photogaphs of a VA or V dog from puppyhood to adulthood? - Page 3

@Tig : likewise, this side of the Pond. The other
thing one sees is that a youngster may be winning
in the Showring at 12 to 18 months or so, looking much
more fully formed and mature than its competitors -
but come back a year or two later, the dog is no-
where to be seen because it "went off the boil" and
fell apart, having peaked too early. Can't count the
number of hopefuls for an Excellent rating I've known
did this; only to be rehomed as pets or to working
locations because they stopped being that 'special'
looking in their construction or demeanor by the time
they reached 2 1/2.

Note what you say about earlier maturity going hand-in-

hand with earlier death;  can't say I know of any individual

dogs here in the UK (of those whose ongoing story I managed

to follow) where this was particularly noticeable,  environment

and the longevity in the bloodlines also affects this of course;  

but its certainly a point the novices should consider.