Leonberger Club Of Great Britain

Leonberger Club of Great Britain’s 25th Championship Show - 8th November 2025

I would like to thank the LCGB committee for inviting me to judge the club championship show in 2025, more special to judge the breed clubs 25th Championship anniversary show. On the same day the club had a second championship breed show and also in Scotland, at Working and Pastoral Breeds of Scotland held their annual two group championship show, so entries had been varied for obvious reasons. However, I was very pleased with my entry of 78 dogs across both sexes. I would also like to thank my very efficient stewards who kept my paperwork, ring order and humour at top level all day, Karen Bird and Jonathan Davies. I really enjoyed the day, it was a great atmosphere, lots of support for the winners and many stayed right until the end of judging, which in this day and age is always a bonus. Well done to the committee, volunteers for your efforts on what was clearly a very successful day for all involved. 

Having not attended many shows of late, I was very much looking forward to judging the club show with a fresh eye. On a whole, presentations were much better this time round, I found that we have, still, too many flying tails, loose eyes, and a concerning number of round, light eyes, giving totally wrong expression of a Leonberger. Movements were ok, but a number of exhibits showed crossing over on the back end and some dogs were hard to assess when I had repeatedly asked handlers to slow down when assessing and this was not picked up on, which in consequence caused some placings to be downgraded as I was unable to get a true assessment of the dog(s). For those who are not regular to showing, or to those who are, I strongly urge for you to please listen and take in to account what the judge is asking of you. A lot of dogs were baited in the classes, which for me is ok, but there has to be a balance of using it and over using. Some dogs were over distracted with the bait and silly movements were made when judging individually, flying tails, and crossing movements from bouncing too much. Please practice baiting for stacking, and praising when the task is complete - each dog has two minutes on average to appeal to a judge, so make that time count. Mouths on the whole were better again, mainly scissor bites and very few level. Concerning to see again, small teeth in the jaw lines and some even out of line with gapping, especially the younger exhibits. My last review as a whole is a concerning one which seriously needs addressing… temperaments… across some age classes, there were a number of dogs, very nervous, eyeballing, stand off ish and growling when it came to assessing them. I had one dog withdraw themselves from the class, as I felt this dog did not need to be pushed further as they were clearly very unhappy. Others I had, were able to be assessed and did calm down once moved a few times before putting my hands on them. This behaviour is totally wrong for our breed, breeders and owners, please consider this an urgent matter and lets nip it in the bud, immediately. Leonbergers are a big breed, big hearts, a family dog and should not be this character that showed under me in November at the club show. 

VD (4,1) 1 Sandalls’ Lord Szachal with Saljay (Imp), first impressions count, and from that point he never failed to disappoint. A beautiful mature head, with gentle soft expression, super width of skull and enough fill under the eye to give broadness without too much harshness. Medium sized male, a great example of the breed with no exaggeration on any point. Beautifully balanced, good depth of chest, excellent bone and tight feet, lovely furnishings to give that x factor look, moved with ease, ground covering and at one with his handler. BVIS. 2 Lear-Schofield’s Alfross Kapok Haruki, taller and longer than winner, great head shape and correct eye and colour, just a little loose for me. Correct depth of chest, well boned and in good coat. Moved ok, carrying head well. 3 Lewis’ Cochise Choovio President Z Merboltic (Imp) a very large sized male, rich red black mahogany colour in coat, very strong head and dark eye, shorter in neck than I would like, and a little soft in topline, in abundance of coat and well bodied. Lacked enthusiasm on the move today. 

PD (1,0) Lear-Schofield’s Expressive Bizu Grande Leonis (Imp), excellent sized male for age (9 months), with all platelets allowing his maturity to grow in to, well. Strong head but still elegant, loved his ear shape and placement, padded and well furnished. Excellent topline, plenty of good bone and in excellent body, which is important for his age going forward. Stands very proud, uses his neck well and oozes attention. Well balanced throughout, lovely temperament, moved and handled well, just needs strength in behind movement, which will come with maturity. With so many good attributes for one so young, I hope this boy continues to impress as he has everything to offer. 

JD (7,0) 1 Simmonds’ Skjaergaardens Dance Monkey Dance JW (Imp), anyone who knows breeding kennels from around the world, will understand that when you see a dog, you can just tell where it is bred from. Very typical of his kennels type, really a lot to like about this handsome young man. Excellent breed type, strong but elegant headpiece and pleasing dark eye. Soft expression, confident but friendly in temperament. Has a beautiful outline and with hands on, he has everything in correct ratios, strong neck in to a firm topline, well let down tail, excellent bone and feet, good depth of chest, tight elbows, good bend of stifle, uses his strength well in front to power behind on the move. Schooled to perfection, steady aura about him, one to watch for the future. 2 Reader’s Cleon Bowser JW, medium sized male, plenty to appreciate about him. Strong in head, black mask, with medium eye, good depth of chest, and stands on lovely feet. Straight in front, another promising young dog, with lots to admire as he matures. Moved ok, handled well. 3 Lewis’ Isaac Bory Cysterkie (Imp) superb in size for such a young age, great outline and balance, beautiful head and kind eye, lovely to see a profound roman nose which is part of the breed standard, excellent bone and superb length of coat, lovely finish of featherings to complete the picture, moved and handled well. Another one to watch. 

