You think Leonbergers are the perfect breed. They look like cuddly teddy-bears, especially when they are puppies. You've visited website after website looking at pictures of beautifully groomed, noble, intelligent dogs.

So, you think you want to own a Leo? Then read on:

Do you want a large, shaggy indoor dog? While Leos have thick, weatherproof coats and love cold weather, they are not yard dogs. They are tremendously attached to their "pack" and are happiest when they can be with their people.

Do you like to have a clean house? Leos shed. A lot. All the time. Everywhere. Be prepared to invest in an industrial-strength vacuum cleaner--you will need it. In addition, those big paws track in a large amount of dirt. Your kitchen floor will never quite be the same. Also, while Leos don't "drool", they do tend to drip water all over the house after they take a drink. They love to be wet, and many puppies (and adults!) will attempt to empty the contents of their water bowl onto the floor, then lie down in it!

Do you like to wear black? See "shedding" above. You will see a lot of khaki at Leonberger gatherings, for good reason. Leo fur attaches to everything--if you wear black, be prepared to spend a good deal of time removing Leo-fur from your clothes *after* you leave the house (there's no sense doing it beforehand!)

Do you have time for daily exercise? Leos are large, athletic dogs. They are not couch potatos. They require a fair amount of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A 10 minute walk in the morning and evening is not enough for an average Leo--they need to run and romp off-leash regularly. A Leo with a lot of pent-up energy can easily turn to destructive behaviors to release it.

Do you have time for training? Leos are large, powerful dogs. Training needs to start early and often. At six months old, Leos weigh about as much as a full grown German Shepherd. Without training, they can be a nightmare to handle. In addition, most Leos go through quite a rebellious period as adolesents. Training is a must in order to have a dog that won't take *you* for a walk.

Do you have time for grooming? Leos that you see at picnics and at shows almost always have been bathed and groomed beforehand. Their long coats become easily matted, and seem to be a magnet for burs, twigs and leaves.

Do you have the financial resources? The cost of a Leo only begins with the purchase price. Everything about owning a Leo seems to be more expensive because of their sheer size. People often assume that food bills are large (they are), but don't realize that bowls, collars, crates, medications, supplements, vehicles-- ALL have to be super-sized, which ends up costing a great deal more with a giant breed.

Do your family and friends like dogs? Many people, even those who like dogs as a rule, can be easily overwhelmed by an enthusiastic Leonberger greeting. Others are absolutely terrified because of a Leo's size, and may just refuse to visit you.

Do you like to be bothered whenever you go out? Leonbergers draw a lot of attention. Whenever you go out with your Leo, you will be constantly stopped by people who want to ask questions (and they are basically the same questions, asked over and over again!!).

So, do you still think you want a Leo?

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