Including Your Leonberger in Your Wedding

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about publishing a Leonberger related post on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. The title is “How to Include Your Leonberger in Your Wedding Day with Ease and Joy”. See the article article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos of our Leonberger as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.

The photo tile above includes a photo of me and my wife cutting a wedding cake and a photo of our son and daughter in-laws wedding party. There are two photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One from when he was a three months old puppy and one from when he was 12 years old. There is a shutter stock photo ID:731020957 by Peter Josto, a photo of a woman and her Leonberger dog, asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko, and a another photo showing a Leonberger puppy with flowers, asset id: 561113224 by Akbudak Rimma.

How to Include Your Leonberger in Your Wedding Day with Ease and Joy

Leonberger owners planning to include dogs in weddings often feel pulled between the deep emotional bond with dogs and the reality of managing a gentle giant in a busy, unpredictable setting. Wedding festivities with pets can be loud, crowded, and full of unfamiliar smells and schedules, which can raise anxiety and create safety concerns for guests and for large dog breeds at events. Add shedding, heat tolerance, and stamina to the mix, and even well-trained dogs can struggle if expectations aren’t clear. With the right mindset, couples can protect comfort and health while making room for meaningful moments with their Leonberger.

Leonberger dogs in field of purple flowers saying hello to each other. — Shutterstock asset id: Shutterstock 450770140 by everydoghasastory

Quick Summary: Leonberger-Friendly Wedding Planning

Plan a dog-friendly role that fits your Leonberger’s temperament, energy, and comfort in crowds.
Choose simple, theme-matching accessories that stay comfortable and safe for a large breed.
Confirm venue rules and set up a calm, shaded rest area with water and a trusted handler.
Prepare for photos by timing sessions well and using familiar cues for calm, cooperative portraits.

Pick Your Pup’s Role: Ring Bearer, Flower Dog, or Photo Star

Leonbergers can be surprisingly steady “wedding teammates” when their job matches their temperament, coat needs, and stamina. Use the musts you already planned, venue safety, a quiet break space, hydration, and a realistic timeline, to choose a role that feels joyful, not stressful.

Match the role to your Leonberger’s comfort level: Start by choosing the easiest job your dog can succeed at, then upgrade only if practice is smooth. A confident, people-friendly Leo may love a short aisle walk, while a more sensitive dog might shine as a “photo star” during a calm pre-ceremony session. A simple gut-check is whether your dog can stay relaxed around applause, rustling fabric, and hugs; a pet’s personality should guide how “public” their role is.
Choose Leonberger-friendly wedding attire that won’t mat or overheat: For big-coated dogs, prioritize soft, wide straps and minimal layers: a lightweight bow tie on a breakaway collar, a bandana that sits above the shoulder coat, or a floral collar made with faux flowers and soft backing. Avoid tight elastic, scratchy tulle, or anything that compresses the ruff, those can tangle and create hot spots. Do a 10-minute dress rehearsal at home, then brush out the coat immediately after to prevent matting.
Try a harness-based ring bearer setup (safe and photogenic): Skip anything that dangles near paws or swings into the chest. Use a well-fitted Y-front harness and attach a small, closed pouch (or lightweight ring box) to the top strap so it stays stable; keep the real rings with your best human. Practice a 20–30 second “walk, stop, sit” routine in the harness so your Leonberger learns the exact aisle pace you want.
Make “flower dog” realistic with a basket-free plan: Many Leonbergers dislike carrying objects when excited, and baskets can bump the chest and restrict stride. Instead, attach a mini pouch of petals to the harness and have an attendant sprinkle petals just ahead of you, or cue your dog to “touch” a decorated sign at the aisle entrance for the same effect. This keeps the job simple while still delivering that flower-dog moment.
Plan a photo-star schedule that respects coat, drool, and downtime: Leonbergers often photograph best in shorter bursts: aim for two 5–8 minute sets, one before guests arrive and one at golden hour, rather than one long session. Pack a “quick reset kit” from your musts list: towel, drool cloth, slicker brush, water, and high-value treats. Ask your photographer for a few action prompts (walk toward the camera, sit-and-stay, “look” cue) so your dog isn’t stuck holding a pose too long.
Assign a dedicated handler and a clean exit route: Your dog should have one familiar adult who isn’t in the wedding party, someone who knows their cues, can spot stress signals, and can leave early without disrupting the flow. Rehearse the entrance and exit route once at the venue, including the potty spot and the quiet break space, so your Leonberger never has to “guess” what’s next.

When your dog’s role is simple, comfortable, and well-rehearsed, it’s easier to troubleshoot the real-life questions, like crowd anxiety, heat management, and what a truly pet-safe venue needs to have.

Puppy Leonberger in front of white background. The puppy is wearing flowers. — Leonberger puppy being the flower dog. Shutterstock Asset id: 2154719621 by cynoclub.

Wedding Day Q&A for Leonberger Parents

Got a few last-minute worries? You’re not alone.

Q: What are some safe and comfortable outfit ideas for dressing my Leonberger for a wedding?
A: Choose minimal, breathable pieces that will not pinch the ruff or trap heat, like a lightweight bandana or soft bow tie on a breakaway collar. Skip tight elastic, scratchy fabrics, and anything that rubs under the armpits. Do a short trial run, then brush the coat to prevent friction mats.

Q: How can I keep my Leonberger calm and happy during the busy wedding day?
A: Build predictability: a quiet retreat spot, regular water breaks, and a handler who can step out before your dog hits their limit. A fear-free approach focuses on helping your pet feel safe, predictable, and understood, which is exactly the goal on a high-energy day. Watch for early stress signals like yawning, lip-licking, or scanning the room, and take a quick decompression break.

Q: What are creative ways to include my Leonberger in wedding photos and invitations?
A: Plan a calm “portrait window” before guests arrive, then capture a second short session later when your dog is refreshed. For invitations and signage, use one clean photo and a simple icon version for small prints, then export everything into a single print-ready PDF using an image-to-PDF converter, including converting PNGs to PDFs online.

Q: How do I prepare the wedding venue to ensure it’s pet-friendly and suitable for my Leonberger?
A: Confirm shade or indoor cooling, a non-slip path, and a low-traffic potty area away from food service. Ask about noise peaks, crowd flow, and any off-limits rooms so your Leonberger is never surprised. Because pet anxiety claims nationwide are up 93% since 2019, it’s smart to plan for lower stimulation, not just “allowing dogs.”

Q: What support can help me plan, including my Leonberger in wedding festivities, without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Assign one dedicated dog handler and give them a simple checklist: arrival time, potty plan, water schedule, photo times, and an exit cue. Do one venue walk-through together, then keep your dog’s “job” short and winnable. If you’re making printed signs, batch your images and notes into one shared folder so decisions do not snowball.

A calm plan creates the joyful Leonberger memories you’ll actually want to relive.

Five Leonbergers wearing patriotic hats lying on grass by a lake. — This photo was provided by Jen O’Keefe, Urgent Animal Care of Arlington. From left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory.

Plan a Smooth Wedding Role for Your Leonberger

Here’s how to move from plan to action.

