> see also "Caring for your Leonberger"
Leonberg, Germany (1846)
Landseer (black & white newfoundland), St. Bernard, and Great Pyrenees
Working Dog
Family/companion, guard/protection, therapy dog, tracking, search and rescue, water rescue, herding, and carting. Leonbergers are also suitable for hiking, obedience, agility work and basically anything else you can dream up to teach them.
Large/giant breed (Males: 28.5" to 31.5" and approximately 120 to 150 lbs. Females 25.5" to 29.5" and 90 to 120 lbs.)
The Leonberger was originally bred to resemble the lion on the town crest of Leonberg, Germany. Males typically develop a "mane" and the breed often exhibits a lion-like gait. Unlike many large-breed dogs Leonbergers are dry-mouth, meaning they should have tight flews and do not drool. Leonbergers are known for their mellow yet lively temperament, their marked friendliness and gentleness with children, and their love of water. It is important to note that as a family pet the Leonberger expects to be a member of the family (a member of the family is not locked up alone outside in a cage). After all, it's not just a dog, it's a Leonberger! Leos need lots of love, attention, and room to play. A bored Leonberger will find a way of amusing itself that you might consider undesirable, for instance, "re-landscaping" your yard or "redecorating" your home.
Because of strict breeding regulations* the Leonberger is relatively free from a large portion of the problems that affect many dog breeds. However, there are some anomalies and other health issues that need to be carefully considered as they occasionally appear in the breed. For more information on Leonberger health issues please visit the site of the LCA's Health, Research, and Education Committee at www.leowatch.org. If you own a Leo you are strongly encouraged to take part in the HREC's Health Survey.
Hip Dysplasia - As a large breed the Leonberger can be prone to hip dysplasia (though the occurrence is lower than other breeds of its size). HD can range in severity from slight abnormality to severe dislocation. X-rays are used to evaluate the problem and x-rays submitted to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) are rated as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderately or Severely Dysplastic. HD is hereditary but can be worsened by environmental factors such as excessive exercise/injury and overweight.
Elbow Dysplasia - There are several abnormalities of the elbow joint, including OCD, that can occur. Like HD, these are hereditary but influenced by environmental factors.
OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans) - OCD is an abnormality in the cartilage of various joints. Cartilage may break off and result in painful rubbing and subsequent inflamation of the joint. OCD is thought to have genetic and environmental factors and influences.
Panosteitis (a.k.a. "Growing Pains" or "Pano") - This condition generally occurs in growing Leos (5-12 months), and though painful, usually resolves itself. A dog with pano will often favor or limp on one leg and then shift to limping on another. Some people recommend slowing the growth rate of a puppy (if this is possible) by restricting the protein content in their food. Others believe that growth rate is determined mostly by genetics, not food, and that a growing pup needs the higher protein content in their food. Generally speaking, if your Leo rests and takes it easy, it will probably outgrow the problem.
Overweight/Obesity - Obesity aggravates the joint abnormalities mentioned above and causes other health problems as well. The issue of too many overweight Leonbergers has arisen as some breeders breed for size. . .and the fatter the dog, the larger it appears. Inactivity has also contributed to this problem as the Leonberger needs regular exercise and should, as an adult working dog, be able to engage in vigorous activity for extended periods of time without tiring.
Cancer - Cancer is the #1 killer of Leos. The most common of these cancers is Osteosarcoma/Bone Cancer.
Allergies - Allergies are an underrated problem in the Leonberger and should be taken seriously into consideration when breeding since they are likely hereditary. Allergies often manifest themselves as skin problems (including "hot spots"), ear problems/infections, and frequent diarrhea. Some of the problems are caused by food allergies and can be controlled by determining and avoiding certain foods.
Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is also observed far too frequently in the Leonberger breed (with symptoms including lethargy, a tendency to be overweight, and poor overall health). Onset is often slow and subtle, making it difficult for some owners to detect. It is treated with daily pills of thyroid hormone, but since it is hereditary, affected dogs should not be bred.
