Tag: Leonberger

How to Control Leonberger Shedding

A professional content writer specializing in animal healthcare and veterinary topics by the name of Emma Johnson contacted me about publishing veterinary information on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. Check out her article below. The article is focused on grooming and how to control shedding. Emma did all the writing I added pictures of our Leonberger, and photos provided by friends as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.

This photo tile includes three photos of our Leonberger Bronco. In one photo he is sitting in my wife’s lap, another photo is of our Pug Daisy and our Leonberger Bronco, and finally a photo of Bronco’s face. There is also a photo of six Leonbergers celebrating a birthday. That photo was taken by a friend Jen O’Keefe. Finally, there are two shutter stock photos ID:731020957  by Peter Josto and ID: 1957113277 by AnetaZabranska.

With these photos I wanted to illustrate that Leonbergers are big and furry.

Article by Emma Johnson

This photo was provided by Jen O’Keefe, Urgent Animal Care of Arlington. From left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory.

How to Control Leonberger Shedding: Grooming Tips That Actually Work

Living with a Leonberger means living with fur. It ends up on the couch, in the car, and sometimes floating through the house like tumbleweed. Many owners brush occasionally and hope the shedding slows down, but it rarely works that way. Leonbergers have one of the densest double coats in the dog world, and without the right grooming approach, loose fur quickly gets out of control.

The good news is that Leonberger shedding can be managed. With the right brushing tools, a consistent grooming routine, proper bathing habits, and good nutrition, you can dramatically reduce the amount of hair around your home.

Why Leonbergers Shed So Much?

Leonbergers were originally bred as working dogs in the mountains of Europe. Their coat had to protect them from cold weather, snow, rain, and harsh terrain. That protective coat is still part of the breed today.

Leonberger ID:705193912 by Anna Krivitskaya

Because of this history, Leonbergers grow a thick double coat designed for insulation. The outer layer protects against moisture and dirt, while the inner coat traps warmth. When temperatures change, that undercoat naturally sheds to adjust to the environment.

This means shedding is not a problem you can eliminate. The goal is to manage it effectively so loose fur doesn’t build up in the coat or around the house.

The Double Coat

Leonbergers are not the only dogs with protective double coats. Other large working breeds such as the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees were also developed for cold climates and demanding outdoor work. These breeds rely on dense insulating undercoats that protect them from harsh weather.

A big furry Newfoundland dog
This is an example of a Newfoundland dog (picture provided by Emma Johnson)
Saint Bernard dog wearing a keg. There are mountains in the background.
Saint Bernard dog Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12

However, not all working breeds have coats this heavy. Dogs like the Belgian Malinois also have a double coat, but it is much shorter and lighter. Because of that difference, Malinois owners typically deal with far less grooming and undercoat buildup compared with Leonberger owners.

Seasonal Shedding Cycles in Leonbergers

Leonbergers shed year-round, but the most intense shedding happens during seasonal transitions.

Most Leonbergers experience two major shedding periods:

  • Spring coat blow: The thick winter undercoat sheds to prepare for warmer temperatures.
  • Fall coat change: The dog grows a thicker coat again for colder weather.

During these periods, owners often notice large clumps of fur coming out during brushing. This is completely normal and is often referred to as coat blow season.

These cycles can last three to six weeks, depending on climate and individual genetics.

How Often Should You Groom a Leonberger?

Many owners underestimate how often this breed needs grooming.

For most Leonbergers:

  • Brushing: 3–4 times per week
  • Heavy shedding seasons: Daily brushing
  • Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Full coat maintenance: Weekly

Regular grooming prevents loose fur from collecting in the undercoat and spreading through your home.

Consistency is more important than long grooming sessions. Ten minutes of brushing several times a week is often more effective than one long session once a month.

The Best Brushes and Grooming Tools for Leonberger Shedding

The right grooming tools make a major difference. Leonbergers have dense coats, and basic brushes often cannot reach the undercoat.

The most useful grooming tools include:

  • Slicker brushes
  • Undercoat rakes
  • Deshedding tools
  • Wide-tooth combs

Each tool serves a specific purpose in removing loose fur while protecting the coat structure.

Using the wrong tools can break guard hairs or irritate the skin.

Slicker Brushes vs. Undercoat Rakes

Both tools are essential, but they serve different roles.

Slicker Brushes

Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that remove surface tangles and loose hair from the outer coat. However, slicker brushes alone cannot reach the deeper undercoat.

A photo of a slicker brush taken from a high angle view of pet slicker brush isolated on white background with clipping path.
High angle view of pet slicker brush. Shutterstock Asset id: 2404454953 by takepicsforfun

Undercoat Rakes

Undercoat rakes are designed with longer teeth that penetrate through the outer coat. Using both tools together creates a balanced grooming routine.

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

Deshedding Tools That Work Best

Deshedding tools are especially useful during coat blow season.

These tools are designed to gently remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the outer coat.

When used correctly, deshedding tools can remove large amounts of loose fur in a single session.

However, they should not be overused. Excessive use can thin the coat too much and affect its natural insulation.

Most owners find that using a deshedding tool once per week during heavy shedding periods works well.

Step-by-Step Brushing Routine to Reduce Excess Fur

A structured brushing routine helps remove fur efficiently without stressing the dog.

Step 1: Work through the coat slowly, focusing on areas where undercoat builds up, such as behind the ears, chest, and hind legs.

Step 2: After loosening undercoat hair, switch to a slicker brush to remove remaining loose fur.

Step 3: Leonbergers commonly develop tangles around the neck, tail base, and legs.

Step 4: A wide-tooth comb helps confirm the coat is fully detangled.

This routine typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on coat condition.

Bathing Your Leonberger the Right Way to Control Shedding

Bathing plays a bigger role in shedding control than many owners realize.

Warm water and shampoo help loosen dead undercoat fur, making it easier to remove during brushing.

However, bathing too often can strip natural oils and cause dry skin.

How Often Should You Bathe Them?

