Frequently Asked Questions
When
seeking a Leonberger puppy, you are really seeking a Leonberger breeder
who has a philosophy that is compatible with your hopes and desires.
Below are questions we are occasionally asked and hope to be
asked regarding our breeding program and Leonberger puppies.
Geeske Joel, a wonderful advocate for sound breeding
practices,
wrote a wonderful article for the beginning puppy seeker which
you
can read here.
You
can never ask too many questions!
Are you a member of the LCA
Yes, we are proud to be members of the Leonberger Club of America and have been since 1999. We believe strongly in the mission of the LCA and participate actively in the club. We were honored to be the chairs for the 2006 Leonberger National Specialty in Asheville, NC and have served in numerous committees for the LCA. TOP
Can you provide references for your kennel and/or your dogs?
We are happy to provide references (other breeders, veterinarian, or Leonberger puppy owners) upon request. TOP
Do you have puppies available right now?
Our D Litter puppies are reserved right now. It is never too late to contact us about future litters, though! TOP
What are your future breeding plans?
We will be continuing our line with Ika's daughter Brubeck. We have planned Brubeck's next breeding for 2012 or 2013. Presently, we are very excited about a planned breeding between "Destry" (CH. Joshua con Alpensee) and Bru. This will likely be a frozen semen breeding and we are expecting a small litter typical with such a match. Puppies for companionship will likely be available, but limited. Want to know more? Click for some more information on our breeding philosophy. TOP
What do I have to do regarding reservations?
Reservations for our litters are given to approved homes. Approved homes Contact Us, complete a Puppy Questionnaire, and complete a Leonberger Puppy Reservation Agreement with deposit. TOP
How do you handle puppy deposits?
We ask prospective homes to include a deposit with their Leonberger Puppy Reservation Agreement. The deposit is 100% refundable in the event that we are unable to provide a puppy that meets your needs; however, the deposit is nonrefundable in the event that a prospective home chooses or is unable to complete the adoption process. Finding a replacement home at the last minute is a very stressful task that we hope to avoid and we will always make decisions in the best interest of our Leonberger puppies. TOP
Are you aware of other breeders I might contact?
We know several breeders with the same level of attention and dedication to detail that we give the breed. If we are unable to provide a puppy, we are always happy to recommend a great breeder - often one who has interest and stock in the same lines we do! TOP
How often do you breed?
Each of our litters take hundreds of hours of work and more than a few tears. We plan only those breedings to which we have the time to devote and that may ultimately help to strengthen the Leonberger breed. As such, we breed only occasionally. TOP
What is the emphasis of your breeding program?
Sforzando's focus is on breeding sound, beautiful, healthy Leonbergers with solid temperaments and social affinity. Ultimately, every Leonberger we produce is a valued family companion and canine citizen; therefore, we will not compromise on health, temperament, or longevity in our breeding program. TOP
What information do you have about the longevity of your lines?
We are always happy to provide specifics on the longevity of our lines. Leonbergers, on average, are not a particularly long lived breed. Our dams come from lines that have enjoyed consistent longevity. We prefer to use only "older" studs who also have longevity in their lines. Coupled with proper health testing, this is the best method of selective breeding available for serious breeders interested in strengthening longevity in the breed. Check out the resources section of our website for information on how you too can research the background of Leonbergers! No breeder can tell you how long an individual puppy will likely live, but responsible breeders can stack the deck and beat the odds. TOP
Do you have a Sales Agreement?
Yes, we have a sales agreement which outlines responsibilities and expectations for the breeder and new owner. We are happy to provide a copy of our sales agreement to prospective adopters who have completed our Puppy Interest Questionnaire. TOP
Do you differentiate between pet and show quality puppies?