This process helps you include your Leonberger in the celebration while protecting their comfort, body safety, and stress level. Because Leonbergers are powerful, sensitive, and heat-prone under that gorgeous coat, a few rehearsals and clear logistics prevent overwhelm for both dog and humans.

Step 1: Choose one short “job” and rehearse it. Start with a single, easy role such as walking down the aisle with a handler, a quick greeting, or a photo cameo. Practice in 3 to 5-minute sessions in different places so your Leonberger learns the pattern, not just the location. End each run with a calm reward so the wedding task feels predictable and winnable.
Step 2: Run an outfit and gear test at home. Try the bandana, bow tie, harness, or leash during a normal walk, then check for rubbing under the front legs and around the ruff. Confirm your dog can pant freely, drink water, and lie down comfortably, since those are key stress relievers on a busy day. If anything causes scratching, head-shaking, or stiffness, simplify the outfit.
Step 3: Assign a dedicated pet-wrangler and share the schedule. Pick one person whose only responsibility is your dog, since you will be busy and emotions run high, and assign a pet handler who can advocate for breaks. Give them a simple timeline with arrival, potty, water, photos, ceremony, and your dog’s planned exit. Include your Leonberger’s “no thanks” signals so the handler can step away early, not after your dog is over threshold.
Step 4: Build large-dog safety protocols into every location change. Walk the exact routes your Leonberger will take, and remove slipping hazards like polished floors, loose rugs, and tight corners where guests may crowd in for petting. Confirm who opens doors, who holds the leash, and where your dog waits so nobody grabs the collar or leans over their head. Keep greetings brief and one-at-a-time to reduce jumping risk and prevent stress stacking.
Step 5: Schedule enrichment breaks to reset body and brain. Plan short “off-stage” pauses every 45 to 90 minutes for water, sniffing, and a chew or lick mat in a quiet spot. A few minutes of decompression lowers arousal and helps your Leonberger return to the group with better manners and a softer expression. If you can, arrive early so your dog can take a slow sniff-walk before the energy spikes.

When your Leonberger knows the routine and has real breaks, joy looks effortless and feels safe.

Creating Calm, Joyful Wedding Moments With Your Leonberger

Weddings are busy and sensory-rich, and it’s easy for a big-hearted Leonberger to get overwhelmed or under-managed in the excitement. A comfort-first plan, clear roles, thoughtful pacing, and responsible dog care at celebrations keep the day joyful while enhancing weddings with pets in a way that truly fits your dog. When that mindset leads, celebrating Leonbergers on special days becomes safer, smoother, and more meaningful, creating lasting memories with wedding dogs that everyone can cherish. Choose one job your Leonberger can enjoy, and let comfort set the pace. Pick one meaningful role your dog already excels at and commit to that single assignment for the day. That’s how the positive impacts of pets at weddings support connection and well-being long after the last dance.

Leonbergers and Big Life Changes

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about publishing a Leonberger related post on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. The title is “Helping Your Leonberger Thrive Through Life’s Big Changes”. See the article article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos of our Leonberger as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.

The photo tile above includes four photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One photo is from when he was three months old, in another photo he is about one year old and giving me a hug, and in one photo our mini-Australian Shepherd is biting his tail, and one photo of Bronco shows him standing in an open door. He is a bit agitated in that photo. There is also a photo of five Leonbergers celebrating fourth of July. That photo was taken by a friend Jen O’Keefe. Finally, there is a shutter stock photos ID:731020957 by Peter Josto.

Helping Your Leonberger Thrive Through Life’s Big Changes

Leonberger dog owners often notice that the hardest moments aren’t the big grooming days or the seasonal shedding, they’re the household transitions that quietly unsettle a steady dog. Moves, schedule shifts, new babies or roommates, travel, renovations, and changes in who handles care can disrupt pet routines that once felt automatic. When the rhythm changes, a Leonberger’s emotional well-being in dogs can wobble, showing up as clinginess, restlessness, or unexpected behavior that feels out of character. A clear plan helps keep life changes affecting pets from turning into long weeks of confusion.

How Life Changes Create Stress Signals

Life changes can flip on a Leonberger’s stress response, even when nothing “bad” is happening. Since pet anxiety is real, the first clues are often small behavior shifts like pacing, shadowing you, or sudden sensitivity to noise.

Temperament matters, but it is not the whole story. Research suggests breed contributions were relatively small, so environment and routine changes can affect even the most steady Leo. Reading the stress signals early helps you respond with care instead of guessing.

Picture a week of packing, rearranged furniture, and fewer walks. Your Leonberger may skip meals, guard doorways, or get extra mouthy during brushing because their “normal” cues disappeared.

A black and white Japanese Chin and a Pug are sitting inside a red suitcase that us on the floor. — Our Japanese Chin Ryu and our Pug Daisy are protesting that we are leaving for a trip. It is an example of dog stress when they see packing. Our Leonberger Bronco was also stressed out but he was calmer. I can that we had someone watching them, but they still hated it when we left.

Use 7 Transition Strategies to Keep Your Leo Steady

Big changes can flip on stress signals fast, clinginess, pacing, sudden barking, or “selective hearing.” These seven Leonberger-friendly strategies give your dog predictable anchors while you build confidence and calm.

Lock in a “same time, same order” core routine: Pick three daily anchors you can keep consistent even on chaotic days: potty break, meals, and a short decompression walk. An easy starting point is to establish a new daily routine and then protect those times on your calendar.
Build a predictable “safe station” (and pay it well): Choose one spot, crate, bed, or a gated corner, then make it the most rewarding place in the house. Feed stuffed food toys there, drop calm treats for quiet settling, and keep it off-limits to kids and visitors for the first 2–3 weeks of the transition. This gives your Leonberger a clear off-switch when their stress signals start creeping in.
Reinforce the behaviors you want, not the feelings you’re seeing: When your Leo is worried, focus on marking calm choices, looking at you, sitting, stepping onto the mat, rather than trying to “stop” anxious behavior with corrections. Use a simple pattern: ask for one easy cue (“sit”), reward, then give a short, clear next step (“go to bed”). Over time, your dog learns a predictable script for what to do when the environment feels different.
Use “micro-exposures” to new sights/sounds with an exit plan: If your change involves new people, a new neighborhood, or a remodel, introduce it in 1–3 minute slices. Pair the new thing with small treats, then leave before your Leonberger ramps up to barking or spinning. Short wins beat long sessions, especially for a giant breed that can go from “fine” to overwhelmed quickly.
Add environmental enrichment that matches Leonberger bodies: Lean on scent games (scatter feeding in grass, “find it” treats), slow feeders, and short puzzle sessions to burn mental energy without pounding joints. Even small enrichment shifts can support calmer physiology; research on time-domain HRV suggests enrichment can improve stress-related measures. Aim for two 10-minute enrichment blocks daily during the first month of a big change.
Adjust exercise for steadiness, not exhaustion: During transitions, swap one long, intense outing for two calmer walks plus 5–10 minutes of training. Watch for stress flags you learned earlier, panting at rest, sudden scanning, or inability to settle, and treat those as “we did enough” signals. A steadier nervous system usually beats a tired body when routines are in flux.
Keep grooming and handling “predictable and brief”: Leonbergers often feel safest when body care is consistent, especially during shedding seasons. Do 3–5 minutes of brushing daily in the same location, then stop while it’s still going well and reward generously. This prevents grooming from becoming another stressor and helps you spot skin, ear, or coat changes that sometimes pop up during anxious periods.

