About Us...

In 1991, my dog search began.  Although I was certain that a large breed dog was what I wanted, I took the time to research. There were many different breeds that I studied: analyzing temperament, background, health concerns. Even the breeders themselves did not escape my search. 

My search led me to various dog shows and to my delight, I came upon Kerilyn Campbell of Hause v. Lowen Kennels and Iwan better known as "Handsome". Handsome was a Leonberger that lived in Los Angeles, California. He was a gentle giant and I was taken in by his sweet temperament. However, it wasn't until a very rainy dog show afternoon that I made up my mind a Leonberger was the large breed dog that would someday share my home.

 The dog show was running behind and there were about twenty Leos that had settled down for a long wait in the rain. I was about to leave - it was raining after all - when a child started to cry about thirty yards away from these beautiful dogs. As the child cried, all of the Leos stood - in what seemed like one unit - to investigate what was wrong. It was at this moment that I became 100% hooked on Leonbergers!

My first Leo became a part of my family in 1992. Just like his  grandfather "Handsome", Logan was a gentle giant. Since this time, I have been amazed by Leonbergers' intelligence, loyalty and loving disposition. My family and I have been lucky enough to share our home with three of these wonderful dogs.

Currently, my husband Rick and I along with our three daughters, Chelsea, Kristen and Kara, live on Smith Mountain Lake in Southwestern Virginia with three Leos: Callie, Zoe and Bella.  Members of the Leonberger Club America since 1992, we enjoy showing our Leos at dog shows. We also enjoy many activities with our dogs, including hiking along the Blue Ridge Mountains and swimming.

Joining a group of notable breeders as a kennel has been a long term goal and we are excited to have finally achieved it! The Leonberger breed fosters a dependable, smart and devoted companion. We are proudly committed to the LCA breeding standards to produce sound Leonbergers both in type and temperament.

 Making Leonberger dogs available is a passion we hold dear to our hearts and it is our pleasure to bring them to you through Mandolin Trails Kennel.