Breeder-visit checklist — Leonberger
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Core standard for both parents
Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Club für Leonberger Hunde e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard. For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laryngeal Paralysis (LP) X-ray Club standard | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO) Eye examination Club standard | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) X-ray Club standard | ED 0–1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) X-ray Club standard | HD A–B | ☐ | ☐ |
| Laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy, CNTNAP1-related (LPPN3) DNA test Club standard | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) (LEMP) DNA test Club standard | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Polyneuropathy 1 (Leonberger, Saint Bernard) (LPN1) DNA test Club standard | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Polyneuropathy 2 (Leonberger) (LPN2) DNA test Club standard | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hypothyroidism Body-fluid analysis | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Additionally recommended tests
Additionally relevant, depending on the line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) Ultrasound | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause