In the world of Leonberger breeding, knowing a dog’s origins is not just a matter of looking at a few generations of champions on a pedigree. Behind every dog lies a genetic history, sometimes more than a century old, that still shapes the diversity and the future of our breed today.
This is exactly what makes the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database (W.I.L.D.) so valuable.
This international database, freely accessible, brings together the genealogical records of Leonbergers from many countries. Today it is an important research tool for breeders, owners and researchers who want to better understand family relationships and the genetic evolution of the breed.
A history built from the archives
The richness of this database rests on a considerable effort to collect and verify historical pedigrees.
Its managers drew in particular on the old German breeding registers, including archives covering the period from 1918 to 1967, as well as historical French and Dutch documents.
Data from Arthur Muller’s former database were compared against the original registers to correct errors and fill in missing information.
Over time, this documentation has grown through the collaboration of Leonberger clubs, breeders and kennel organizations around the world.
As of October 11, 2026, the database listed 175,981 Leonbergers.
Behind this impressive number lies a true collective memory of the breed.
Much more than a collection of pedigrees
One of the great advantages of the Leonberger Database is that it lets you look beyond names and championship titles.
Among other things, you can consult:
- The pedigrees and ancestors of many Leonbergers.
- Genealogical links between different bloodlines.
- The coefficient of inbreeding (COI).
- Some documented health results and genetic tests.
- Test pedigrees to study planned matings.
- Information on mean kinship (Mean Kinship) and genetic diversity.
These tools help us better understand how certain bloodlines appear in today’s population and assess the genealogical consequences of different breeding choices.
A tool for genetic diversity
In 2018, W.I.L.D. data were used for a major research project by Dr. Pieter Oliehoek on mean kinship and the genetic history of the Leonberger, funded by nine breed clubs.
This work helped highlight a fundamental issue: preserving the genetic diversity of a population is not only about avoiding close matings.
It is also necessary to understand how the different bloodlines are represented across the entire breeding population.
A pedigree full of champions can be impressive, but titles alone say nothing about genetic diversity, hereditary health or whether a mating is a good fit.
Likewise, a low coefficient of inbreeding does not automatically guarantee a healthier dog.
Genealogy is an essential tool, but it should always be studied alongside health tests, knowledge of the families, temperament and conformity to the standard.
Our reference at Corleone Leonbergers
At Corleone Leonbergers, the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database is our reference for genealogical research and pedigree study.
When we consider a possible breeding pair, we place great importance on the dogs’ origins, their family relationships and the genetic diversity of their bloodlines.
Our goal is not simply to produce beautiful Leonbergers or to collect championship titles.
We want to help preserve a healthy, balanced breed that conforms to its standard and has as much genetic diversity as possible.
The Leonberger Database allows us to base our research on international documentation rather than limiting ourselves to the few generations visible on a traditional pedigree.
It does not replace our breeding experience, veterinary examinations or the information we gather from other breeders. It is, however, a fundamental resource in our selection process.
A resource we encourage you to discover
We invite enthusiasts, future owners and breeders to explore this remarkable database.
Understanding a Leonberger’s origins also means understanding why preserving its genetic diversity is a shared responsibility.
Because good breeding is built not only on the visible qualities of today’s dogs, but also on the decisions that will shape the generations of tomorrow.
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