Life with a leo

At Magnolia Leos, we specialize in breeding leonbergers. This breed has its own unique qualities and temperament. The Leonberger is a large, sociable working dog, muscular yet elegant, with a proud head carriage. The breed is distinguished by its black mask, substantial bone, balanced build, and double coat. The gentle character and even temperament of the Leonberger is of utmost importance for fulfilling their role as a family companion. The Leonberger is confident, with a steady, playful demeanor. The breed is willing to please and possesses a good capacity for learning.

We take the health of our puppies seriously and offer a comprehensive health guarantee for every puppy we sell. Both the sire and dam are health tested per the OFA breed standard. This currently includes: eyes, hips, elbows, thyroid, LEMP, LPN1, LPN2, and LPN3. Our puppies are up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a clean bill of health from our veterinarian. We're confident in the quality of our puppies and stand behind them 100%.

Adopting a puppy is an exciting experience, and we're here to guide you through the process. We start the process with a questionnaire, followed with a zoom interview, if we proceed then puppies will be placed in their homes based on temperament testing conducted by a professional behavioralist.  From placement to bringing your new puppy home, we're here to help every step of the way. Contact us to learn more about our adoption process.

First and foremost, please find a vet local to you that you feel comfortable with. It would be a good idea to go ahead and set up their first visit so that there is no time lapse in their vaccinations. Secondly, please prepare your home for your new fur baby. This includes removing all objects and plants than can cause harm to your puppy. Yes this is very similar to “baby proofing” your house. You’ll need to purchase the necessary items. This includes, but is not limited to: food, dog bowls, toys, collar, leash, crate, exercise pen, poop bags, brush, nail trimmers, etc. 

In general, puppies will need their core shots at:

• 7 weeks old
• 10 weeks old
• 13 weeks old
• 16 weeks old

Please consult with your vet on any other vaccines recommended by your area or required by your state.

Puppies have also been dewormed at 3 weeks of age and five weeks of age. Upon your first vet visit, you will need to establish preventative care for heartworms and fleas. 

The Leonberger should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Your Leo, no matter the age, should always be place on adult formula dog food. Puppy food typically makes your little one grow too fast for its own good and can cause health issues down the line. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.  Supplements are also highly suggested. We recommend feeding your Leo: vitamin C, joint supplements, prebiotic, and probiotics. 100% canned pumpkin works as a great cure all for the poos. Constipation and diarrhea, adding pumpkin can remedy diarrhea and constipation.

Leonbergers are very large and strong. In addition, puppies and adolescents have loads of energy and are extremely enthusiastic. With these facts in mind, proper training of the breed is essential. Leo puppies should be socialized by being gently exposed to a wide range of people, animals, and settings before the age of 20 weeks. The goal is 100 people, in 100 places, in 100 days. Group puppy classes will help a Leo learn to be a well-mannered companion and canine citizen. A Leo is probably stronger than and may even outweigh you eventually, so it is imperative that he learns to do what you want him to do. Leo’s also do better with positive reinforcement training. 

Leonbergers shed a lot'and twice a year, they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially in the areas of his body that tend to mat: the long hair behind the ears and on the backs of the legs. A more thorough grooming should be done once a week, and given the breed's size, this will take a fair amount of time. Leos have a thick, full outer coat and a shorter, fluffier undercoat. A metal comb and an undercoat rake can be used to work out the undercoat, and a pin brush and a slicker brush will neaten up the outer coat. In addition, a Leo's nails should  be trimmed every other week. You should also brush your Leo’s teeth regularly too with canine safe toothpaste. Their ears should also be routinely checked and cleaned. Unkept ears can lead to infections especially if your Leo swims often and during the humid months. 

Adult Leonbergers are generally calm and subdued, but they still need to have some vigorous exercise once a day. Puppies and adolescents are active and exuberant. Adult dogs can benefit from jogging or hiking with their owner or keeping pace alongside a bicycle. A large yard with a tall, strong fence is the ideal place for a Leo to run around. Remember, these are working dogs. Drafting (pulling a cart) and agility training are two good ways for a Leo to get the activity he or she needs. It is important to note that puppies hips do not fully develop until they are approximately two years of age. This means that they should have assistance going up and down stairs, in and out of cars, and should not be jumping to and from other high surfaces. Also, please not that if you plan on running with you Leo, long distances need to be worked up to. Just as you train for a 5k, they need to train their endurance too.