A so called undercoat rake is used to brush and penetrate deep into the coat of a double coated dog. — Keep grooming predictable and brief. Brushing a double-coated dog close-up. Shutterstock Asset id: 2441132455 by Gayleen Froese

When you combine routine anchors, calm reinforcement, and purposeful enrichment, you’re not just managing behaviors, you’re giving your Leo a clear plan for coping. These habits also make it simpler to troubleshoot tough moments like barking, regression in manners, or restlessness on your busiest days.

Common Questions About Leonbergers and Big Transitions

Q: How do major life changes like moving to a new home or welcoming a baby typically affect a Leonberger’s behavior and stress levels?
A: Many Leonbergers become more vigilant when their “normal” shifts, showing clinginess, restlessness, noise sensitivity, or a temporary drop in manners. Stress can also look like appetite changes or trouble settling, especially in a new layout with unfamiliar sounds. Keep expectations gentle for a few weeks and reward calm, quiet choices.

Q: What practical strategies can I use to maintain my Leonberger’s routine and comfort when my household schedule suddenly changes?
A: Protect a small, non negotiable trio: sleep, meals, and movement at roughly the same times daily. Prioritize enough exercise through steadier walks and low impact sniffing games rather than trying to “wear them out.” Add one consistent quiet spot where your Leo can decompress undisturbed.

Q: How can I recognize signs of emotional distress or anxiety in my Leonberger during periods of household transition?
A: Watch for patterns like pacing, panting when the room is cool, trembling, hiding, or shadowing you from room to room. You may also see more barking at small noises, accidents, or compulsive licking. If the signs persist beyond a couple of weeks or escalate, your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional can help you rule out pain and build a plan.

Q: If I’m feeling overwhelmed by these life changes affecting my pet’s care, what resources or approaches can help me regain balance and clarity to support my Leonberger effectively?
A: Shrink the goal to a simple management plan you can repeat: protected sleep, a daily walk, and a reliable quiet space. Use a weekly “must do, nice to do” list so essentials happen even on chaotic days, and ask your vet for a realistic exercise and weight target for a giant breed. If you are juggling work and a major transition, consider an online healthcare degree as a flexible accredited education path that fits your schedule so life feels more stable overall.

Our Leonberger dog Bronco is standing in front of me and looking straight into the camera. I am sitting in the sofa. — Our Leonberger dog Bronco wants comfort (and food). He is coming up to me. He wants my attention.

Life-Change Support Checklist for Your Leonberger

This checklist turns good intentions into simple actions you can repeat on busy days. Use it to protect your Leonberger’s health, coat care, and emotional steadiness while your household shifts.

✔ Set fixed meals and potty times for the next 14 days.

✔ Create one quiet “do not disturb” rest zone with water nearby.

✔ Schedule two calm movement sessions daily, prioritizing sniffing and slow walking.

✔ Track appetite, stools, sleep, and new stress behaviors in a quick daily note.

✔ Keep grooming brief: brush hotspots, check ears, trim nails as tolerated.

✔ Confirm vet plan for weight, joints, and any new anxiety or pain signs.

Small steps, repeated daily, build confidence for both of you.

Creating Calm, Confident Transitions for Your Leonberger’s Well-Being

Big household shifts can leave even a steady Leonberger feeling uncertain, and that stress can spill into behavior and bonding. The way through is a calm, consistent mindset: prioritize emotional health support for pets with predictable rhythms, gentle observation, and patient reassurance. Over time, that steady care builds resilience and brings positive outcomes of care, more relaxation, easier transitions, and long-term pet well-being. Consistency is the kindest way to help a Leonberger feel safe through change. Pick one strategy from the checklist to start today, and lean on community support for dog owners when questions or worries pop up. That steady support doesn’t just solve today’s stress, it strengthens confidence and connection for every new chapter ahead.

Bronco is lying in green grass. Our house and brick wall are in the background. — Our Leonberger Bronco is in the front yard after a stressful experience. He had to spend a few days at the hospital for a toe amputation due to toe cancer.

The Life and Times of Le Bronco Von Der Lowenhohle Featured on Smorgasbord Magazine

Please go and check it out. Thank you so much Sally.

Smorgasbord Book Promotions 2026 – Share an Excerpt – Boost one of your books – #Doglovers – The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger by Thomas Wikman

Becoming a First-Time Leonberger Owner

Our Leonberger puppy is wearing a red scarf and looking straight into the camera. — Our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle (Bronco for short) at the age of three months.

Our Leonberger Bronco is standing on our leather sofa and he is giving me a hug. — Me Thomas Wikman with our Leonberger Bronco when he was about one years old.

An old looking Leonberger lying in the grass and looking into the camera. — Our Leonberger Bronco soon to be 13 years old. Leonbergers are large dogs and don’t live as long as small dogs. The typically live 8 to 10 years. However, our Bronco reached the age of 13. He was loving, protective, and brave. The small dogs loved him.

This is a guest post written by Ryan Goodchild. He emailed me asking me if he could publish this post regarding becoming a first time Leonberger Owner . I said yes. See his post below.

Becoming a First-Time Leonberger Owner: What You Need to Know

Owning a Leonberger isn’t just about bringing home a dog—it’s about welcoming a gentle, giant-hearted companion whose loyalty and calm strength will shape your days for years to come. These majestic dogs, known for their intelligence and deep affection, can be both a joy and a challenge for first-time pet owners. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to set yourself—and your Leonberger—up for success.

Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa. They are brown with black face masks. An adult Leonberger is lying in front of them. — Ten Leonberger puppies with mama. Shutterstock-ID: 561107650 by Akbudak Rimma.

Six Leonbergers with celebration hats are looking straight into the camera. — Six Leonbergers celebrating a birthday celebration. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

Quick Essentials This Article Looks At

Leonbergers are massive—males can exceed 170 pounds; space and structure are non-negotiable.
Early socialization and consistent training are critical to keep their size from becoming a liability.
Expect heavy shedding, especially during seasonal “blowouts.”
They thrive on human interaction and suffer if left alone for long periods.
Regular vet care, high-quality food, and joint supplements can prevent costly long-term health issues.

Big fluffy Leonberger sitting in the grass on a hill. — Mature big Leonberger Stock Photo ID:731020957 by Peter Josto.

Understanding the Leonberger Temperament

Leonbergers are affectionate, patient, and famously good with children. Originally bred as family and working companions, they balance strength with serenity. However, their intelligence means they need mental stimulation and clear boundaries; without it, boredom can lead to destructive behavior.

A Few Core Traits to Remember:

Gentle yet strong: They rarely display aggression but need confident leadership.
Social by nature: Isolation leads to stress and behavioral issues.
Sensitive to tone: Harsh correction will break trust—positive reinforcement works best.

