I will not attempt to force you to read the nitty gritty details of the background and conformation standards of Leonbergers.  All of that can be found on the websites of either the Leonberger Club of America (LCA) or the American Kennel Club (AKC).  Suffice it to say, they are INCREDIBLE dogs.  Rather, I will give you the honest truth about Leonbergers as the breed that I've come to know and love over many years.

Leonbergers are smart.  Every breed owner says their breed is smart.  But Leos are really smart.  They can puzzle out solutions to problems (open locked gates or help themselves to ice cubes that they're not supposed to eat from ice dispensers).

Leonbergers are extremely sensitive and remember situations (good or bad) and people (they like or dislike) for the rest of their lives.

If Leonbergers are not raised with children, they are not necessarily comfortable around children.  I have never seen a Leo harm a child but they will not always be eager to greet or be greeted by them.

Leonbergers know when you're talking about them and know what you're saying.  They can also spell.

Leonbergers like water -- not all of them but many of them.  They will play in their water bowls, run outside and sit in the rain and mud, and play in the sprinklers.

Leonbergers make outstanding service dogs.  They are easy to train to do even the most complicated and seemingly difficult of tasks.

Leonbergers are routine driven.  They will be flexible about changes in routine but don't always like it.  Many Leos will not eat while away from home.  Some Leos will not piddle on anything but grass.  Others will only poop behind the most inaccessible bushes for clean-up.

Many Leonbergers (especially male Leos) are velcro dogs.  They will get upset if you leave them.  One in particular, has been known to throw temper tantrums whenever his mom would leave the house, throwing household items up against the walls even though his dad was there (and watching).  It will be difficult to have any privacy in the bathroom if you own a Leonberger.

Leonbergers shed.  A LOT!  You must be prepared to brush them several times a week and vaccuum your home at least once or twice a day (if you're fastidious about a clean house).

Leonbergers beg and know how to look pitiful to get what they want.

Leonbergers are a VERY ACTIVE dog.  They need daily activities, exercise, socialization and play.

Leonbergers need to be an integral part of your life.

CONSIDER SERIOUSLY WHETHER THIS IS THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE!