Dufenhof Swissies

I will never forget the first moment I saw Leroy...

In the summer of 1996 Sharyl Mayhew and I traveled to Virginia Beach to look at a litter of 8 boys sired by Sean's half-brother, Sampson. I was just along for the fun with no intention of doing anything more than spending the afternoon playing with puppies. However all that changed when I saw 6 week old Leroy, He came walking out onto the front porch and before I gave it a moment's thought, I blurted out, "I want that puppy". And that was that.

Leroy was not an easy dog, but he had a wonderful joie de vivre. Every day was an exciting adventure. He thought showing was about the most fun a dog could have -- and I will say showing Leroy was indeed a lot of fun.

He had an extraordinary show career, finishing his championship at the 1997 Eastern Regional Specialty in September and starting his specials career the next April with a Group 2 his first week out (Grp 1 was the #1 dog, all Breeds). Leroy remained in the top ten for the breed for four straight years. Leroy was shown as a special primarily by professional handler Art Favors and myself. He adored Art and they were an exceptional team in the show ring.

But Leroy was more than just a pretty face. He also loved to pull and he easily earned his weight pull title - sometimes pulling at dog shows between winning the Best of Breed and showing in Group.

Probably the only thing Leroy loved as much as showing or pulling (other than me) were little dogs. He thought they were great -- especially Dachshunds. He had several Dachshund buddies at shows, and since I would not buy him his own real life Dachshund, he had a large collection of stuffed ones to play with at home.

Leroy's good looks and charisma made him something of a media magnet. In addition to having his photo taken numerous times for use in books & magazines, he also appeared on posters used to advertise the Philadelphia KC Dog Show and on postcards sold in Japan. Leroy also was a frequent model for various artists and artisans.

Tragically Leroy's life was cut short when he contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Despite aggressive treatment he succumbed to the disease and died a few months before his 6th birthday.

It is a testament to his ability to leave a lasting impression on those who saw him in the show ring. More than a decade after his death I am still asked about him by judges, handlers and other exhibitors alike.

Leroy's titled offspring include:

Truman, Ch Dufenhof Triumphant Chances

Nadine, Ch Dufenhof A Ghost of a Chance

Leroy

Ch Tym-N-Tyd's Northern Lights, WWD, TT

Breeder: Tym-N-Tyd  GSMD

Date of Birth: June 8, 1996

Leroy's Health Clearances

Sire: Ch Sarmac Precious Balthasar

Dam: Ch HiAdventure's Mystique, ROM

Pedigree: Coming Soon

Leroy the New Champion, 15 months

Eastern Regional Specialty 1997

Leroy winning a Group 2 at 22 months - first week as a Special