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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

anyone own a Leonberger? i want one.

39 replies

ThatVikRinA22 · 26/03/2013 22:16

my aging cavalier king charles is, well, ageing. i love her to bits and cant imagine being without a dog in the house.

a few days ago i met a female leonberger and i am smitten.....ive done some research. I cant see any down sides.

Does anyone own one? Is there anything more that i need to know before i start to save up?

OP posts:

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 27/03/2013 00:12

SEVEN!!!

Original poster

ThatVikRinA22 · 27/03/2013 00:21

wow....7? must have been rich!

ill settle for one.

OP posts:

MrsTwgtwf · 27/03/2013 00:27

You need the horse to exercise the dog. Initially you can have the dog on a lead rein.

Lonecatwithkitten · 27/03/2013 07:45

They are very common in my practice. They are lovely dogs, but the drool is considerable. They are very expensive to keep food just the volume is immense, a trip to the vets is never less than £100, they are not very long lived you are very lucky if they see 10. They suffer from juvenile onset dilated cardiomyopathy that often kills them before they are three, GDVs are very common.
In short whilst lovely dogs they are money puts and heart breakers.

Lonecatwithkitten · 27/03/2013 07:46

Ah yes I have all this knowledge as one client has 15!

saintmerryweather · 27/03/2013 07:57

My friends newfie died of bloat at the age of 4, might be something to consider with giant breeds. also the fact that they dont live for long generally

1MitchellMum · 27/03/2013 09:43

Fabulous dogs ... but think about vet visits (anaesthetic more expensive with larger dogs); fitting said dog in car (takes up all of boot space in estate car); I've experienced GDV and dilated cardiomyopathy - both conditions heartbreaking. I have large dogs but wonder how people cope with giant breeds (lifting into car if they need emergency vet treatment).

ProphetOfDoom · 27/03/2013 11:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrslaughan · 27/03/2013 20:51

Vicar - check out greater swiss mountain dogs , giants,lot more personality, huge teddy beats, amazing with kids, still don't need a huge amount of exercise.....BUT short haired!
I know you say you have lots of animals , therefore hair issues already - but it's the mud and dirt that gets out of their coat, or gets tracked into the house.
Also you need a big car

Original poster

ThatVikRinA22 · 27/03/2013 22:06

thanks everyone. much to consider. didnt realise they had such health issues....thats a shame.

wont be rushing into anything soon anyway - dh wants some holidays before we get another dog....
or car!

OP posts:

BOEUF · 27/03/2013 22:08

I've got a feeling that there's one in our park. Pickle adores him. She jumps up to cuddle him from the front, and he's so placid, he just lets her .

Original poster

ThatVikRinA22 · 27/03/2013 22:20

they are incredibly placid - the one i met the other day was just so laid back! i though it was stuffed at first! she was just laid on the floor....the only bit that moved was her eyes - she looked at me as if to say "wot? no fuss??"

she was soooooo pretty.

just a huge shame re the health probs....part of me thinks i should get down the dogs trust and get a rescue....

OP posts:

Montybojangles · 31/03/2013 14:27

Fantastic, laid back family dog, as long as you aren't house proud, and can afford to feed them. They drool a lot , shed (need a lot of grooming) and get everything muddy and wet after a walk on a soggy spring day. Good luck,they are fab.

NickRachel · 27/11/2013 11:51

Hello

Did you still have a leonberger in mind?

Kind regards

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