We work with a very experienced breeder/exhibitor when the Leonberger puppies are at seven weeks of age to evaluate the conformation of the Leonberger puppies in our litters and we are happy to work with serious individuals seeking a formidable, fun-to-show Leonberger. We additionally seek the input of experienced, knowledgeable friends through photos and video and we are happy to share their opinions. It's important to understand that there is no concrete definition for the term "show puppy" in the Leonberger world and opinions, knowledge, and ability can differ greatly from one breeder to the next. For example, our conformationally fourth ranked girl in our "B" litter defeated several top puppies from other litters in the country at a major regional specialty, taking Best Puppy. Technically, any Leonberger without a disqualifying fault can be shown and many breeders will call those puppies "show quality". In our practice, we don't consider a Leonberger a "show puppy" unless they have excellent layback of shoulder, correct and balanced front/rear angulation, proper substance/proportion, a correct croup, dark eyes, excellent mask, correct earset, and a number of other criteria that increase his/her chances of winning a championship. It's important to note that many of the criteria considered to be vital in the show ring are trivial or go unnoticed by most fanciers who have Leonbergers strictly for companionship. Many pet owners value the size, coat, face, and temperament of their Leos above the angle at which the upper arm meets the shoulder. It is also important to note that while a great deal of information about the adult form of the Leonberger can be gleamed from a seven week old Leonberger puppy, the adult condition of the dog has many factors that will be unknown - bite, size, coat, hips, and markings all have a certain amount of variability from the evaluation at seven weeks and a great show dog is well bred, well raised, well trained, well presented, and a little bit lucky. The more you are educated about the Leonberger standard, the better you will be able to pick a show puppy; a detailed breed description makes a good starting point. . TOP
What are my obligations if I adopt a puppy?
We expect puppy adopters to provide a quality, happy life for the Leonberger they adopt as a member of their home. Absolute minimum requirements include the ability to provide proper diet, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care/maintenance. If this isn't part of your aim in adopting a Leonberger puppy, please adopt from someone else. TOP
Do you temperament test?
Absolutely! We can't imagine how to properly match these very large canines with families without the assistance of professional puppy temperament testing. We match puppies to homes that are the best fit for them. A home with children and other pets needs a Leonberger with a temperament very different from the home of a retired couple or a single man with an established Leo pack. TOP
What do you do in raising puppies to help produce well-rounded temperaments?
Great Leonberger puppies are as much made as born. We are fanatics about socialization! Our puppies are visited by dozens of people and experience every environment, sound, and stimulus we can muster. Of course, our efforts are only half of what is required. In order to ensure a well-rounded temperament in all situations, Leonberger puppies need to be constantly socialized - particularly from six weeks of age through twelve weeks of age. To see how we go about socialization, we are documenting some of the major events in our C Litter Leonberger Puppy Blog. TOP
At what age do Leonberger puppies go to their new homes?
Unless an exception is made, our Leonberger puppies are available for adoption at eight weeks to homes with one or more medium/large dogs and at nine weeks to families without a medium/large dog. The eight to ten week development period in puppies is their first "fear period" and part of a very important window in their development. Any bad experience during this first fear period has a strong possibility of imprinting and forming strong opinions in a Leonberger that are difficult to change. Though families are anxious to get a new Leonberger Puppy ASAP, we must realize that going from a good time in a large pack of canine friends to long periods of canine isolation is difficult on an eight week old Leonberger puppy. The extra week of socialization with other Leonberger puppies and Leo adults is as beneficial in the long term as the isolation would be harmful. TOP
What informational materials are provided with the Leonberger puppy?
Every Leonberger puppy goes to their owners with a packet of information on the raising, caring, and training of their Leo puppy. Providing answers to every question in a packet, however, is impossible. We are always available by phone or email to answer any questions our extended Leonberger family may have and - if we don't know the answer - we'll find it. We are committed to our Leonberger puppies for their lifetime. If you're hungry for some more information, please check out our recommended reading. TOP
How involved as a breeder are you in the raising of this puppy?
We want to be as involved as makes a family comfortable. We love receiving pictures and updates on our Leonberger puppies and are more than happy to be on the end of the phone answering questions and/or giving advice. We do not, however, micromanage the home. As mentors, we are always happy to make recommendations regarding diet, exercise, training, grooming, equipment, etc., but we are not going to tell you what to do. We consider ourselves partners here to help and not authorities to control responsible adults. TOP
What do you recommend (or not recommend) for feeding the pups?
We recommend feeding new Leonberger puppies a high quality adult kibble with proper quantities of protein. We supply enough food with the puppy that they can be moved slowly to the high quality food the family chooses. Leonbergers require a high quality diet their entire lives and the demands are never greater than in the first fifteen months of life! Please don't buy dog food for any dog at the same place you can buy tires or breakfast cereal; Leonbergers can affordable be fed a high quality diet. TOP
Are your dogs kennel or house dogs?
