Year of Club Founding: 1985

In 1985, a small but passionate group of Leonberger owners & breeders founded the Leonberger Club of America, Inc. (LCA) with a core purpose to preserve the health and temperament of the breed in North America. The LCA registry strives to ensure the physical and mental soundness of the Leonberger, adhering to the FCI Leonberger standard. Also important to the LCA and its members is educating potential Leonberger owners about the possibilities, limitations, and
responsibilities of owning this very large breed.

LCA registered Leonbergers to be used for breeding are evaluated on their own merit no sooner than 16 months of age and may not be bred sooner than 24 months of age. Close inbreeding is prohibited and passing OFA x-rays for hips and elbows is required. Additional annual health tests, including eye exams and thyroid screening are highly recommended.

The owners of LCA registered kennels pledge to uphold the club's code of ethics and put health and temperament of the Leonberger above all else. The breeding regulations and code of ethics ensure a minimum standard for every litter registered with the LCA but many LCA breeders set an even higher standard for themselves.

The Leonberger Club of America, Inc. is affiliated with the majority of Leonberger clubs of the world through the International Leonberger Union, all of which work together for the protection and betterment of the breed. The Leonberger Club of America, Inc. is the only breed club registry for Leonbergers in North America and remains dedicated to maintaining its independent status.  Because the LCA is the breed registry for the Leonberger in the United States, it can ensure a
minimum standard for every LCA registered litter. 

The LCA offers something for all of its members including a registry, a high quality quarterly magazine filled with pictures and articles, LCA sanctioned obedience and conformation trials throughout the country, educational seminars, certificate programs and more. The LCA provides information on LCA registered kennels, including a Stud Book featuring LCA registered stud dogs with photos and health information provided by the owners.

The LCA maintains a close relationship with Leonberger Rescue, Inc. and the Leonberger Health Foundation.  These organizations are dedicated to re-homing displaced Leos and advancing health research to better the breed.   The LCA web site offers information on every aspect of the Leonberger dog;  how to contact the Health Committee and various other committees along with links to the LeoRescue website, the LCA affiliated regional Leonberger clubs, as well as the international Leonberger clubs. 

We encourage anyone who owns or is interested in owning a Leonberger to maintain their LCA membership.  Membership keeps you informed and helps to support the club efforts to keep our American Leonbergers as sound and healthy, as possible.

To obtain pictures, LCA information, a current active U.S. Breeders List, LCA Regional Club information and more, send $5.00 to:

Corresponding Secretary 
Dawn Dionne
PO Box 283
Pinehurst, MA 01866
978-808-2620
info@leonbergerclubofamerica.com

Club contacts in German language:
Waltraut Zieher
806-828-5696
Email: WalsLeos@sprynet.com

Club contact in French language:
Yves Parent
303-278-0827
Email: yvesparent@wispertel.net