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There are many FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article
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This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
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It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other
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==========
The Leonberger
Author
Caroline Bliss-Isberg, January 1995, rev. January 1996, rev. August
1998 Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1998 by Caroline Bliss-Isberg. You may
download and print a copy for your personal use; for further
distribution you must have the written permission of the authors.
For information beyond the scope of this FAQ, visit LeoWorld at
http://www.Leonberger.com. You may also want to subscribe to the
LEOLIST, an enthusiastic group of about 700 Leo devotees, with traffic
of 20-25 messages a day. Subscribe by sending an email message to
[email protected] with the words SUBSCRIBE LEOLIST in the
textbox.
_________________________________________________________________
_Table of Contents_
Introduction to Leonbergers
Characteristics and Temperament
Frequently Asked Questions
History
Standard
Kennel Club Recognition
Special Medical Problems
The International Union for Leonberger Dogs
Resources
_________________________________________________________________
_Introduction to Leonbergers_
Leonbergers, or Leos, as they are known to their friends, are loyal,
outgoing "lions" who love children, other animals, and water.
Originating in the mid-nineteenth century in Leonberg, Germany, these
wonderful, weatherproof family dogs are arguably the oldest of the
German pure breeds. Although fairly well-known in France, Germany, and
Scandinavia, they are still considered a rare breed in most countries.
One of the giant breeds, the Leonberger is powerful and elegant.
Females stand 26 to 28 inches at the withers and weigh more than 100
pounds. Males are usually considerably larger, standing 28-31 inches
and weighing as much as 150 pounds (although most are in the 120-pound
range). Their luxurious double coat is lion-colored, ranging from a
light sand to a rich mahogany, accented by a black mask and often
black tips on the body fur. Their noble, impressive appearance is
complemented by dark, almond-shaped eyes characterized by an open,
gentle, friendly expression.
Leos are classified by the FCI as watch dogs and working dogs (Group
2, Section 2.2) and are considered ideal family members. They are
exceedingly family-oriented and demonstrate an ardent need to be an
integral member of their family "pack." They are enthusiastic
participants in most family endeavors and are adept at hiking,
backpacking, running, swimming, and socializing at family gatherings.
And they work as enthusiastically as they play: Throughout the world,
Leos have demonstrated success in such activities as water rescue,
tracking, agility, carting, therapy, and other tasks involving great
strength and agility coupled with gentleness. However, they are also
content to recline quietly with their families in front of the living
room hearth. Guido Perosino, the founder of the Italian Leonberger
club, notes in his 1998 book, _The Leonberger_:
"_. . . the most interesting characteristic of the Leonberger is
his lack of specialization. Although his is the body, the strength
and the muscle of a typical working dog, the fact that he has been
selectively bred for the balanced temperament of a house dog . .
rather than for any precise working task, has gifted him with a
versatility almost unique on the present canine scene. The
Leonberger adapts himself well and often spontaneously to various
uses; he seems to know instinctively what is expected of him."_
Leonbergers have been compared to those other famous German imports,
the BMW and the Mercedes-Benz. They all come from Schwabia and they
are all dependable, classy, stable, agile, elegant, and powerful!
_________________________________________________________________
_Characteristics and Temperament_
Noble, powerful, and gentle are the best descriptors of the Leonberger
breed. Ideal Leos resemble one's childhood image of Nana in Peter Pan:
big, soft, warm, protective companions, perfect for nestling into or
clutching if you are a toddler. Leos are sometimes affectionately
referred to as "lean-on-bergers" because of their tendency to lean
against their loved ones.
Leos are known for their stability. As a general rule, they are
consistently even-tempered and generally pleasing to be around even in
noisy and chaotic situations that would be highly stressful for some
other breeds. A typical and impressive sight at all-breed dog shows is
a large "pride" of Leonbergers peacefully and contentedly sitting and
lying together in close quarters. However, on closer observation one
will find that males and females in the midst of "hormone storms" are
carefully separated and have been placed at opposite ends of the
group.
Leonbergers are excellent watchdogs, not given to frivolous barking or
unnecessary alarms. Their imposing size and deep bark are usually
enough to deter uninvited guests. They come from watchdog stock, and
therefore, instinctively establish and valiantly maintain their
household's territorial rights. However, upon receiving the OK from
family members, strangers are accepted and welcomed.