Our Leonbergers are couched much of the day. They are a part of our home and a part of our family. While a kennel situation can be perfectly sanitary and work well for some breeders, we can't imagine the fun in it. Nothing makes our evening like snuggling up with our Leos and watching some television or packing them in the show van for a field trip! Osa, loves her weekly trips to PetSmart. TOP
Will you keep a refundable deposit for health tests?
No. We ask that puppy adopters screen hips when their dog is spayed/neutered and recommend that they do routine health screenings and keep us informed. Our experience has been that refundable deposits do not increase the likelihood of a Leo's home electing for health tests, so we just ask nicely! TOP
When do you recommend that Leonbergers be spayed/neutered?
We recommend that Leonberger puppies not be spayed or neutered before 18 months of age if at all possible. The idea that early spaying or neutering is beneficial to the health of your Leonberger puppy, on the whole, is completely false. The hormones produced by the reproductive organs help fully fuse the Leonberger's growth plates between fifteen and eighteen months of age. Without their reproductive system intact, Leonbergers grow tall and leggy, changing the angles of the bone and making them more likely to incur ACL injuries. In addition to making sure they grow into the shape nature intended, waiting to spay and neuter offers the best likely health outcomes for your Leo. Female Leos are very unlikely to experience their first heat cycle before 13 months of age and should never be spayed before they are a year old. We are happy to provide you and/or your vet the latest research on the topic! TOP
Have a question to ask or think another one needs to be on the list? Ask Us!
- Are you a member of the LCA?
- Can you provide references for your kennel and/or your dogs?
- Do you have puppies available right now?
- What are your future breeding plans?
- What do I have to do regarding reservations?
- How do you handle puppy deposits?
- Are you aware of other breeders I might contact?
- How often do you breed?
- What is the emphasis of your breeding program?
- What information do you have about the longevity of your lines?
- Do you have a Sales Agreement?
- Do you differentiate between pet and show quality puppies?
- What are my obligations if I adopt a puppy?
- Do you temperament test?
- What do you do in raising puppies to help produce well-rounded temperaments?
- At what age do Leonberger puppies go to their new homes?
- What informational materials are provided with the Leonberger puppy?
- How involved as a breeder are you in the raising of this puppy?
- What do you recommend (or not recommend) for feeding the pups?
- Are your dogs kennel or house dogs?
- Will you keep a refundable deposit for health tests?
- When do you recommend that Leonbergers be spayed/neutered?
Are you a member of the LCA
Yes, we are proud to be members of the Leonberger Club of America and have been since 1999. We believe strongly in the mission of the LCA and participate actively in the club. We were honored to be the chairs for the 2006 Leonberger National Specialty in Asheville, NC and have served in numerous committees for the LCA. TOP
Can you provide references for your kennel and/or your dogs?
We are happy to provide references (other breeders, veterinarian, or Leonberger puppy owners) upon request. TOP
Do you have puppies available right now?
Our D Litter puppies are reserved right now. It is never too late to contact us about future litters, though! TOP
What are your future breeding plans?
We will be continuing our line with Ika's daughter Brubeck. We have planned Brubeck's next breeding for 2012 or 2013. Presently, we are very excited about a planned breeding between "Destry" (CH. Joshua con Alpensee) and Bru. This will likely be a frozen semen breeding and we are expecting a small litter typical with such a match. Puppies for companionship will likely be available, but limited. Want to know more? Click for some more information on our breeding philosophy. TOP
What do I have to do regarding reservations?
Reservations for our litters are given to approved homes. Approved homes Contact Us, complete a Puppy Questionnaire, and complete a Leonberger Puppy Reservation Agreement with deposit. TOP
How do you handle puppy deposits?
We ask prospective homes to include a deposit with their Leonberger Puppy Reservation Agreement. The deposit is 100% refundable in the event that we are unable to provide a puppy that meets your needs; however, the deposit is nonrefundable in the event that a prospective home chooses or is unable to complete the adoption process. Finding a replacement home at the last minute is a very stressful task that we hope to avoid and we will always make decisions in the best interest of our Leonberger puppies. TOP
Are you aware of other breeders I might contact?
