I'm Susan L., the breeder behind Standing Bear Leos located in Cincinnati, OH. We're passionate about raising well-rounded pups who will excel in any venue with their new families. We strive to produce outstanding puppies that are structurally sound, healthy, intuitive, and have wonderful temperaments. Our dogs are family members first and foremost. We're passionate, responsible breeders who truly love our dogs.
Q. & A. with Susan
Why did you start breeding?
I met my first Leonberger while skiing at El Dora in Colorado. I popped off my skis and went running to meet this dog, calling "Is that a Leonberger?" It was! It didn't take long before we knew we wanted to have one of these amazing dogs for ourselves. We care about the Leonberger breed and do everything in our power to breed sound dogs to ensure healthy and happy puppies. Our puppies’ health and well being is our main priority.
What makes your program special?
At Standing Bear Leos we produce excellent companions. We understand the importance of dog health, temperament, and structure, and every breeding decision is made accordingly. We are also constantly improving our breeding program and work closely within the Leonberger community to do so. Our ultimate goal is to produce athletic and well-structured canines that can excel within various performance venues and have the ability to be the greatest family companions. We pride ourselves on helping all of our clients find the right fit for their needs and lifestyle.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Susan
Susan has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 refundable deposit and between $2,500 - $3,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
Susan may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Susan offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Susan directly.
Standing Bear Leos meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Bia, mom
Leonberger
About Bia
Bia is a female Leonberger. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Susan decided to make her part of their program. Susan has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Standing Bear Leos reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Leonbergers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP), DNA Repository, OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Polyneuropathy 2, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type, Polyneuropathy 1, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).