To become excellent family and watchdogs, Leonbergers must be well
socialized as young puppies and extremely well-trained and under the
control of their people at all times. It is difficult to train a dog
that has been improperly socialized. The fear of parvo has led some
owners to make the tragic mistake of keeping their puppies isolated
until they have completed their vaccination series; they risk ending
up with a fearful, timid dog that may become aggressive as an adult.
Owners must strike a balance: Puppies, especially from birth through
four months, MUST be exposed to a variety of people and experiences.
There are many parvo-safe activities and places to take dogs, and new
owners have to take the time to expose their new pups to as many of
these as possible. This is especially true for one's second and third
Leo; it is too easy to keep the new pup in the company of the older
dogs, depriving him of the opportunity to develop self-confidence.
Leos are large dogs and are frightening to many people simply by
virtue of their size. Fear and aggression in a stranger can often
activate a dog's protective instincts. Huge dogs can also do a great
deal of damage just by jumping up on someone in a burst of enthusiasm.
_When you invite a Leonberger to share your life, you bring to that
contract the responsibility to make sure that both you and your dog
receive excellent obedience training._
__________________________________________________________________
____Frequently Asked Questions_
Would they make good family dogs?
Leos are devoted family members, especially fond of children and well
able to tolerate other household animals. They remain stable and calm
amid noise and chaos, and will participate joyfully in almost any
family venture, from boring shopping trips to stimulating hikes in the
woods or swims at the beach. It is vital that these very sociable dogs
be an integral part of family life, as they suffer more than most
breeds if kept from family-"pack" activities.
What about health and life-span?
Leos are subject to the short life span and various health problems
that plague most giant breeds. However, Leos tend to be healthier
overall than the other giant breeds. This is true because Leo breeders
in all countries have been health conscious. Stringent breeding
regulations are adhered to on a voluntary basis in every country where
the FCI issues papers. Dogs in Germany are registered with the FCI
through the German Kennel Club, which has designated the National
Breed club to keep the stud book and supervise registrations.
Therefore, breeding is closely supervised, and breeders must adhere to
the Deutsche Club f�r Leonberger Hunde breeding regulations for a
puppy to be registered. In America, because the Leonberger Club of
America maintains the stud book and issues all legitimate
registrations, no American-born dog can be registered with the LCA
unless the very strict breeding regulations have been followed for
both the sire and the dam of the litter. These regulations are far
more stringent than those required by breed clubs whose parent
organization is the AKC. The American breeding regulations can be
found in their entirety on the LeoWorld Web site or obtained by
writing the LCA. Also, more details about Leonberger health can be
found in the health section of this FAQ.
Are they easy to train?
Leos are not natural obedience and agility zealots; however, they are
so loyal and conforming to their family's culture and expectations
that they tend to participate in obedience exercises in order to
please. Because they are so calm and stable, they perform well even
when their handlers are stressed. They usually excel in commands like
Down, Stay! Achieving a perfectly executed Sit and Finish is another
story. Leos are known in obedience classes for their casual approach
to sitting. The sitting part is not a problem, but sitting up straight
is not a priority for a dog that prefers to be laid back and relaxed.
Retrieving is also not a favorite activity. Chasing a ball, a toy, or
a stick is great fun, but bringing it back is such a bother! There are
Leos with obedience and agility titles, but these don't come as easily
as they do for smaller dogs.
How about grooming?
Their long, thick coat misleads some into believing that they require
a lot of care. They actually require less care than most dogs. Except
for semi-annual "molts," they only shed moderately. Their coats are
waterproof and very wear resistant. Daily brushing is necessary to
keep their coats shining and elegant , as well as to keep clothes and
furniture in acceptable condition. It's worth noting that grooming,
beyond brushing, toe nail clipping, and a little trimming to even the
fur on toe tips, is not allowed for the conformation ring in Europe.
The natural look of a real working dog that does real work is the
sought-after ideal.
What questions should I ask a breeder before choosing a puppy?
