By Kayleigh Knight...

I have just returned from a National Specialty Dog Show. This means a dog show with only one breed. It is sponsored by the Leonberger Club of America “LCA”. So of course the breed was the Leonberger. Leonbergers are very big dogs. The males are around 150 lbs, and females are around 125-130 lbs.  They’re used for companion dogs, watchdogs, and water rescue. These dogs can be at various shows. It’s very exciting to go to a dog show because there are so many dogs, and so many people. You get to do a lot of things at dog shows. For example...you get to watch the judge’s judge, watch people show their majestic, but firm dogs. You get to explore the world and meet new people. Like myself, I have been showing since 2006 and it is 2009 now so that’s about 3 and 1/2 yrs. I have met so many people, from so many countries. It’s very good experience for kids my age, which is 11, because you learn while you’re young. That’s how kids my age and over get scholarships for dog showing. And you have to make sure you follow through on what you start.

Every time there is a dog show my grandmother will take me to get more experience. She says the only way you'll learn is by practice, and watching professionals. That’s how I got where I am now is because i listen to my grandma, pay attention when needed, and I practice almost every day with my dogs.

It's a great experience for you and your dog...But there are some things you have to do, and not do. You don't want to relax your dog any time in the ring even if the judge tells you to in Junior Handling, of course you want to listen to the judge but that’s one of the things you have to watch out for is trick questions from the judges. One of the judges told me a trick question but I just kept going because I know right from wrong. Many people from many places do many things just like you could, if you pay close attention to the right things.

Congratulations Kayleigh for all the hard work, practice, and dedication!

John Ensign, President

Rocky Mountain Leonberger Club