Our Leonberger Bronco is standing in a blue kiddie pool.
Our Leonberger Bronco is standing in a kiddie pool. He is young and not yet fully grown in this photo. He does not have too much fur yet. I can add that it was not possible to give Bronco a bath in the bathtub, so we always gave him baths outside in the kiddie pool.

Most Leonbergers do well with a bath every 6 to 8 weeks.

More frequent bathing may be needed if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors or swimming.

The photo shows a Leonberger swimming in a lake.
This is a photo of our Leonberger Bronco swimming in White Rock Lake. He loved swimming and chasing ducks.

After bathing, always dry the coat thoroughly and brush again. Wet undercoat can trap loose hair and lead to matting if left unmanaged.

Nutrition’s Role in Reducing Shedding

Coat health begins with nutrition.

Dogs that lack essential nutrients often develop dry skin, brittle fur, and excessive shedding.

A high-quality diet rich in protein and healthy fats supports stronger hair growth and healthier skin.

Ingredients that help maintain coat quality include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Omega-6 fatty acids
  • Zinc
  • Biotin

For older dogs, switching to a specialized diet such as senior dog food can also support coat condition as metabolism changes with age.

Veterinary research presented at events like veterinary conferences 2026 has increasingly emphasized how diet influences skin and coat health in large working breeds.

Extra Grooming Steps During Heavy Shedding

During peak shedding periods, increase grooming frequency.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Daily brushing sessions
  • Weekly deshedding treatments
  • Bathing followed by thorough brushing
  • Using high-velocity dryers to loosen undercoat

Many professional groomers use forced-air dryers to blow out loose undercoats after a bath. This method can remove large volumes of fur quickly.

When to Seek Help From a Professional Groomer

Some Leonberger coats become too dense or matted for home grooming alone.

Professional groomers have specialized tools and equipment designed for heavy-coated breeds.

A professional grooming session may include:

  • Undercoat removal
  • Deep coat brushing
  • Coat blowout drying
  • Sanitary trimming

Many owners schedule professional grooming every 3 to 4 months to keep the coat manageable.

If brushing becomes difficult or mats begin forming regularly, it may be time to involve a groomer.

Final Thoughts

Leonberger shedding is intense, but it does not have to overwhelm your home.With the right grooming tools, a consistent brushing routine, proper bathing habits, and strong nutrition, you can keep loose fur under control and maintain a healthy coat.

The key is consistency. When grooming becomes part of your weekly routine, shedding becomes far more manageable.

Leonbergers will always shed. But with the right care, that shedding becomes something you can handle without constantly battling fur around the house.

A pretty dark-haired Caucasian girl in a plaid shirt hugs her cute Leonberger dog. The concept is friendship and loyalty.
A woman and her Leonberger dog. Asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko

Another article by Emma Johnson is Leonberger Health Issues – A Veterinarian’s Guide to Preventive Medicine.

When To Neuter or Spay Leonbergers and Other Giant Breeds

It is very common for veterinarians, ASPCA and other animal welfare organizations to recommend that dogs be neutered or spayed between the ages 6-9 months or earlier. Their concern is chiefly to prevent unexpected pregnancies, which causes a lot of suffering and unnecessary euthanasia of dogs. However, not all dogs are the same and this is bad advice for many giant breeds, especially Leonbergers. Neutering or spaying too early can lead to serious health complications. Since the Leonberger community tries to prevent irresponsible dog owners from getting a Leonberger, unexpected pregnancies are less of a concern for Leonberger dogs.

We used to own a Leonberger dog, Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, and our breeder recommended that we wait until he was at least two years old before neutering him. Many new Leonberger owners must sign a contract promising not to neuter the dog before the age of two. If you want to buy a Leonberger puppy in North America, you should buy the puppy from a breeder that is certified by the Leonberger Club of America (LCA) and to do that you need to go through an interview. You will have a hard time getting a Leonberger any other way.

Our three months old Leonberger puppy is sitting on the floor, looking into the camera. He is wearing a read scarf.
Our Leonberger puppy Bronco at the age of three months.

I should explain that the Leonberger is a rare breed that is closely related to the Saint Bernard. Saint Bernards were used to create the Leonberger in the early 19th century and later it was the other way around when the Leonberger was used to save the Saint Bernard breed. Therefore, Leonbergers and Saint Bernards are genetically similar, they are about the same size, but they don’t look the same. Leonbergers have a characteristic black face while Saint Bernards have a white mask on their face. There are only about 30,000 Leonbergers in the world and only 2,000 Leonbergers in North America. Therefore, the Leonberger community is a small and tightknit community, and it is relatively easy for the Leonberger Club of America (LCA) to keep track of what is going on with the Leonberger dogs.

Our brown Leonberger dog is standing on our red leather sofa and giving me a hug.
Is he ready to be neutered? I mean the dog. This is me (Thomas Wikman) and Bronco when Bronco was not yet full grown (but almost).

With this post I am giving advice and statements originating from various sources that I consider to be reputable such as AKC/club certified breeders of the specific breed in question, the corresponding breed organization/club, such as the Leonberger Club of America, and scientists in the specific field. In my experience veterinarians who care for all kinds of dogs and pets typically do not have knowledge that is breed specific on this issue. To be sure to do the right thing in regard to neutering and spaying your Leonberger, ask your LCA certified breeder.

What Our Leonberger Breeder Told Us About Neutering

When we got our late Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) our breeder Julie Schaffert told us to wait with neutering him until he was two years old if possible. Julie Schaffert has been an LCA (Leonberger Club of America) certified breeder since 1992 and is arguably the most prominent Leonberger breeder in North America. After reading a Leonberger book that incorrectly stated that Leonbergers should be neutered at six months, I sent her this question:

Hello Julie, I hope all is well with you and your Leonbergers. I am currently reading a Leonberger book by Vanessa Ritchie. I’ve read dozens of Leonberger books. It is a very good Leonberger book. However, in the middle of page 30 she is saying something that concerned me. She is saying to neuter/spay your Leonberger at 6 months old. I remember you telling us to wait with ours and we waited until significantly passed one years old. Assuming that is correct, this mistake needs to be pointed out and perhaps corrected. Before saying anything, I wanted to make sure that is correct, that spaying/neutering at 6 months old is indeed too early for a Leonberger.