Be very sure that the breeder is a member of their country's
Leonberger Club and is on the current list of approved breeders. That
is your only assurance that the strict breeding standards imposed by
most countries have been followed. The FCI does not require any more
than the AKC in the way of breeding standards, but most of the
national clubs are diligent in requiring adherence to very precise
guidelines developed to minimize genetic flaws and diseases. If the
price quoted for a Leo is out of line, either much lower or higher
than the typical price for your country, that is a cue to be careful
and visit several breeders. Leos are expensive (in the $1,000 range,
regardless of country), but Leonberger breeders have been diligent
about not letting prices get driven up to the level that greed
interferes with good breeding practices. The current prices allow most
breeders to recoup the costs of breeding healthy litters and also help
keep frivolous buyers from purchasing dogs.
Do they drool?
No! Leos were bred with an eye toward eliminating drooling. They will
occasionally drool when stressed or after drinking (usually with their
heads and front paws as far as possible in the water!).
How do I get one?
Because Leos are carefully bred only after the age of 2 years and with
a minimum of a year between litters for each female, they are limited
in number and may be difficult to acquire. The typical Leonberger
breeder is highly selective when choosing homes for the puppies. The
best approach is to subscribe to a national Leonberger club newsletter
and begin corresponding or conversing with breeders in your area. A
good method is to get on a waiting list for a puppy bred by a breeder
whose dogs you like.
Where and in what events can Leos be shown?
Leos can be shown in a wide variety of events in fun matches, rare
breed shows and, of course, all FCI-sponsored events. Besides
conformation and obedience, Leos participate and enjoy tracking,
pulling, agility, and especially therapy work. All of the clubs listed
in the Kennel Club Recognition_ _section below, sponsor regional,
national and international events for Leonbergers.
_________________________________________________________________
_History_
The early history of the Leonberger is clouded and tumultuous,
revolving around the enthusiasms and exploits of Heinrich Essig
(1809-1889). Essig was a successful politician with a genius for
marketing and public relations. He was an alderman and a prominent
citizen in Leonberg, a town on the outskirts of Stuttgart in southern
Germany. (Leonberg is just 50 kilometers from Rottweil, another famous
town that gave its name to the dog breed that originated there.) Essig
was a successful professional animal trader who surrounded himself
with a variety of rare and exotic animals. In dogs, he preferred large
and imposing breeds, which he bred, bought and sold internationally.
In our time, we would probably consider him an irresponsible
puppy-mill owner. He bought and sold dogs for a span of fifty years,
trading sometimes 200 to 300 dogs a year at the height of his career.
Like other entrepreneurial individuals, Essig's strong suit was vision
and marketing communications, not attention to detail! So,
unfortunately, he kept no detailed logs or records of his breedings,
nor did he believe it necessary to write a standard for the breed he
created. What we know of the development of the Leonberger comes from
word-of-mouth reports, copies of advertisements written by Essig and
others, references in a handful of nineteenth and turn-of-the-century
dog breed encyclopedias, and some very lively articles and
correspondence found in nineteenth-century animal periodicals like
_Hunde-sport und Jagt_, _Der Hundefreund_, and _Der Hund_, a German
nationwide dog magazine still being published today.
Given Essig's personality and political position, it is likely, but
not clearly documented, that he deliberately combined his desire to
promote his town with his desire to promote his business. Our best
records indicate that in 1846 he declared the "creation" of the
Leonberger as a legitimate breed of dog. The town crest of Leonberg
contains a lion rearing up on its hindquarters. Although it is not
known for sure if the town name refers to a lion, there is a definite
association through the crest. The Leonberger, as we know it today, is
lion-like in appearance. However, Essig's early versions certainly
weren't. According to Essig, he crossbred a black-and-white female
Landseer with a long-haired Saint Bernard that he had acquired from
the Saint Bernard monastery in Switzerland. The puppies were, of
course, black and white. He reportedly then crossbred these dogs for
four generations, outcrossing with a yellow-and-white Saint Bernard
and later a white Pyrenean Mountain Dog that he had in his kennels. He
was striving at this early stage for an all-white dog, because they
were very fashionable at the time. It was only many generations and
outcrossings later that the golden color and black mask became
typical. Early records indicate that in 1865, Essig showed a dog at
the Octoberfest in Munich that was described as a fine dog, resembling
a lion, yellow and brown, with black tips.