The photo shows our mini-Australian Shepherd biting Bronco’s tail and pulling on it as Bronco is trying to ignore him. — Our rambunctious Rollo mini-Australian Shepherd is biting Bronco’s tail. One time Rollo swung in his tail as if it was a swing. Bronco was very patient.

Health and Nutrition at a Glance

Leonbergers grow rapidly and live, on average, 8–9 years. Their size makes them prone to joint, heart, and bone issues, so proactive care is crucial.

Here’s a snapshot of what to focus on:

Concern	What to Watch	Preventive Actions
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia	Limping, stiffness	Keep weight balanced, feed joint-support diets
Bloat (Gastric Torsion)	Restlessness, distended belly	Feed smaller meals, avoid heavy exercise after eating
Heart Conditions	Fatigue, coughing	Annual cardiac exams
Cancer (esp. bone)	Sudden lameness or pain	Regular vet visits and early screening

Photo of a Leonberger standing in the snow. There is a wintry forest in the background. — A healthy Leonberger. Shutter Stock Photo ID:705193912 by Anna Krivitskaya.

Creating a Home That Fits a Leonberger

A small apartment won’t do—Leonbergers need space to stretch, play, and move freely. A secure, fenced yard is ideal. Indoors, they’ll happily curl up near you, but their size means you’ll need to Leonberger-proof your space.

How to Prepare Your Home:

Create a soft resting area to protect joints.
Secure gates and doors—they can easily push through flimsy barriers.
Keep breakables out of tail range.
Use large, non-slip bowls for food and water.

A big Leonberger splayed across a big wide red leather sofa. — Our Leonberger Bronco sleeping on our big red leather sofa.

Grooming and Maintenance: Managing the “Fur-nado”

Leonbergers have a double coat that requires regular maintenance. Weekly brushing helps, but during shedding season, daily sessions are best. Baths every 6–8 weeks will keep their coat clean and odor-free.

Grooming Checklist

Before shedding season hits, stock up on these essentials:

Undercoat rake and slicker brush
High-velocity dryer (optional but effective)
Gentle dog shampoo and conditioner
Nail clippers and ear-cleaning solution

Keeping up with grooming not only reduces hair around the house but also strengthens your bond with your dog.

How to Keep Your Pet Records Organized

First-time owners often underestimate the amount of documentation involved—vaccination records, microchip details, adoption papers, and vet receipts. To make things easier, convert documents to PDF and store them digitally.

Using a reliable online tool lets you organize every file in one place, ensuring quick access during vet visits or emergencies.

Creating a labeled folder for your Leonberger’s records—medical, training, and nutrition—will save time and prevent misplaced paperwork later.

Training Your Leonberger: Building a Confident Giant

Leonbergers are highly trainable but easily bored by repetition. Their size makes obedience a must—start early, keep sessions short, and make them engaging. Reward-based methods build trust faster than dominance-based tactics.

Quick Training Guide:

Start with basics: Sit, stay, come, down.
Socialize early: Introduce new sights, people, and other pets gradually.
Teach calm leash behavior: Their strength can easily overwhelm a novice handler.
Practice recall: A reliable recall can prevent accidents.

Leonbergers are eager to please and thrive when training feels like teamwork rather than command and control.

The First-Year Readiness Checklist

Owning a Leonberger for the first time is as rewarding as it is demanding. Before bringing one home, make sure you can check most of these boxes:

How-To Checklist: Your First-Year Essentials

Register with a trusted veterinarian
Choose a large-breed-specific diet and feeding schedule
Create a grooming calendar and stick to it
Enroll in an obedience or puppy class
Invest in sturdy leashes, harnesses, and feeding equipment
Begin socialization within the first 3 months
Keep vaccination and health records digitally organized

The photo shows a young blond woman running with a Leonberger in a leash. There are tents and other people in the background. — RONNEBY, SWEDEN – JULY 05, 2014: Blekinge Kennelklubb international dog show. A Leonberger dog and a female handler running in a show ring. Asset id: 204221011 by Imfoto

“Big-Paw” Questions: FAQ for Future Leonberger Owners

Here are some of the most common concerns new owners have—answered clearly and concisely.

The New Owner’s FAQ: “From Puppy to Gentle Giant”

1. How much exercise does a Leonberger need?
At least an hour a day of moderate activity is ideal. Puppies should avoid high-impact exercise until growth plates close (around 18 months) to protect joints.

2. Are Leonbergers good with other pets?
Yes. They’re naturally tolerant, but early introductions and supervised interactions are important, especially with smaller animals they could accidentally knock over.

3. How expensive are they to maintain?
Expect higher costs than smaller breeds. Quality food, grooming, and vet care can average $2,000–$3,000 annually—not including emergencies or travel crates.

4. Do they drool?
Some do, especially after drinking water. Keep absorbent towels handy near their bowls or favorite resting spots.

5. What should I look for in a breeder or adoption center?
Choose one that conducts health testing for hips, eyes, and heart, and offers transparency about lineage. Ethical breeders prioritize temperament and health over appearance.

6. Can Leonbergers live in warm climates?
Yes, but with precautions—limit outdoor activity in high heat, provide ample shade and water, and avoid midday walks.

Building a Lifelong Bond

Becoming a Leonberger owner means embracing responsibility and reward in equal measure. These dogs will fill your home with love, hair, and joy—often in that order. Plan carefully, train consistently, and nurture their gentle nature with patience and respect. The more you invest in understanding your Leonberger, the more they’ll return in loyalty and affection that few breeds can match.

Whether this is your first pet or your first giant breed, remember: structure and affection go hand-in-hand. With preparation and heart, your Leonberger won’t just live with you—they’ll thrive because of you.

Leonberger Club of America

Esther’s writing prompt: October 1st : Club

Click here or here to join in.

Just a few minutes before I saw Esther Chilton’s writing prompt “club” I received my annual invoice for our family membership in the Leonberger Club of America. What a great reminder to pay my bill and create a post about the Leonberger Club of America. We haven’t had a Leonberger since the summer of 2020 when our Leonberger Bronco, or Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle passed away. However, we’ve kept our membership because I love their LeoLetter magazine, I know some people, I have this blog, and I wrote a book about our Leonberger and the Leonberger breed after the passing of Bronco (see the side bar on the right or click here for more information).

The Leonberger Club of America

I can add that the Leonberger Club of America, LCA for short, is the official national parent club for the Leonberger breed in the United States (and Canada). It was founded in 1985. Its mission is to preserve and promote the health, temperament, and original type of the Leonberger through education, events, performance programs, and social engagement. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the LCA as the official Leonberger breed club in the United States.

The Leonberger Club of America make sure that the Leonberger dogs are protected. You are about as likely to find a Leonberger at Petland/Puppy-Mill as you are finding an Elephant for sale there. You typically buy/get a Leonberger dog from an LCA certified Leonberger breeder or from the Leonberger Rescue Pals, and if you don’t that might be a problem. Leonberger breeders interview prospective Leonberger owners and make sure they are a good fit. If you are found to have mistreated a dog in the past, turned one into a shelter, or sold one on an auction, you cannot buy a Leonberger. The breeders are also required to take back the dog if it does not work out. To see the transcript from our Leonberger interview, click here.

