Leo Puppy Questions

Lovely shot. Chico's head often disappears completely into Pepe's mouth - I must try and get a picture of it!

Thanks for your replies.

Yes I am aware of the 5 minutes per month of life rule.

I have frequented the Leonberger Club of Ireland website which is the national and only Leo Club in my country. I also emailed a breeder a long while back but did not find the information that they gave me too satisfactory.

There are not many all-breed dog shows around lately, just one in the summer that I know of locally but this summer I arrived too late and missed the Leos!!! Also the Leonberger shows are over for this year and I wasn't aware of them taking place until they were over

I also wasn't aware that the Furminator could damage the coat if it takes out too much, so thanks for that tip off as they are quite pricey here so wouldn't want to waste that on a damaging tool.

I should probably rephrase when I said exercise requirements I really meant are they a hyper/active breed. I have received several contrasting answers from owners of similar breeds so am quite confused.

Any help is much appreciated.

Ha thanks! I myself am not an extremely active person but would definitely put the needs of my dog and future dogs before my own desires (to laze on the couch!) I just would not want to get a breed that I would be in over my head with, in that I wouldn't be able to keep up with it's physical needs and end up with a giant, restless and in turn destructive because of boredom dog!!

Also, would anyone be aware of the amount of food required daily to feed an adult dog of this size?
I've been told it is not as drastic as one might presume by the appearance of the dog, but would love to know a rough figure? Adult males weigh about 140-170 lbs.
Thanks in advance xx

You really are doing your homework Emma - well done!

Again, not having a large breed I cannot help you and in any case I feed raw, but first I would check with whatever breeder you choose what he/she feeds their dogs on - and not to take too much notice of amounts recommended on commercial dog foods.

Whatever you decide, I would recommend getting a pair of electronic kitchen scales - a cheap pair as they are no less efficient than an expensive pair unless you are a professional baker - and weighing food, not just going by "x cups of x food".

I am not sure how much the above helps you, but perhaps it is another thing for you to think about? I really wish I could help you more.

You really are going about the right way of acquiring a new member of your household!

I haven't any idea about how much food they need - I'm sure a breeder could advise you, or someone here who has very big dogs. I think you're right about it not being as much as it might seem. I did know someone who had several German Shepherds and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and she said there wasn't much difference in the amount they ate.

With regards to exercise, I might be wrong but I get the impression from the ones I know that they tend to get their exercise more from playing with other dogs than from going for very long walks. I know the owner is always delighted when she sees Pepe my Standard Poodle coming - he's always up for a game! As soon as I see her again, I'll try and get some more information from her - I know she is a very experienced Leonberger owner, and these aren't the first ones she's had.

I appreciate all of that information and thank you for your replies

I do have a scales and I also agree with you when you say to not always go with the commercial dog food recommendations.

Thank you also @Malka for noticing my efforts, even though I am only 16 I fully believe that a matter as such should not be ruled by the heart but by the mind and it must be thought through and researched thoroughly before making such a huge commitment.

Thanks @Janet for your info too x That's what I was also thinking - more exercise through socialization and play time rather than a vigorous hike etc

It has always been between a Leo or a Newfoundland. I have to say though Newfoundlands are much easier to come across, less expensive to purchase, have a wider network in my country and vicinity and they also seem to be easier to research. Any thoughts?

Only thing bad about Newfie's is they are world class shedders.

I don't think that's what Emma is hoping to hear!

Food wise is by judgement and build. Mouse per month is 150 dollars US a month to feed roughly

I actually can't think of a breed that sheds more or close to the amount.

I think the GSD would come close

When I used to go to Obedience Training Clubs, you could always recognize the GSD owners even if they hadn't got their dog by their side, because they were nearly always covered in hair!

Well obviously none of you have ever owned a Shar-Pei! This is what came off Georgie when she went to the groomer in September - and she wasn't even shedding her coat. Come April, I'll get twice as much! (Pei are half the size of a GSD).

Loose hair can be easily coped with.
All your clothes and furnishings just need to be the same colour as your dog.
If more than one colour of dog, - mingled clothing, Berber carpets and never ever wear black.

If I had written, 'Forty Shades of Grey', it would have been about my clothes!