It is important to note here that the Leonberger we know today could
not have come from the matings that Essig initially described. As has
been pointed out by Letellier and Luquet in France and Nijboer in
Holland, the AY allele does not exist in the three breeds that were
supposed to be the originating breeds. Also, from a genetic
standpoint, the Leonberger head is morphologically much different from
that of the Saint Bernard or Newfoundland.
More likely, the offspring of the original crossings were bred to
local dogs that had relatively fixed genetic characteristics but were
not identified as a breed. Very large dogs with appropriate coloration
and with heads shaped similarly to the Leonberger, as we know it, were
known in the region and are described in 17th- and 18th-century
literature. Also, intriguing documentation suggests that dogs from
Leonberg were used at the Hospice of Saint Bernard in 1830, well
before the origination of the Leonberger, to breed with the only Saint
Bernard to have survived an outbreak of distemper.
Whether Essig actually created a new breed by careful selection
following genetically sound principles is rather doubtful. What we do
know for certain is that Essig's marketing genius resulted in such
widespread popularization of the breed that the Leonberger, as a
breed, survived cries of outrage from breeders of Saint Bernards and
Newfoundlands, from judges, and from the editors of dog magazines. At
the same time that he was being attacked, Essig's ardent loyalists
paid great sums for his dogs and defended him publicly. Through
Essig's marketing skill, his dogs found their way into the castles of
royalty, such as the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the Prince of
Wales, Emperor Napoleon II, Garibaldi, the King of Belgium, Bismarck,
King Umberto of Italy, and the Czar of Russia. They were exported as
far away as the United States, England, Newfoundland, and Japan to the
wealthy who desired large fashionable dogs.
Essig died in 1889 without ever having defined a standard for the
breed or a defensible description of his breeding program. It is a
tribute to the qualities of the Leonberger that in spite of these
obvious deficiencies, and in the face of ever harsher critics, there
were enough enthusiastic owners to form, beginning in 1891, the first
Leonberger clubs. The first significant club was the International
Leonberger Club founded in 1895 in Stuutgart. The Club President,
Albert Kull, was an artist with an eye for detail. He wrote the first
standard for the Leonberger; it formed the foundation for all
subsequent standards. Kull's work did much to reestablish the
credibility of the breed, and the Leonberger began to flourish with
three more serious clubs being founded.
World War I almost rendered the breed extinct. If it were not for the
determination and dedication of two men, Herr Stadelmann and Herr Otto
Josenhans, the breed would surely have become a mere footnote in the
history of German dogs. After the War, Stadelmann and Josenhans
scoured Germany searching for Leonbergers. They found 25. Of these,
five were suitable for breeding. Because of inflation and food
shortages, it was unlikely that individuals could have personally and
individually supported breeding programs, so a group of seven people
joined together in 1922 to form the Leonberger Hunde Club in Leonberg
and a breeding cooperative known as the Leonberger Hundezucht
Genossenschaft. The organized breeding program of the Genossenschaft
brought about a revival of the breed brought honor to the town, and
provided foundation stock to establish several kennels. Most notably,
these men established the official Breed Registry, which continues
uninterrupted today.
Stadelmann's work progressed until the early 1930s, when the
authoritarian control of the Third Reich began to influence the dog
world. A Reich-governed club, the Fachschaft f�r Leonberger, was
established in Sandhausen when the Reich assumed control of all breed
registries. Surprisingly, breeding, although very reduced, continued
throughout the war. Both dogs and accurate records survived the
destruction. In 1945, 22 puppies were registered and in 1946, 17.
At the end of the war it again took a group of devoted enthusiasts to
reestablish an organized breeding program. Two rival clubs were
established in 1946 and 1947. The club founded by Albert Kienzle, Hans
Weigelschmidt, and Otto Lehmann became in 1948 the present-day
Deutsche Club f�r Leonberger Hunde. In the early '50s, the Breeding
Committee Chairman, Werner Lutz, and the third president of the DCLH,
Robert Beutelspacher, wrote the modern-day standard and breeding
regulations, which had a profound impact on the development of the
Leonberger as we know it today. In 1975, the German Club brought all
the Leonberger breed clubs from the major European nations together
and founded the International Union of Leonberger Clubs. Now, clubs
from 17 nations correspond frequently and meet annually work to insure
the greatest possible uniformity and homogeneity of the breed
throughout the world.