Our three months old Leonberger Bronco wearing a red scarf. He is looking straight into the camera. — We bought our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) in 2007 from Julie Schaffert, a certified LCA breeder since 1992. This is a photo of him at three months old.

There are only about 3,000 Leonbergers in North America and about 2,000 Leonbergers in the United States but the Leonberger Club of America has more than 1,000 members. They publish the Leo-Letter, a quarterly Leonberger magazine. So, the Leonberger Club of America has a very prominent place among Leonberger owners. Click here to see a summary of the Leonberger Breed Standard.

A majestic Leonberger in standing on a podium and receiving an award. There are two people in picture, judge and handler. — Photo of a Leonberger from the LCA website

Other clubs associated with the Leonberger Club of America are New Jersey Leonberger Club, Great Lakes Leonberger Club, Greater Bluegrass Leonberger Club, Mid-Atlantic Leonberger Club Of Virginia, Tarheel Leonberger Club, AKC Licensed Specialty Club, The Frontier Leonberger Club Of The Southwest, Leonberger Club Of The Northwest, Northern California Leonberger Club, and the Surf And Sand Leonberger Club Of Southern California. I am a member of The Frontier Leonberger Club Of The Southwest. Other Leonberger clubs are the Leonberger University, Leonberger Health Foundation International, and the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database. You can learn more about the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database by clicking here.

The History of the Leonberger Club of America

Leonbergers have a long history in North America and the United States—despite the fact that until 1985, there were only seventeen Leonbergers known to be living in the United States. See: Lusby, Leonberger, page 15.

Front cover of the book Leonberger, Special Rare-Breed Edition, A Comprehensive Owners Guide, Madeline Lusby. It features a photo of an adult Leonberger and a puppy Leonberger. — Leonberger, Special Rare-Breed Edition, A Comprehensive Owners Guide, Madeline Lusby

In the 1870s, Leonbergers were brought to Newfoundland to invigorate the stock of Newfoundland dogs. Around the same time, two Leonbergers named Caesar and Sultan were purchased from Heinrich Essig’s kennel (founder of the Leonberger breed) and transported across the ocean to join the Wellesley-Sterling theater company in the United States as the stars of their productions. Then in 1879, Caesar and Sultan visited President Ulysses S. Grant, who called them the largest and most magnificent dogs he had ever seen and presented them with gold medals. During the years between World War I and World War II, a New Jersey family, the Wolfs, opened their home as a temporary refuge for Jews fleeing Germany: they also imported Leonbergers. Unfortunately, this introduction of the breed into the United States did not last, and it would be another fifty years before the Leonberger appeared in America again.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 60, page 64, page 101

Front cover of the book Leonberger, A comprehensive guide to the lion king of breeds, by Caroline Bliss-Isberg. It features the face of a large Leonberger. — Leonberger, A comprehensive guide to the lion king of breeds, Caroline Bliss-Isberg

During the late 1970s and the 1980s, a few families—Waltraut and Klaus Zieher, Brian Peters, Manfred and Sylvia Kaufmann, Keri Campbell and Melanie Brown, and Mary and Reiner Decher brought Leonbergers to the United States. The Dechers had started a breeding program and were looking for a mate for their first dam, Viona. By chance their neighbor discovered through a newsletter that there was another Leonberger in the United States, and that led to the families’ finding and connecting with one another. I should add that the Dechers were careful to conform to the German breeding regulations and performed hip X-rays that they then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Viona became the first OFA-certified Leonberger in America.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 152.

On Saturday, November 2, 1985, eight of these Leonberger enthusiasts met at a hotel in Denver, Colorado, to found the Leonberger Club of America (LCA). This group of founders, which has since been dubbed the Denver Eight, appointed a registrar, formulated a breeding acceptability checklist, and instituted various policies, including the requirement that OFA certification is mandatory for breeding. LCA membership grew: it held social gatherings, began publishing LeoLetter, and imported an increasing number of dogs. Now the LCA has thousands of members across the country, and Leonbergers receive high ratings on health tests relative to other large breeds. For example, in 2000, the OFA reported that only 14.6 percent of Leonbergers tested positive for hip dysplasia, compared to 47 percent of Saint Bernards.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 154, page 176.

Founding of the Leonberger Health Foundation International

Another important historical event was the founding of the Leonberger Health Foundation International (LHFI), in 2000 (it was just called the Leonberger Health Foundation back then). According to its website, the organization was founded by Waltraut Zieher and other memers of the LCA’s health, education, and research committee to “facilitate the solicitation and distribution of donations given to support health related breed-specific research.” The LHFI also administers a program that collects DNA samples from Leonbergers to share with universities and research institutions, and of course it administers the Grey Muzzle Award (long living Leonbergers). Our Leonberger Bronco was a recipient of the Grey Muzzle Award, and we provided them with his DNA.

The Grey Muzzle Award diploma features a photo of Bronco and contains the text “The Grey Muzzle Award. For Leonberger Longevity is Presented with Gratitude By The Leonberger Health Foundation International To Bronco, for offering hope and longer lives for Leonbergers throughout the World.” — Bronco’s Grey Muzzle Award, which he received for being an unusually long lived Leonberger.

LHFI’s global biobank contains DNA samples from more than nine thousand Leonbergers. Among the organization’s notable achievements are the eradication of Addison’s disease among Leonbergers and the raising of nearly half a million dollars for research into conditions that affect canine health, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid diseases, and neurological disorders. Its research also supports healthful longevity and aging as well as population diversity. Another success is the fact that since 2011, no Leonbergers with two copies of the LPN1 gene mutation (which causes Leonberger polyneuropathy) have been recorded in LHFI’s biobank. LHFI is one of my favorite charities.

The Dog Wars of America

The end of the twentieth century marked not only the end of the Cold War but also the beginning of what I call the Dog Wars of America. In 1985, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registry comprised one-third of the world’s known dog breeds. But the AKC had recognized only a few new breeds since 1887—a period of ninety-eight years. So, the organization decided to change that policy, but this did not always go smoothly. The members of rare-breed clubs often did not want to be part of the AKC. For example, the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was very reluctant to join, so a relatively small splinter group, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, was formed and designated the official member club of the AKC, which was not welcome news to the ASCA. The border collie is another example. Charles Krauthammer, the late political columnist, called the AKC the politburo of American dog breeding.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 159.

Similarly, in 2003, a new Leonberger club was formed—the Leonberger Club of the United States—with the goal of becoming the Leonberger member club of the AKC. This essentially forced the LCA’s hand, so they applied for membership in the AKC, a process that took years to complete. But ultimately the AKC approved the LCA as members in 2010: Leonbergers would officially become part of the Working Group. Fortunately, 90 percent of LCA breeders agreed to continue following LCA regulations regardless of whether the club would remain independent or become part of the AKC. Also fortunately, AKC membership afforded more opportunities for Leonbergers to participate in dog shows, which is important to many owners.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 187

For more information on the history of the Leonberger starting in 1830’s click here.

