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Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Leonbergers  Breed-FAQ
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                                  LEONBERGERS
                                       
Author

   Caroline Bliss-Isberg, 1 January 1995, rev. 4/28/95
   
   Copyright (c) 1995 by Caroline Bliss-Isberg This can be used freely
   for non-commercial purposes.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * Introduction to Leonbergers
     * Characteristics and Temperament
     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * History
     * Standard
     * Kennel Club Recognition
     * The Leonberger Club of America
     * Special Medical Problems
     * Resources
          + Books and Articles
          + Breeders
          + Selected Breed Clubs
          + Miscellaneous
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Introduction to Leonbergers

   Leonbergers, or Leos, as they are known to their friends, are loyal,
   gentle, outgoing "lions" who love children, other animals and water.
   Originating in the mid-nineteenth century in Leonberg, Germany, these
   wonderful wash and wear, weather-proof family dogs are very popular
   throughout Europe. They are still considered a rare breed in America
   where they have only been successfully imported and bred since 1971.
   
   Considered one of the giant breeds, Leonbergers are powerful and
   elegant. Females stand 26-28 inches at the withers and weigh in at
   over 100 pounds. Males are usually considerably larger standing 28-31
   inches and often weighing as much as 150-160 pounds. Their luxurious
   double coat is lion-colored accented by a black mask and often black
   tips on the body fur which can range from a light sand to a rich
   mahogany. Their impressive noble appearance is complemented by dark
   almond-shaped eyes filled with a characteristic gentle, friendly
   expression.
   
   Leos are classified by the FCI as watch dogs and working dogs and are
   considered ideal family members. They are enthusiastic participants in
   all family endeavors. They are adept at backpacking, running, and
   swimming. And they work as enthusiastically as they play; excelling in
   water rescue, tracking, 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.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Characteristics and Temperament

   Noble, powerful and gentle are the best descriptors of the Leonberger.
   Leos resemble one's childhood image of Nana in Peter Pan. Big, soft,
   warm, and protective companions, perfect for nestling into or
   clutching if you are toddler. Leos are affectionately referred to as
   "lean-on-bergers," because of their tendency to lean against their
   loved ones.
   
   Leos are known for their stability. 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. Their noble bearing is impressive and attracts attention.
   Walking a Leo in public can be frustrating if one is in a hurry. More
   than once, I have heard fellow Leo owners remark that they should just
   have a card or booklet printed up to hand out to those who stop with
   the common list of frequently asked questions.
   
   They are excellent watch dogs, not given to frivolous barking or
   unnecessary "alarms." Their imposing size and deep bark serve as ample
   deterrents to uninvited guests. But once receiving the OK from family
   members, strangers are welcomed with enthusiasm and joy.
   
   In A Celebration of Rare Breeds, the Leonberger is summarized as
   follows:
   
     "For those seeking a large dog with a gentle personality, the
     Leonberger can't be beat. They are very capable of protecting you,
     but remain trustworthy. Beneath that beautiful lion-like body lies a
     devoted heart of gold. The Leonberger asks only to share your home
     and love, and he gives unselfishly of himself in return."
     
   In summary, Leonbergers have been compared to other famous German
   imports--the BMW and the Mercedes Benz--they come from Schwabia and
   they are classy, stable, agile, elegant and powerful!
     _________________________________________________________________
   
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 "pack" activities.
     
   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 all FCI sponsored events. Besides conformation, Leos
     excel in tracking, pulling, agility and other work-related events.
     They are wonderfully stable and dependable in obedience trials,
     excelling in sit and down stays! All of the clubs listed below
     sponsor regional, national and international events for Leonbergers.
     Although not affiliated with the AKC, the Leonberger Club of America
     is a very active nation-wide organization sponsoring regional shows
     as well as an annual National Specialty, featuring a variety of
     competitive events.
     
   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 excel in order to please. Because
     they are so calm and stable they perform well even when their
     handlers are stressed.
     
   How about grooming?
   
