Suddanly Enjoying The Big Blue View, NDD
"Riker"

Riker at 11 months of age.

    Riker is our first male GSMD.  He is on the larger end of the male standard.  He has a lot of maturing to do, so we will have to wait and see how this big boy develops.  Riker has a very nice, level topline with a longer back and loin.  He has a beautiful neck with enough length for balance.  He has a lovely head for a young boy and I believe it will develop into a very handsome mature head.  His expression is very animated with medium to dark brown eyes.  He has a thicker coat with a currently tawny undercoat.  It does seem to be darkening, however.  I love his rear angles- very athletic.  
He is very agile, despite his grand size and will hopefully make a successful working dog one day.  He already shows a natural inclination towards drafting, taking to the cart right away with zero hesitation.  He also shows the same natural talent for weight pulling and will hopefully be very successful in these two fields.  His herding instinct is wonderful as well and he could easily work towards herding titles in the future.  Riker started his conformation career out very nicely with a 4 point major win at 11 months after only a few showings.  He then followed that up a few weeks later with a Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 2 more points...  I see big things in this young boy's future... he's taking his sweet time to mature, so isn't being shown until he is more filled out.
Riker developed bilateral elbow dysplasia at a little over a year of age.  He has been placed in a loving pet home in Leesburg, VA.  We are lucky enough to get to see the big guy occasionally.

Health Information
Date of Birth:        5/10/2011
Sire:                    CH. Quiet Valley Suddanly Long Highway "Deacon"
Dam:                   Suddanly Writing On The Wall "Dottie"
AKC reg. #:          WS37855701
Height:                 29" at one year
Fit Weight:           115 lbs at one year
CERF#:                not yet done
OFA Hips:             not yet done
OFA Elbows:         not yet done
OFA Shoulders:    not yet done
PennHip#:            not yet done

Accomplishments

Conformation
4 point major at 11 months under judge Cindy Meyer
2 points and Best of Winners under judge David Marcus

Drafting
Novice Draft Dog title on his first try, before turning 2!, April, 2013

Showing at the C&P Regional Specialty, 2012. Age 17 months. Photo by Darlene Ward.

7 months of age.

Spring 2012, about 10 months.

Spring 2012, about 10 months