YD (4,1) 1 Bodle’s Debbollinby Time Lord by Lionsridge, a very nice young male, with an attractive head, dark eye and pleasing expression, strong in muzzle and tight lipped, black pigment and good earset, excellent topline and good depth of body and super bone on tight feet. Steady but covering ground movement, great temperament, pleasing to go over, moved and handled well. 2 Ansell & McKenzie’s Gisabosie Skyblu Egilsay, a really nice young male, strong head but elegant, dark eye and good width in muzzle, strong neck in to a firm topline, carried well on the move, correct ratios, stands well and pleasing to the eye, moved and handled well. 3 White’s Bedeburn Ragdie Gadgie at Denzeleos, lovely temperament, smiling and attentive to his handler the whole time, taller and rangier than his opponents today, darkest of heads and eye, a little loose in eye, would prefer more substance to this young dog to complete a picture. Moved ok and handled well. 

GD (7,0) 1 Bodle’s Debbollinby Time Lord by Lionsridge. 2 Iveson’s Sulandi Fall For You at Westshaw, excellent breed type, really caught my eye, abundance of breed presence, excellent size and shape, in excellent coat and presentation, correct ratios, strong front, good width of chest, tidy feet, soft gentle expression, moved and handled well. 3 Cantley’s Bavaruki Palow Kiko, another super male of great breed type, superb size, yet balanced, a very nice head, strong but elegant, plenty of cheek without being over done in head proportions, strong neck and topline, good depth in body, well off for bone and in good coat and condition, moved ok. 

PGD (4,0) 1 Bell’s Cleon Canis Giganotos, a lot to like about this male, a very nice head piece, correct mask and dark eye, super bone, and an abundance of coat. Very well schooled throughout his whole performance, his front assembly is spot on, standing on excellent tight feet, tight elbows and superb chest of correct depth and furnishings. Nice to see good depth of underjaw on this male. Uses his correct ear placement well, well padded and alert, but a kind soft expression noted. Moved ok, but would like to see a little more weight off. 2 Jackson’s Lunahai Like a Hurricane for Reveraki, loved this boys colouring, beautiful black mask and the softest eye and expression, one who makes you smile. He is medium in size but excels for bone, coat and condition. Strong in topline, very light on his feet, extends well in front and behind. Schooled to perfection. Well handled. 3 Baldwin’s Morwinas Othello of Brynarian, rangier than 1st and 2nd, great head proportions and super length of neck with a fabulous topline, plenty of bone and body, elegant and proud on the stack, calm and attentive to his handler, moved and handled well. 

LD (6,1) 1 Germain’s Ch Simden Broadway Your Song, presents a beautiful outline, great size and shape, length of leg and well balanced. Pleasing head - strong, elegant, without over exaggeration. Plenty of bone and body, firmest of toplines, totally on his toes today, powerful movement, presented in top condition, not in full coat today, but proved enough to me to warrant his class win and later RDCC. Handled very well, this dog needs a handler who can control his powerful strength and demeanour in the ring as he has the mindset to impress. 2 Cumming’s Awedistra’s Run Riot, another male who is very typical of his ancestors and breeding, excellent breed type which is rare to find these days, an abundance of coat, beautiful bone and the most pleasing head with strength, correct length and elegance, yet screams male. Firm in topline, well angulated, and strong in front, standing on excellent cat like feet. Would have liked to have seen him a few pounds lighter, but his breed type, presence and movement couldn’t deny his placing today. Well handled. 3 Knights Morwinas Lysander, a male I have watched for some time and very proud of this duo. A very nice male, with plenty to offer. Good head piece, darkest of eye, pleasing expression, roman nosed, correct length of neck and firm topline, good depth in chest and firm straight front on good feet. A very attentive pair together, performed well albeit moved too fast, I gave a few opportunities for them to slow their movement down which today cost them their placing, but a worthy male with a bright future. Lots to like and appreciate with this male whom with more training and concentration would do well for both him and handler. 

