Sforzando Leonbergers

08/28/2024

25 Months
BISOH

07/19/2024

𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

07/16/2024

We are very proud of Loca, CH Sforzando's Livin' la Vita Loca for her performance and recognition at Victory Lane Leos! She did really well and flew to a championship

05/16/2024

Our babies continue to be successful in all kinds of endeavors

05/12/2024

Moms put up with a lot! Happy Mother's Day to All

04/21/2024

Rained in? Wanna learn something about Leonberger land? Check out the resources from the Mid-Atlantic Leonberger Club of Virginia's past seminars!! https://www.midatlanticleonbergers.com/

04/03/2024

Happy Birthday to our marvelous "K" Litter who turns four years old today!! One of our babies, Ari (Orange Girl), is fighting for her life today in Emergency care in Nashville, TN. Her family has invested everything at their disposal to help her through a case of bloat on Easter Sunday morning, but need a boost from the Leonberger village to give supportive care for unexpected complications. Can you give Ari a small gift on her birthday to wish her four more years of health and long life?

03/27/2024

Imagine loving this sweet six-year-old St. Bernard just dropped at the Rockingham County Animal Shelter. She's been a brave mommy, taking care of her puppies with all her heart. Now, she's longing for a family who will give her love in return. She's given so much of herself, and it's time for her to feel the warmth of a cozy home and the love of a caring family. Will you be the one to open your heart and home to her? Let's give her the happy life she truly deserves!
Rockingham County Animal Shelter (NC)
(336) 394-0075
Ask for Ashton (manager)

03/26/2024

22 Months at Spring Fling
G2/G3
OHG1/RBISOH

03/12/2024

21 Months at the Tarheel Cluster
RBISOH

02/17/2024

Can Sforzando Leonbergers get performance titles too? Apparently so! Congratulations to our Katie (Raleigh x Mezzo) and Kim for putting into the work for their Beginner Novice in Obedience. Amazing!

12/12/2023

Agi Hejja and Dr. Robert Dove are going to rock this ! ❤ ❤ ❤
There's still time to register: https://bit.ly/Breeding101
And you can catch up on Session 1, 2, 3, & 4: https://www.midatlanticleonbergers.com/breeding101

10/25/2023

16 Months
'23 Triple Crown
WB/BOW (New CH!)
SEL from Moveup :)

10/25/2023

16 Months at Triple Crown
4 Selects, 5 NOHS, 2 Sweeps

10/02/2023

Happiest of birthdays to our Sforzando "J" litter as they begin their sixth year of life. May the years before you be many and golden. May the lives you share be enriched with your generous company. May your hearts and bodies feel and benefit from the love, care, and respect you richly deserve. May you crown legacy of warm memories to honor you many years from now.

09/18/2023

09/18/2023

16 Months
G4 OH G2/3 Furniture City

09/09/2023

Sforzando Leonbergers BIGGEST event of the year is the annual 2023 Leonberger Triple Crown. We can't wait to catch up with everyone and show off the latest Sforzando crew!

08/29/2023

Leonbergers are wonderful family companions if you have the time and resources to incorporate them into your life. Chihuahuas are also wonderful pets. Make the decision that's best for your family!

Are you contemplating bringing a Leonberger into your life? This decision entails more than just selecting a new pet; it involves integrating a furry friend into your daily routine, budget, and overall lifestyle. To help you make an informed choice, let's delve into the essential considerations when choosing a dog, with a specific focus on whether a Leonberger is the right fit for you.

Understanding Your Lifestyle Compatibility:
Before you welcome a Leonberger into your home, take a moment to reflect on your daily activities. Does your work demand a substantial amount of your time? Do early mornings present a challenge for you? Are you frequently drawn to travel? These questions set the stage for understanding whether your lifestyle is suitable for 100+ lbs of attention-seeking fur. Maybe a little Chihuahua is a better fit after all?

