My Leo boy got a 2nd at Paignton show and I'm pleased with his critique.  However, the judge wrote 'not much between these 2 pups but not quite as steady as the first'.  As a newbie to this showing lark can anyone tell me what 'steady' means? 

Thank you

Steady usually means knows his job .......ie standing well and moving in an acceptable style.
Skittishness, fidgety bahaviour and larking around whilst moving could all be described as the opposite of 'steady'

On the other hand the jugde may just have prefered the other and couldn't descibe why..so steady may have been a cop out.

At the same token a bouncy not so steady puppy is a delight to see if they are enjoying themselves. I know my boy is a little unsteady at the moment in the way he goes around the ring, only done a companion show so far. I think the most important thing from what i have learned is that a pup should be enjoying themselves, as so many very steady pups may not go too much further if they loose the lack lustre. So there is another side. Which means that in time your pup could end up being better than the other that came 1st or another judge may not think movement as a total for a puppy is the be all and end all.

Thanks tooolz, that would make sense.  The dog that beat us belongs to someone who shows alot and he behaves and stands beautifully.

He's just 12 mths now and done his last puppy class :(

He's certainly not bouncy, infact I was originally worried he may not have the spark needed for the show ring, but as he's getting older he's carrying himself with more confidence and he's definitely starting to shine.  I think he's beautifully behaved but when you compare him to some of the dogs belonging to the professionals I have to admit he does fidget.

But hey ho, as long as were both enjoying it!

I wouldn't worry too much about a bit of fidgeting, as long as he's not completely out of control, which clearly he isn't. I'd certainly prefer to see a bit of naughtiness and attitude which will carry through his showing career, rather than (which I'm sure you don't) telling him off for enjoying himself and having him sick of the show ring before he's 2.