Leonberger dog show in Loch Sheldrake

LOCH SHELDRAKE — The Northeast Regional Leonberger Club will hold its annual dog show at Sullivan County Community College’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse in Loch Sheldrake from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Leonberger breed was developed in Leonberg, Germany, in 1835. It is a cross between a St. Bernard, a Newfoundlander, and a Great Pyrenees. It was specifically bred to resemble a lion, and to be used as a symbol for the town crest of Leonberg. The breed almost faced extinction after World War I, but was revived by the Germans. It made its appearance in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s. The Leonberger Club of America was officially founded in 1984. One of its original founders, Waltraut Zeiher, will serve as a judge at the show. There will be non-regular, confirmation competitions for dogs, from three to eighteen months of age, that are spayed or neutered and not competing for points towards a championship. This event judges a dog on its appearance. According to Michele Cohen, Leonberger owner and club member, Leonbergers have wonderful dispositions but need experienced dog owners and a great deal of training. The females weigh between 90 and 120 pounds, and the males weigh in at 130 to 170 pounds. For more information about Leonbergers or the show, call 798-9038.