Loss Of Diversity . . .
What does losing genetic diversity mean for our breed?
1989 to 7.7 years in 2004 (median: 10.1 to 8.2 years) was observed.
The average Number of puppies in a litter is 6.5
Leonbergers suffer especially from some breed specific neurological diseases, some recessive some dominant in
inheritance. Thanks to the work done in both Minnesota and Bern universities, we now have 4 genetic tests to see the
status of the dog for each disease, however these tests only cover 50% of the cases.
Some of these diseases had a high carrier rate, for example, when first found, 17%.of the population were carriers of the
LPN1 gene.
Data shows that some of these recessive genes have become too common in the breed population.
- Shorter Lifespans
1989 to 7.7 years in 2004 (median: 10.1 to 8.2 years) was observed.
- Fertility issues – result in less offspring, unsuccessful matings, puppy deaths.
The average Number of puppies in a litter is 6.5
- Immune system defects - the chances of allergies, cancers, thyroid issues etc. increase. Cancers are very common in Leonbergers: Osteosarcoma, followed by Hemangiosarcoma.
- More sickly dogs -Genetic diseases become more common in the population. for example - LPN1, LPN2, LPPN3, LEMP and DCM.
Leonbergers suffer especially from some breed specific neurological diseases, some recessive some dominant in
inheritance. Thanks to the work done in both Minnesota and Bern universities, we now have 4 genetic tests to see the
status of the dog for each disease, however these tests only cover 50% of the cases.
Some of these diseases had a high carrier rate, for example, when first found, 17%.of the population were carriers of the
LPN1 gene.
Data shows that some of these recessive genes have become too common in the breed population.