Thank you for any help

Happy New Years

Thomas Wikman

This was her answer

Happy new year. Yes, it’s now recommended that giant dogs not be neutered or spayed until after 2 years. In the old days it was recommended earlier, any time after 6 months. All the new data says wait.

Julie.

Our Leonberger puppy Bronco is sitting and looking into the camera. He is wearing a red scarf, but it is a black and white photo.
The Leonberger puppy that Julie sold to us. Black and White photo.

The reasons we did not wait the entire two years was that our veterinarian at the time wanted to do it sooner and Bronco was dragging furniture around the house because of his excess energy. He was strong, and big, energetic and a bit restless. He was very friendly and harmless, but he had a lot of energy. Perhaps he should have been a home decorator? I should say that knowing what we know now, we would have waited the entire two years.

Our Leonberger Bronco is big and heavy and sitting in my wife’s lap. You can barely see her behind Bronco. They are sitting in a read sofa.
Our Leonberger Bronco at 167lbs sitting in my wife Claudia’s lap.

Research and Expert Advice on Neutering and Spaying

This is an article from the AKC stating that a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age before neutering or spaying. The article also provides the following interesting information.

Research conducted by the University of California – Davis reveals that for some dog breeds, neutering and spaying may be associated with the increased risks of certain health conditions such as joint disorders including hip or elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate rupture or tear, and some cancers, such as lymphoma, mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. The research conclusions are not surprising. Sex hormones are important in the development of any animal.  We know they affect psychological development as well as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and the immune system.

I believe this is the University of California – Davis article in question. It is from 2020. Notice that the suggested guidelines for age of neutering is beyond 23 months for several of the giant breeds in the table of 35 breeds. Also notice that the table does not include Leonbergers.

Recommended ages for neutering and spaying for selected dog breeds

Below is a list featuring the recommended ages for neutering and spaying for selected dog breeds based on the research mentioned above.

  • Australian Shepherd, for neutering and spaying it is your choice. The same is true for Pugs.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog, you should neuter beyond the age of 23 months, but for spaying you have a free choice.
  • Boxer, neuter and spay beyond the age of 23 months.
  • Boston Terrier, neuter beyond 11 months, but for spaying you have a free choice.
  • Doberman Pincher, never neuter, and you need to spay beyond the age of 23 months.
  • German Shepherd, neuter and spay beyond the age of 23 months.
  • Labrador Retriever, neuter beyond 6 months and spay beyond 11 months.
  • Corgi, neuter beyond 6 months, but for spaying you have a free choice.
  • Great Dane, despite being a very large dog you have a free choice for both neutering and spaying.
  • Rottweiler, neuter beyond 11 months, but for spaying beyond 6 months.
A mini-Australian Shepherd puppy is peeking out behind a sofa chair.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo. You can neuter this breed at an earlier age.
Left to right, our beige pug Daisy, our black and white Japaneses Chin Ryu, and then our big Leonberger Bronco.
Our Pug Daisy, Japanese Chin Ryu and Leonberger Bronco. You can neuter or spay Pugs at an earlier age.

Additional Information on Neutering and Spaying Various Dog Breeds

Hillhaven Leonbergers in Ireland recommend not neutering your Leonberger until at least 2 years of age. They warn against doing it at 6 months old, despite what some veterinarians may recommend.

I did not find an on-line Leonberger Club of America recommendation but this old 2011 article from the Leonberger Club of America states: Because the Leonberger is a slow maturing breed in general, most breeders will ask puppy owners to wait a year or so before altering their puppies, to allow bones to develop more fully.

The photo shows six Leonbergers wearing party hats. They are sitting next to each other and looking into the camera.
Caspian (Obi’s nephew), Austin (Obi’s son), Delfi, Obi (now 7 and a veteran), Digory, and Rilian (Obi’s son). Photo by Jen O’Keefe and Ira Van Order, prominent members of the Leonberger Club of America who allowed me to use this photo.

I did find an article from the Saint Bernard Club of America. The Saint Bernard is genetically similar to the Leonberger. This article states: Above all, no giant breed puppy should be altered before the growth plates in the bones have matured and closed, usually between 15 and 24 months of age.

The photo shows a Saint Bernard dog wearing a little barrel of maybe cognac. In the background there are tall mountains.
Saint Bernard Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12

This Newfoundland dog magazine states : Currently, the recommended age that a Newfoundland dog should be neutered is 18 to 24 months due to the possible health problems that can arise from altering before that age. The Newfoundland is another dog that is genetically similar to the Leonberger.

A black Newfoundland dog is standing with his front paws on a tree stump. There is a forest in the background.
Newfoundland dog Stock Photo ID: 1925281937 by Marsan

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, even though the expert advice regarding neutering and spaying varies a bit, it is clear that neutering and spaying at six months old is too early for Leonbergers and many other giant breeds. It can harm their Leonberger.

About Thomas Wikman

Thomas Wikman is a retired software / robotics engineer with a background in physics. He has a PhD in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering. He is the author of two blogs, first this blog Leonberger Life which is focused on a rare but amazing dog breed called Leonberger. He has also written a book titled The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, which feature his Leonberger’s crazy adventures as well as information about the Leonberger breed and how to care for giant dog breeds. His second blog superfactful , is a fun but educational blog that is focused on finding facts that are important and yet surprising or disputed by people who are not well informed on the topic. This blog features myth busting as well as facts that will blow your mind.

National Love Your Pet Day

I was alerted to the existence of National Love Your Pet Day by this post. Because I was busy all day I did not get a chance to post anything until now. However, it is still National Love Your Pet Day here where I live.

National Love Your Pet Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating animals. With this post I just wanted to show some photos of our current dog the mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo and our past dogs the Labrador Baylor (mix ¼ Rhodesian Ridgeback), the German Shepherd Baby, our big Leonberger Bronco, or Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, our Japanese Chin Ryu and our Pug Daisy. We love(d) them all and will forever be in our hearts.

