Leonberger
our dogs are an integral part of the family, puppies are born and grow up at home next to their mother, taking part in family daily life right away
Large dog, the Leonberger is an incredible masterpiece of grandeur and poise, too often not appreciated as it should by the general public. To give a more detailed picture of this breed, we interviewed Eleonora Grandi from the ” Mannarini ” kennel.
How long have you been breeding this breed?
We have been breeding since 2015 with the official ENCI / FCI “Mannarini” affix.
We are a specialised family breeding for the selection of the Leonberger.
We select them for health, character and morphology and we particularly care about the 'family' definition, as it precisely describes and identifies our idea of life with and for dogs.
Our dogs are an integral part of the family, puppies are born and grow up at home next to their mother, taking part in family daily life right away, starting an important socialization path, essential for every balanced dog and one day well integrated into society. .
For us, breeding embodies the maximum expression of love for this breed and it is only the passion that has led us to undertake this path, made up of continuous training, together with the historical dog-loving inclination of the whole family.
Among so many breeds, why did you choose to breed the Leonberger?
From the passion born for the Leonberger, first as owners and dog lovers, the strong desire to approach breeding arose, a commitment achieved only after several years spent cultivating the interest and knowledge of the Leonberger. You choose the breed compatible with your being and your life needs, since the dog is a life partner, for life.
We chose the Leonberger for its incredibly good and balanced character, affectionate in a unique way, peaceful and lively at the same time. For his need to live in close contact with his human companion, made for me subjectively very gratifying in the relationship with the dog. For its beauty, the majesty and grandeur of these giants.
Breeding is therefore a consequence of this adoration, a responsibility that involves a lot of commitment, sacrifice and constant dedication but that can give back a lot of satisfaction from a personal and dog lover's point of view. The Leonberger is a great little precious little pearl, little known, in this great sea of far more famous and widespread dog breeds, it is an honor to be able to breed these giants.
What are the salient characteristics of the Leonberger?
Size is its defining characteristic and a lot of what this breed is about revolves around this word, because a lot of things about the Leonberger are great.
Large is the size, among the most important in the dog scene and it is already in itself a fascinating component that makes it very showy, also thanks to the thick coat and mane in the male.
Great is the character, intended as complete, versatile, all-round.
He is a dog for the family and also a good guardian without ever being aggressive. He can be a hardworking dog and carry out rescue activities, an affectionate and present companion, literally always next to his human companion.
The Leonberger must stand out as a dog of great, again, goodness. Intelligent, empathetic with the owner and extremely attached to him.
He is an incredibly affectionate dog, in need of contact with his family. He's a big dog and a big dog, inside and out.
What is the ideal environment for a Leonberger?
The ideal is the serene and warm environment of his family. He has great need of contact, of affection, of forging a solid and indissoluble bond with his human companion.
He will love to spend as much time as possible with his family, wherever they are.
It does not need huge spaces, contrary to popular belief, large dogs easily adapt to relatively small environments, requiring normal and regular outings.
What commitment does a Leonberger buyer make?
A giant breed dog certainly requires a good deal of effort, particularly for growth management. Giant dogs grow fast and for a long period of time, during which the owner must work to ensure correct development on a physical and psychological level, guaranteeing the puppy and puppy a healthy growth and complete socialization.
We always talk about a dog with a very important size that must be able to be reliable, for this reason an excellent socialization is essential and fundamental. Only in this way can the Leonberger truly express its great potential and be the stable and balanced dog that can follow us everywhere, filling our life with a unique and irreplaceable company.
How do you relate to children? and with the other dogs?
A well-bred, socialized Leonberger will be a manageable and sociable dog who will generally integrate well in any situation.
They are dogs that have a high tolerance, usually have a great and authentic predilection towards children (the educated ones) and are fantastic companions for them, but as with any dog, it is right and correct that the adult teaches the child to relate correctly and vice versa, always supervising responsibly.
What makes him happy? Go out? Do agility? Go hunting? ...
The Leonberger is a family dog, it will be happy to follow its 'two-legged' companion accompanying him on a walk or excursion, during the daily errands, or to keep him company on the sofa during a rainy day.
Even if belonging to the same breed, different dogs will have slightly different tastes and needs, while still falling within the scope of typicality; the differences are part of the individuality of each dog and it will be the owner who will have to support the unique characteristics that distinguish the subject.
What is the average age of the Leonberger?
On average from 8 to 10 years. There are magnificent rare exceptions of even 13-14 years.
Does he suffers from loneliness?
Absolutely yes. Loneliness cannot be part of the life of a happy and balanced Leonberger.
Although rustic and hardy and it is possible for him to live outside the home, he doesn't like to spend much of his time alone confined outside family life.
He is an affectionate and participatory dog and it is important that he shares life with his family.
We always talk about the dog, but it is also true that the owner often makes the difference. Therefore I ask you: who is the ideal Leonberger master?
A person who loves to share his life with the dog, who loves to lower his hand and meet a big, sweet and reassuring muzzle without bending down to do so. Who deeply loves a dog that becomes its shadow, the great shadow.
