development by reassurance, positive reinforcement, and training in all situations which might frighten the youngster (e.g. skateboards, bikes, traffic, strangers, noise etc.)

Leos – due to standard - are said to have a “medium” energy level and temperament - but we know as well many highly energetic dogs.

Leos are very intelligent, depending on the time an owner can and will afford, they might qualify for obedience, therapy dogs, water rescue work, drafting and other outdoor activities, but all these activities require lots of patience, training and work and therefore much time.

Remember, a Leonberger has all the qualities to become your lifelong friend and companion. It is up to you, through positive reinforcement and training, to bring out those qualities.

Re-used with permission from Leonida’s Leo’s released to Heart N’ Soul

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
~Anonymous