     Their long thick coat misleads some into believing that they require
     a lot of care. Quite the opposite is true. Except for semi annual
     "molts," they rarely shed. Their coats are water-proof and very wear
     resistant. With frequent brushing their coats are shining and
     elegant. It is worthy of note that grooming beyond a minimal toe
     nail clipping, and a little trimming to even the fur on toe tips is
     not allowed for the conformation ring. The natural look of a real
     working dog that does real work is the norm.
     
   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 listed on the current approved breeder's
     list. That is your only guarantee that the extremely strict breeding
     standards imposed by each country have been followed. The FCI does
     not require any more than the AKC in the way of breeding standards,
     but all of the national clubs are diligent in requiring adherence to
     very precise guidelines developed to minimize genetic flaws and
     diseases.
     
   Do they drool?
   
     No!
     
   How do I get one?
   
     Because Leos are carefully bred, they are difficult to acquire. The
     best approach is to subscribe to the Leonberger Club of America's
     quarterly newsletter, the Leoletter and begin corresponding or
     conversing with breeders in your area. If you live in Europe, the
     FCI can guide you to a breeder approved by your country's national
     Leonberger Club.
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   Leonbergers have been in existence since the mid 1800s. The commonly
   accepted history is that the breed originated in the kennels of Herr
   Heinrich Essig (1808-89), an alderman in the town of Leonberg,
   Germany. A professional dog breeder and animal lover, he set out to
   breed a dog which resembled a lion--the town symbol. It is believed
   that he obtained a large male Saint Bernard from the Saint Bernard
   Hospice in Switzerland which he bred with a Landseer Newfoundland. He
   later traded two puppies for a second St. Bernard, thus introducing
   Leonberger blood into the lines at the Hospice. It has been noted in
   Hospice records that the early Leonbergers were used to strengthen
   bloodlines at the hospice after a crippling epidemic that occurred in
   1830. Both Newfoundlands and Leonbergers were brought from Stuutgart
   in to revive the Saint Bernard breed. All three breeds probably
   descended from the Molossers--ancient Tibetan mastiff-like dogs that
   were brought to northern Europe by Alexander the Great's conquering
   armies. These dogs thrived in the Swiss and German Alps. It is quite
   likely, though not proven, that Herr Essig also used dogs from this
   stock living in the nearby Schwabish hillsides to strengthen the
   breed.
   
   Essig refined the Landseer - St. Bernard cross by reportedly
   introducing either Pyreneean Mountain dog or Great Pyrenees blood into
   the line. In 1846, the first litter was born that Herr Essig felt was
   worthy of being called a Leonberger. It took several generations to
   stabilize coat color, but the outstanding temperament has been evident
   since the earliest experimental breedings. In the late 1860s, the new
   breed made its first official public appearance at the Octoberfest in
   Munich and immediately became popular with 19th century royalty.
   Empress Elizabeth of Austria acquired her first of seven Leos in 1870.
   The Prince of Wales, Emperor Napoleon II, Garibaldi, the King of
   Belgium, Bismarck, and King Umberto of Italy all owned Leonbergers. By
   the end of the century the Czar's court was importing 300 dogs a year
   to Russia. By 1895 the International Club for Leonberger Dogs was
   formed in Stuttgart.
   
   Throughout the beginning of the century the breed grew in numbers and
   popularity. In 1926 the first Leo in officially known to have been
   exported to the US. We only know that the name was Belial v.
   Pulverturm, born 9/3/26 and owned by E. Wolf Newark NJ! It is not
   known whether this dog was ever bred.
   
   The two World Wars almost spelled doom for the dogs. Leonbergers
   served in the armies backpacking in the mountains. Most died in the
   conflicts or of starvation. In 1945, several German dog lovers
   collected what was left of the breed and reestablished a new basis for
   breeding. In 1948, the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde e.V. was
   founded by Herr Robert Beutelspacher and continues today as the lead
   club in the International Union of Leonberger Clubs. Now, clubs from
   17 nations work to impose and enforce strict breeding programs and
   rules to protect and preserve the quality of the breed throughout the
   world.
   
