• Show Date: 14/09/2018
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Tom Mather Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 27/07/2023

Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Breed: Best in show

Darlington Dog Show Society 2018

Best in Show

I was delighted to be invited to judge Best in Show at this popular Northern Show. My fellow Group Judges had sent me a great selection of dogs to evaluate and I was truly spoilt for choice. The Basset Griffon Venden (Petit) epitomizes the breed standard with his lovely head and expression, good balance and jolly extrovert temperament. The powerfully made Bullmastiff is a dog I’ve admired before, grand masculine head with an imposing presence and impressive on the move. The delightful Pomeranian was a new one to me but his neat ears, keen expression, excellent dentition and compact body are to be commended. The lovely Toy Poodle is a real eye-catcher with the elegance, joie de vivre and light action one hopes to find in the breed. I admired the balance and grace of the Collie (Rough), grand head and ears, lovely clear, silver blue coat.

Reserve Best in Show came from the Gundog Group where the winner was the Spaniel (Cocker), Amos -Jones’ Sh Ch Veratey Vincenzo At Cassom JW. Previously I have awarded him Best Puppy (at this show in 2014), a CC and BOB and a round of the Eukanuba Champion Stakes so it was obvious to those who study form that I admire him. Unexaggerated and very “Cockery” with a lovely head and expression, compact with big ribs and strong short loin. Good breadth over the quarters which are well muscled with good angulation. His action is true and typical and his excellent merry temperament and flat, silky coat complete the picture. I really considered him for the top spot but the superb Kerry Blue Terrier, Tasselli's Balboa Nembo Kid didn’t put a foot wrong and his alertness and determination enabled him to claim the ultimate prize of Best in Show Darlington 2018.


   Judge: Tom Mather