Winter 2026
Stories, insights, adventures and practical advice from Leonrua Leonbergers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Join us as we share life with our gentle giants!
Welcome to Life Among Leos
Welcome to the very first edition of Life Among Leos, what we hope will be a quarterly newsletter from Leonrua Kennel.
Whether you own a Leonrua dog, are considering welcoming a Leonberger into your family, or simply love this remarkable breed, we’re delighted you’ve joined us.
At Leonrua, our journey with Leonbergers has never simply been about breeding dogs. It has been about building relationships, preserving and celebrating a wonderful breed, and creating a community of owners who share our passion for these gentle giants.
Our kennel name combines the Irish word Leon (lion) and the Māori word Rua (two), reflecting both our heritage and our belief that every dog connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Leonbergers are more than companions; they become family members, confidants, adventure partners, and occasionally oversized lap dogs.
This newsletter will provide a glimpse into life at Leonrua, practical advice for Leonberger owners, health and wellbeing information, training tips, family stories, and updates from our pack here in Canterbury.
Our hope is that Leonrua Life becomes more than a newsletter. We hope it becomes a place where Leonberger owners can learn, connect, celebrate milestones, and share the unique joy that comes from living with one of the world’s most extraordinary breeds.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Jake, Ronan & the Leonrua Pack
Meet the Leonrua Pack
One of the most common questions we are asked is, “What is it like living with so many Leonbergers?”
The honest answer is that every day is an adventure.
Life at Leonrua revolves around muddy paws, giant dog beds, flying fur, endless laughter, and the occasional reminder that a Leonberger who weighs more than many adults can still believe they are a puppy.
Each member of our pack has their own personality. Some are natural leaders, quietly watching over the younger dogs. Others are comedians who seem determined to make us laugh every day. Some love exploring the property, while others are happiest simply lying beside us while we work in the garden.
Together they teach us patience, resilience, kindness, and the importance of living in the moment.
Over future editions we will introduce each member of the Leonrua family individually, sharing their stories, personalities, achievements, and favourite activities.
For now, here’s what you should know:
✔ They all love food.
✔ They all think they deserve a place on the couch.
✔ They all shed more hair than should be scientifically possible.
✔ We wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the Spotlight: Odhrán - Leonrua Huarahi-Aoraki
At just 10 months old, Odhrán is already proving himself to be one of those special dogs who brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Affectionately known as our resident goofball, Odhrán approaches life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a healthy dose of mischief. Whether he’s bounding across the paddock, inventing his own games, or making us laugh with his quirky antics, he has an uncanny ability to turn even the most ordinary day into an adventure.
What makes Odhrán truly stand out, however, is his incredible temperament. He is gentle, affectionate, and wonderfully easy-going, with the kind of personality that makes people instantly fall in love with him. He greets both familiar faces and new friends with the same wagging tail and joyful spirit, embodying everything we love about the Leonberger breed.
While Odhrán enjoys the company of everyone in the family, he has a particularly soft spot for his girls. And among them, there is one relationship that deserves special mention, his partnership with Bowie. The two are inseparable and spend their days plotting adventures, wrestling, exploring, and generally keeping each other entertained. Together they are the ultimate partners in crime, and watching their friendship develop has been one of the highlights of the past year.
As Odhrán continues to mature, we are excited to see the wonderful dog he will become. For now, though, we’re enjoying every moment of his puppyhood - the laughter, the chaos, the cuddles, and the endless reminders not to take life too seriously.
After all, every family needs a goofball, and we’re very lucky that ours is called Odhrán.
Winter Wellness for Leonbergers
Winter has officially arrived in the South Island with the thermometer starting to dip below 0o!
Although Leonbergers are naturally equipped for colder weather thanks to their magnificent double coats, winter still brings unique challenges for owners.
Many dogs become less active during the colder months. Shorter days, muddy paddocks, rain, and frosty mornings can make exercise less appealing for both dogs and humans. However, maintaining regular activity remains important for physical and mental wellbeing.
One challenge often overlooked is mud. Leonbergers love it. Owners generally don’t.
Repeated exposure to wet, muddy conditions can lead to skin irritation, hotspots, and matting, particularly around the feet, legs, and underbelly. During winter we recommend:
• Regular paw inspections
• Thorough drying after walks
• Brushing several times each week
• Checking for mats behind ears and between toes
• Maintaining a healthy body condition
Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle feeders, scent games, obedience training, and learning new tricks can all help keep your Leonberger engaged when weather limits outdoor activities.
