Our first Leonberger came by chance, Nigel had been watching Crufts one evening at three or four years ago and saw some beautiful large working dog, one of which was a Newfoundland with its black flowing coat and the other which he found out later was a Leonberger, striding out in the group ring at Crufts. He was so taken with what he had seen, that the following morning we got up early and set of to Crufts for the first time to search out these breeds for ourselves and understand more about them.

We arrived early and spent most of the day soaking up the atmosphere and in discover dogs, where we saw a huge amount of different, dogs, breeders and people all clearly passionate and in love with their own breeds and dogs. We had a great and long day, and to be honest, came back more confused than when we went. Anita was unsure whether a third dog would mix with our established pets, and of course the extra work, exercise as well as space were considerations as we were both working at that time.

For Nigel it seemed clear, if we could obtain one, it had to be a leo! So we contacted the Leonberger Club of Great Britain, who were helpful and we started our search. We did a lot of background research into the history, the standard and the breeds wonderful nature and temperament, this eventually led us after about six months to Les and Julia Strudwick ( Kumamatata ), from Aldershot, who had just had their first Leonberger litter. We visited many times, seeing the puppies, the parents and other dogs in a home environment. We were vetted thoroughly and in detail by the breeders to ensure that we were suitable recipients of one of their precious leo puppies and finally they agreed to let us have a boy, we chose him well, a chunky little fellow with bags of personality and his name - Pluto.

The breeders were also involved in the show scene and as Pluto was a nice "show quality" puppy they encouraged us to look at also getting involved in showing the dog after the puppy was six months old. Anita quite liked the idea of a new hobby and we fell in love with the breed then and there and Les and Julia have remained good friends.

From then on we never looked back, Les and Julia were very helpful and supportive with information and advise. Anita started showing Pluto at six months. To her surprise Pluto won his puppy dog class, under top judge Mr Frank Kane at W.E.L.KS. General Championship Show, his first show. !!! We were shocked but very happy, for ourselves and for the breeders, Pluto did really well in his first show year with six best Puppy In Breed’s at general championship shows and qualification for Crufts. We were completely hooked on the breed, its placid temperament and affectionate nature, but we knew that one leo would never be quite enough!

Since then the story continues as we have become more involved with the Leonbergers with both showing and occasionally carting and today have seven of this addictive Leonberger breed. Four boys and three girls. Three from the very successful Debbollinby Kennels in the UK, where the breeder Debbie Charwin has also been very supportive and helped us gain greater knowledge about the breed, in Debbie we also found a friend which seems to be the case with leo owners in general. Nice people as well as nice dogs. At the end of 2005 we imported three beautiful Leonbergers in collaboration with some of Europe’s successful Leonberger kennels in Russia, Finland and Sweden. The three stayed in Sweden and Finland during the required quarantine period and now have passports to travel the world. Our greatest thanks to Ann-Marie in Sweden and Marita and Seppo in Finland for looking after our babies.

We have made great friends in the Leonberger world and have great companions in our dogs .... long may it continue, through our own kennel and future breeding lines ... Lionslord.