   Keri Campbell imported the first Leonbergers of the post-war era to
   the United States in 1971. In the early 80s and unbeknownst to each
   other Mary and Reiner Decher, Brian Peters and Manfred and Sylvia
   Kaufmann all brought Leos to the United States and began breeding
   programs. Keri Campbell, Mary Decher and Manfred Kaufmann all
   currently breed outstanding dogs and spend many volunteer hours
   serving on the Leonberger Club of America Committees setting and
   enforcing some of the strictest breeding regulations in the dog world.
   The Kaufmanns edit the LCA's quarterly journal, the LeoLetter.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Standard

   The official Leonberger Standard is the one written by the Deutche
   Club fur Leonberger Hunde for the FCI. However, the language in the
   English translation (as you will see below) is somewhat confusing. The
   Breeding Committee of the LCA has worked for several annual meetings
   on an official American Interpretation of the Standard to assist
   judges and others in clarifying the intent of the FCI language.
   
   The following is the FCI official English translation of the German
   standard. If any point is in question, this document is the final
   arbiter.
   
  FCI STANDARD: LEONBERGER
  
   
   
   (Breed German)
   The Leonberger dog breed exists since 1846. It is a loyal,
   intelligent, easy learning, weather-resisting and very child-loving
   dog. It is especially appropriate for watching larger premises such as
   farms, factories, villas as well as the whole family.
   
   General Appearance
   The Leonberger is a big, strong and muscular dog with well
   proportioned form and self-confident tranquillity, combined with a
   lively temperament.
   
   Colour:
   Lion colour, yellow gold to red-brown with a black mask. Dark to black
   hairtops are admissible. Sand coloured specimens with dark hairtops
   occur as well. The absence of the black mask is allowed but not
   desirable. A small white star on the chest can be allowed as well as
   light to white hair at the paw-tips. The colour of the tail is the
   same as the basic colour of the dog. Light badger-colored tails are
   allowed. The collar at the throat, the fur of the fore-legs, as well
   as the underside of the tail may be somewhat lighter, but should not
   disharmonize with the total colour.
   
   Head and Neck:
   The Upper head is slightly arched, not as high and as wide as with the
   St. Bernard dog. The jaws are not strongly developed so that the back
   of the t the eyes. The head as a whole is more compact towards the
   sides, so deeper than wider. Modest forehead. The back of the nose is
   equally large, always in one line, but rather slightly bowed (ram's
   nose). The fore-nose is deep black and must never be brown. This
   excludes from breeding. The same goes for the lips, which must also be
   pigmented black; any other colour disqualifies. The skin of the head
   and face must be tight no folds in the forehead. The strong neck shows
   much nobility. The head is held high proudly. Neck-skin and lobes are
   faulty.
   
   Ears:
   Planted high, close to the head, falling.
   
   Mouth:
   Moderately deep, rather equal, never ending pointed. Lips are close
   together, no open corners of the mouth, so that no saliva leaks out.
   Open corners of the mouth degrade. The teeth are strong and form a
   well closing, complete scissor-like denture.
   
   Eyes:
   The eyes must be light to dark brown, the darker the better.
   Middle-sized with intelligent, good-natured expression. The eyelids
   close well and show no conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is white. "Bird of
   prey" eyes, too small eyes (bullterrier) or too full eyes (French
   bulldog) are not desirable and degrade.
   
   Shoulder-height:
   Males must have at least 72 cm and at most 80 cm of withers' height,
   bitches at least 65 cm and at most 75 cm. The desirable average size
   is 76 cm. for males and 70 cm. for bitches.
   
   Legs:
   No high legs; muscular and strong bones. The pads of the feet are
   always black, brown disqualifies.
   