Photos of our Dogs

My wife, opening the trunk of our red van as Baylor, our Labrador is preparing to jump.
My wife Claudia and our first family dog the Labrador Baylor. This was back in the day. Our niece gave us Baylor because she was going to college. In turn she had gotten him from a shelter. He was a mix, one quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback and three quarters Yellow Labrador. He was able to jump up into the trunk of our van. Baylor was my first dog (not my wife’s first dog), and he taught me a lot about being a dog parent.
The photo shows a yellow labrador swimming in the middle of an Olympic sized pool.
Our Labrador Baylor is swimming in Claudia’s parents pool. He loved swimming, and he loved that pool and swam in it a lot.
A dark brown and black German Shepherd walking around in a dog park.
Our German Shepherd Baby at the dog park.
Two dogs looking into the camera. An old yellow Labrador on the left and the dark brown and black German Shepherd on the right.
Our Labrador Baylor and our German Shepherd Baby. Baylor was older in this picture. We had just gotten our Leonberger Bronco.
The photo shows a Leonberger puppy wearing a red scarf. He is looking into the camera.
This is our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) at three months old.
Our Leonberger dog is standing on a red leather sofa, and he is leaning over to give me a hug.
Bronco our Leonberger dog was a very affectionate dog.
Three dogs sitting on the floor, a Leonberger, a Japanese Chin and a Pug.
Our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle), our Japanese Chin Ryu, and our Pug Daisy in the front right.
Three dogs running. On the left and unknown dog, in the middle a yellow Lab and on the right a Japanese Chin.
At the White Rock Lake dog park. Baylor our Labrador in the middle. He was old in this photo. Our Japanese Chin Ryu on the right.
The photo shows a Pug in the front left and a black and white Japanese Chin in the back to the right.
Our Pug Daisy and our Japanese Chin Ryu.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu is licking our beige pug Daisy’s ear. She is sitting in front of a vent.
Our Pug Daisy often sat in front of vents when she was cold. Daisy and our Japanese Chin Ryu were very close, like a couple. Daisy was obviously grieving when Ryu died, from cancer a bit early at only ten years old. Bronco was grieving as well.
Daisy our beige pug is lying over the back of our beige leather sofa.
Daisy is exhausted after doing nothing for a whole day.
A big Leonberger splayed across a big wide red leather sofa.
Our Leonberger Bronco sleeping on our big red leather sofa.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco is standing in front of me and looking straight into the camera. I am sitting down.
Our old Leonberger dog Bronco is coming up to me. Maybe it is dinner time.
The photos show a cage containing two dogs, a black and white mini-Australian Shepherd and an English Bulldog.
In December of 2018 we picked up our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. His friend was an English Bulldog.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy on the floor and behind him is our big Leonberger Bronco.
Our Leonberger Bronco is welcoming Rollo.
The photo shows a young mini-Australian Shepherd puppy and beige pug on a black spotted blanket.
Our pug Daisy and Rollo are saying hello.
The photo shows a dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd puppy sitting on a beige tile floor.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo at 3 months old.
The photos show a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy play fully lying on his side in front of our Leonberger Bronco.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo and our Leonberger Bronco.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd standing on a chair and having his front paws on the table.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo at the table on his seventh birthday. This is a more recent picture, from October of this year.
Two Leonbergers standing next to each other and wearing party headwear typical for a carnival.
Digory and Obi two old sweetheart Leonbergers sending all of your pets their love and sending all of you their love as well. Photo by Jen O’Keefe a friend.

Love Your Pets Every Day

Feel free to add links to your posts about pets in the comments. There is a maximum of two links per comment (how it is set up) so if you want to post many links you need to spread it out over many comments. I am late so don’t worry your comment being late. Any day is fine.

Letting Your Dog Drive the Car

Esther’s writing prompt: February 11 : Drive

Click here or here  to join in.

A photo of a Leonberger puppy wearing a red scarf.
This is a photo of our Leonberger Bronco when he was three months old.
Our Leonberger dog is standing on a red leather sofa, and he is leaning over to give me a hug.
Bronco our Leonberger dog was a very affectionate dog.
On the left is our yellow Labrador Baylor and on the right is our brown and black German Shepherd. They are both lying down and looking into the camera.
Our Labrador Baylor and our German Shepherd Baby. Photo taken at the same time as the top photo above. However, we couldn’t get Bronco to sit still between Baylor and Baby.
Bronco is standing at the kitchen entrance, and our new little dark brown and white puppy is sitting in front of him.
In this photo our Leonberger dog Bronco is eleven and a half years old, and we had acquired a new puppy, a mini-Australian Shepherd by the name Rollo.

One thing all our dogs loved was going for a car ride. The big dogs loved sticking their heads out the window and feeling the wind in their faces. The little dogs loved going places. And they all loved looking at the passing scenery. Oh, the things you can see when you’re “ridin’ in the car, car,” as the Woody Guthrie song goes!

There were some sights that got the dogs especially excited. They would bark if they saw people working on roofs or riding bicycles, for example. They would become even more animated if we got close to a dog park or a McDonald’s drive-through window. (That might have been because sometimes we bought them snacks at the McDonald’s drive-through.)

One time when I was taking Bronco, Baylor, and Baby to the dog park, a car passing me slowed down and started driving right next to me. I looked over, slightly annoyed, and saw that the people in the car were pointing at us and laughing. I was thinking, “What is their problem?” Then I glanced back at the dogs and realized that we did look funny. Bronco was sitting in the front passenger seat with his head close to the roof, looking majestic. Baylor and Baby were sitting in their own seats in the back. They probably looked like human passengers from a distance, but as the people in the car got closer, they realized that the heads weren’t human heads but dogs’ heads and burst out laughing.

I can add that most of the time we put the dogs in the back of our van or SUV but since they preferred to sit on a seat like humans do, we started letting them sit on the seats. If you let them sit on the seats you need to attach them to the car seat latch using dog safety restraint (dog seat belt). Sometimes, the dogs wanted to drive but it is difficult to get a driver license for a dog in Texas. In the picture below Rollo did not really drive the car. I used that photo for an April 1st joke.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is driving a car. He is coming back from a visit to grandma and grandpa.

