Peter Cejnek about the leonbergers in Russia

 I have judged leonbergers in Russia for the first time. Overall I have positive impressions. It is good, that young dogs have stronger bones, well muscled. Most of the dogs, including the older ones, have good type of the head. Frequent fault is weak mask. Unfortunately I should mention, that not all dogs from the champion classes would be able to compete successfully in Europe, only 2-3 females and males.

Almost all dogs have brown or dark brown eyes, in Europe lighter eyes are more often. Teeth are good. Correct set of the ears, only few dogs had them a bit far behind. Several dogs had a hook at the end of the tail. Pay attention to this while breeding. High tails carriage of the males while moving is more demonstration of the dominant behavior; important, that the tail should not be in the ring shape and over the back, and hanging down in standing. Color of the dogs is very good – reddish, reddish brown with black tips. In Europe we see lighter colors more often. With few exceptions most of the dogs have very good movements.

Pay attention to the temperament, leonberger should be neither shy nor aggressive towards other dogs or people in the ring. The temperament should be balanced, friendly under any circumstances.

Special attention should be paid to the handling. Most of the owners can’t show their dogs in the best way. Wide collars make the contact between the dog and the handler difficult. It is better to use special chain, which helps the dog to understand what is needed.

I consider the females’ quality is better then males’. The females got many excellent marks at the strict European level of judgment. The females are the basis of breeding, so it is good.

The show was well organized, good work of the secretary and the stewards in the ring.

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