British Dalmatian Club

British Dalmatian Club 

Winter Open Show 2023

4th February 2023

I am so grateful to the British Dalmatian Club for inviting me to judge their open show, thank you for your hospitality and kindness on the day. Also a big thank you to Steve and Susan for stewarding for me.

My plan for judging was to find the dogs that are absolutely sound in both movement and temperament. I was looking for fitness and strength but still with an overall elegance and fluidity of outline, nothing overdone or particularly flashy. Judging to a type is near on impossible as there is so much variation within the classes. That being said, I was absolutely thrilled with the entry and there were some very tough decisions for me to make.  

Temperaments were exceptional, out of 75 present there was only one that I couldn’t go over and, after some gentle persuasion, even she let me run my hand along her back. There were many wagging tails, smiles and kisses on offer. 

Unfortunately there were several dogs who were unsound on the move, not lame as such but just not quite moving with the free flowing, economical gait that we would expect from a breed whose main purpose in life is to trot for long distances. Instead of driving forward from strong hocks, there are dogs who have a lot of upthrust in their movement. This would be like a human skipping instead of jogging, it’s a lot of wasted energy and completely inefficient. There were multiple cow-hocked dogs and even a couple with sickle-hocks which is just not conducive to correct drive. 

Quite a few were carrying far too much weight, especially over the withers and ribs, also a hindrance for endurance. Furthermore, there were some soft pads, in the upper classes, which is a big issue for carriage dogs as their feet would be cut to shreds on the roads. However I was impressed with the shortness of nails in the majority of the exhibits. 

Before the bit that I know you’re all waiting for I would just like to make a quick note on one specific group. I had an absolutely lovely entry of so-called Veterans, though I’m not sure any of them would use this as a title. Every single one of them could teach the youngsters a thing or two. They all had this gentle confidence of dogs who knew the job and were wholly comfortable with what was going to be asked of them. They are a credit to themselves, their owners/handlers, breeders and to the breed as a whole. 

Best In Show, Best Dog, Best Black Dog: 

Townson & Pardoe’s Kaytoni Oh What A Night At Daymadals 

Handsome boy of four years old who I judged previously when he was just a pup. I was impressed with him then and I am so pleased to see he has developed so beautifully. He has a strong, masculine head with the deepest black pigmentation and dark eyes. Really good length of neck and has the best lay back of shoulder of all the males today. Excellent width and depth of chest, well off for bone without being too heavy, strong through the pasterns with tight feet and hard pads. Well ribbed, level topline, shapely underline and muscled loin. He is balanced in his angulation at the rear with superb first and second thighs. His strong hocks give him the athletic drive forward that I was looking for. He powers around the ring whilst remaining close to the ground, so no waste of energy and he is very precise on the out and back. He really is so impressive. Pleased to award him BIS today. 

Reserve Best in Show, Best Opposite Sex, Best Bitch, Best Black Bitch: 

Finlay’s Dvojica Excuse My French At Dalfin JW

This girl just demands your attention. She is so striking, so elegant and so balanced. She is only two years old but she has the ring presence of a much more seasoned exhibit. She is so obviously feminine yet doesn’t lack for substance. Beautiful head, dark eyes, excellent pigmentation and correctly set ears. Lovely neck into defined withers, nice depth of chest with plenty of heart room, well boned all through with great feet. Strong topline, perfectly curved underline, clean loin and correct tail set. Her muscled thighs, bend of stifle and strength of hocks enabled her to flow around the ring with grace and power in equal measure. She was up against tough competition today but she truly deserved Best Bitch and RBIS.

Best Puppy in Show, Best Puppy Bitch:

Jenkins & Ridgway’s Luccombe Strawberry Ripple

Just nine months old and such a promising baby. She has rich liver colouring with excellent pigmentation. Feminine head with the correct amber eye colour, her ears are set and used well. Pleasing length of neck into good shoulder placement, she already has a nicely developed width and depth of chest. Well boned fores, strong through the pasterns and lovely tight feet. Topline and underline are both looking good, obviously she is still a touch loose however this is perfectly acceptable for her age. Tail is set on right and carried correctly. Balanced rear angulation with musculature developing and sound hocks. Moved with reach and drive, showed herself to advantage to take Best Puppy in Show today. 