_________________________________________________________________
_Leonberger Standard_
FCI-Standard #145 1996
Translator: Mrs. C. Seidler
Origin: Germany
Date of publication of the valid original standard: 04.01.1996
Utilization: Watch, Companion and Family Dog
Classification FCI: Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossian and
Swiss Mountain and cattle dogs
Section 2.2: Molossian, Mountain Dogs. Without Working Trial
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Due to his original use, the Leonberger is a strong, muscular, yet
elegant dog. He is distinguished by his balanced body type and
confident calmness, yet lively temperament. Males, in particular, are
powerful and strong.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
Height at the withers to length of body: 9 to 10. Depth of chest is
nearly 50% of height at withers.
BEHAVIOR/TEMPERAMENT:
As a family dog, the Leonberger is an agreeable partner for
present-day dwelling and living conditions, who can be taken anywhere
without difficulty and is distinguished by his marked friendliness
toward children. He is neither shy nor aggressive. As a companion, he
is agreeable, obedient and fearless in all situations of life. The
following are particular requirements of steady temperament:
* Self assurance and superior composure.
* Medium temperament (including playfulness).
* Willing to be submissive.
* Good capacity for learning and remembering.
* Not sensitive to noise.
HEAD:
On the whole deeper than long and elongated rather than stocky.
Proportion of muzzle to skull region about 1 to 1. Skin close fitting
all over, no wrinkles.
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: In profile and seen from front, slightly arched. In balance
with body and limbs, it is strong but not heavy. The black part of the
skull is not substantially broader than near the eyes. Stop: Clearly
recognizable but moderately defined.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: black.
Muzzle: Rather long, never running to a point; nasal bridge of even
breadth, never dipped, rather slightly arched (roman nose).
Lips: Close fitting, black, corner of lips closed.
Jaws/Teeth: Strong jaws with perfect, regular and complete scissor
bite, in which the upper teeth close over the lower without any gap
and the teeth are placed vertically in the jaw, with 42 healthy teeth,
according to usual tooth formula (missing M3 tolerated). Pincer bite
is tolerated; no constriction of canines in lower jaw.
Cheeks: Only moderately developed.
Eyes: Light brown to as dark brown as possible, medium size, oval,
neither deep set, nor protruding, neither too close together nor too
wide apart. Eyelids close fitting, not showing any conjunctiva. The
white of the eye (the visible part of the sclera) not reddened.
Ears: Set on high and not far back, pendant, medium size, hanging
close to head, fleshy
NECK:
Flowing without break to the withers in a slight curve. Long rather
than stocky, without throatiness or dewlap.
BODY:
Withers: Pronounced, especially in males.
Back: Firm, straight, broad.
Loins: Broad, strong, well muscled.
Rump: Broad, relatively long, gently rounded, flowing to merge with
tail set on; not in any way overbuilt.
Chest: Broad, deep, reaching at least to height of elbows. Not too
barrel shaped, more oval.
Lower profile: Only lightly tucked up.
TAIL: Very well furnished; while standing, it hangs down straight;
also in movement it is only slightly curved and preferably should not
be carried above the prolongation of the topline.
LIMBS: Very strong, specially in males.
FOREQUARTERS:
Legs: Straight, parallel and not too close.
Shoulder/upper arm: Long, sloping, forming a not too blunt angle, well
muscled; elbows close fitting.
Pastern: Strong, firm; straight, seen from front. Almost vertical seen
from side.
Forefeet: Straight position (turning neither in nor out), rounded,
tight, toes well arched; black pads.
HINDQUARTERS:
Legs: Position when seen from rear, not too close, parallel.
Hocks and feet: Turned neither in nor out. Dewclaws: Must be removed.
Pelvis: Slanting position.
Upper thigh: Rather long, slanting, well muscled. Upper and lower
thigh form a distinct angle.
Hocks: Strong, distinct angle between lower thigh and rear pastern.
Feet: Standing straight, only slightly longish. Toes arched, pads
black.