OD (7,0) 1 Charwin’s Debbollinby Sleeping Lion. What can I say, this male is what I was looking for. True to breed type, not over exaggerated, correct proportions throughout, elegant, good length of neck and in length of body, beautiful bone, and plenty of body, the sweetest of temperaments, all male, with much elegance and ring presence. You really need to get your hands on this dog to really appreciate his breed qualities. A dog that ticked all my boxes on the day. Pleasing head, correct mask and dark pleasing eye, softest of expression, correct length of neck and the firmest of toplines, his tail falls correctly down from his croup and he carries himself so well on the move, effortless. Stands proud on all angles viewed, straight front and tight feet, correct width in chest and lovely depth, well angulated without exaggeration, what I would call ‘old school type’. The best I have seen produced from this long established kennel. I couldn’t deny him his class win today and eventually ended the day as my DCC and BIS winner. A well worthy boy, who deserves a lot more credit, with a bright future ahead for this young boy. Well handled. 2 Simpson’s Purple Rain Chico Valuer at Dacfolke (Imp) taller and rangier than one, fully matured, another one who scores well in head, with a pleasing headpiece, black mask and dark eye, rich in coat colour, plenty of bone and body with great coat condition. His maturity elevates his elegance with his furnishings throughout, pleasing to the eye, good tight feet, calm in nature, steady but powerful on the move, effortless in his strength due to his maturity and build. Well handled. 3 Lear-Schofield’s Ch Alfross Romabo Harper, my previous Best of Breed winner in December 2023, plenty to still appreciate with him, now reaching 4.5 years old. Excellent breed type, plenty of size, body, bone and beautiful furnishings. Stands proud and loud, very calm nature again and attentive with his handler, just lacked some oomph today. 

VB (2,1) 1 Wescombs Brynarian Ballikissangel at Fieldhouse, a beautiful nine year old girl who shone the whole time. Beautiful temperament, steady, but proud. Medium in size, lovely shape and well off for body, bone and coat. Stands so well in front, great angulation behind and tight fitting elbows. Moved and handled well, she enjoyed her day out. 

BPB (1,0) Simpson’s Debbollinby Crafty Ideas for Simberger, oh she is crafty, she has the sweetest nature, with a cheeky streak in her. Full of confidence today, well trained and schooled, took everything in her stride and loved the attention from me and ringside. Stands balanced naturally with head held high and waiting for the next command to impress. Plenty of bone and body, lovely colouring of coat, with good condition throughout. Pleasing head and darkest kind eye. She will be exciting to watch as she grows. 

MPB (3,0) 1 Jones’ Bavaruki Cilantro, very nice breed type, size and shape. Pleasing head and dark kind eye and expression. Calm natured, stands proud and uses her ears well at all times. Steady movement, but strong and effortless in action. 2 Todd’s Bavaruki Sorrel at Melspury, very pretty girl, medium sized, larger in eye than class winner but lots still to like and appreciate about her. Very well schooled, steady on the move, in great coat and condition, lovely partnership with handler whom together will go on to do great things, just keep practicing. 3 Ansell & McKenzie’s Gisabosie Wee Lassie, ‘lovely’ just lacking confidence today. A very nice headpiece, kind expression and correct mask, plenty of bone and body and in excellent coat today, everything is there, just needs more practice and confidence. 

PB (2,0) 1 Charwins’ Debbollinby Charbella, once more from this kennel, this youngster can easily be overlooked but you have to get up close and hands on to appreciate her breed virtues. A very pretty head, pleasing eye, softest of expression, correct width in muzzle without exaggeration, super pendant ear and placement, who uses them well. Firm neck and super topline, well balanced throughout, standing foursquare naturally all the time, meaning everything is where it should be in her structure. She has a calm nature but she expresses great ring presence and determination that you cannot oversee. So well put together, standing on great cat like feet and well off for bone and body. One to watch in the future, she typically needs time to shine even more. BPIS. 2 Presswell’s Expressive Giorgia Grande Leonis at Aslanbek, a very pretty girl, with darkest of heads and eye, presented in excellent condition, plenty of bone. Feet need more work at this vital age, and for me a little more weight needed. Showing great potential for the future for this youngster. 

JB (8,1) 1 Springel’s Lionscourt Orenda, what a beautiful specimen of the breed, great style, character, presence and attitude. Elegant throughout, beautifully balanced, excellent headpiece, firm neck and topline, well off for body and bone, standing on good feet. Uses her ears well and stretches her neck to give extra wow factor when looking at her from the line up. Correct movement, steady, powerful and makes it look effortless. Well handled and presented in top condition. One to watch. I see from the last show of the year after this appointment that she has already picked up her first CC from one of our very best breed specialists - she has a bright future ahead of her, for one still so young! 2 Bailey’s Skjaergaardens Dance With Me Tonight (Imp) yet again another dog from a well known kennel in Europe that you can just tell what her breeding is. Litter sister to my JD winner today, plenty to love and like about her, so much elegance, a pleasing head with soft kind expression. In great coat and condition, plenty of bone and on good standing feet. Finished with beautiful featherings to complete the picture. Stands square at all times, not a foot out of place, very attentive to her handler. Moved well 3 Wescomb’s Lunahai Dancing In the Dark at Fieldhouse, a very pretty youngster with many attributes that warrants her placing today. Fantastic head and eye, correct mask, strength in muzzle, tight lipped, well pigmented (black), lovely coat and condition, enough bone and body, at one with her handler, moved and handled well. 

