I'm the breeder behind Ex Animo Leonbergers and WHD located in Tower Lakes, IL. We strive to produce versatile Leonbergers that will enjoy all activities from overall pets and family members to any other dog activities such as therapy and conformation. We raise our litters in our home to help set the foundation for happy and confident puppies to transition well into their forever homes. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make an impact on each individual puppy!
Heide is a member of 2 clubs
Great Lakes Leonberger Club, Leonberger Club of America
Girl 2
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 3
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 7
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 4
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 6
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 1
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 5
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Girl 8
Female • Went Home Sept. 30, 2023
Leonberger
Heide has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Please contact the breeder to get more information about pricing.
“Price includes -first shots and 3 x worming - Micro chip - Dr visit and checkup. Refundable if Ex Animo cannot provide the promised puppy. Forfeited or applied to next litter if buyer declines or withdraws less than 4 weeks before puppy transfer.”
Heide may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Heide offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Heide directly.
Our puppies are raised with 24/7 care - using puppy culture guidelines, noise and social life desensitized. And we have a Vollhart temperament test at the end of week 7/8 to make sure that the right puppy is matched to your home. I utilize the following enrichment methods: We expose our puppies to many different sounds (doorbells, fireworks, barking dogs, children playing, men talking, horns, motorcycles, etc.). By doing this it helps to desensitize them to many things which may otherwise trigger a negative response in puppies., Scents, Toys, e.g. Ball, Grooming Desensitization, Touch Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Children, and Puppy Culture .
All puppies are vaccinated including a Veterinary Checkup - Health record booklet, and micro chipped. Puppies are temperament tested and evaluated.
We send our puppies home with Sound and texture enrichment, Dew claws removed, Microchipped , Our puppies are all sent home with welcome home bags and information. , Volhard Personality Test, Vaccinations, Microchip, Puppy Collar, Food Starter Bag, Breed Club Registration, Blanket with Mom's Scent, and AKC Registration.
Heide offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“We don't ship puppies but we are willing to find a way.”
Heide has been a member of Good Dog for almost 3 years
Heide was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Ex Animo Leonbergers and WHD meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Leonberger
Leonberger
About Cara
Cara is a female Leonberger. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heide decided to make her part of their program. Heide has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Leonberger
About Gray
Gray is a male Leonberger. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Heide decided to make him part of their program. Heide has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Leonberger
Great level
Ex Animo Leonbergers and WHD reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Leonbergers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP), Polyneuropathy 2, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type, Polyneuropathy 1, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).