Addison's Disease - This is a rare hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands that, if undiagnosed, can lead to death. However, if diagnosed, it can be successfully treated by replacing the necessary hormones via pills or injections. Addison's is thought to be hereditary, and more specifically autosomal recessive, which means that genes from both ("carrier") parents are needed to have an affected dog. Addison's has been observed in both American and European Leos (although many European countries do not test for this disease). So far, careful breeding has slowed the incidence of Addison's in the Leonberger.
Perianal Fistulas - This painful chronic condition is extremely difficult to treat. Deep, draining, infected sacs around the anus often appear, and reappear in spite of treatment. This condition is likely hereditary and could be linked to allergies. Dogs with this condition should not be bred.
Missing Teeth - According to the Leonberger standard, Leos should have "full dentition" (missing M3s are permitted). Keeping the standard should help ensure that the Leo muzzle/head stays consistent. Leos with short muzzles (the proportion of muzzle to backskull is not 1:1) seem to be more prone to missing teeth or teeth that break/crack and must be removed.
Heart Disease - Though it is not currently a common problem in the Leonberger, heart problems are often hereditary and should be carefully avoided when selecting breeding Leos.
Heart Failure/Dialated Cardiomyopathy - There is some indication of this condition being hereditary, and since it is fatal and relatively untreatable, careful breeding is a must.
Eye Problems - Entropion (inverted eyelids resulting in squinty/weepy eyes) and Ectropion (loose eyelids) eyes are sometimes seen in the Leonberger. Although these conditions can be corrected with surgery, affected dogs should not be bred due to genetic factors. Cataracts are also present in the Leo. Regular CERF testing is recommended for early detection and treatment of these and other eye problems.
Digestive Disorders/Bloat - This condition is rarely seen in the Leonberger, though it is more common in similar large/deep-chested breeds. The stomach fills with gas and rotates, requring emergency veterinary treatment and sometimes surgery. The cause of bloat is unknown.
Hernias - Hernias vary in severity, but in Leos are ususally small. It is difficult to distinguish hereditary hernias from those caused by environmental factors, so care should be taken when selecting breeding Leos.
Laryngeal Paralysis or Polyneuropathy - These are serious, debilitating neurological disorders that affect muscle function. In the case of Laryngeal paralysis, abnormal barking, wheezing and choking can occur. Research is being done in America and in Europe to determine the genetic inheritance of these diseases.
Cryptorchidism (one/no testicles) and Pyometra (uterine infection) - Cryptorchidism is a hereditary problem that can lead to testicular cancer. It is likely autosomal (meaning that both males and females can carry and pass on the gene). Pyometra often occurs after an intact female's heat cycle. Symptoms can be subtle, including fever, increased thirst and vaginal discharge.
Von Willebrand's Disease (vWB) - This bleeding disorder involves ineffective blood clotting, and currently has a low incidence in Leos. Dogs affected with vWB often do not experience a bleeding problem unless there is trauma/surgery involved. Leos should be tested for vWB factor so that dogs with carrier levels are not bred together (since this could result in vWB affected offspring).
Anesthesia Sensitivity - Though not very common in Leos, care should be taken to use a high quality anesthesia, and only administered when absolutely necessary (look around, there are vets out there that do not insist on putting a dog out to x-ray their hips/elbows).
PLEASE DO YOUR PART IN PRESERVING THE HEALTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE LEONBERGER BY CHOOSING RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS
*It is important to note that not all Leonberger breeders are obligated to adhere to the breeding regulations and the code of ethics of the Leonberger Club of America (LCA). Please visit the web site of the LCA to find more information about the Leonberger breed at www.leonbergerclubofamerica.com Those who are planning on getting a Leonberger puppy are encouraged to become a member of the LCA. Those getting a Leo from another country should ensure that the breeder is a member in good standing with their national Leonberger Club, and review the breeding regulations of that club.