From Pete Springer (see comments) I got this YouTube video featuring 13 funny and cute Subaru commericals showing dogs driving cars.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Is it difficult to get a dog driver license where you live ?

Caring for Aging Leonbergers

Photo of a Leonberger lying on a leather sofa with my book leaning towards his chest.
An old Canadian Leonberger called Mak with my book The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle. Photo by Debbie Ireland.
Like most very large dogs Leonbergers don’t live very long. Our Leonberger Bronco got his Grey-Muzzle award from the Leonberger Health Foundation International for reaching the age of 12 years old and thus giving hope for a longer life to all Leonbergers.

This is a guest post written by Ryan Goodchild. He emailed me asking me if he could publish this post regarding caring for aging Leonberger. I said yes. I am very grateful to Ryan for his contribution. I added the photos. See his post below.

Caring for Aging Leonbergers: Gentle Stewardship for a Noble Breed

Leonbergers are among the most majestic of dogs, gentle giants with deep eyes and a noble temperament. Yet as they age, their impressive size can make the journey into senior years more complex. Providing attentive, structured care can extend both their lifespan and their sense of ease.

Key Takeways

  • Large breeds like Leonbergers face an earlier onset of joint and heart issues; early detection matters.
  • Routine, low-impact exercise sustains mobility without strain.
  • Dietary adjustments can prevent unnecessary weight gain and inflammation.
  • Organized health tracking improves coordination with veterinarians.
  • Emotional stability and routine help aging Leonbergers thrive.
The photo shows an old Leonberger dog lying on green grass. He is looking into the camera.
Bronco our Leonberger dog is taking a rest during a walk. He is twelve and a half years old.

Movement, Moderation, and Mindful Play

As Leonbergers age, mobility becomes one of the first visible signs of change. These dogs are stoic by nature, and they’ll often mask discomfort until it’s advanced. Structured daily activity, rather than long or sporadic walks, helps maintain joint lubrication and muscle tone. Before implementing the list below, remember: consistency outperforms intensity in senior dogs.

  • Short, frequent walks instead of long treks
  • Gentle swimming or hydrotherapy to maintain strength
  • Orthopedic support beds to reduce pressure on hips
  • Warm-ups and cool-downs before and after activity
  • Avoid stairs and slippery floors
A photo of our Leonberger lying on our green lawn. There are trees and bushes in the background.
Our Leonberger Bronco taking a resting in the grass in our backyard.

The Nutrition Shift: Balancing Strength and Weight

Proper nutrition is the most controllable lever for supporting your Leonberger’s aging body. Senior diets should favor lean protein, omega fatty acids, and joint-supportive ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Maintaining a stable weight relieves stress on the joints and heart, critical in large breeds prone to orthopedic and cardiac issues.

Before introducing supplements or new foods, ask your vet for metabolic screening. Senior metabolism slows down, and caloric needs can drop by 20–30%.

Our Leonberger dog Bronco is standing in front of me and looking straight into the camera. I am sitting down.
Our old Leonberger dog Bronco is coming up to me. Maybe it is dinner time.

Organized Health Tracking for Long-Term Comfort

Keeping your Leonberger’s medical and health information in one place transforms how you coordinate care, especially across multiple veterinarians or specialists. When you can easily review past test results, medication schedules, or dietary shifts, you reduce oversight risks and improve continuity of care. Centralized documentation also helps detect subtle changes over time, like gradual increases in kidney markers or weight fluctuations.

For this reason, an online PDF platform like this is worth a look.It offers practical tools to manage your pet’s documents in PDF form, and you can even convert, compress, edit, rotate, or reorder files. Keeping your records as PDFs ensures they’re universally accessible and easily shareable with any vet clinic.

Old Leonberger with a grey muzzle lying on the ground and looking into the camera.
Old Leonberger. Notice the gray muzzle. Stock Photo ID: 1844035084 by Daniel Lesk.

Create a Home Environment That Supports Aging

Leonbergers are emotional creatures, they notice routine disruptions and physical discomforts more than we realize. Making environmental adjustments will enhance both safety and serenity. Here’s a simple how-to checklist to start with:

➢ Schedule consistent feeding, exercise, and sleep times.

➢ Install nonslip rugs or mats along walking paths.

➢ Keep water bowls elevated to reduce neck strain.

➢ Adjust room temperatures; older dogs chill more easily.

➢Use gentle lighting to help those with fading vision.

➢ Offer mental enrichment through scent games or puzzle toys.

Two Leonbergers standing next to each other and wearing party headwear typical for a carnival.
Digory and Obi two aging Leonbergers. Notice the grey muzzles. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

Early Detection Through Routine Screening

Veterinary visits every six months (instead of annually) are invaluable in the senior stage. They allow for the timely detection of thyroid imbalances, early arthritis, and cardiomyopathy, all common in Leonbergers. Blood pressure checks, urinalysis, and cardiac ultrasounds should be part of your preventive plan. Here’s a quick comparison of recommended tests for senior Leonbergers:

Test TypeFrequencyPurpose
Bloodwork & UrinalysisEvery 6 monthsDetect organ stress or metabolic changes
Orthopedic ExamYearlyIdentify joint deterioration early
EchocardiogramEvery 12–18 monthsScreen for dilated cardiomyopathy
Dental CleaningEvery 6–9 monthsPrevent systemic inflammation
Weight & Body ConditionMonthly at homeTrack obesity risk
A photo of our old Leonberger lying on the sidewalk.
Our Leonberger Bronco taking a break during a walk. He is old for a Leonberger. He is 12 years old and 10 months.

Emotional Presence: The Subtle Form of Care

Leonbergers thrive on companionship. As they age, separation anxiety or confusion can intensify, especially if cognitive decline begins. Maintain a calm household rhythm, avoid sudden relocations, and keep them close to family life. The reassurance of your presence often does more for their comfort than any supplement or therapy.