We know several breeders with the same level of attention and dedication to detail that we give the breed. If we are unable to provide a puppy, we are always happy to recommend a great breeder - often one who has interest and stock in the same lines we do! TOP
How often do you breed?
Each of our litters take hundreds of hours of work and more than a few tears. We plan only those breedings to which we have the time to devote and that may ultimately help to strengthen the Leonberger breed. As such, we breed only occasionally. TOP
What is the emphasis of your breeding program?
Sforzando's focus is on breeding sound, beautiful, healthy Leonbergers with solid temperaments and social affinity. Ultimately, every Leonberger we produce is a valued family companion and canine citizen; therefore, we will not compromise on health, temperament, or longevity in our breeding program. TOP
What information do you have about the longevity of your lines?
We are always happy to provide specifics on the longevity of our lines. Leonbergers, on average, are not a particularly long lived breed. Our dams come from lines that have enjoyed consistent longevity. We prefer to use only "older" studs who also have longevity in their lines. Coupled with proper health testing, this is the best method of selective breeding available for serious breeders interested in strengthening longevity in the breed. Check out the resources section of our website for information on how you too can research the background of Leonbergers! No breeder can tell you how long an individual puppy will likely live, but responsible breeders can stack the deck and beat the odds. TOP
Do you have a Sales Agreement?
Yes, we have a sales agreement which outlines responsibilities and expectations for the breeder and new owner. We are happy to provide a copy of our sales agreement to prospective adopters who have completed our Puppy Interest Questionnaire. TOP
Do you differentiate between pet and show quality puppies?
We work with a very experienced breeder/exhibitor when the Leonberger puppies are at seven weeks of age to evaluate the conformation of the Leonberger puppies in our litters and we are happy to work with serious individuals seeking a formidable, fun-to-show Leonberger. We additionally seek the input of experienced, knowledgeable friends through photos and video and we are happy to share their opinions. It's important to understand that there is no concrete definition for the term "show puppy" in the Leonberger world and opinions, knowledge, and ability can differ greatly from one breeder to the next. For example, our conformationally fourth ranked girl in our "B" litter defeated several top puppies from other litters in the country at a major regional specialty, taking Best Puppy. Technically, any Leonberger without a disqualifying fault can be shown and many breeders will call those puppies "show quality". In our practice, we don't consider a Leonberger a "show puppy" unless they have excellent layback of shoulder, correct and balanced front/rear angulation, proper substance/proportion, a correct croup, dark eyes, excellent mask, correct earset, and a number of other criteria that increase his/her chances of winning a championship. It's important to note that many of the criteria considered to be vital in the show ring are trivial or go unnoticed by most fanciers who have Leonbergers strictly for companionship. Many pet owners value the size, coat, face, and temperament of their Leos above the angle at which the upper arm meets the shoulder. It is also important to note that while a great deal of information about the adult form of the Leonberger can be gleamed from a seven week old Leonberger puppy, the adult condition of the dog has many factors that will be unknown - bite, size, coat, hips, and markings all have a certain amount of variability from the evaluation at seven weeks and a great show dog is well bred, well raised, well trained, well presented, and a little bit lucky. The more you are educated about the Leonberger standard, the better you will be able to pick a show puppy; a detailed breed description makes a good starting point. . TOP
What are my obligations if I adopt a puppy?
We expect puppy adopters to provide a quality, happy life for the Leonberger they adopt as a member of their home. Absolute minimum requirements include the ability to provide proper diet, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care/maintenance. If this isn't part of your aim in adopting a Leonberger puppy, please adopt from someone else. TOP
Do you temperament test?
Absolutely! We can't imagine how to properly match these very large canines with families without the assistance of professional puppy temperament testing. We match puppies to homes that are the best fit for them. A home with children and other pets needs a Leonberger with a temperament very different from the home of a retired couple or a single man with an established Leo pack. TOP
What do you do in raising puppies to help produce well-rounded temperaments?
