Pete meets a Leonberger

[Holden's Mom]

Yesterday while visiting grandma in a small rural Indiana town, our boy Pete met a Leonberger girl. So very large, well over 120 pounds, and very well behaved while walking on a leash. This is one breed I had never seen or even heard of. Her owner was nearly as crazy as most of us, wearing a polo shirt with the LCA (Leonberger Club of America) logo. Nice lady and nice dog.

Are any of you familair with this breed? A google search turned up some info. These dogs were bred in Germany in the 1800's and named after the city. They were bred from the Newfies, St. Bernards and Pyrenees. Very large, but striking and elegant.

It's fun to meet new friends and learn something in the experience.

Pam and Pete

 

[stonydell]

My friend was searching to aquire one of these after meeting an owner much like the one you described. He did a lot of research. They are very rare and the ones that own them treat them like they are part of an exclusive club. I do not believe they are AKC registered but the breeders go to endless measures to ensure only the best of the best are allowed to purchase one. My friend contacted a breeder (hard to even find one) and the application process alone was so intense, he felt overwhelmed! This is not necessarily a bad thing as you certainly don't hear about BYBs of this breed!!!

These dogs can get HUGE! They make St. Bernards look small. I've read about some that were well over 175 lbs. They are from a similar background as the St. Bernard and are very very gentle and loyal creatures, from my understanding.

They are also known as "lean-on-bergers" because they like to lean against you and/or children would lean up against them. Another nickname is "lionhound" because of the mane they have. A very beautiful but high-maintanence beast of a wonderful dog. My friend eventually discovered a part-Leonberger who was picked up by a shelter in TN. I was very glad that he took this boy in as the dog was obviously abused and abandoned by the previous owner. Such a gentle and loving boy but very very timid and scarred by someone in its past. I get angry just thinking about it. But my friend has given him the attention, love, and care he's needed.

If you ever see a huge furry creature pulling his owner down the sidewalk, stop and see if it's a Leonberger! They're amazing things to see and pet.