Our Featured Leo

Nikki was born "Panda v. Ratibor u. Corvey" on January 26th, 1992 in the town of Munich, Germany.  Her breeder, Prince Nikolaus v.Ratibor u. Corvey, had taken over the kennel from his father, a veterinarian who had worked with several others to help bring the Leonberger breed back from extinction after WWII.

After many phone calls to Prince Nikolaus it was agreed that “Panda” would come to Canada, and on April 18th 1992 she arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.  The arrival of this little ball of fluff was the result of approximately two years of searching which covered two continents.  She had been named Panda, which didn't really suit her so, in honour of her breeder, she was re-named “ Nikki ”.

As with the arrival of any new breed, it took time to understand how her thought process worked.  Her intelligence was certainly head-and-shoulders above any of the other dogs I had had anything to do with.  In fact, I still laugh about the day I was planting the Spring flowers in the garden around the house.  As soon as I turned the corner to plant the front flower beds, she was busy pulling out the newly planted flowers along the side.  She never let me see her doing it; as a result, it took twice as long as normal to do all the planting!

Her antics aside, Nikki's show career was quite spectacular.  She was the first Leonberger to attain a Canadian Championship, and was undefeated (with competition) in the breed.  Along with attaining her Championship, she was the first Leonberger to be awarded a Group placement.  In addition, she was TOP LEONBERGER in Canada in 1993.  Many of the judges had never seen a Leonberger in real life, so it was a learning experience for all concerned. And what a dog to learn from!

In addition to the show ring, Nikki made her mark in the whelping box as well.  I was fortunate in that she passed all her health clearances with flying colours and passed her soundness on to all her off-spring.  Her first litter produced Orovale's Alexis, who went on to attain her Canadian Championship and, like her mother before her, was Top Leonberger.

Thinking back, Nikki  had a way of making the dreariest days bright, and always was able to put a smile on my face no matter what.  She truly was my shining star.

We should all be so lucky to have a Nikki in our lives.

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Page Last Updated

March 14, 2008

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