Conformation

Duncan finished his conformation showing career as an LCA Champion, just one win short of an ARBA Championship. Showing in conformation shows (or "Pretty Boy Contests" as he calls them) is not really his favorite activity, as it requires him to be neat and clean. Here are some of the more memorable shows, with pictures (click for larger image), as well as the the four written evaluations we got from judges (most U.S. shows do not have written critiques):

First Show - 1999 National Specialty (04/17/99)
Judge: Herr Fritz Schweizer

Big, typy male, with strong bone, excellent head, corresponds overall to standard, very good coat & color. Mask is slightly broken. Excellent neck, back & croup. Already well developed chest. Good loins. Very good angulation. Legs well placed. Stands correct front, rear slightly turned out. Movement is fluid & free. Excellent action. Tail should be carried better, straighter. Temperament is typical to the breed.
Very Promising. 2nd, 9-12 mos class (age 10 mos)

Mid Atlantic Regional Fall Specialty (10/09/99)

1st, 12-18 mos class; Winners Puppy Dog, Best of Puppy Winners, Best Puppy in Show, Reserve Winners Adult Dog (15 mos)

Mid Atlantic Regional Spring Specialty (03/25/00)
Judge: Ms. Mary Decher

Overall impression: pleasing, large boned young male. Sweet, puppy looking face, could be broader muzzle. Correct earset. Eyes medium. Correct, full dentition. Coat medium to long, fluffy. Chest roomy & deep. Front angulation - shorter upper arm than shoulder, somewhat open angle, soft pasterns. Rear angulation adequate. Topline strong. Tail below hocks. Footing impedes his movement.
Excellent. 2nd, Foreign Bred Class (age 21 mos)

Cherry Blossom ARBA (06/03/00)
Judge: Mr. James White

Best of Breed (his first, at age 23 mos)

Nutmeg Classic ARBA (09/24/00)
Judge: Ms. Stephanie Abraham

Best of Breed & *Working Group 4* (age 2 yrs)

Mid Atlantic Regional Fall Specialty (10/07/00)

Very positive impression. Very typy, big dog. Substantial bone. Nice quality. Ear set slightly low. Nice shaped head. Lovely expression. Good pigmentation. Eyes nice and dark. Bite scissor, complete dentition. Coat lush, excellent condition. Front angulation moderate. Rear angulation moderate. Topline dips slightly. Tail reaches just above hock, carried high with a curl. Very nice side movement. Good thrust behind. Good reach in front.
Excellent. 1st, Champion Class (age 2 yrs)

Northeast Regional Fall Specialty (10/14/00)
Judge: Ms. Sandra Markowitz Walker

Nice balance, powerful, nice bone. Alert expression. Muzzle narrow, scissor bite, full dentition. Eyes brown, could be darker. Coat nice, wonderful. Not much chest. Topline level. Front angulation nice, slightly east/ west. Good brisket, straight rear. Tail curved. Nice gait.
Very good. 2nd, Champion Class (age 2 yrs)