The role of a dog owner is a significant commitment that comes with transformative changes. Leonbergers requires physical and mental engagement. Can you dedicate time to take your Leonberger for on daily walks? On long or miserable days? Keep in mind that some Leonbergers are quite active and benefit from even more exercise. Are you prepared to invest effort in obedience training, housebreaking, and engaging play sessions? It's important to consider whether you can adapt your travel plans to accommodate your four-legged companion's needs. Not every pet-sitter feels comfortable with Leonbergers!

Assessing Financial Preparedness:
The love you have for a dog is boundless, but the costs associated with their care are should be considered. A 2017 report estimates that dog owners typically spend between $27,074 and $42,545 over a decade to ensure their pet's well-being. Leonbergers are on the higher side of costs for preventatives, veterinary care, food, and cool t-shirts.

Matching Your Lifestyle with the Leonberger:
It’s not wise to pick a dog because of how the breed makes you feel or how much you enjoy their appearance or quirks. We must crucially consider how well a particular breed aligns with your lifestyle. If you find yourself drawn to the Leonberger's majestic presence and gentle nature, it's worth delving into the breed's characteristics in more depth. Remember that each breed comes with its own personality, appearance, energy levels and capacity to treat your home as one big chew toy.

Addressing Grooming Needs:
Unlike fish, dogs require investment of time and money to maintain a healthy, clean double coat. All breeds with long fur, from Pekingese to Afghan Hounds, demand daily brushing to prevent tangles. Shedding is another factor to consider; breeds like the Leonberger that shed heavily require more frequent cleaning and grooming efforts (as will your home!).

Personality Compatibility:
Selecting the right dog is akin to finding a compatible partner. The ideal match will share your preferences and habits, whether that involves cozy evenings at home or outdoor adventures. Every dog has a unique personality, and the Leonberger is no exception. As you consider this breed, be sure to inquire about energy levels, interactions with children and other pets, and any special health considerations.

Embracing the Commitment:
Owning a dog is not only an exciting venture but also a significant commitment that could extend for a decade or more. Before you make a final decision, equip yourself with knowledge and readiness. Learning about the breed, its needs, and the responsibilities it entails will create a solid foundation for a joyful partnership between you and your new family member.
As you take steps toward becoming a Leonberger owner, keep in mind that a well-informed decision leads to a smoother transition. Whether you're embarking on hikes together or sharing quiet moments at home, the journey ahead promises companionship and fulfillment.

07/27/2023

You don't often see Leonberger merchandise shaped like an actual Leonberger! Karen's Dog Designs is dropping the Leonberger premier tonight in 90 minutes! A great gift for you and/or a friend! https://www.facebook.com/KarenLGrzenda

07/07/2023

We give much the same advice. Planning, Patience and Persistence are key to Puppy Progress!

Congratulations on bringing home your new Leonberger puppy! Taking care of a puppy requires patience, love, and understanding. Here are some tips to help you build confidence and create a strong bond with your furry friend:

Choose a potty spot. Take your Leo puppy to the designated area outside where you want them to go potty. When they do their business, use a command like "go potty" and remember to praise them. This will help them understand where they should go.

Introduce them to their new home: Prepare a safe area in your house for your puppy to explore. Don't overwhelm them by letting them roam freely throughout the entire house right away. Start by allowing them to get used to a smaller, puppy-proofed space where they have their food, water, and crate. Once they are comfortable, gradually introduce them to new rooms, one at a time.

Introduce your Leo baby to their new family members. Allow your puppy to meet each family member one at a time in a calm and quiet manner. This will help them feel more secure and build trust with each person.

Puppies like to chew! Provide appropriate chew toys for your puppy and encourage them to chew on those instead of other items. If you catch them chewing on something they shouldn't, gently redirect their attention to their chew toy.

Introduce them their sleeping place. Growing Leo puppies need lots of sleep, so show them where their crate or dog bed is when they seem ready for a nap or at bedtime. This will become their safe and comfortable space.