YB (2,0) Watson’s Lunahai Little Girl Blue, oh my…totally shone in her class and my findings did not disappoint. Such a pretty girl, with a lovely head and expression, kind eye, dark and of correct shape, tight fitting. Good size and shape, well balanced throughout, beautiful front on good feet, good depth in chest with one still so young, beautiful coat and condition, rich mahogany colouring with exceptional black pigmentation to match. She is one to watch as she blossoms in to a maturer lady. Needs some time, but she has a very bright future ahead of her. Moved and handled well. 2 Sollars’ Beate’s Vision, plainer than winner, but a strong headpiece with correct dark, medium sized shape eye, very alert in her assessment, used her ears well at all times, steady character and moved ok, handled well, just a little more training on schooling advised. 

GB (2,0) 1 Alfross Tulabo Deganwy, very pretty girl, schooled perfectly at all times, and at one with her handler. Good size and shape, pleasing head, great length of neck and firmest of topline. Expresses well in her head, using her ears well and attentive to her handler waiting for the next command, showed her socks off. Loved her balance and outline. Deserving of her class win today. 2 Raynor’s Nexgen Bella Donna, not in the best jacket today but a strong female with lots of elegance. Dark mask and good eye, well balanced with strong bone and body. Loved her furnishings which completes the picture, moved and handled ok.

PGB (4,1) 1 Leonmoor Mabel of Reveraki, nice girl of good size and shape, fine in head, would like more width to her head planes. Strong in topline and stands well in front, good depth of body and balanced throughout. Presented, handled and moved ok. 2 Sherwood’s Saljay Tgo Pink Cadillac, a lovely bitch of medium size and shape. Pleasing outline, feminine head with lovely expression, good bone and body, moved and handled well. 3 Hurren’s Debbollinby Kandy Floss at Debbollinby, not showing much confidence today which made it difficult to assess her. Giving her plenty of time to relax, her handler did all she could to encourage and reassure this girl today. Medium sized girl, headpiece is correct but would prefer darker kinder expression, firm in neck and topline, and ok for coat and condition. Moved and handled ok considering her confidence. She just needs more work as she’s in great hands and will do well with time and maturity. 

LB (5,1) 1 Heginbotham’s Sulandi Fallen Angel JW, what a beautiful bitch she is. She has everything I look for in a girl, and more. The most softest kindest, strongest but most elegant of heads I have seen, with a soft correct expression with a glint in her eye. Good size and shape, in excellent bone body and condition, well furnished and stands so natural. She has a natural glow in the ring and I don’t think her owner realises how special this girl is, she has so much breed type, great in size and substance but so feminine throughout. She has powerful movement without over doing it. Foot perfect all times, excellent stride and covers the ground effortlessly. Certainly worthy of her crown, she is a credit to owner and breeder. Worthy of her class win and the CC today and Best Opposite Sex in Show. Well deserved. 2 Sandalls’ Saljay Tgo Fields of Fire, elegant young girl, lots to like about her, liked her strong but elegant head, correct mask, good depth of body and well balanced throughout. Lovely outgoing temperament, moved and handled well. 3 Shillabeers’ Benellieson One More Time, another good sized girl, now 4 years old, has all the correct attributes with a strong but elegant head, dark eye, good length of neck into a firm topline, stands straight in front on good feet, well balanced, uses her ears well, moved and handled well. 

OB (8,1) 1 Charwins’ Thunder Kiss, medium sized bitch, again very well put together with lots to appreciate of her. Balanced, correct, pleasing head, very typical of her breeding again from this kennel, lots to like of her with plenty of bone body, very appealing mover, effortless, stylish and an undeniable class winner today. RBCC 2 Cole’s Ch Simden Born To Boogie JW, one thing this bitch possesses is ring presence. She has so much determination that you cannot oversee her. A good sized bitch, up on her toes, uses her ears well which encourages her beautiful headpiece, lovely mask and kindest of eye. Well balanced and good bone and body. Would just like to see her in more coat and furnishings to complete the picture. 3 Tame and Amesbury’s Bavaruki Palow Cashmere, a really nice bitch to assess, good size, plenty of body and coat, pleasing head, firm neck but topline is a little soft at times. So appealing to go over, nothing too exaggerated, all correct in her confirmation, moved and handled well. 

Judge: MISS KERRY L RUSHBY (Jocolda Leosrus)