Bernese mountain dog or Leonberger

fujitsu

I have been researching both these breeds for over a year now. They both seem wonderful breeds but i would like to throw it out there to get more feed back from owners. I live in the countryside and have a 2 acre enclosed site so space is not an issue. I have all the books and know all the issues of a giant breed. If anyone out there has these breeds any info would be appreciated.

Xcellor

fujitsu wrote: »

I have been researching both these breeds for over a year now. They both seem wonderful breeds but i would like to throw it out there to get more feed back from owners. I live in the countryside and have a 2 acre enclosed site so space is not an issue. I have all the books and know all the issues of a giant breed. If anyone out there has these breeds any info would be appreciated.

My parents breed leonbergers and I have been around them a few years. My experience is they are friendly and non-aggressive. We have a chihuahua and often visit and the chihuahua loves one of the bitches who is massive by comparison but they get on really well. They also are used as therapy dogs.

Here is one of their last litters

http://www.youtube.com/v/AJpF3F3PU3Y

For more information goto www.leokings.com or visit facebook group "Leonbergers Ireland" plenty of pics and info. If you contact them you can arrange a visit.

I think they are planning a litter soon.

Shanao

I dont have a bernese but a buddy of mine has three and I've doggysat a few times for her. They are amazing dogs, very gentle, but unfortunately, there has been an influx of puppy farmers and backyard breeding them now. Bernese are supposed to be friendly, amiable dogs but I cant remember the last time I met one that isn't shy and nervous because of bad breeding and a lack of early socialisation.
There are still only a few leon breeders in Ireland so its more likely that you'll find a good, reputable breeder of them. In my experience of leons, they are just as lovable as the bernese though they can be a little bit more stubborn. They also dont seem to have as many health issues as the bernese; cancer is a big problem in the berns.
Leons are more likely to show aggression because of a guarding background, than the bernese though so early socialisation is a must.
To be honest, I doubt I'm going to be much help here They are both breeds that I had been considering for a long time as well and eventually couldn't decide between them so I went in a different direction. Thinking back on it now, I would probably be more inclined to go with a leonberger, but only barely.
Do you have kids? And how old if you do? Bernese tend to be a little better with young kids while the leons because of their bigger size are best with kids of at least eight and upwards.

Wisco

fujitsu wrote: »

I live in the countryside and have a 2 acre enclosed site so space is not an issue. .

Garden size doesn't really matter that much. You still have to walk them, no matter what size dog you get.

fujitsu

Wisco. I never suggested that the garden was a way out of walking. I mentioned the garden because someone living in an apartment could be posting this. They are giant breeds and every book i have read suggest a large garden and pleanty of space.

Wisco

Sorry Fujitsu, I didn't mean it as a personal attack, just a general statement- it's just that I meet many people who think their dog doesn't need a walk just because 'he has the run of an acre'. You sound like you're doing a good job of educating yourself- I wish more people would do as much research as it sounds like you've done before getting a dog.
Good luck with whatever you decide to go for.

fujitsu

Thanks wisco. Im leaning more torwards the leonberger. I have been talking with 2 prpoer breeders(one being xcellor mother) and they have a wealth of knowledge and have no problem in spending hrs informing me. The bernese breed seem to be popping up all over the place and its very hard to find someone i really trust. I have contacted the club and they are to forward me details so hopefully something positive will come out of that. The leonberger breed is still very small so its much easier to find trustworthy people.

Mr. Manager

fujitsu wrote: »

...I mentioned the garden because someone living in an apartment could be posting this...

I have a Newfoundland and live in an apartment. Nothing wrong at all with the living space.

Niamh Horan

fujitsu wrote: »

I have been researching both these breeds for over a year now. They both seem wonderful breeds but i would like to throw it out there to get more feed back from owners. I live in the countryside and have a 2 acre enclosed site so space is not an issue. I have all the books and know all the issues of a giant breed. If anyone out there has these breeds any info would be appreciated.

It is a tough one really. I would suggest you contact both the Leonberger club of Ireland and the Bernese Mountain dog club of Ireland and ask to visit owners with dogs. Please be mindful as some breeders both Leo and Bernese breed a lot and therefore you would have to question their reasons for breeding - is it to improve the breed or to make money.

I read this recently from a Leo website and it sure made me think..............Be wary of those that advertise -- particularly in national magazines or newspapers or on unsuitable on line forums. Inappropriate on line selling (puppy finder sites) puts Leos right up there with all the puppy farmers that are selling on line too and this is a poor reflection on the breed. Good breeders don't need to advertise generally (word of mouth is enough for them). Many have long waiting lists of future puppy buyers. If they are advertising in national magazines/newspapers or on inappropriate on line sites, they are probably producing far too many puppies. Most great breeders only breed occasionally and make sure they do it right. Quantity and quality are oftentimes inversely related when it comes to puppies.

I got this from the same website................

Typically, there are two kinds of websites developed by breeders of purebred dogs: Those created to showcase the breeder's kennel and accomplishments, and those created to sell puppies. The former type of site belongs to the responsible breeder. The irresponsible breeder creates the latter. Irresponsible breeder’s primary interest is not to share information about their dogs, but to sell their puppies. For them, a web site is just another way to advertise a litter, not unlike a classified ad.

I would say, do your homework and do your research both on the dog and the breeder...........as they say buyer beware!

And good luck whatever breed you choose. In my opinion both are wonderful

Niamh Horan

Just a point of note, Leonbergers are particularly known for their affinity towards children and they won the European Pet of the Year in 2006...............given they are a rare breed - it is a great achievement. Leo's love kids all ages. As for their guarding instinct, from the literature I have read, it is more a protective instinct towards their human family, which personally I wouldn't have a problem with. Just my 2 cents worth!