Buying or Adopting a Leonberger
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Leonberger until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Leonberger the right breed for you?
Leonberger Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Leonberger?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No very small dogs in the household
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Leonberger stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (rally obedience, tracking, carting, sledding, weight pulling); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Leonbergers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Leonberger to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Leonberger, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Leonberger?
Leonbergers are middle-of-the-road in popularity in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Leonbergers rank 95th.
Unfortunately, too many people choose this breed without knowing what they're getting into. If you acquire a Leonberger based on the cuddly puppy or handsome adult, you could end up regretting it, because these dogs can be challenging to live with.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Leonberger available from a Dog Rescue group. Owners may give up their Leonberger when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. The dog might simply be too big, strong, and rambunctious. There might be dominance issues, or aggression toward other animals. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Leonbergers are rarely found here, although shelter personnel might not recognize the breed if it did come in. But Leonberger Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Leonberger turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Leonberger from a show breeder, who breeds Leonbergers to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Leonberger from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Leonberger puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Leonberger puppy should have:
- a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a neuromuscular disease called Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN).
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Leonberger ends up blind and crippled.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've not seen a Leonberger in a pet shop, but it's always possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Leonberger Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Leonberger puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Leonberger puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.