Record-breaking dog Leonard performs tricks at world’s oldest bookshop

Leonard Lee, the dog who became famous for balancing books on his head as well as performing a bunch of other record-breaking tricks, went on holiday in Portugal!

And while he was there, he visited the world’s oldest operating bookshop – what an iconic trip.

Staff at the bookshop Bertrand in Lisbon, which first opened in 1732 (can you do the maths to find out how old it is?), were so happy to welcome Leonard and his owner Teresa Hanula, who came all the way from USA!

Have you ever been to Portugal?

The border collie, who has broken a string of world records, explored the store while showing off his skills, stopping every now and again for some well-deserved pets from the staff.

Teresa told us: “During our visit, Leonard took photos with the staff, learned about the store's history, did some shopping, and even delighted the crowd by demonstrating his record balancing skills in the aisles. It was a lovely afternoon.”

See him in action:

The trip to Portugal was already a special one as it was organized to celebrate Leonard’s 8th birthday – that’s about 51-56 in human years!

Teresa explained: “In the Douro River region, there is a section that forms a ‘figure 8’, and the best viewpoint there is called the Viewpoint of Saint Leonard. It felt like a natural choice for his birthday celebration.

“This is Leonard’s first time abroad, and we hope it is the first of many. He even obtained his EU pet passport while here to make future European travel easier.”

Pretty cool, right?

A crowd gathered in the bookshop as Leonard walked up and down the aisles with a book perfectly balanced on top of his head.

People smiled and giggled as they pulled out their phones to take pictures and videos of Leonard, much to the doggo’s delight, with Teresa admitting he “loves an audience”.

Can you balance a book on your head? You could break the world record for the most stand up sit downs with a Guinness World Records book balanced on the head in 30 seconds!

“Leonard thrives on attention,” Teresa said. “He is an absolute ham for the camera and loves interacting with people.”

So far on his birthday trip, Leonard has been kayaking around the Algarve, visited Cabo da Roca, painted a Portuguese tile at a restaurant in Lisbon, and took time to sit and enjoy the views overlooking the city… what an amazing adventure!

And of course, when he’s not busy exploring, he’s practising for his next world record attempt – any guesses on what it will be?

When asked what her favourite thing about Leonard is, Teresa said: “Leonard puts his heart into everything he does and lives life to the fullest. He brings joy, calm, and amazement to everyone he meets.

“[…] Leonard is a true thinker and problem-solver. Whether he is painting or balancing objects, he interacts with the world in a way that feels almost human. People are instantly drawn to his charming personality and his winning smile.”

Here are all the world records currently held by Leonard:

• Greatest distance by a dog balancing a book on the head in one minute - 17.30 m (56 ft 9 in)
• Most basketball slam dunks in one minute by a dog – 22
• Most steps walked up backwards by a dog balancing a book on the head in one minute – 18
• Most steps walked up by a dog balancing a book on the head in one minute – 23

We can’t wait to see what he’ll achieve next!