Jim Croce sang that you don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger, and a Leonberger shouldn’t be without one, either. One of the breed’s distinguishing marks is that gorgeous black mask, and the breed standard makes a point of mentioning the word “mask” nine times. While a lesser mask is acceptable (anything less than a full black mask that extends from the dog’s nose up to, and over her eyes.), it’s not desirable,  and a complete lack of a mask is a disqualification in a show ring.

Image: “Leonberger Puppy In Autumn” by Lee Ann Shepard
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