Keep a close eye on your puppy. During the early days, it's important to supervise your puppy and keep them within your sight. Take them with you from room to room, allowing them to explore under your watchful eye.

Set the adult rules and enforce them! Even though your puppy is still learning, it's important to establish rules from the beginning. Be consistent and use gentle redirection to discourage unwanted behaviors. Avoid yelling or punishing your puppy, as this can scare and confuse them. Remember, they are still learning what's expected of them.

Gradually expand your puppy's environment under your supervision. Provide lots of affection, stick to a routine, and reward good behavior. With time and patience, your Leo will learn their place in your family and develop a lifelong bond with you.

Remember, building confidence and patience is key when bringing home a new puppy. Enjoy the journey and embrace the wonderful moments you'll share with your Leonberger companion! They are only puppies for a short time. Enjoy!!

06/28/2023

Working with a preservation breeder, an individual who is committed to making sure their beloved breed is there and thriving for generations to come, is a wonderful way to add a beloved companion to your home. It's an opportunity worth pursuing!

Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first—and most important—step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources. Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, but you can also rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all things dogs, from choosing the right dog to caring for it forever.

The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel or in their home. If that’s not possible in person, ask to meet your breeder and their dogs via a video-conferencing system.

Observe the dogs and the breeder. Are the premises clean? Odor-free? Does the breeder show a genuine passion for dogs? Are the dogs well-fed? How do the dogs interact with the breeder—and with strangers? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

One of the biggest benefits of working with a good breeder is that they can be counted on throughout your dog’s life. When you’re meeting with a breeder for the first time, come prepared with a list of questions about the breed and the puppy—you can never ask too many, and there are no dumb questions!

See how the breeder reacts. Are they patient with your questions? Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel like you have a good rapport? Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in happy, loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge.

There’s no better way to see how your dog will grow up than by looking at their parents! It will give you a sense of your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance.

Reputable breeders will be happy to show proof of health screenings such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) certificates. They will also explain any health conditions that typically affect that particular breed so you know what to watch out for in the long term.

Don’t expect to meet a breeder and bring home a puppy the same day. Usually, the breeder will keep the puppy at the kennel for the first two or three months of their life, so the puppy can mature and socialize with its mother and littermates. This transition is important, and it’ll give you time to puppy-proof your house and to get the necessary supplies before welcoming them home.

Check Out Breeder of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T Programs
AKC Breeders of Merit (BOM) are dedicated to preserving breed characteristics and producing healthy, well-socialized puppies.

From AKC.org

06/05/2023

12 Months
Chi-Chi Best in Specialty Show/Best in Sweeps
Tarheel Leonberger Club

05/03/2023

Victory Lane Leos 2023 closes in just two weeks - part of the Victory Lane Classic Dog Show held with the Carolina Working Group Association. It's an international blast held at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. Premiums, grooming information, etc. is at TarheelLeos.org. It's gonna be fantastic!! Woohoo!! Please join us at the finest Leo shows in the Southeast ❤

04/30/2023

Sforzando Leonbergers has a new champion!! Chi-Chi completed a championship today by earning a Group Placement with Myrtle Beach Kennel Club. At just 11 months old, we couldn't be happier with her start!! Thank you to all of our friends and the wonderful community of judges, handlers, and fanciers that encouraged us today. We couldn't imagine a more amazing day in the conformation rings

04/19/2023

Sforzando Leonbergers is thrilled to help support the 2023 Leonberger Triple Crown with some trophy and rosette sponsorships. We can't wait to show off the new babies!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d49a5a82ba2f94-2023?fbclid=IwAR1MlbcLQcT32Ifo6Esh_AZ_PVIba2wtQ_z8L2CmbYuhNZkCAmGTxZ5KkLc #/

Thank you for sponsoring trophies and rosettes. Your generosity helps make the Triple Crown special for everyone. Donations are excepted by both check and PayPal. We will email directions to make payment after you sign up! ~The Triple Crown Team

12/25/2022

11/06/2022

8 Months