Rio - Meeting the Mastiff Standard of Excellence

Ch. Smokin' Lads Sand River Rio is the 1998 Westminster Kennel Club Show winner,
Best of Breed - Mastiff.

Many sincere thanks to Judge Mrs. Bettie Krause.

(Click on "Mastiffs" below to see the final results of the judging.)

MASTIFFS

Rio was chosen by his owner/handler, Connie Gard, years before he was even born. No wonder they are so close! Their bond transcends time itself. It shows when they are in the ring together...

even when the judge isn't looking!

* * * * * * * * * *

As you can see, the two are truly "partners"!

The photo below may look familiar to those who have read Marie Moore's book, "The Mastiff".
It is on the back cover of the book. Rio was not quite two years old when this picture was taken. Even then, it was obvious that he was destined for
great things!

As Rio grew, so did his accomplishments. Here, at two and one-half years of age, he took a Group II.

Rio ages extremely well. Here, at 4 years old, he looks, feels and acts much younger!

This photo, one of Rio's many Best of Breed awards, shows the beautiful apricot tinge of his fawn coat to its best advantage.

Today, at age 5, Rio is semi-retired from the show ring after his big win at Madison Square Garden this year. He will return, however, as a veteran after he turns 6.

What a great face!

Rio is a five-star Mastiff. You can check out his statistics and test results on Deb Jones' Stud Dog Register by clicking below:

Mastiff Stud Dog Register and Articles

Rio has produced many wonderful offspring. He has the distinctive ability to improve even his best traits in his puppies.

His daughter, Chris' Sandriver Apache Tear, is shown here, at one year of age.

(Ch. Smokin'Lads Sandriver Rio x Ch. Chris' Cairo Queen Dynamite, TT)

Here is the link to Apache's mother's home page:

Cairo's Home Page

Apache plans to follow in her father's pawsteps, and win at Westminster!

For information about Rio, please contact Connie Gard at:
connie gd@aol.com

Thanks for visiting Rio's page!

This page has been designed as a personal tribute to Ch. Smokin' Lads Sand River Rio by Chris Imhoff.