Most importantly, enjoy winter. Many Leonbergers absolutely thrive during the cooler months and will happily accompany you on adventures when other breeds are searching for the nearest heater.
If your Leonberger could choose between sunshine and mud, we suspect most would choose mud every time.
Meet the Leonrua Whānau
One of the most rewarding aspects of breeding Leonbergers is watching puppies grow into beloved family members across New Zealand and beyond.
This section of our newsletter will celebrate the people who make the Leonrua community special.
In future editions we’ll feature owner stories, adventures, achievements, funny moments, and photographs from Leonrua families.
Has your Leonrua dog climbed a mountain?
Become a therapy dog?
Won a ribbon at a show?
Stolen your bed?
We want to hear about it.
For our first edition, we’d simply like to say thank you.
Thank you for trusting us.
Thank you for sharing photos and updates.
Thank you for providing loving homes.
Every message, photo, and update reminds us that breeding is only the beginning of the story. The real story starts when a puppy joins your family.
If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming edition, simply send us a photo and a short story about your Leonrua dog.
We can’t wait to share your adventures.
Freyja - Leonrua Huarahi-Horo-kōau
Freyja (Leonrua Huarahi-Horo-kōau), owned by Caitlin, is a familiar sight at Christchurch ParkRun. Her gentle temperament, impressive stature, and unmistakable Leonberger charm make her a favourite among runners, volunteers, and fellow dog lovers alike. A regular attendee, Freyja is always happy to soak up the atmosphere and attract plenty of smiles and pats from those lucky enough to meet her!
Lumi - Leonrua Huarahi-Houko
At just 10 months old, Lumi (Leonrua Huarahi-Houko) is proving that Leonbergers really do grow fast! Tim and Sara recently discovered that their young lion has officially outgrown the family car, turning what was once a comfortable ride into a bit of a squeeze. With plenty more growing still to do, it seems the only solution is to start car shopping. We suspect Lumi is less concerned about the choice of vehicle and more interested in whether there is enough room for him to stretch out and enjoy the journey. One thing is certain, wherever he goes next, he'll be travelling in style!
Training Tip of the Month
The Power of Recall
If there is one skill every Leonberger should learn, it is a reliable recall.
A Leonberger who eagerly returns when called is safer, easier to manage, and can enjoy greater freedom during walks and adventures.
The secret to recall training is simple:
Make coming back to you the best option available.
When your dog returns:
✔ Praise enthusiastically
✔ Reward generously
✔ Make the interaction positive
Avoid calling your dog only when something unpleasant is about to happen, such as ending playtime or leaving the park. Instead, practise recall regularly and reward success every time.
Remember that Leonbergers mature slowly. Consistency and patience are far more effective than force.
A reliable recall is not built in a day, but every successful repetition strengthens the behaviour.
News
T’Challa becomes an Aussie!
T'Challa (Leonrua Búir-T'Challa) has officially traded the mountains of Wānaka for the bright lights of Melbourne, relocating across the Tasman with his mum, Katie. Despite facing a lengthy wait at Melbourne Airport after his journey, T'Challa emerged from his crate full of energy, confidence, and enthusiasm. Rather than looking tired from his travels, he came bounding out ready to introduce himself to the Aussies and begin his next great adventure. We are incredibly proud of this handsome young Leo and can't wait to follow his Melbourne adventures in the months and years ahead.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited about what lies ahead for Life Among Lions.
In upcoming editions we’ll explore:
• Understanding Leonberger adolescence
• Grooming tips from the Leonrua team
• Breed health and nutrition
• Training challenges and solutions
• Individual dog profiles
• Leonrua family stories
• Behind-the-scenes kennel life
Most importantly, we want this newsletter to reflect our community.
If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, simply hit reply and let us know.
Until next time, stay warm, enjoy the winter weather, and give your Leonberger an extra cuddle from us.
Are you on our puppy waiting list?
We are currently updating our puppy waiting list. If you are currently on our list but have already got a puppy or circumstances have changed, please let us know!
Thank you for reading our first newsletter! If you have any photos or stories about Leonrua Leos please do not hesitate to get in touch: leonruakennels@gmail.com