Best Veteran In Show, Best Veteran Dog:

Goodswen’s Alphadal’s King of Angels ShCM

Powerful male in his prime at seven years old. Sturdily built with plenty of bone but still clean in outline with no coarseness. Ghost faced with distinctive pigmentation of the nose and eye rims, dark eyes, well set ears and nice balance of skull to muzzle. Muscled neck into well laid shoulders, pleasantly developed chest, great spring of rib, plenty of heart room. Straight fores, good spring to pasterns and tight cat feet. He has a level topline, good tuck up, muscled loin and correct set on of tail. Superb first and second thigh, turn of stifle and strong hocks. He is smooth on the move, holding his topline and really pushing forward using those hocks. A really lovely boy who took Best Veteran in Show up against fantastic opposition today. 

Reserve Best Dog, Best Liver Dog, Best Liver in Show: 

Green & Sears’ Alphadal Aint Misbehaving At Judally JW

This liver boy is what I call a gentleman. He’s clearly male but his head is more refined than many of the boys today, showing an old fashioned elegance that is lacking in some. He has rich liver pigment, correctly coloured amber eyes and he uses his ears well. Nicely muscled neck, good lay back of shoulder, plenty of heart room in his deep chest. Well boned fores, strong pasterns down to tight feet. At first glance I thought he was a touch long but it must be an optical illusion because hands-on shows that he’s completely balanced with ribs carried well back and nice length of loin. In hard condition all through, pleasing turn of stifle and great hocks. Excellent on the move, with a very easy, rhythmical gait and accurate footfall. A fully deserved Reserve Best Dog and Best Liver in Show. 

Reserve Best Bitch, Best Liver Bitch: 

Derrick & Ryan’s Kalokairie’s Hocus Pocus

This liver girl is so even, with elegant lines where everything flows and fits together easily. She makes a pretty picture when standing. Feminine head with a soft expression from her amber eyes, nice pigmentation, she has a balanced skull to muzzle and correct ear set. Lovely reach of neck into well placed shoulders, perfect amount of forechest and good width and depth to her rib cage. She has enough bone in proportion to her overall size, spring to pasterns and tight feet. Strong through her topline, smooth underline and well muscled loin. She has a very good width of thigh, she is in complete proportion front and back. She has great fluidity to her movement with excellent drive from behind. In a perfect world, she wouldn’t have the window in spotting on her show side but this is not reason enough to deny her Reserve Best Bitch and Best Liver Bitch today. 

Best Puppy Dog, Reserve Best Puppy in Show:

Kaal’s Schunikka Ifor Dream

Very raw black spotted boy of just seven months, he is well grown already but in balance. Strong head with a gentle expression from his dark eyes, he uses his ears to give himself an inquisitive expression. Nicely arched neck into good shoulders, he has an excellent forechest for one so young and a roomy chest. Well off for bone, spring to pasterns already and beautifully tight feet. He is muscling up all through with enough length of loin and bend of stifle to complete the overall picture. Holds his topline on the stand, obviously it rolls a bit on the move due to his age but he tracks up so cleanly and held his own, later in the day, in a class against older males. 

Best Veteran Bitch, Reserve Best Veteran in Show: 

Jenkins & Ridgway’s Luccombe Strawberry Kisses 

Beautiful black girl looking much younger than her seven years. At first look, she presents a clean, fluid outline. Classy head, darkest of eyes and excellent pigmentation. Great reach of neck, pleasantly constructed front assembly. She has a very nice depth of chest with plenty of heart room. Straight through her fores into well sprung pasterns, very good feet and she has perfect, hard pads. Superb spring to her ribs which are carried well back. Holds her topline, defined through the loin, great hind angulation and strong hocks. Muscling is superb throughout. She floated around the ring to win her class up against some very strong competition and then to take Best Veteran Bitch today. 

