 | Santo was born on my birthday, 17 December 2003. I was thrilled with my present! His mother was Milano Last Tango - she was mated to Berizza Kiss ThBoss, and they produced a lovely litter of five - three boys, two girls. Santo is the one in the middle, taken 12 hours after birth. He was the smallest at birth, weighing only 6 ozs, against the more usual 8 ozs, but had already caught up a fair bit. | | This photo was taken at 2½ weeks old. He had nice qualities about him, but I had my heart set on his two brothers. His fawn colour was the palest I had ever bred. As he was still the smallest I had to make sure he got his fair share of mum. |  |  | Santo's first training photo, at 8 weeks old. He has grown well and developed an amazing nature, demanding attention and wanting to be cuddled all the time. He has the sweetest black eyes for such a pale coloured boy, and gives me an intense stare when he wants something! | | Starting to shape up at eleven weeks old. I have now changed my mind and like him the best! I have created a monster, he follows me around and watches every move I make. His lead training has started, since his first Show is only around the corner. His head is getting longer, and his legs are now moving in one direction! He is such a playful baby to have around. |  |  | ... his first official photo, just 4 months old, after taking BEST BABY in SHOW at the Easter Sighthound Association Show in Sydney, Australia - a specialty show as classed in FCI countries, and established in Australia since 1993. Santo had to challenge 5 others to gain his award - Afghan, Borzoi, Wolfhound, Saluki and Whippet... they are all hard breeds to beat ! | | ...and here he is, full of fun, a few days after his 'big' win....soft, dark eyes and steady gaze - what a darling! |  |  | ..but still prepared for an argument at home!
"..those are my ribbons - give them back and get your own!" | Approaching 6 months of age, Santo has finally tackled most of his teething. He lost all his incisors at once and was very sore boy for some time. His ears have settled now, and he is starting to get his legs under control. He is a very inquisitive young man and has to be involved in everything. Where there's action - there is Santo ! I am particularly pleased with his true movement, with lovely lift and drive. He is very much a replica of his dad. He has good bone and hasn't grown too much. I can only hope he will keep maturing nicely. Soon he will be competing against adult dogs at shows. |  |  | At 7 months, Santo just LOVES his picture being taken!! | | Santo is now 8 mths old. He has suddenly grown legs and gone all gangly. He has jet black pigmentation on his eyes and nose, and it looks like someone dabbed the end of his muzzle with a black paintbrush, it also makes his face look longer. But he is doing very well in the ring, pictured winning Best 6-9 mth Puppy In Toygroup under well respected US judge (right), he has also been Res CC few times in adult competition. He is still a very naughty boy and every time I bend down to talk to other dogs , he has to push in and squeeze onto my lap. He is a "wear-a-dog". |  |  | Santo had to go on a diet recently (above), since his eyes were bigger than his stomach and he was starting to spread! Now I have to listen to his vocal opinions about waiting for dinner. He is so much like his mum, when they want something they would break their necks to get it. Santo will have a short break from the rings to do more roadwork, and get ready for some big shows. | Santo keeps entertaining our backyard...he has so much energy. Nothing gets past his watchful eye. I think he would be a perfect candidate for agility or obedience. With his long legs he could clear any obstacle. After a little break we had him entered again, and he took Best Of Breed over the adult competition and Best Puppy In Group. Santo will be 11 months old soon and I feel he is still changing. His body has matured and he is more co-ordinated with his long legs. I just love his milky fawn colour and black pigmentation AND his "never say die" attitude. |  |
At 13 mths of age Santo has been promoted from King of Ring to King of Castle. He can now express his creativity and broaden his knowledge in agility events. Apart from growing into a beautiful pale fawn boy with jet black pigment and sound conformation, he also grew brains that required more activity than we could offer, so he has gone to bigger and better things with his new family, who adore him and his endless tricks! He has taken over their home with kitchen and bedroom his favourite places. He will be starting his training as soon as his owner can drag him off the sofa! We will miss Santo's demands and "did I mention ME" attitude. It has been a wonderful 12 months and the little toy-box baby has come a long way. Santo will have bright future ahead doing what he loves best - being the centre of attention.   
above are three photos of Santo reclining in his new home - where he certainly looks like a very happy little IG!
|
