In the early 1990s, a handful of Leonberger community leaders began a quest to limit the impact of canine diseases in the Leonberger. These leaders openly discussed their dogs’ health problems as they emerged--contacting veterinarians, universities, and geneticists. Meetings were held, research was shared, and a standard of open discussion was established.

It soon became evident that researchers, too, loved their dogs, so their goals and those of the Leonberger community coincided. To meet the shared vision of healthier dogs, they needed to work together. What the Leonberger community needed from the researchers was knowledge. What researchers needed from the Leonberger community was support in the form of ready access to our dogs, their pedigrees, their blood and, of course, funding.

In 2000, to facilitate raising and distributing funds, the Leonberger Health Foundation (LHF) was incorporated as a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) foundation. By 2005, when scientific understanding of canine diseases exploded as major research institutions gained access to the newly sequenced canine genome, the LHF was already a well-known, respected, and experienced participant in the quest for knowledge. As a result, the LHF has been able to identify and support researchers who are seeking to minimize the impact of canine diseases that affect the Leonbergers we love.

The LHF is an independent organization supporting research that benefits all Leonbergers, regardless of the countries where they reside or the clubs with which they or their owners might be affiliated.

The Vision of the Leonberger Health Foundation
Improve the quality of life, health, and longevity in our Leonberger companions.

The Mission of the Leonberger Health Foundation
Raise money to fund canine research that will improve the health of the Leonberger dog through increased knowledge and understanding of canine diseases.