   Fore-legs:
   Straight, normally posed, well-haired. Paws well-closed, rather round.
   The paws are always interlinked by swimming-webs (as a rule, the
   Leonberger likes water and is a very good swimmer). Elbows are close
   to the chest and stretch out slightly beyond the lower rim of the
   chest. The shoulders are slanting. The pads of the feet are always
   black.
   
   Hind-legs:
   Strong, muscular thigh-bone and well pronounced knee-joints. Muscular
   spring-joints, well angled and not slanting. Bowlegs and knock-knees
   are serious faults. The hind claws must be removed painlessly in the
   earliest youth. The pads of the feet are always black.
   
   Trunk:
   Slightly longer than the withers' height. Strong in the kidney's area.
   The chest is deep but not too tubby. A stiff back is required.
   
   Tail:
   Very richly haired (broom-tail) always held half-lowered, never to
   high or even rolled over the back.
   
   Fur:
   Medium soft to hard, very long, lank, never parted, and showing the
   form of the dog in spite of good under-hair. The fur is always lank,
   slightly curled hair is allowed, but locks or rolling hair are
   rejectable. At the throat and at the chest, the Leonberger has fancy
   manes.
   
   Principle faults:
   Faults, which degrade in judgment, respectively exclude from breeding
   are among others:
    1. Bright eyes, 'bird of prey' eyes.
    2. Much white (large white spot on the chest, white at the paws).
    3. Clearly rolling hair.
    4. Strongly curling tail.
    5. Very shy and malicious animals.
    6. Very incorrect position of the legs.
    7. Males without two visible testicles.
    8. Too prominent upper or lower teeth, and other faulty dentures. A
       dog appropriate for breeding must have a complete and
       irreproachable denture. The grownup dog has 42 teeth.
    9. Brown fore-noses exclude from breeding. Brown pads of the feet
       exclude from breeding. Brown lips exclude from breeding.
       
   Leonberg June 4th, 1972.
   
  THE LCA INTERPRETATION
  
   The following is the Leonberger Club of America Interpretation of the
   FCI Standard
   
   General Characteristics and Appearance:
   
   In existence since 1846, the Leonberger was originally bred for its
   impressive beauty and resemblance to a lion as found on the city crest
   of the German town of Leonberg. They are loyal, clever, easily taught
   and weatherproof. An excellent family dog; Leonbergers are especially
   gentle with children. The Leonberger is a versatile working dog with a
   natural ability for a range of different skills from guarding,
   tracking and rescue to companion and therapy duties. They are
   particularly fond of water. The Leonberger is a large, strong,
   balanced and elegant dog of good proportions, possessing
   self-confident calm with a lively temperament. The are intelligent and
   good natured. Clearly shy or aggressive behavior toward people is a
   disqualification.
   
   Head--
   The well balanced head shows much grace and is always carried proudly.
   The head appears wedge shaped with a slightly domed skull. The occiput
   is not distinct. The skull is in total deeper than wide. The length of
   the muzzle is equal to the length of the top skull, measuring from the
   stop to the back of the occiput. Cheek bones shall not protrude. The
   back of the skull is not wider than at the cheek bones. The head has a
   moderate, sloping stop. The muzzle narrows very little as it
   approaches the nose. The top of the muzzle, when viewed from the
   front, is broad. The bridge of the muzzle, when viewed from the side,
   is straight or slightly arched. Nose and outer lips must be black, any
   other color is a disqualification. The head of the male is more
   masculine and the female head shall always be feminine. Both exhibit
   an array of facial expressions. Jowls and flews are tight so the dog
   does not drool Drooling is a fault, excessive drooling especially in
   cold weather is a disqualification. Desired color of gums is black,
   some pink is permissible.
   
   Teeth--
   Good strong jaws with all teeth properly aligned, scissor bite and
   complete complement of 42 teeth is required. One or more missing teeth
   are a disqualification. Undershot or overshot bite is a serious fault.
   
   
   Eyes--
   Light brown to dark brown with dark preferable. The medium-sized eyes
   are in perfect harmony with the head. Eyes have an intelligent,
   friendly appearance and lids fit tightly. Loose eyelids are a fault,
   clearly entropian eyelids are a disqualification. Pig eyes or
   protruding eyes are not desirable. Yellow piercing eyes are a
   disqualification.
   
   Ears--
   Drop ears, set high and close to the head are more triangular than
   round. They are of medium size and well furred.
   
   Neck--
   Neck is powerful and muscular giving the impression of strength and
   dignity. The neck is long enough for proud head carriage an blends
   cleanly into the shoulders. Dewlap is undesirable.
   
   Body--
   The topline is strong and level from the withers to the croup. The
   body is slightly longer than tall. The chest is deep and roomy with
   well sprung but not barrel shaped ribs. Brisket reaches at least to
   the elbows and the loin is strong. Slightly arched tuck up is
   especially pronounced in males. The croup slopes slightly. The tail
   set follows the natural line of the croup. Missing testicles are a
   disqualification.
   
   Fore Quarters--
   Are well muscled with good bone. When viewed from the front the
   forelegs are straight and parallel from the point of the shoulder to
   the ground; elbows pointing directly to the rear. The shoulders are
   well muscled and well laid back. Pasterns are strong, sturdy and
   slightly sloping to allow for correct flexibility and sprig. Dew-claws
   are usually present.
   
   Hind Quarters--
   Are powerful and well muscled with good bone. When viewed from the
   rear, the legs are straight and parallel. The thighs are well muscled
   and fairly long. When viewed from the side, the stifle should be
   moderately well angulated, line from hock to ground being
   perpendicular. Front and rear angulation are in proportion. Cow hocks
   and barrel shaped hind legs are faults. Dew claws are removed.
   
   Feet--
   Are moderately rounded and tight with firm arched toes. Hare feet and
   splayed toes are undesirable. Toes are webbed. Pads of feet must be
   black. Any other color but black is a disqualification.
   
   Tail--
   Is long, the bone reaching the hock or below. Shorter tails are a
   fault. The tail is carried low and straight down when the dog is
   relaxed, the end may have a slight outward curve. When the dog is
   excited, the tail may be carried high with a moderate curl. Tail
   always carried over the back is a disqualification. Kinked tail is a
   fault. The tail is well feathered and bushy.
   
   Coat--
   Is medium soft to coarse, medium length, straight and sleek and
   showing the outline of the dog's body in spite of good undercoat.
   Males tend toward longer coat than females. Waviness is allowed.
   Excessive curly coat is a disqualification. At maturity, especially
   with the male, a heavy mane develops. Forelegs, hind legs and ears are
   well feathered. Since this is a natural working breed, no artificial
   alterations of the coat are allowed, except trimming excessive hair on
   the feet.
   
   Color--
   Lion-colored, golden-yellow to red brown. Sand colored specimens occur
   as well. All colors may have black tips on the overcoat. A small white
   patch on the chest is acceptable, white hair on the toes is a fault
   and white hair beyond toes, or excessively large patch on chest is a
   disqualification. Dogs should have a black mask. The ideal mask
   extends over the eyes. All mask variations are acceptable, but
   complete lack of mask is a fault. The color of the tail shows the same
   basic color as the body coat. Slightly lighter colored tails are
   allowed. The feathering on the fore and hind legs, on the ears and on
   the underside of body and tail may be lighter but blend well into the
   main color.
   
   Height--
   Adult height below stated minimum is a disqualification, above maximum
   is a fault.

        Males
        Minimum         28.5 inches             (72 cm)
        Maximum         31.5                    (80 cm)
        Preferred       30.0                    (76 cm)

        Females
        Minimum         25.5 inches             (65 cm)
        Maximum         29.5                    (75 cm)
        Preferred       27.5                    (70 cm)

   Gait--
   The Leonberger has a lion-like walk. While in motion, the Leonberger
   has good reach, strong drive and gives the impression of effortless
   power. Essential to good movement is the balance of correct front and
   hind quarters. The forelegs and hindlegs travel straight forward and
   do not swing in an arch or move in and out in relation to the line of
   travel. As the dog's speed increases, the legs angle in from the
   shoulders and hips toward the center line of the body and tend toward
   single tracking. Front and rear angulation must be proportionate to
   avoid interference. Continued pacing is undesirable.
   
   Summary of Disqualifications:
     * Clearly shy or aggressive behavior toward people
     * Nose and outer lips any color except black
     * Excessive drooling even in cold weather
     * Fewer than 42 teeth
     * Yellow, piercing eyes
     * Clearly entropian eyelids
     * Missing testicle(s)
     * Pads of feet any other color than black
     * Tail always carried over the back
     * Excessively curly coat
     * White hair beyond toes, or excessively large white patch on chest
     * Adult dogs under minimum height
       
   Summary of Faults:
     * Loose flews resulting in drooling
     * Overshot or undershot bites
     * Loose eyelids
     * Legs barrel shaped or cow hocked
     * Kinked tail
     * Shorter tail, bone not reaching hocks
     * White hair on toes
     * Lack of mask
     * Oversized dogs and bitches
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
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 with the FCI.
   The LCA is loosely associated through it's Associate Member Status of
   the International Union of Leonberger Clubs e.V. with headquarters in
   Germany.
   
   The LCA is not affiliated with the AKC
   
   FCI Federation cynologique internationale
   Rue Leopold - II
   14B-6530 Thuin
   Belgium
   
   The Leonberger Club of America
   (see addresses and contacts below)
   
   American Rare Breed Association
   PO Box 76426
   Washington, DC 20013
   (202) 722-1232
   
   Worldwide Kennel Club
   PO Box 62
   Mt. Vernan, NY 10552
   (914) 779-5317
   
   States Kennel Club
   PO Box 389
   Hattiesburg, Miss 39403
   (601) 583-8345
   
   IABKC International All Breed Kennel Club of America
   21115 Devonshire Street, Suite 426
   Chatsworth, CA 91311
   (818) 882-5636
   
   UKC United Kennel Club
   100 East Kilgore Rd.
   Kalamazoo, MI 49001-5598
   (616) 343-9020
     _________________________________________________________________
   
The Leonberger Club of America

   The Leonberger Club of America was formed in 1985 and for the past
   decade has grown steadily and worked diligently to protect and
   preserve the health and qualities of the breed. The LCA maintains the
   Official Registry of Leonbergers in America. It encourages all owners
   to participate in the Club, and requires adherence to the standards
   set by the LCA Breeding Committee for full registration of any litter.
   There are approximately 700 registered Leonbergers in the 1995
   Registry.
   
   It takes creative vigilance to impose and enforce strict breeding
   controls while not treading too heavily upon the sacred American
   values of individualism and free enterprise. The original American
   devotees gave their word to German and Swiss friends and families that
   they would do all in their power to protect and preserve the qualities
   of these dogs that make them among the most healthy, gentle, loving,
   and majestic of all companion breeds. We have a tragic history in
   America where breed popularity invariably leads to irresponsible
   breeding practices. Health, temperament and the distinctive qualities
   of a breed have time and again been sacrificed in the interests of
   whim, greed and/or convenience.
   
   The Leonberger Club of America believes that inviting a Leonberger to
   share your home carries not only a responsibility for your own canine
   family member, but for the great family of Leonbergers in America and
   throughout the world.
   
   Buy only from a breeder that upholds the standards set and enforced by
   the LCA and join us in the quest to preserve and protect the best of
   the breed for this "best" of the breeds.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
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. Because of the guidance of the
   Leonberger Club of America, Leonbergers are among the healthiest of
   the American purebreds. However, there are special medical problems
   that should be in the awareness of every breeder, owner, and potential
   owner.
   
