The following quotations are taken from "The Leonberger Book" written by the authors Margareta Gustafson-Eskner and Ulrika Rogert who have kindly given us their permission.

OVERALL IMPRESSION According to its original field of application the Leonberger should be a very big, sturdy, muscular and yet elegant dog. The breed is distinguished by a harmonious physique and a self-confident and calm yet lively behaviour. Particularly the he-dog shall be imposing and vigorous.

The first thing you see when you look at the Leonberger is of course the size, the colour and the fur. The next thing is the facial expression, the good-natured eyes, the majestic head and the strong jaws and you are convinced that this is a nice, kind-hearted creature which is not at all to play with should it get angry. But the longer you live with this breed the more you will become convinced that it is not at all the impressive exterior that is the most remarkable with these dogs. They are beautiful and gentle but they have so much more inside. How is the Leonberger´s character? The Leonberger is a big and lively dog that does not get stressed unnecessarily and it has an enormous ability to take it easy. They like just as much lying in a corner under the desk at work with the mistress as accompanying in the car or being outside running in woods and fields. They relax easily but they are also very lively and playful. They do not have any exaggerated need either of exercise or occupation as long as they are allowed to be with their families.

The Leonberger is very fond of people both children and adults - the persons in their own family as well as strangers. The Leonberger is a good swimmer and is not sensible to cold water and it has an instinct to search out water the year around and any water will do as long as it is wet. One disadvantage is that it very often becomes wet, muddy or worse when out on regular walks or when making own "excursions".

They have an extremely good eye sight and sense of smell. They are efficient sleuth- and search hounds and they often make a great impression on huntsmen because of their careful, reliable and just fast enough work with tracks of blood. They seem to have a natural talent for this kind of job. The sense of smell, the intelligence and the strong webbed fore paws make them good avalanche and rescue dogs. The staying power and the strength also make them good draught dogs but do not expect any high speeds. They can easily carry 10-15 kilos in packing bags.

Generally they do not have a good watch instinct/inclination as they seem to think well of everybody. They do not bark much - at any rate as family dogs. Many of them seem to lack pronounced feeling for the territory and are too willing to leave the garden if somebody or something does not hold them back.

Thank you Margareta Gustafson-Eskner and Ulrika Rogert.