MOVEMENT:
Ground-covering, even movement in all gaits. Extending well in front,
and good drive from hindquarters. Seen from front and behind, limbs
move in a straight line when walking or trotting.
COAT
Hair: Medium soft to coarse, profusely long, close fitting, never with
a parting, letting the form of the whole body be seen despite the
thick undercoat. Straight, slight wave still permitted; forming a mane
on neck and chest, especially in males; distinct feathering on front
legs and ample breeches on hind legs.
Colour: Lion yellow, red, reddish brown, also sandy (fawn colour,
cream colour) and all combinations in between, always with a black
mask. Black hair tips are permitted; black must however not determine
the dog's basic colour. Lightening up of the basic colour on the
underside of the tail, the mane, feathering on front legs and breeches
on hind legs must not be so pronounced as to interfere with the
harmony of the main colour. A small white patch or stripe on chest and
white hair on toes will be tolerated.
HEIGHT AT WITHERS:
Dogs (male) 72 to 80 cm (recommended average 76 cm)
Bitches 65 to 75 cm (recommended average 70 cm)
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault
and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be
in exact proportion to its degree and consider how much the essentials
(in particular temperament, type, balance and movement) are affected.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
* Shy and aggressive dogs.
* Severe anatomical fault, i.e. pronounced cow hocks, pronounced
roach back, very hollow back, extreme turning out of front feet.
Totally insufficient angulation of shoulder, elbow, stifle or
hock.
* Absence of teeth (with the exception of M3). Over- or undershot or
other faults in the mouth.
* Distinct ring tail or tail forming too high a ring.
* Cords or strong curls.
* Faulty colours: Brown with brown nose and brown pads; black and
tan; silver; wild-coat colour.
* Complete lack of mask.
* Brown nose leather, brown pads.
* Very strong lack of pigment in lips. Eyes without any brown.
* Too much white (reaching from toes to pastern, white on chest
larger than palm of hand, white in other places).
* Entropion, Ectropion
N.B.: Male animals must have two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum.
_________________________________________________________________
_Kennel Club Recognition_
FCI Federation cynologique internationale
The worldwide federation of national dog clubs with membership
including 19 European countries, 12 Latin American, 2 Asian and 1
from Africa. An additional 11 countries are affiliated as associate
members. All national Leonberger Clubs are affiliated or associated
with the FCI. The LCA is loosely associated through its Member
Status in the International Union of Leonberger Clubs e.V. with
headquarters in Germany.
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale, Rue Leopold - II,
14B-653, Thuin, Belgium
The Leonberger Club of America
The Leonberger Club of America maintains its own registry and is
not, nor does it wish to be, affiliated with the AKC. AKC
affiliation would eliminate mandatory adherence to the LCA's
stringent breeding regulations. See addresses and contacts below.
_________________________________________________________________
_Special Medical Problems_
The very strict breeding guidelines and the diligent oversight of the
national Leonberger Clubs have been successful to date in preserving
the general health of the breed. However, there are special medical
problems, most of which are associated with giant breeds in general,
that every breeder, owner, and potential owner should be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia:
Hip and elbow dysplasia are unfortunately found in most large breeds.
The Breeding Committees of the various national Leonberger clubs have
been extremely diligent in education and enforcement of breeding
regulations designed to minimize dysplasia in Leos. The OFA is now
reporting fewer than 11% of our dogs with dysplasia. Leonbergers are
not allowed to be bred without OFA certification and, in most
countries, without proof of HD-free ancestors for at least three
generations. Penn Hip ratings are currently being seriously considered
in the United States as an additional breeding requirement.
Eosinophilic Panosteitis:
"Pano" is a disease with no known cause that resolves without, or in
spite of, treatment! It is a generalized inflammation of the bones
that is commonly referred to as growing pains. A healthy puppy
suddenly develops an acute and painful lameness with no known history
of trauma. The lameness often shifts from one limb to another. The
good news is that pano is self-limiting and does not seem to result in
any long-term damage.
Addison's Disease:
Addison's disease is a rare hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands.
It has been diagnosed in both European and American Leonbergers. It is
serious and can lead to death if undiagnosed. However, if diagnosed
correctly, it can be very successfully managed with medication.
Affected dogs often have periodic vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy,
exercise intolerance, and weight loss. It can be definitively
diagnosed with blood tests. The bloodlines that have shown evidence of
Addison's disease are being carefully monitored in the United States
by the LCA's Heath Committee.
Entropion and Ectropion Eyes:
Leonbergers are known to carry the genes for ectropionism and
entropionism (inverted eyelids). These can be corrected with a
relatively minor surgical procedure. This condition is considered a
major fault, however, and dogs known to carry the gene are not allowed
to breed.
Osteosarcoma:
Bone cancer is a frequent cause of death in giant breeds, and
Leonbergers are no exception. However, it usually does not strike
until dogs have passed their seventh year and frequently much later.
_________________________________________________________________
_The International Union for Leonberger Dogs_
The following individuals either represented their national breed club
at the Internationale Union F�r Leonberger Hunde meeting in Leonberg,
Germany on September 27, 1997 or are the designated international
contact for their country.
_Germany _
Deutscher Club f�r Leonberger Hunde e. V.
http://www.t-online.de/home/ T ibor.Hlozanek/
_Contact:_ Gerhard Zerle, Am Hang 1, D - 59229 Ahlen /Westfalen
Telephone: +23882819
Fax: +2388 3895
_Austria_
�sterreichische Club f�r Leonberger Hunde
http://www.leonberger.at
_Contacts:_
President: Christine Schilling, 3002 PURKERSDORF,
Florian-Trautenberger-Strasse 1
Phone: +43 (0) 2231 64525
Breeding Committee: Peter K. Cejnek, 1090 WEIN, Schlickgasse 6
Phone: +43 (01) 3196120
Puppy Availability: Rita Sachslehner, 3430 TULN, Karl-Metz-Gasse 3
Phone: +43 (0) 2272 656 72
_Belgium_
Leonberger Club Belgien
Contact: Dominique Dewame, Fabriekstraat 148, 1601, Ruisbroek,
Belgium
_Czech Republic_
Klubs der Leonbergerzuchter der Tschechischen Republik
Contact: Daniela Kuntov�, Ke hradku 5, 148 00 PRAGUE 4, Kettr�dkv 5
14800
Telephone: 00420121/71911207
_Denmark_
Dansk Leonberger Club
Contact: Jorgen Hansen, Laugoveij 44, Orby, DK. 3200 Helsinge
Telephone: +45705162
_Finland_
Suomen Leonbergindoirat
http://www.leonet.fi/
Contacts:
President: Olli Kokkonen, Vesiver�j�ntie 27, 37120 Nokia, Finland
Telephone: +358-3-342 3518
Fax: +358-422-329 019
Breeding Committee: Kerstin Ahlskog, Riekontie 6, 02880 Veikkola,
Finland
Telephone: +358-9-256 8125
Fax: +358-9-813 3395
_France_
Club Fran�ais du Leonberg
Contact: Jules Guilbert, 6, Rue de la Mesange-Domaine, 76420
Bihorel,France
_Great Britain_
Leonberger Club of Great Britain
http://www.members.aol.com/L e oClubGB/index.html
Contact: Fred Inwood/Jenny Kennish, Kinghern, Silchester Road,
Little London, Near Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, RG265EX
Telephone: 01256 850508
Fax: 01256 850 778
_Hungary_
Leonberger Club of Hungary
Contact: Gergely Jozsef, Norcsog UTCA 1/B, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
_Italy_
http://www.etr.it/club/leon b erger/index.html
Club Italiano del Leonberger
President: Francesca Mavilla, Strada P Rio-P Pattoli 130, 06085
Perugia-Cordigliano, Italy
International Liaison: Guido Perosino, San Martino in Colle, 06070
Perugia, Italy
Telephone: +39 75 98 7319
Email:
[email protected]
_Netherlands_
Leonbergse Honden Club Nederland
http://www.xs4all.nl/~jacqh
Contact: C. Van Holland, Roghorst 345, 6708KX, Wageningen, The
Netherlands
_Norway_
Norsk Leonberger Klubb
