LeoWorld: Breed Overview: Characteristics

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Characteristics and Temperament

Noble, powerful, and gentle are the best descriptors of the Leonberger breed. Ideal Leos resemble one's childhood image of Nana in Peter Pan: big, soft, warm, protective companions, perfect for nestling into or clutching if you are a toddler. Leos are sometimes affectionately referred to as "lean-on-bergers" because of their tendency to lean against their loved ones.

However, Leos are large dogs and are frightening to many people simply by virtue of their size. Fear and aggression in a stranger can activate a dog'sprotective instincts. Huge dogs can also do a great deal of damage just by jumping up on someone in a burst of enthusiasm. When you invite a Leonberger to share your life, you bring to that contract the responsibility to make sure that both you and your dog receive excellent obedience training.

To become excellent family and watchdogs, Leonbergers must be well socialized as young puppies and extremely well-trained and under the control of their people at all times. It is difficult to train a dog that has been improperly socialized. The fear of parvo has led some owners to make the tragic mistake of keeping their puppies isolated until they have completed their vaccination series; they risk ending up with a fearful, timid dog that may become aggressive as an adult. Owners must strike a balance: Puppies, especially from birth through four months, must be exposed to a variety of people and experiences. There are many parvo-safe activities and places to take dogs, and new owners have to take the time to expose their new pups to as many of these as possible. This is especially true for one's second and third Leo; it is too easy to keep the new pupin the company of the older dogs, depriving him of the opportunity to develop self-confidence.

Leos are known for their stability. As a general rule, 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. A typical and impressive sight at dog shows and gatherings is a large "pride" of Leonbergers peacefully and contentedly sitting and lying together in close quarters. However, on closer observation one will find that males and females in the midst of "hormone storms" are carefully separated and have been placed at opposite ends of the group

Leonbergers are excellent watchdogs, not given to frivolous barking or unnecessary alarms. Their imposing size and deep bark are usually enough to deter uninvited guests. They come from watchdog stock, and therefore, instinctively establish and valiantly maintain their household's territorial rights. However, upon receiving the OK from family members, strangers are accepted and welcomed.