Leonberger madness??

[SinclairSpectrum]

We have been searching for a Spinone for forever and dh wants me to consider his first choice of pooch, a Leonberger.
We live in a big enough house etc, would I be mad to consider it?
Slightly concerned it may eat my young.....

Leonberger for me every time. Ex used to have one and my brother has a Spinone.

They're the same size height wise but the Leo is way more muscular so seems bigger but they take up the same space in a vehicle or house. Female Leos tend to be quite a bit smaller but still big dogs.

The spinone is lovely but dear god, the drool. And he has bigger paws than the Leo so there's an equal amount of mud from both. Both love water. Both have beautiful natures.

For me, the choice would be between hair and drool. When I think of the snail trails, I'm afraid the drool would be too much for me as it can be copious and constant (My kitchen walls were decorated by some rampant head shaking last night ) but still lovely, lovely dogs.

I thought you were all supposed to be helping??!
Both gorgeous, both messy. Think the spins live longer but not much between them otherwise.

Oh and as far as GSDs, hubby had a couple of the longhaired variety before we met. Have had a few iffy experiences personally, know that's probably more the owners than dogs but really put me off.

Our neighbours have a Leonberger and its so big I seriously don't think it would fit in a car. Certainly not in their rather small cars.

I see a Leo on a certain walk I do sometimes. He is much bigger than my spin. Not comparable. He would take much more space than my dog and is much more hairy!

As for drooling my dog drools after a drink, we have cloths just for cleaning his chops, but he is not in a state of drool. When he is drooling and he shakes his head you do have to duck though because it goes flying.
Something to consider.

My boy cannot stand getting his feet wet and will not even step in a puddle.

You would have to Hoover everyday with both breeds tbh
The main consideration is the size of the Leo and the personality of the spin.

If you're near London you could go along to Discover Dogs next weekend (8th - 9th November) at Earls Court. They have representatives (both human and dog) for almost every breed recognised by the KC. It's a great opportunity to meet the dogs and chat to people who are passionate about their breed.

They run another one during Crufts which is March next year.

I think part of your issue is that you've chosen two breeds that are lovely natured which, for me, is pretty much the most important thing.

So all you have to do is decide, drool or hair ? Gentle clown or gentle giant ?

What about getting one of each ?

One of each and shares in Dyson?
Sadly I am at the opposite end of the country to London otherwise that would have been a lovely day out.
The spins I have met haven't been drooly per se, as Middleton mentioned it seems to be more of an after drink sort of mess - cue ad for road refresher bowl.
Someone has pm me to say a litter of spins due in next week or so. Leonburgers already born. Think will visit both and decide from there.
Or come home with 3 of each!

I think your best bet is to go and see a Leo in the house of someone that breeds/owns them. Not just someone selling a puppy. ( we were told by our breeder that spins don't shed a lot ) look at how much they shed their hair and imagine living with it day in day out, as well as the size of the dog.

Don't rush in, take your time. Like spinone, Leonburger's are not for everyone.

I can't agree enough with Middleton - do not rush! Who has puppies right now is irrelevant. Meet some Leos, decide on one breed or the other, do some research on lines and breeders, then select your breeder, then wait for the right puppy.