FAQ

  1. How often should I adjust my Leonberger’s diet as they age?
    Most dogs benefit from a nutritional review every 6–9 months, as caloric and protein needs change. Work with your vet to adjust based on body condition and lab values. Small, incremental changes prevent digestive upset and weight swings.
  2. What’s the right exercise level for an elderly Leonberger?
    Aim for multiple 10–15 minute walks daily and low-impact play. Overexertion accelerates joint wear, while too little activity causes stiffness and muscle loss. Observe recovery time after walks as your guide.
  3. Can joint supplements really help?
    Yes, glucosamine, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and pain when used consistently. Results may take 4–8 weeks, so track improvements patiently. Always choose vet-approved formulations designed for large breeds.
  4. How do I recognize signs of cognitive decline?
    Look for pacing, confusion, or nighttime restlessness. These signs can mimic anxiety but often stem from age-related cognitive dysfunction. Specialized diets and enrichment can help slow progression.
  5. Is it okay to groom my senior Leonberger as before?
    Grooming is still essential, but adjust for comfort. Shorter sessions with frequent breaks reduce fatigue and stress. Keep nails trimmed to prevent balance issues and discomfort.
  6. When is it time to consider palliative or hospice care?
    When daily mobility, appetite, and emotional engagement decline significantly despite treatment, it may be time to focus on comfort. A quality-of-life assessment from your vet can guide compassionate decisions. The goal shifts from curing to easing.
The photo shows the face of Leonberger lying down.
Closeup of old Leonberger Stock Photo ID: 1942925251 by Wirestock Creators.

Conclusion

Caring for an aging Leonberger is both an art and an act of devotion. It’s about more than prolonging life, it’s about enriching every moment your dog still wants to share. With consistent monitoring, gentle activity, and a serene home rhythm, your Leonberger can continue to live with grace, dignity, and the steady comfort of your presence.

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:

ConcernWhat to WatchPreventive Actions
Hip & Elbow DysplasiaLimping, stiffnessKeep weight balanced, feed joint-support diets
Bloat (Gastric Torsion)Restlessness, distended bellyFeed smaller meals, avoid heavy exercise after eating
Heart ConditionsFatigue, coughingAnnual cardiac exams
Cancer (esp. bone)Sudden lameness or painRegular 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.

A pretty dark-haired Caucasian girl in a plaid shirt hugs her cute Leonberger dog. The concept is friendship and loyalty.
A woman and her Leonberger dog. Asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko

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.

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.

Dogs Are Family

Esther’s writing prompt: December 24th: Family

Click here or here  to join in.

With this post I wanted to remind everyone that dogs are family, and we should not forget that during the holidays, you should give them extra cuddles and some presents and let them participate in the festivities if possible.

Our Latest Trip to Baltimore

First, I wanted to say a few words about the latest addition to our family, our first grandson Jack. Our oldest son Jacob and his wife Ashley live in Baltimore, Maryland, and their son Jack is three months old. We’ve visited him a few times since his birth and these pictures are from our latest visit about a week ago. Jack is a healthy and happy baby who does a lot of cooing. See the photos below and the short video.

A photo of a three months old baby sitting in the corner of a sofa.
Jack in the sofa. Three months old.
A photo of the three of us sitting in the sofa. Baby Jack is sitting on the right. He is wearing a Pajamas.
My wife Claudia is on the left, I am in the middle and Jack is on the right.

Our Dogs Are Family

I did not grow up with dogs, and I was not even particularly fond of them, and then when we got our first family dog, the yellow Labrador Baylor, I really got to know and love dogs, and it changed my life. Now, I think I love dogs more than people. Well, at least I have learned that dogs are wonderful people. They always come with us to gatherings whenever possible and they got along very well. Our latest dog Rollo loved his sister Daisy and his big brother Bronco but he has a hard time tolerating any other dogs.

My wife, opening the trunk of our red van as Baylor, our Labrador is preparing to jump.
My wife Claudia and our first family dog the Labrador Baylor. This was back in the day. Our niece gave us Baylor because she was going to college. In turn she had gotten him from a shelter. He was a mix, one quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback and three quarters Yellow Labrador. He was able to jump up into the trunk of our van. Baylor was my first dog (not my wife’s first dog), and he taught me a lot about being a dog parent.
The photo shows a yellow labrador swimming in the middle of an Olympic sized pool.
Our Labrador Baylor is swimming in Claudia’s parents pool. He loved swimming, and he loved that pool and swam in it a lot.
A dark brown and black German Shepherd walking around in a dog park.
Our German Shepherd Baby at the dog park.
Two dogs looking into the camera. An old yellow Labrador on the left and the dark brown and black German Shepherd on the right.
Our Labrador Baylor and our German Shepherd Baby. Baylor was older in this picture. We had just gotten our Leonberger Bronco.
The photo shows a Leonberger puppy wearing a red scarf. He is looking into the camera.
This is our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) at three months old.
Three dogs sitting on the floor, a Leonberger, a Japanese Chin and a Pug.
Our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle), our Japanese Chin Ryu, and our Pug Daisy in the front right.
Three dogs running. On the left and unknown dog, in the middle a yellow Lab and on the right a Japanese Chin.
At the White Rock Lake dog park. Baylor our Labrador in the middle. He was old in this photo. Our Japanese Chin Ryu on the right.
The photo shows a Pug in the front left and a black and white Japanese Chin in the back to the right.
Our Pug Daisy and our Japanese Chin Ryu.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu is licking our beige pug Daisy’s ear. She is sitting in front of a vent.
Our Pug Daisy often sat in front of vents when she was cold. Daisy and our Japanese Chin Ryu were very close, like a couple. Daisy was obviously grieving when Ryu died, from cancer a bit early at only ten years old. Bronco was grieving as well.
Daisy our beige pug is lying over the back of our beige leather sofa.
Daisy is exhausted after doing nothing for a whole day.
The photos show a cage containing two dogs, a black and white mini-Australian Shepherd and an English Bulldog.
In December of 2018 we picked up our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. His friend was an English Bulldog.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy on the floor and behind him is our big Leonberger Bronco.
Our Leonberger Bronco is welcoming Rollo.
The photo shows a young mini-Australian Shepherd puppy and beige pug on a black spotted blanket.
Our pug Daisy and Rollo are saying hello.
The photo shows a dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd puppy sitting on a beige tile floor.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo at 3 months old.
The photos show a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy play fully lying on his side in front of our Leonberger Bronco.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo and our Leonberger Bronco.
The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd standing on a chair and having his front paws on the table.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo at the table on his seventh birthday. This is a more recent picture, from October of this year.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Happy Holidays Everyone

Leonbergers Giving Gifts to Pugs

Esther’s writing prompt: 17th December : Giving

Click here or here  to join in.

