Leonbergers!

[SnotRags]

Can you talk to me about Leonbergers? They keep getting recommended to me so I’d love an in depth chat about them?

What are their energy levels like compared to say a Dobermann?

What are they like at obedience?

Prey drive?

What are they like off lead? (With training of course)

How much exercise do they need?

Do they need a groomer or could I do it myself?

Do they shed much?

Dog reactivity?

How are they with strangers?

Anything else I should know? ☺️

I have a just turned 1yo
Energy level- pretty chilled at home, likes sleep and cuddles. Also enjoys a brief bounce around in the garden.
Exercise- happy with 2 30 minute walks but also happy with long days out walking.
Moulting- yes they do, but my Labrador is worse!
Grooming- you can do it yourself
Very easily trained as just want to please you
Prey drive- no. Friendly enough with visiting squirrels
Not dog reactive, but does want to play a lot!
Doesn’t bark much
Friendly with strangers (more polite than bouncy though)
Gentle with kids

I’ve answered on your other thread but just incase anyone else is wondering

What are their energy levels like compared to say a Dobermann?
Low. 30min twice daily for mine. Will go longer but don’t need it. My GSD runs rings around them.

What are they like at obedience?
Motivation is the issue rather than ability. Mine competed just to get them trained really but they were happy enough to do basic things like heel, recal, sit, down stay etc etc. The more technical moves required too much effort to be honest

Prey drive?

1. Once mine chased a bird and forgot why he was running after 30 seconds. That’s the only time. Mine are around livestock, chickens and horses with no interest.

What are they like off lead? (With training of course)
Always recall and stick close by. No interest in wandering off or looking for trouble.

How much exercise do they need?
Mine will walk as little or as much as you want really but they do need to go out twice a day or they can get bored and get into trouble (sock stealing and the like!)

Do they need a groomer or could I do it myself?
I do mine myself but it is time consuming. A quick brush most days keeps the matting to a minimum. The coat holds water so they do need baths every so often. It would depend how big your bath is and how strong your listing skills are! They wouldn’t be able to jump in.

Do they shed much?
Yes, a lot!

Dog reactivity?
None from mine. Other dogs HATE them though so that’s something to be aware of.

How are they with strangers?
Indifferent. Happy to say hello but equally happy to just stand while I chat. They wouldn’t run up to someone particularly but I know some Leo’s do!

I LOVE grooming dogs so would love a hairy dog that I could faff with constantly 😂 I’m addicted to seeing how much hair I can get off them, it’s so therapeutic.

Would a mud daddy work rather than a bath?

They sound like the perfect dog. I want a dog I can walk everyday for an hour or so but then talk on long forest walks on the weekends (like all day walking).

*take

How much drooling do they do? (Basically same or less than a Newf- which is A LOT!!)

I have a hot water tap outside and blast the mud off followed by either a stint in the utility to dry or a blast with a blaster drier. If you towel dry them they tend to mat I find. Other than that they are simple to groom but it’s a lot of dog so takes up a fair bit of time. I do it while watching tv.

They don’t drool. They are a closed lipped breed so drooling should be at a minimum if any at all. None of mine ever drool and certainly don’t have shoelaces of spit.
They are messy drinkers though.

I've just posted on your other thread. My Leo is now six. We've been lucky and had very few health issues but their ears need to be watched. No drooling at all which was lovely after our newfie. Obedience is fine but don't think she'd do hoopers which I do with my poodle as she's just not excitable enough. She's happy to watch though.

Absolutely agree about other small dogs hating them. My Leo just stands there and looks bewildered as every small dog snarls at her but she doesn't react. We live near the sea and she adores the beach but getting the sand and salt out off her hair is a challenge so we tend to stick with nearby woods
She did once chase some deer but came back quickly as she couldn't be bothered.

We do get her groomed every three months as she can get matted round the ears and on her tummy. But you could do it yourself.

Another big plus is that she doesn't often bark. My poodle barks at anything and frequently at nothing. My Leo just sleeps or watches us.

Absolutely second messy drinkers. And as a puppy she would spend hours trying to get into her water bowl.

I absolutely should never have read this thread. Have always wanted a Leonburger. I need people to put me off rather than encourage me!
So jealous of all the Leonburger owners out there.
🥰