Contact: Eilert Einther, Sveane 53, 5363 �gotnes
Telephone: 56 33 69 07
_Slovakia_
Leonberger Club of Slovakia
Contact: Martin Klacko, Dunajska Lucna 603, Cesko-Slovensko
Telephone: 004207/5980735
_Spain_
Club Espanol Del Leonberger
Contact: Teresa Fernandez Estrada, Apdo. Correos no. 72, 39600
Maliano-Cantabria
Telephone and fax: ++34 (9)-42 586708
_Sweden_
Leonberger Sallskapet
http://www.ubhk.se/lbss
Contacts:
President: Gunilla Rydin Sp�nbacken Ullene, 521 94 Falk�ping,
Telephone: 0515-440 34
Breeding Committee:
Petra Junehall
Telephone: 08 510 250 90
Lotta Petr�
Telephone: 0340-715 42
_Switzerland_
Schweiz Leonberger Club
http://www.tcn.ch/leos/
Contact: President: Herrn Kurt Pabst, Postfach 2310, CH - 8021,
Zurich
41-1-2915700
41-1-2915701
_United States_
http://www.Leonberger.com
Leonberger Club of America
Contacts:
President: Glen Ferguson, 3624-204th Place, N.E. Redmond, WA 98053
Phone: 425-836-8650
International Liaison: Caroline Isberg, 15210 Upper Ellen Road, Los
Gatos, CA 95033
Telephone: +408-353-1478
Fax: +408-353-4008
Email:
[email protected]
For pictures, current approved U.S. breeders list and further
information send $5.00 to Leonberger Club of America Corresponding
Secretary, Emily Shank, PO Box 344,
_________________________________________________________________
_Resources_
_Books:_
_Der Leonberger_,(in German) by Hannelie Schmitt and Gerhard Zerle
(President of the German Leonberger Club and the International Union
of Leonberger Clubs), Veriagsgesellschaft, Rudolf Muller,
Koln-Braunsfeld, 1982, completely rev.ed. 1996.
_The Leonberger_, (in English) by Guido Perosino, Available from the
author or the LCA Leo Bowtique. See http:www.Leonberger.com or write
Dr. Perosino, Guido Perosino, San Martino in Colle, 06070 Perugia,
Italy
_Il Leonberger_, (in Italian) by Guido Perosino, Giovanni De Vecchi,
Milano, 1993.
_Het houden van een Leonberger, een praktijkboek_ (in Dutch) by Ton
Muller, The Netherlands, 1994
_The History of the Leonberger in Great Britain_, (in English)by Larry
Rahmer. Available from the Leonberger Club of Great Britain. (See
above for contacts).
_Leonbergerboken_, (in Swedish) by Margareta Gustafson-Eskner and
Ulrika Rogert., 1996, Available from the Swedish Leonberger Club (see
above for contacts).
_Leonberger_, (in Czech) by Daniela Kuntov�. Dona Press, Komensh�ho
37, 370 01, Czech Republic, 1994, ISBN # 80-900080-2-X.
_The Leonberger_, (in English) by Angela White, t.f.h. Books. England,
1998.
"The Leonberger," Chapter 37 pp 141-144 of _A Celebration of Rare
Breeds_, by Cathy J. Flamholtz, OTR Publications, PO Box 1243 Ft.
Payne, Alabama.
_A Practical Guide to Selecting a Large Dog_, by Joan Palmer. Tetra
Press, London, 1987
_Periodicals_
"The Leonberger, the golden-hearted lion dog." By Sharon Pfaumer in
_Dog World_ (USA), July 1996, pp. 14-22.
"The Leonberger", A special supplement in the _The New Zealand Kennel
Gazette_, Vol.36, No.3 April, 1996.
"The Leonberger", in _Dogs Monthly_ (UK) by Larry Rahmer, Vol. 16, No.
4, April 1998.
A special issue of _Der Hund_ (Germany) on the Leonberger celebrating
the 150th anniversery of the founding of the breed. May, 1996.
The 1994 - 1998 editions of the _Dogs USA Annual_ have full page
announcements by the Leonberger Club of America in the Breed Gallery
and a breed description in the USA Directory of Breeds.
_________________________________________________________________
Leonberger FAQ
Caroline Bliss-Isberg,
[email protected]