Dogs give gifts and do nice things for people and other dogs. In this post I am describing three occasions when our late Leonberger Bronco gave our Pug Daisy gifts.

Leonberger Shares a Gingerbread House

Our Leonberger dog Bronco (his full name was Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) was an expert counter surfer, which is why we installed a pet gate to the entrance of our kitchen. Bronco knew how to open gates if they were not locked, so you had to make sure that you did not just close the gate but lock it. However, one December day I forgot to lock the gate. That was the day our daughter had made a gingerbread house and left it on the kitchen counter. Guess who ate half the gingerbread house? Guess who ate some of the other half? Bronco shared some with Daisy. He was always very generous. The photo below is what I saw when I got home that day.

A pug on the left, and Leonberger dog on the right. There are pieces of a gingerbread house on the floor. There is an open gate in the background.
The open gate behind Daisy and Bronco permitted their gingerbread-house raid.

Leonberger Shares a Baked Potato

I believe dogs have empathy, and sometimes they want to share—at least Bronco did. There was a time when we were in our home eating take-out food and Bronco stole one of our dinners, including meat, vegetables, and a baked potato. He started eating the meat, then he glanced at Daisy, who was sitting in the middle of the floor looking sad. Immediately he took the baked potato in his mouth and carried it over to her and dropped it right at her feet. I was going to get mad at him for stealing, but when I saw his kindhearted and unselfish act, I let it be.

Daisy our pug is sitting in front of a vent.
Daisy our Pug was sitting there looking sad, but she got a baked potato with bacon and butter. I should say that the photo is from another occasion when she sat in front of the vent because she was cold. But it is close enough.

Leonberger Saves our Pug Daisy’s Life

On another occasion, Bronco did something else amazing for Daisy. Despite having issues with his paws—this was around the time he was being treated for squamous cell carcinoma—he saved Daisy from an attacking German shepherd who was running loose.

We were at my wife Claudia’s parents’ house, just leaving, standing on their driveway, when one of their neighbors came out to drop some garbage in the trash can at the end of her driveway. With her was a young, probably adolescent, German shepherd, and he was not on a leash. As we were standing on the porch, I suddenly saw the shepherd flying through the bushes, his teeth bared. He quickly charged us—viciously.

First, he went for Daisy, but Bronco got between them to protect her. Essentially, Bronco saved her life. The shepherd bit his leg in return. Bronco was almost twelve when this happened, and he was not as strong as he used to be. A German shepherd would have been an easy opponent for Bronco just a few years earlier, but at that point he was old, and he did not need the extra stress.

I kicked the German shepherd in the stomach, and he ran off. Bronco’s legs were weak—he had recently had a toe operation, and his walking was unsteady—so seeing the shepherd going for the leg on which he had had his operation was very upsetting. The shepherd could have bitten me, of course, and I could have been severely injured, but I didn’t care. I was defending my dogs—who were all on a leash, by the way. If the shepherd had bitten me, the owner could have been criminally charged, and there could have been a lawsuit

The owner of the shepherd came over to apologize, but I cursed at her. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but she had a vicious and dangerous dog, and she intentionally let him run loose. In the end, though, there were no major injuries. Bronco’s leg was slightly hurt, but overall, he was fine. These days, whenever we talk about this incident, I jokingly refer to the neighbor dog as Cujo. I should say that we’ve had a German Shepherd who was a sweetheart, so this is story is in no way an attempt to disparage German Shepherds. They are typically wonderful dogs as well.

In conclusion, this third example was an example of Bronco giving up his safety and potential health to protect our Pug Daisy.

The photo shows our Leonberger Bronco standing in the backyard as a sun ray is shining down over his head.
Bronco was a hero saving Daisy’s life.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Respect your Dog

Esther’s writing prompt: 10th December : Respect

Click here or here  to join in.

Dogs are living conscious beings, and they should not be mistreated, hurt or treated disrespectfully. For example, don’t allow kids to play rough with dogs or take their food. Do not hit them. Do not push their face towards the feces when they have an accident inside the house. There is a widespread false misconception that you should. Again, respect your dog.

Do not keep them outside for a long time in the heat or cold. Do not abandon them, especially not to the wild where they will not survive. When your dog gets old, slow and boring, take care of it. You can get a new puppy but do not ever replace an old dog with a puppy. Doing so is cruel and immoral. Dogs deserve your respect.

This may be self-evident to most dog owners. However, I have seen people do these things to dogs and worse, so it bears repeating.

Do not let kids or Puppies Pull a Dog’s Tail

Playing with a dog is, of course, fine. They love running after balls and other toys and having fun in the backyard, playing with kids and other dogs. However, having their tail pulled is not their version of fun and it can cause a dog to bite. I am guilty of this myself. When I was a kid, I pulled the tail of my uncle’s dog and I almost got bitten. When our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo was still a puppy he sometimes pestered our Leonberger Bronco by pulling his tail and even dangling in it like a swing. We did not allow this, but accidents happened. Luckily Bronco was very patient with Rollo, and he let us know when there was tail biting mischief under way so that we could remove Rollo.

The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd biting a Leonberger’s tail.
Rollo, our mini-Australian Shepherd, frequently bit our Leonberger Bronco’s tail, and he even swung in it like a swing. He climbed all over Bronco. Bronco was very patient with him. Naturally, we did not allow this, but accidents happened.

Do not let kids ride big dogs

Do not allow children to ride big dogs like a horse. This could cause severe spinal injuries to the dog because their backs aren’t built for weight. The dog may also bite the kid to defend itself.

A small boy is sitting on the back of a big Leonberger dog. A red X is drawn across the picture, and it features the text Don’t in red.
Don’t allow. This is very dangerous to the dog as well as the kid as the dog may bite. The dog in the picture is a Leonberger. This image was generated with the help of AI/ChatGPT.

