Owning a Leonberger is an incredible and rewarding experience. Once you have one you will never turn back. However you need to be sure that a Leonberger is the right fit for your family. The biggest mistake you can make in getting a Leo is to make a bond with them through love and then need to break that bond later on. This is devestating to the Leo and to the people. Now lets be far and true, you are buying an extra large dog who sheds a small degree all the time and once a year has a full blow out of their seasonal coat. If thats ok then also remember they have grooming needs however minimal they still need to be brushed out, sticks removed and possible hair mats. Leos love to swim and play in the water so naturally they are damp from spring to fall. If allowed. They also love it when it snows of course. They have a strong desire to be with you 100% of the time no matter if your just going down the road to the mail box or taking off overnight.So keep this in your mind first and formost as you consider a Leo. If you work what will your Leo do all day. Staying at home by ones self isn't an option. You can however leave your leo now and again for some short private time. Ours get to choose if they want to stay or come along. 100% of the time Dolly comes with us. We don't take vacations where Leos are not invited too. If they can't come then we don't go there. LOL. They have a way of reforming your life to revolve all around them. Which is very rewarding to everyone. Leos love children, other animals and people that they have gotten to know. Being a bit stand offish for a first leo meeting is totally normal as long as a few minutes later they recover and start to trust the situation and want to get to know you. This is why they make such great watchers and guardians. Even though you may laugh how does a Leo who weighs 150 lbs wanna be a lap dog! they do. If you do decide to bring a Leo into your family you will never look back and you will most likly want more.