  HIP DYSPLASIA
  
   Hip and elbow dysplasia are unfortunately found in most large breeds.
   The Breeding Committee of the Leonberger Club of America has been
   extremely diligent in education and enforcement of breeding
   regulations designed to minimize HD in Leos. At this point in time,
   the OFA is reporting fewer than 11% of our dogs with dysplasia.
   Leonbergers are not allowed to be bred without OFA Certification, and
   serious consideration of Penn Hip ratings are currently under review.
   
  EOSINOPHILIC PANOSTEITIS
  
   "Pano" is a disease with no known cause which resolves without, or in
   spite of, treatment!! It is a generalized inflammation of the bones
   which 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 it is self-limiting and does not seem to result in
   any long-term damage.
   
  ADDISONS DISEASE
  
   Addisons Disease is a rare hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands. It
   has been diagnosed in 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.
   
  SENSITIVITY TO ANESTHESIA
  
   Leos are especially sensitive to anesthesia. Anesthesia should only be
   used when there are no reasonable alternatives. Isofluorane is usually
   preferred, but an anesthesia plan should always be thoroughly
   discussed with your veterinarian.
   
  ENTROPIAN EYES
  
   Leonbergers are known to carry the genes for entropianism (inverted
   eyelids). These can be corrected with a relatively minor surgical
   procedure. However this condition is considered a major fault, and
   dogs known to carry the gene are categorized as unbreedable by the LCA
   Breeding Committee.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Resources

  BOOKS AND ARTICLES
  
   Der Leonberger 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
   
   Il Leonberger, by Guido Perosino, Giovanni De Vecchi, Milano, 1993.
   
   Het houden van een Leonberger, een praktijkboek by Ton Muller, The
   Netherlands, 1994
   
   "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.
   
   Leonbergers are described in all of the international books describing
   multiple breeds of dogs.
   
   Dog World , June 1992 "The Leonberger: Schwabish superdog", by Dennis
   Burnside PP 28-32
   
   Dog Fancy, November 1990 The Leonberger, Dennis Burnside and Wendy J.
   Wibbens. pp. 41-43.
   
   Dogs USA The 1994 and 1995 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.
   
  BREEDERS
  
   Lists of reputable breeders are available from the Breed Clubs of each
   country. For your protection, only buy from a breeder approved by a
   National Breed Club.
   
  SELECTED BREED CLUBS
  
   
   
   United States
   Leonberger Club of America
   Contact: Caroline Isberg
   15210 Upper Ellen Road
   Los Gatos, CA 95030
   email cbi@isberg.com
   
   Germany
   Deutscher Club fur Leonberger Hunde
   Contact: Gerhard Zerle
   Am Hang 1
   D - 4730 Ahlen 4
   
   
   France
   Club Francais du Leonberg
   Contact: Jules Guilbert
   Domaine du Chapitre
   6, Rue de la Mesange
   F - 76420
   
   Italy
   Club Italiano del Leonberger
   Contact: Guido Perosino
   San Martino in Colle
   06070 Perugia, Italy
   
   Netherlands
   Leonbergse Honden Club Nederland
   Contact: Nick and Monique Blijlevens
   Schermerhornstraat 6
   4908 DD OOSTERHOUT
   Netherlands
   
   Sweden
   Leonberger Sallskapet
   Contact: Sven Eskner
   Sankan Hatuna
   S - 193 00 Sigtuna
   
   Great Britain
   Leonberger Club of Great Britain
   Contact: Fred Inwood
   "Kinghern" Little London
   Near Basingstoke
   Hampshire, UK R9265 EX
   
   Denmark
   Dansk Leonberger Club
   Contact: Jorgen Hansen
   Laugoveij 44, Orby
   DK. 3200 Helsinge
   
   Finland
   Suomen Leonbergindoirat
   Contact: John Ahlskog
   Snoripavagen 6
   SF-02880 Veikkola
   
  MISCELLANEOUS
  
   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
   Eaton, Ohio 45320
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Leonberger FAQ
    Caroline Bliss-Isberg, cbi@isberg.com
