It's very encouraging to see all the nice comments about Junior. Thank you all.
This will be an adventure for both me and Junior as I have no experience in showing. I am a complete novice but I hope that the time is right. With a local resource now available to me that has both handling and grooming experience, that's one big thing that should now be made easier for me. And there's so much experience here at YT to draw on....plus I'm so encouraged by the success of the new exhibitors here. It makes things seem less daunting. I do plan on taking Junior as far as I can, if not for the ribbons, at least for the experience.
The info you posted is interesting, Gail. I likely won't take Junior out to be evaluated at 8 weeks. He'll not be vaccinated at that time and to have him evaluated I would need to take him to the groomer's shop. I will pay special attention to his proportions and angulation at that time and compare it later to see if it corresponds to his adult build.
I am wondering just how his being a singleton will affect his personality, though. I don't see it as hindrance so far. He seems very confident and is king of his little universe at this time. There's no bully littermate to dampen his confidence and he's free to blossom at his own pace. At some point he'll have to become socialized with other dogs, but for now his being the only pup seems to be a positive.
Here's a couple of pics of him playing with Darla today and one of him climbing up on me.