On the left there is a color photo of our Leonberger as a puppy. He is wearing a scarf. On the right he is big, old and gray and lying in the grass looking into the camera. — On the left our Leonberger Bronco at three months old. On the right Bronco as an unusually old Leonberger at almost 13.

Bronco is standing on our red leather sofa giving me hug and a kiss. — Bronco our Leonberger is giving me a kiss. He is about one year old and not yet fully grown.

Seven Leonbergers lying or sitting on the sand on a beach. — Seven Leonbergers by the beach. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

The Origins of the Leonberger Dog

coat of arms of the town of Leonberg. A black lion like figure on a yellow background — The coat of arms of the town of Leonberg, Germany, was allegedly the inspiration for the first breeder of the Leonberger, Heinrich Essig.

The Leonberger breed was originally created by Heinrich Essig (1808–87) in the German town of Leonberg, in what was then the kingdom of Württemberg. According to legend, Essig bred the dog to resemble the lion in the town’s coat of arms. Indeed, as you can see in the image above, the lion in the coat of arms doesn’t look like a real lion, so you could say that the Leonberger looks the way it does because Germans were bad at drawing lions back then. All joking aside, though, Leonbergers do bear some resemblance to lions and maybe even bears. In any case, they are beautiful dogs.

A town square surrounded by buildings. There is a statue in the middle. — The town square in the city of Leonberg. Shutter Stock Photo ID: 1689829297 by Martin Dutkiewicz.

When people would stop me and ask me questions about the kind of dog Bronco was, I would say he was a Leonberger, a cross between a Saint Bernard, a Newfoundland, and a Great Pyrenees and that the breed was created by the mayor of the German town of Leonberg. But, as the economist Tyler Cowen said, “Be suspicious of simple stories.” As it turns out, the story I kept telling was a simplification and not entirely true. History is more complicated. I was unintentionally spreading misinformation about Leonbergers.

A Leonberger puppy wearing a red silk scarf. — Our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle at 3 months old.

Simple and interesting stories are easy to remember, easy to believe, and easy to propagate. But first, Heinrich Essig was never the mayor of Leonberg. He was a prominent citizen of the town, and he was a successful businessman, farmer, innkeeper, horse and dog trader, large dog enthusiast, dog breeder, and town councilman, but he was never the mayor.

Essig claimed to have created the Leonberger in the 1830s by crossing a female Landseer Newfoundland with a male long-haired Saint Bernard from the Great Saint Bernard Hospice, a monastery in Switzerland. He continued crossing the Landseer Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard over four generations, then he crossed his Newfoundland Saint Bernard mix with a Pyrenean wolfhound not, as is often asserted, with a Great Pyrenees (called a Pyrenean Mountain dog in Europe). He then crossed that dog with the Saint Bernard again. In 1846, he was finally ready to announce and register his “lion of a dog.” A few years later, Leonbergers were officially introduced to the public at the Munich Oktoberfest.

Our Leonberger is standing on the large red leather sofa giving me a kiss. — Me and our Leonberger Bronco when he was young.

However, the story is more complicated than that. There’s no specific breed named Pyrenean wolfhound today, so Essig could have used a Great Pyrenees or a Pyrenean mastiff . In addition, later in the nineteenth century, Leonbergers were used to breed the long-haired Saint Bernard dog, and this likely saved the Saint Bernard dog from extinction. At one point, too, Leonbergers were deliberately mixed with Newfoundland dogs to strengthen the Newfoundland breed. In other words, breeding happened in both directions, and the characteristics of the large breeds were in constant flux. The dogs, including Leonbergers and Saint Bernards didn’t look like they do today, either. Essig’s Leonbergers were multicolored, mostly white, and lacked the black mask that is so important to the breed now. What has not changed is the essence of what Essig was aiming for: a large but moderately proportioned dog that is friendly and loving and a great companion.

Saint Bernard Dog wearing a cognac barrel. The Alps in the background. — A modern Saint Bernard Dog. Shutter Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12.

Ultimately, the origins of the Leonberger, as well as the Saint Bernard and the other large breeds from this region, are complex and shrouded in mystery. In addition, some of Essig’s claims have been disputed. Breed standards wouldn’t be codified until the end of the nineteenth century. It should also be noted that it was Essig’s niece Marie who to a large extent bred and cared for the dogs.

Black or dark brown New Foundland Dog with a colorful autumn forest in the background. — Modern New Foundland Dog. Shutter Stock Photo ID: 1925281937 by Marsan.

Essig was selling his Leonberger dogs as luxury items to the wealthy. He was also a marketing genius and was able to get the attention of European nobility and royalty. The czar of Russia, Emperor Napoleon II, Otto von Bismarck, the king of Belgium, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Emperor Maximilian I, the Prince of Wales, King Umberto of Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and the mikado of Japan were among those who owned Leonbergers. Not everyone was happy about this. Some people viewed the Leonberger as a fashionable knockoff of the Saint Bernard that could hinder that breed’s development.

Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the discipline of cynology, or the scientific study of dogs, emerged. Cynologists pushed for breed classification and systematic breeding practices, and breed standards were created. But Essig and others viewed dog breeding as an art rather than a science, and this led to a conflict with the cynologists. Heinrich Schumacher, for example, was a breeder who strove to create a clearly identifiable Saint Bernard type. He was upheld by the cynologists as a paragon, in contrast to Heinrich Essig to the detriment of the Leonberger.

Face of a Leonberger looking into the camera. — Face of modern Leonberger. Shutter Stock Photo ID: 193024763 by Csanad Kiss.

After Essig’s death, in 1887, other people more willing to please the cynologists continued breeding Leonbergers. By that time, the dogs looked for the most part like Leonbergers do today. Then, in 1895, Albert Kull created the Leonberger’s first breed standard. It would go through several revisions in 1901, 1926, 1938, 1951, 1955, and 1972—until finally, in 1996, the FCI approved version was established. The Kennel Club in the UK and the American Kennel Club also have their own breed standards. However, most of them are similar to Albert Kull’s 1895 version. The first Leonberger club was formed 1891 in Berlin: two more were created in 1895, then two more were formed in 1901. The most prominent was the Internationaler Klub für Leonberger Hunde, of which Albert Kull was the first president.

For additional information see :

The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger by Thomas Wikman.

Madeline Lusby, Leonberger: A Comprehensive Owner’s Guide (Allenhurst, NJ: Kennel Club Books, 2005).

Caroline Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger: A Comprehensive Guide to the Lion King of Breeds (Sea Cliff , NY: Revodana Publishing, 2017), 23, 41, 45, 48–49.

The Interview

There are so many bad dog owners out there. There are owners who mistreat their dogs. There are owners who return their dogs to shelters or worse owners who abandoned their dogs. There are owners who get rid of their dogs when they become old, less fun, more difficult to take care of and have expensive veterinary bills. So many dog owners should never have been allowed to become dog owners. Imagine if prospective dog owners had to go through an interview and sign a contract protecting the dog’s well being before they are allowed to buy a dog. Another problem is substandard breeders and puppy mills.

An old Leonberger dog is lying on the sidewalk. — Bronco our Leonberger was very old in this photo. Almost 13 years old and he had health problems.

