Page 13 - ShowSight Presents - The Leonberger

Thoughts on Judging the Leonberger
BY MATTHEW TOWNSEND continued
When in doubt, focus on the fundamentals of harmony and balance.
texture, and length. The skull and muzzle will develop. Muscling will come in and the chest will spring out. The amount of change that happens is mind boggling and you don’t have a crystal ball.
The first 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. The head may seem too small for the body and the Leonberger may decide to offer 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
There 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. There is more than one way to make a tasty hamburger and there is more than one way to have a typey Leonberger. Regional differences in France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Scandinavia were in the imports that began coming into America 40 years ago and those regional differences, 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. They 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 flying 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.
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.
ShowSight Magazine, SepteMber 2019 • 337