Leonberger Breed Magazine - Showsight

Thoughts on Judging the Leonberger

BY MATTHEW TOWNSEND continued

texture, and length. Th e skull and muzzle will develop. Muscling will come in and the chest will spring out. Th e amount of change that happens is mind boggling and you don’t have a crystal ball. Th e fi rst thing you are likely to see, espe- cially with juniors, is a wiggly, gangly puppy with wavy (or even curly) coat that wants to go in every direction on the planet. Th e head may seem too small for the body and the Leonberger may decide to o ff er very lit- tle cooperation with the top of the lead. My advice is to evaluate what you can evaluate with as much patience and kindness as you can. In a year or two, this puppy might be a nice Leonberger! If you see harmony, bal- ance, and good movement under all the cra- zy coat, you likely have a promising puppy before you. THE TYPE HYPE Th ere is no one aspect of type in the Leonberger that trumps the others. Natu- rally, many exhibitors strongly prefer that weight be given to the aspects of type that align with the merits or exaggerations of their exhibits or breeding program, but a good Leonberger is “one piece”–a total package that comes across as both inten- tional and harmonious. Th ere is more than one way to make a tasty hamburger and there is more than one way to have a typey Leonberger. Regional di ff erences in France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Scandinavia were in the imports that began coming into America 40 years ago and those regional di ff erences, exacerbated by geographical isolation in America, are strongly present today. A well-made Leonberger in the style of a particular region should be appreciated and awarded. Look for the harmony, bal- ance, and type in the exhibit before you. Not every supermodel needs to look exactly the same; the Leonberger is a diverse breed and we value that diversity. With the funda- mentals in mind, a focus on the core aspects of breed type, and an eye for the power, ele- gance, and harmony that make our wonder- ful breed, you will be ready for those tough choices in a competitive Leonberger ring. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matthew and his better half, Susan, have been living with Leonbergers in Mebane, NC for twenty years. Th ey are the preserva- tion breeders behind Sforzando Leonbergers and have produced a long line of champion- ship Leonbergers who are happy at home on the couch and fl ying around the ring. Matt is a breeder judge who keeps busy as presi- dent of the Mid–Atlantic Leonberger Club of Virginia and the Tarheel Leonberger Club. In his spare time, he is an educator at the Durham School of the Arts.

When in doubt, focus on the fundamentals of harmony and balance.

The silhouette is clearly visible; note the variety of colors, texture, and length.

Balance, harmony and power should be seen while standing and in motion.

S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2019 • 337

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