The Leonberger Club of America (LCA) and the Leonberger community have taken control of both of these problems. The Leonberger Club of America keeps a list of breeders who follow approved breeding practices (there are inspections), treat the dogs well, and have pledged to take back the dog in the event an owner is unable to care for the dog. The breeder will also stay in contact with the new owners, mentor them, and help them with training and care. I am pretty certain there are no Leonberger puppy mills.

From left to right : A Leonberger in the snow, another Leonberger looking into the camera, our 3 months old Leonberger puppy Bronco, our Leonberger Bronco in a green bush, our Leonberger Bronco sitting in my wife’s lap, he is 167lbs, our Leonberger Bronco in the green grass, our old Leonberger Bronco lying in the green grass. — Leonberger photos. All photos are of Bronco except the two on the far left are from Shutterstock ID:705193912 and ID:46221958.

As a prospective owner you are required to go through an interview with the breeder and to sign a contract. For example, as an owner you are required to return the dog to the breeder if you are unable to care for the dog or transfer the dog to another approved owner in a manner that is endorsed by LCA. If you break the rules, you are never allowed to own a Leonberger again. Caring for a Leonberger is a serious commitment and you can feel it. Leonbergers are dogs that are larger than life. But maybe all dogs are larger than life.

A 167lbs Leonberger sitting in my wife Claudia’s lap. She is disappearing. — Our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle in my wife Claudia’s lap.

Below is the transcript of the online interview that my wife Claudia did with our breeder Julie Schaffert. I’ve posted this before here. However, that post is one my earliest posts, and this is my attempted improvement.

Kennel von der Löwenhöhle Questionnaire Questions are in bold :

Why do you want a Leonberger?

We have a dog book, and while looking at dogs we came across the Leonberger, a gorgeous dog from Germany. We also had the opportunity to meet some Leonbergers, a mother and her puppies, which were wonderful. We have read that Leonbergers are great with children and good guard dogs, which is something we’d like. We have two dogs, but we have not raised them as puppies. We have never had a puppy and would like to have one.

What do you like about the Leonberger and what do you know about its characteristics? Do you prefer male or female? Why?

They are very beautiful and love to swim. We have a huge pool, and my children love to spend their summers swimming. Leonbergers also make wonderful pets and are good guard dogs, and best of all they don’t drool. We don’t prefer a male or a female dog.

Are you aware this is at least a ten-year commitment?

Yes. We have two other dogs, and of course we are aware that they live up to ten years—hopefully more.

Do you have any other pets? Have you had any experience raising a giant-breed puppy?

We have a Lab and a German shepherd. We have two dwarf hamsters, Moldova and Montenegro. My son also keeps a baby ball python in a cage in his room (UGGH). As I said before, we have never owned a puppy, but we met some Leonberger puppies from a breeder who resides in Houston.

Where will your dog be kept—indoors or outdoors? Backyard or kennel?

Our dog would be kept mostly indoors. (We live in Texas, and it would get too hot outside.) At night we take all our dogs for walks and for occasional swims during the year. When the dog is still a puppy, we would keep it in a puppy playpen and take it out every half hour to go to the bathroom (until obedience training). We do have a fenced backyard the puppy can play in, and we have a dog run with a dog door so the dogs can come and go as they please.

Is your yard fenced?

Yes. Our yard has a seven-foot-high solid wood fence all the way around

How many hours will you be out of the house? Where will your Leonberger be while you are gone?

I am a stay-at-home mom, and we would almost always have someone in the house, such as our housekeeper, children, and family. If we are gone for a long periods of time, we have a dog sitter who comes to our house to take care of our dogs.

Do you have children? If so, what are their ages?

We have three kids, ages thirteen, ten, and eight. Two boys and one girl (in that order).

Describe a typical day at your house now. How do you think it will change once the puppy arrives?

On a typical day, the kids go to school, and I like to take a long walk. I go through some paperwork, I prepare dinner, then everyone comes home. On weekends, my younger kids have sports, but my oldest kid stays home (he plays during the week).

I would be with the dog most of the day and would do my shopping while the housekeeper is there. I do not plan on leaving the puppy for any long period of time. I’m sure that having the puppy will be like having another child. We have been told that the puppy will be quite rambunctious for the first three years of its life.

Have you observed any obedience classes in your area? It is very important that Leonberger puppies start obedience classes by sixteen weeks of age. Would you attend such classes?

We have not observed any obedience classes yet. However, we are interested in the International K9 training facility in Dallas and would absolutely attend these classes.

Von der Löwenhöhle puppies start their crate training at our kennel. Will you continue this training? If not, why not?

Yes, we would continue crate training at our home. We will follow your advice and that of our veterinarians in regard to further training.

What plans do you have for your Leonberger—e.g., showing, breeding, obedience, family companion, therapy? If you plan to show or breed, what experience, if any, have you had?

Our major purpose for wanting a Leonberger is to have a family companion.

Please add any other information you feel will help us pick out a puppy for you.

We would like a dog that will fit in well with our family.

On the left is a Leonberger puppy wearing a red scarf. On the right our old Leonberger Bronco lying in the grass and looking into the camera. — Our Leonberger Bronco three months old and almost 13 years old.

The end result was that we were allowed to buy Bronco. We did not follow through with the crate training as we promised because Bronco was whining at night when he was in the crate. So, we let him sleep between us in our bed. A few months later he started pushing me out of bed with his paws. I don’t like sleeping on the floor, so we had to put an end to that. We got him a big dog bed and he accepted that.

What do you think about having dog owners being approved and signing a contract ?

A Leonberger Therapy Dog Called Scout

Here is an interesting video about a Leonberger called Scout by CBC news in Canada. This Leonberger is helping residents at Hamilton mental health hospital. He was bred by Concorde Ridge Leonbergers. They have a website and a blog which I follow. The 8-minute video is shown on the website below.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.6835161

Reminder Of The Leonberger Health Foundation International

Today I received the Leonberger Health Foundation International (LHFI) Calendar for 2024 and I was reminded of this wonderful organization. LHFI supports medical research that improves the health and lives of Leonbergers as well as other large dog breeds, potentially even humans. They have raised nearly half a million dollars for research into conditions that affect canine health, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid diseases, and neurological disorders. Its research also supports healthful longevity and aging as well as population diversity. They have had several successes, for example the eradication of Addision’s disease among Leonbergers.

Front page of the LHFI Calendar showing a mountaneous landscape and a Leonberger — Front page of the Leonberger Health Foundation International 2024 Calendar

The Leonberger Health Foundation International (LHFI) was founded in 2000 by Waltraut Zieher and other members of the LCA’s health, education, and research committee to “facilitate the solicitation and distribution of donations given to support health related breed-specific research.” The LHFI also administers a program that collects DNA samples from Leonbergers to share with universities and research institutions.