Dogs Get Lonely

Don’t leave dogs alone for extended periods of time. Dogs need to potty, they need interaction, they get lonely and anxious. It is typically fine to leave an adult dog at home for a couple of hours but much longer than that could be a problem. If the dog goes potty on the floor when home alone for a long time, well that is not the dog’s fault. You clean it up and apologize to the dog.

A dark brown and white Australian Shepherd is looking out the window of a brick house.
A lonely Australian Shepherd looking out the window. This image was generated with the help of AI/ChatGPT.
Rollo our dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd is standing in front of the window looking out. You can see the reflection of me and the rest of the neighborhood in the window, obscuring Rollo a bit.
Rollo is looking out the window. We don’t leave him for very long but when we do he sits and looks out the window. You can see the reflection of me taking the photo and of the neighborhood in the window.

It is a little bit better when dogs have the company of each other.

A pug and a mini-Australian Shepherd are standing on the sofa looking out the window. The joke goes: Daisy says : Rollo do you want to hear a joke? Rollo says OK. Daisy says Knock! Knock! They both start barking like crazy.
Daisy’s and Rollo’s knock knock joke.

Hugs May not be Welcome

Perhaps surprisingly most dogs find hugs uncomfortable and stressful because they restrict their natural “flight” instinct and make them feel threatened, even though humans see it as affection. Our Leonberger gave us Leonberger hugs, meaning he leaned on us, or pressed his body against us, but like most dogs he probably did not like human arms around his body. If you put your arms around a dog they may start licking their lips, yawning, or even trying to get away. These are stress signals. If they lick your face in this situation, it is not likely to be a kiss, but attempted appeasement. Essentially, the dog wants to please you, but he is wondering why you are mean by giving him a hug without his consent.

The picture shows a Leonberger dog looking forward as boy on his right is hugging the dog and putting his arm around him.
Hugs may not be welcome. Watch for lip licking and other stress signals when kids do this. Perhaps ask the kid not to squeeze the dog with his arms. This image was generated with the help of AI/ChatGPT.

In the picture below our Leonberger Bronco is reaching out to me to give me a hug, as I entered the room, but maybe I should not have put my arm around him. I should say Bronco was a very tolerant dog.

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

To learn more about the complex question of dog hugs you can watch the 8 minute video below.

In summary, Respect Your Dog

To visit a related post, Promises To My Dog, click here.

What are your favorite animals Not Murder Moose Anymore

When I was in second grade, I liked horror stories, and my favorite animal was the Murder Moose. The Murder Moose was a big Moose with big teeth, and it went around killing people in my village in northern Sweden where I lived. In school I wrote my first story about the Murder Moose, and I made a drawing. My story and my drawing are unfortunately lost but with the help of ChatGPT I made another drawing based on my memories from my childhood’s Murder Moose. I should say that at the time I knew nothing about Dinosaurs yet, otherwise my favorite animal might have been Dinosaurs.

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite animals?
View all responses
A moose with big antlers and giant sharp teeth.
The murder moose in my second grade story. The picture was generated by ChatGPT.

As an adult my perspective has changed. Now I love dogs. I have a dog, Rollo, and have owned many dogs, something that I never had a chance to do as a kid. I love dogs very much and I am especially fond of Leonberger dogs. I wrote a book about Leonbergers and our late Leonberger dog Bronco, or Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle to be precise. The title of the book is “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger”.

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 is 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.
Old black and white photo showing a man holding a Leonberger with a leash.
Bronco’s direct ancestor on the male side Leo von der Sagmuhle in Germany about 100 years ago (18 generations). The Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database keeps track of all registered Leonbergers, making ancestry research for Leonberger dogs easy.
Claudia my wife sitting in a red sofa with our very big dog in her lap.
Our Leonberger Bronco sitting in my wife’s lap. He was 167 pounds at the time.
A Leonberger is lying on the floor, and my book is leaning against the dog.
Hachi a one-year-old Canadian Leonberger with my Leonberger book. The owner and photographer are Brenda Saito and her husband.

However, the first dogs we had as a family was our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby. I should say that Baylor was not a purebred Labrador, he was one quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Our yellow Lab Baylor is sitting on the left. Our brown-black German Shepherd Baby is sitting on the right.
Our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby. They were both rescues.

One of the reasons I love dogs is that they are very social and often quite intelligent. They provide companionship, they are loving, loyal, fun, innocent, playful and they can also provide protection whether it is physically or just because of their barking, which alerts us to the presence of strangers. Add to that the fact that you need to take them for daily walks, which will keep you healthy as well.

Bronco, Baylor, and Baby were not our only dogs. Below are various photos of our dogs.

Our pug Daisy is on the lawn on the left. Our Leonberger Bronco is standing on the right.
Our Leonberger Bronco and our Pug Daisy
Our daughter 9 years old is holding the paws of our Japanese Chin Ryu. Ryu is standing on his back legs, and it looks like he is laughing.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu with our daughter who was 9 years old at the time.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu is sitting on the wood floor.
Our Japanese Chin Ryu.
Our pug Daisy is lying on her back on the gravel. There is also a toy duck.
Our pug Daisy loved to sunbath even when it was hot. Here she is catching some rays while lying on our old backyard porch, which had gravel.
Our Leonberger Bronco is lying on the floor. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is lying on his side wanting to be petted.
Our Leonberger Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.
Rachel kneeling on the floor and petting our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo who is on the left as well as our pug Daisy who is on the right.

Our daughter with our pug Daisy and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.
There is text above the wolf on the left that says “Canis Lupus, the grey wolf is a fearsome and courageous hunter in nature.”. There is a text above Rollo on the right that says “Canis Lupus familiaris, the dog, a close relative of the grey wolf, is sometimes less brave. This specimen prefers to sit in a stroller when he hears strange sounds.”
A gray wolf on the left. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo sitting in a stroller on the right. Whenever there was a sound that scared him, such as quacking ducks, or someone banging on something, he wanted to sit in Daisy’s stroller.

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