Leonbeger Dogs

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
I was in Burllngton over the weekend and ran into a lady that show Leonberger dogs. I have a special fondness for large dogs as one of my guys was a German Shepard\St. Bernard cross. But Baron was just a little tyke compared to the Leonberger. Baron weighed about 125 lbs for most of his life. This guy had to run 160-170. He was a wonderful gentle dog. His head was enormous, even compared to his huge body. He patiently allowed everyone to pat him and believe me, Church Street was mobbed and everyone seemed to gravitate to this huge dog. There is something about truly big dogs that seems to make people happy.

She did say that he required an enormous amount of grooming because of his size and his long coat. Also, sadly, their lifespans are like 8-9 years. That is why I don't know if I'll ever have another giant breed.

Does anyone have a dog like this? They seemed really nice.
 
The problem with these dogs is just what you experienced. They ALWAYS draw a crowd and they love to play to a crowd. If you're uncomfortable with that or just don't want to ALWAYS have to allow extra time for it... or if you will get tired of answering the same five questions over and over and over again, then maybe think twice.
 
They are, BTW, wonderful dogs. I have a friend who has two. They are both just sweethearts. And really good with children. I came around a corner at Home Depot the other day and saw that the aisle was blocked by a crowd all excited y something. So, I decided to see what was up. And there I ran into my friend and his two Leonbergers. The dogs were working the crowd and my friend was answering the five questions.
 
Another problem with big dogs is their short life span. Until about 15 years ago my sister always had Great Danes. They rarely lived past 7 years.
A friend here has a Rhodesian Ridgeback. This dog is as laid back as you can get, but he is about 6 years old, so he has about 4 years left.
 
I used to have an English Mastiff. He weighed right around 200 lbs. (It's kinda difficult to weigh a really big dog.) Besides the enormous amounts of droll, he was a pretty good dog. The big problem was that it was tough to get away from him. When you sat down to relax, if he walked over to you (which he always did,) he would automatically be in your face—literally. Too much dog broke me from having to have a dog. I've not owned one since. I still love dogs—other people's dogs.

I've known two Leonbergers. Both were as lovable (but protective) as could be.
 
Last edited:
My next door neighbor has a Malmute. I prefer a smaller dog, but I have just about fallen in love with this animal. She's probably just north of 100 and smart as a whip. I may try to take her off her hands one of these days.
 
There is something about really huge dogs that just makes me smile. All of my adult life I've had big dogs, ranging from 90-125 pounds, basically really big but not giant. I now have a little English Pointer of 50 pounds who is just a sweetheart. She can jump up into my truck and fit in the seat with no trouble, I can pick her up easily if need be, and my wife and mother can easily handle her. Really, all dogs are good; just different!
 
All dogs make me smile. I used to not like the mop dogs, toy poodles or whatever else. Now, I enjoy verbally abusing the dog about its inbred genetics. ;-) I am a labrador lover, and Gracie gives me enoug space, but she also reminds me to give her attention by placing the tennis ball in my hand or lap. I would not want the attention of this Loenbeger breed nor the shorter life span. I cannot think of Gracie not in my life. Dog lover I am.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top