January page of LHFI Calendar showing two Leonbergers in snow — January page of the Leonberger Health Foundation International 2024 Calendar

All purebred dogs are more or less inbred, which comes with inherent health risks. That is especially true for large breeds. However, Leonbergers, especially those bred in North America, are fortunate compared to other large breeds. The Leonberger breed standard does not call for traits that can be detrimental to health. The precise and restrictive breeding regulations of the Leonberger Club of America (LCA) and other Leonberger clubs, and the work of the Leonberger Health Foundation International or LHFI, have resulted in Leonbergers being relatively free of inherited illnesses compared to other large dog breeds in America. For more information see Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, “Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs,”

June page of the the LHFI Calendar shows a Leonberger on a canoe. — June page of the the Leonberger Health Foundation International 2024 Calendar

One happy event for our family was when Bronco received his Grey Muzzle Award, which is an award given for longevity by LHFI. LHFI bestows the award on any Leonberger who has reached the age of twelve. These Leonbergers are the canine equivalents of centenarians, humans who are at least one hundred years old. The Grey Muzzle Award is also given to breeders, because they are partially responsible for the dogs’ longevity. The Grey Muzzle Award was certainly a happy event in Wikman family. If you have a twelve-year-old Leonberger, simply fill out a form on the LHFI website or send an email to lhfgreymuzzle@gmail.com.

The Grey Muzzle Award from the Leonberger Health Foundation International contains a photo of our Leonberger Bronco's face and the text

The Grey Muzzle Award
For Leonbergers Longevity is Presented with Gratitude By
The Leonberger Health Foundation International To

Bronco
For Offering Hope and Potential For Longer Lives for Leonbergers — The Grey Muzzle Award from the Leonberger Health Foundation International

The foundation will ask for some information, including the registered name and call name of the dog; the breeder’s name, kennel name, address, and email; the dam’s registered name; the sire’s registered name; the owner’s name, address, and email; the birth date of the dog; and whether the dog is alive or dead. If the latter, they will want to know the cause of death. In addition, they would like you to write a one-paragraph tribute to the dog and send two (preferably high-resolution) photos—one head shot and one favorite photo. To find out more about the Grey Muzzle Award click here. To see the 2019–2020 awardees video featuring Bronco click here.

Photo copy of the full Grey Muzzle Award Diploma. Lots of text. — Grey Muzzle Award certificate from the Leonberger Health Foundation International

I can add that when Bronco passed away, we sent his DNA to the University of Minnesota to be used in research. This was facilitated by the LHFI.

Familiar faces. Time marches on.

The faces (Leonberger dogs) of the 33 2019 & 2020 Grey Muzzle Awardees — The 2019-2020 Grey Muzzle Awardees. Bronco is on the second row from the top and second from left. Click on the picture to visit the YouTube video.

Video showing 33 2019 & 2020 Grey Muzzle Awardees (Leonbergers)

Many of the owners of very old Leonbergers joined the Double Digit Leonberger group on Facebook (Leonberger 10+ years old) and the owners of the extremely old Leonbergers (around 12 or older) started talking to each other a lot. It was a small group from around the world. This is why I said “Familiar faces” above. I knew many of them, including Pling, a Leonberger in Sweden. I and Pling’s owner talked a lot to each other in Swedish. Bronco and Pling reached about the same age and passed not too far from each other in time.

Our Leonberger Bronco from the LHFI Grey Muzzle Awardee Video 2019-2020. The photo/screenshot shows a close up of his face. — Our Leonberger Bronco from the LHFI Grey Muzzle Awardee Video 2019-2020.

The photo shows 12+ year old Bronco in our TV room — Our Leonberger Bronco from the LHFI Grey Muzzle Awardee Video 2019-2020.

Pling the Leonberger from Sweden is holding a stick in her mouth. — Pling a Leonberger from Sweden from the LHFI Grey Muzzle Awardee Video 2019-2020.

Note, all royalty earnings from my book (see right) go to the Leonberger Health Foundation International.

Leonberger Facebook Groups Are the Nicest Dog Groups I Have Found

I’ve been, or am, a member of several Facebook dog groups. I’ve found that most of them are awful. Take for example the Pug groups. I’ve joined a few Pug groups so that can post about Daisy. What I’ve found is that almost all of the Pug groups have preapproval turned on for all posts. Most other groups (Leonberger groups, beer groups, discussion group, etc..) do not. It would not be a bad thing if it wasn’t for the fact that the administrators/moderators of several of the Pug groups take weeks before they approve a post, all while shamelessly doing constant self-promotion, promoting products, and spamming the group they are supposed to moderate. I am a moderator or administrator in several groups, and I certainly don’t behave that way.

Another thing that annoys me is that they copy the photos that members post and then repost them in multiple places and multiple groups without attribution. Look at my photo from Daisy’s birthday below. That photo was copied (not shared) without attribution in lots of groups, multiple times, receiving several thousand reactions and thousands of comments, which is something I only found out about by accident. Who knows how far and wide the photo was spread. Unless someone explained it to you, you would think that it was their pug and that it was they who took the photo. I assume they do this because they want to get attention and be social network influencers. I’ve never complained, that probably would get me banned from the groups in question. However, I don’t think that is the way to run a group. I have not yet found a decent Pug group.

Photo of our Pug Daisy being fed a pupcake. — Photo from Daisy’s 15^th birthday on October 22. This photo has been spread all over Facebook without attribution.

This brings me to the seven Leonberger groups that I am a member of (there are many more). I’ve listed them below. Only one group does post pre-approval and they typically approve posts within a few hours. None of moderators/administrators of these groups spam their groups, try to push products, or copy members photos/posts without attribution. People have friendly informative discussions, and they get to know each other. The Leonberger community is smaller, and the owners/administrators/moderators of the groups are more mature and responsible. I think it makes a difference that Pug groups tend to be run by attention seeking youngsters. I wish I could find a Pug group that was more like a Leonberger group.

Leonberger’s All Colors Worldwide
LEONBERGER
Leonberger Double Digit Double Club
Leonberger Forum
Global Leonberger Lovers
Leonberger Lovers
Frontier Leonberger Club of the Southwest

I think my favorite Leonberger group is the Leonberger Double Digit Club. It is a group for Leonberger owners with Leonbergers who ten years are old or older. Leonbergers tend not to live very long so that is why this is an exclusive club. It was one of the former administrators (and founder) of this group who suggested to me that I write a book about our Leonberger Bronco.

Below I am posting a few screenshots of my posts from the Leonberger Double Digit Club.

Photo of our Leonberger Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo in the lower right corner. Both close up to my face.

Our Leonberger Bronco standing in the kitchen. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is behind him.

This photo is from Bronco’s 12 years and 8 months birthday. He demanded a greenie by slamming his paw in the floor. Daisy our Pug and Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd are looking on from behind.

Bronco our Leonberger just got his grey muzzle award, which is given to all Leonberger (who’s owner apply) older than 12 years old. Being older than 12 years old is rare among Leonbergers. The photos show Bronco with my wife holding his diploma.

Jacqui pointed out to me in a comment below that you can take action when people are using your stuff without attribution. A photo that took me a second to take may not be a big deal, even though it is bit rude to use it as if it is yours. However, when people copy artwork, as had happened to a few commentors below we have a more serious situation. So anyway, here is the link that Jacqui posted in her comment. (You can also visit the comment).

Send them a DMCA take-down order (https://www.dmca.com/FAQ/What-is-a-DMCA-Takedown) or turn them into Facebook for copyright infringement.