Health-tested Leonberger stud dogs from verified owners

Leonberger Stud Dogs

A lion-colored giant with a black mask and a gentle heart, the Leo was bred in Germany as a companion fit for royalty. Its parent club asks for more DNA tests than almost any other, and for good reason. On VerifiedStuds, every owner is identity verified, and each profile shows the results beside the fee.

$1,000 to $2,500+

estimated fee, while champion sires cost more

8 tests

joints, eyes, thyroid and four DNA tests

Natural, chilled, frozen

breeding methods

Leonberger stud dogs: Leonberger with a black mask standing at a dog show. Photo by Tomasina, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Leonberger stud dogs: founding spots

Leonberger profiles are opening now. Meanwhile, owners of health-tested males can claim a free Founding Stud spot.

Founding Stud spot open

Your stud here

Show his OFA hips and elbows, eye exam, thyroid result and his LPN1, LPN2, LPPN3 and LEMP DNA results.

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Founding Stud spot open

Your stud here

Founding Studs pay 0% commission on their first booking, and listing is also free.

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Founding Stud spot open

Your stud here

Short on time? Then send us the documents, and we will build the listing for you.

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What Leonberger stud dogs cost

Leonberger stud fees usually run from $1,000 to $2,500. A health-tested male with no proven litters often asks $1,000 to $1,500. However, champions and proven sires with clear DNA panels can ask $2,000 to $3,000.

These are market estimates, since fees are private. The breed is uncommon, and its club rules are strict, so fully tested sires are in steady demand. The stud fee guide explains contracts and return services.

$1,000 to $2,500+

Overall range (estimate): $1,000 to $3,000

Health-tested, unproven male: $1,000 to $1,500

Champion or proven sire: $2,000 to $3,000

Leonberger standing in the snow. Photo by Kurre92, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Health tests for Leonberger stud dogs

The Leonberger Club of America is the AKC parent club. A stud can carry our Verified Health badge when the owner uploads the results on its recommended list:

Test

What we accept

Hips

OFA hip evaluation or PennHIP

Elbows

OFA elbow evaluation

Eyes

Exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist

Thyroid

OFA thyroid evaluation

LPN1 and LPN2

DNA tests for Leonberger polyneuropathy

LPPN3

DNA test for laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy

LEMP

DNA test for leukoencephalomyelopathy

Brucellosis

Negative test taken before the breeding

Polyneuropathy weakens the nerves of the legs and throat. Affected dogs develop a high-stepping walk, noisy breathing and exercise trouble. LEMP damages the spinal cord in young dogs. Because DNA tests exist for each, breeders can avoid producing affected puppies. Registered results are public on the OFA website.

See our health testing guides for how each test works.

How to read Leonberger DNA results

Most of these tests follow the usual recessive rule. A carrier bred to a clear dog produces no affected puppies. However, LPN2 is different, because it is dominant. A dog with even one copy can develop the disease and pass it on. Therefore, a stud should be clear for LPN2.

So ask for the full lab report, and compare each line with your female's. In addition, remember what DNA cannot show. Bone cancer, bloat and heart disease all occur in the breed, and none has a screening test. As a result, ask how long his parents and grandparents lived.

How to choose between Leonberger stud dogs

First, look at temperament. The breed standard treats a calm, friendly, steady nature as essential. A Leonberger that is shy or aggressive fails the breed's whole purpose.

Next, check structure. Males stand 28 to 31.5 inches and should be powerful yet elegant, with a level back and easy movement. The coat is lion-yellow to red-brown with a black mask.

Finally, weigh longevity. Leos live about seven to nine years. A pedigree with dogs that reached ten is worth a great deal. The AKC recognized the breed in 2010.

Natural breeding, chilled and frozen semen

Leonbergers usually breed naturally. However, breeders often look to Europe for unrelated lines, so chilled and frozen semen are both common. Each profile lists the methods on offer.

The dog artificial insemination guide explains timing and shipping. Then see how VerifiedStuds works.

How booking a stud works here

1

First, shortlist studs and message owners through the site to agree on dates and terms.

2

Then book the stud and pay the listed fee by card at checkout.

3

After that, accept the breeding terms before the booking confirms.

4

Finally, the owner is paid through Stripe, and you can leave a verified review after the breeding.

Own a Leonberger stud? List Your Stud free. The first 100 studs pay no commission on their first booking.

Also compare Newfoundland studs, Saint Bernard studs, Bernese Mountain Dog studs and Great Pyrenees studs, or see every breed on our stud dogs by breed page. Planning his workload? Then read our guide to how often a stud can breed.

Leonberger stud service FAQ

How much is a Leonberger stud fee?

Most owners charge $1,000 to $2,500. However, champions and proven sires can ask up to $3,000. These figures are estimates.

What health tests should a Leonberger stud have?

Hips, elbows, an eye exam, a thyroid evaluation and DNA tests for LPN1, LPN2, LPPN3 and LEMP, plus a negative brucellosis test.

What is Leonberger polyneuropathy?

It is an inherited nerve disease that causes weakness, a high-stepping gait and breathing noise. DNA tests identify the known forms.

Can an LPN1 carrier be bred?

Yes, to a clear mate. However, a dog with any copy of LPN2 should not be bred, because that form is dominant.

How long do Leonbergers live?

Usually seven to nine years. Therefore, breeders value long-lived relatives in a pedigree.

How do I list my Leonberger at stud?

Create a free account, upload his health results and photos, and set your fee. Or let our team build the listing.

Have a health-tested Leonberger male?

List him free while the 100 Founding Stud spots are open, or compare typical fees first.