Great Leonberger puppies are as much made as born. We are fanatics about socialization! Our puppies are visited by dozens of people and experience every environment, sound, and stimulus we can muster. Of course, our efforts are only half of what is required. In order to ensure a well-rounded temperament in all situations, Leonberger puppies need to be constantly socialized - particularly from six weeks of age through twelve weeks of age. To see how we go about socialization, we are documenting some of the major events in our C Litter Leonberger Puppy Blog. TOP
At what age do Leonberger puppies go to their new homes?
Unless an exception is made, our Leonberger puppies are available for adoption at eight weeks to homes with one or more medium/large dogs and at nine weeks to families without a medium/large dog. The eight to ten week development period in puppies is their first "fear period" and part of a very important window in their development. Any bad experience during this first fear period has a strong possibility of imprinting and forming strong opinions in a Leonberger that are difficult to change. Though families are anxious to get a new Leonberger Puppy ASAP, we must realize that going from a good time in a large pack of canine friends to long periods of canine isolation is difficult on an eight week old Leonberger puppy. The extra week of socialization with other Leonberger puppies and Leo adults is as beneficial in the long term as the isolation would be harmful. TOP
What informational materials are provided with the Leonberger puppy?
Every Leonberger puppy goes to their owners with a packet of information on the raising, caring, and training of their Leo puppy. Providing answers to every question in a packet, however, is impossible. We are always available by phone or email to answer any questions our extended Leonberger family may have and - if we don't know the answer - we'll find it. We are committed to our Leonberger puppies for their lifetime. If you're hungry for some more information, please check out our recommended reading. TOP
How involved as a breeder are you in the raising of this puppy?
We want to be as involved as makes a family comfortable. We love receiving pictures and updates on our Leonberger puppies and are more than happy to be on the end of the phone answering questions and/or giving advice. We do not, however, micromanage the home. As mentors, we are always happy to make recommendations regarding diet, exercise, training, grooming, equipment, etc., but we are not going to tell you what to do. We consider ourselves partners here to help and not authorities to control responsible adults. TOP
What do you recommend (or not recommend) for feeding the pups?
We recommend feeding new Leonberger puppies a high quality adult kibble with proper quantities of protein. We supply enough food with the puppy that they can be moved slowly to the high quality food the family chooses. Leonbergers require a high quality diet their entire lives and the demands are never greater than in the first fifteen months of life! Please don't buy dog food for any dog at the same place you can buy tires or breakfast cereal; Leonbergers can affordable be fed a high quality diet. TOP
Are your dogs kennel or house dogs?
Our Leonbergers are couched much of the day. They are a part of our home and a part of our family. While a kennel situation can be perfectly sanitary and work well for some breeders, we can't imagine the fun in it. Nothing makes our evening like snuggling up with our Leos and watching some television or packing them in the show van for a field trip! Osa, loves her weekly trips to PetSmart. TOP
Will you keep a refundable deposit for health tests?
No. We ask that puppy adopters screen hips when their dog is spayed/neutered and recommend that they do routine health screenings and keep us informed. Our experience has been that refundable deposits do not increase the likelihood of a Leo's home electing for health tests, so we just ask nicely! TOP
When do you recommend that Leonbergers be spayed/neutered?
We recommend that Leonberger puppies not be spayed or neutered before 18 months of age if at all possible. The idea that early spaying or neutering is beneficial to the health of your Leonberger puppy, on the whole, is completely false. The hormones produced by the reproductive organs help fully fuse the Leonberger's growth plates between fifteen and eighteen months of age. Without their reproductive system intact, Leonbergers grow tall and leggy, changing the angles of the bone and making them more likely to incur ACL injuries. In addition to making sure they grow into the shape nature intended, waiting to spay and neuter offers the best likely health outcomes for your Leo. Female Leos are very unlikely to experience their first heat cycle before 13 months of age and should never be spayed before they are a year old. We are happy to provide you and/or your vet the latest research on the topic! TOP
Have a question to ask or think another one needs to be on the list? Ask Us!
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- C Litter Blog
- Frequently Asked Questions
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- LCA Breeders
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- Getting Started in LCA & AKC Events
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- Brief History of the Leonberger
- Diet for Leonbergers
- Our Breeding Philosophy
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- Breed Description
- Recommended Reading
- The Leonberger Databases
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