• Show Date: 25/02/2023
  • Show Type: Open/Limited/Sanction
  • Judged by: Colin Goodswen Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 28/07/2023

Torquay & District Canine Society


Torquay and District Canine Society Open show, Saturday 25th February 2023.

Exeter Livestock centre, Exeter, Devon.

Dalmatian Critiques.

Judge: Mr Colin Goodswen (Alphadal)

Thank you so much to the committee for inviting me to Judge our beloved breed, to the exhibitors for your entries all of which presented correct bites and impeccable temperaments. Big thanks also to my two wonderfully capable stewards Tracey and Abbie, who both ran the ring perfectly… I thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Puppy D/B (2 entries, 0 absent)

1st Williamson’s Shydally Ultimate Edition, 11 month old black spotted male. Shown today in great condition, nicely spotted with dark black pigment on a perfectly white background. Pleasing head and nice front, good depth of chest for his age. Straight front legs to tight cat-like feet. Well-muscled back legs with good angulation. Moved with the exuberance that every puppy should display, but still rhythmic and powerful. BPIB.

2nd Walker’s Spydrodragon Thieves Den, 9 month old black spotted female. Not settled at all today, this pretty young lady certainly made her handler work hard today. Another nicely spotted example in good condition. Lovely expression and dark eye, good length of neck to well defined withers and level topline. She showed plenty of glimpses of sound movement.

Post Graduate D/B (7 entries, 1 absent)

1st Edens’s Steyndal Diamond White at Dalens JW, 18 month old black spotted female. This pretty, happy girl grabbed my attention today. Feminine head and good length of neck to level topline which she carried nicely whilst on the move. Moderate front angulation but overall balanced. She was handled to perfection and powered around the very limited space in our ring. She moved effortlessly with power and drive. Best of Breed and pleased to see that later she achieved Utility Group 4 amongst a very strong field.

2nd England’s Dalens Bethany Char at Silverspot, 6 Year old liver spotted female. Lovely older girl in good condition for her age, carrying a little too much weight for me today but lots to love about this girl. Well decorated with nice dark liver spotting, nice head and good length of neck. Good front and although shorter in couple than one, she is perfectly balanced. Missed out very slightly on movement in this class, but I shall watch with interest this lady’s upcoming veteran career, during which I’m sure she will do well.

3rd Hipkiss’s Dalkiss Whole Lotta Rosie Fr Jun CH.

Open Dog (4 entries, 1 absent)

1st Howard’s Decoda’s Crackerjack, 15 month old liver spotted male. This masculine boy, pushed so close for my best of breed today. In fabulous condition with good even spotting, he showed his socks off. Strong head of correct proportions, nice length of neck to well defined withers and level topline. Good front, depth of chest and well off for muscle. Sound rear angulation with good bend of stifle. It was a shame this boy had to work in such a small ring, as soon as he was into his stride, he was turning… Could not show his movement at it’s best today. There was lots to like about this boy, and I'm sure he will go from strength to strength. No hesitation to award RBOB.

2nd Williamson’s Decoda’s Captain Tom, 3 year old liver spotted male. I later found out that this lovely patched boy was brother to 1st place in this class. Very friendly and happy to be in the ring, and presented in good condition. Balanced angulation fore and aft, with nice tight feet. Nice topline and correct tail set. Moved well.

3rd Ioannou’s Dalen’s Chocolate Surprise.

Open Bitch (5 entries, 2 absent)

1st England and Edens’s Dalens Queen of the Seas at Silverspot, 2.5 year old black spotted female. Nice head with feminine, bright expression. Lovely long, well arched neck into a well-defined wither. Correct tail set and strong rear carriage which she used to her advantage to power around the ring with rhythmic movement. At one with her handler who handled her to perfection.

2nd Williamson and Howard’s Decoda’s Toffee Apple, 14month liver spotted female. Pretty girl with pleasant expression. Nicely decorated with even spotting. Not very settled today, but displayed good angles when stood still. Steady mover.

3rd Ioannou’s Perdita’s Abandon Ship.