Class 1 Minor Puppy Dog (1/1)

1st 47 Kaal’s Schunikka Ifor Dream 

As above

Class 2 Puppy Dog (1/1)

1st 47 Kaal’s Schunikka Ifor Dream

As above

Class 3 Junior Dog (5/4)

1st 66 Pilgrim’s Nospar's Drambuie

What a cracking boy this is! Exuberant personality and very masculine, well grown already, he is just so eye catching. Gorgeous head with rich liver pigment and expressive amber eyes. He has an excellent neck into defined withers, lovely depth of chest and very good fill in front. Well off for bone, good pasterns and tight cat feet. Level through his topline, nicely tucked up underneath, strong loin and well set tail. Very muscled through the rear with an already developed second thigh and sturdy hocks. So sound on the move and balanced completely in his footfall. I seriously considered him for RBD today. 

2nd 50 Kembrey’s Dalmarks Rhythm and Blues

Powerfully built liver boy who is completely solid all through. Masculine head but not inelegant, correct eye shape and colour. Nice reach of neck into good shoulder placement. His chest is plenty wide and deep but not quite the fill in front of the first in this class. Strong forelegs with strong bone and feet. Level through the topline and shapely underline. Tail is set a touch low. Good turn of stifle, excellent first and second thighs and hocks. Moved soundly around the ring. 

3rd 98 Wootton’s Tolkain Caliban

Class 4 Yearling Dog (7/6)

1st 76 Smith’s Rapanooey Sugar Donut JW

Eye catching male who grabs your attention with his bold black spotting. Strong head and muzzle, dark eye and well set ears. Lengthy neck, well defined withers, deep chest with ribs down to elbows, really nice forechest. Well off for bone with tight feet. He still has some maturing to do as shown by his tendency to drop his topline, however he has a lovely underline and length to loin. He has a very good bend of stifle and muscled thighs. He moves with real enthusiasm and drive. 

2nd 7 Bridge, Meyer & Britton’s Akoni Athos Comte De La Fere

Another striking boy who is all male. Up to size but in proportion. Masculine head though still elegant, with dark eyes. Excellent reach of neck, strong withers, deep chest and nicely developed forechest. Well boned, straight fronts and good feet. Level topline, curved tuck up and strong loin. Not quite the rear angulation of the first placed dog however he has well defined hocks and tracked up smoothly on the move. His spotting is a little untidy however this is not enough to detract from his many other qualities. 

3rd 98 Wootton’s Tolkain Caliban

Class 5 Maiden Dog (6/6)

1st 47 Kaal’s Schunikka Ifor Dream

As above 

2nd 1 Arnold’s Dalfellin Amore

Pleasing sized male with overall balance. Good skull to muzzle ratio, dark eyes and correct ear set. He has an arched, muscled neck, well placed shoulders and good length of upper arm. Bone in proportion to his size with tight feet. Good ribbing, level topline and clean loin. Decent bend of stifle but I would prefer more width of thigh. Moved efficiently around the ring. 

3rd 67 Quigley’s Dalkiss Paperback Writer

Class 6 Novice Dog (8/8)

1st 38 Hill’s Dalstorm Incan Mission

I liked this boy, he is correct for size at the withers. Good, clean head with dark eyes and pigmentation. Good arch to neck, very well placed shoulders, he has nice ribbing, carried right back and dropped to his elbows. His bone is in proportion with his size, tight feet. Well muscled all through the loin and into his rear. Moved accurately and with purpose around the ring. 

2nd 7 Bridge, Meyer & Britton’s Akoni Athos Comte De La Fere

As above

3rd 1 Arnold’s Dalfellin Amore

Class 7 Graduate Dog (6/6) 

1st 15 Crooks’ Dalberry The Starburst, Crooks

Impressive liver boy who makes the most of himself in the ring. Handsome head, balanced skull with expressive amber eyes. Lovely reach of neck into well placed shoulders and moderate front angulation. Nicely boned fores down to tight feet. Level through the topline, cleanly muscled loin of fair length and correct tail set. Rear angulation matches the front, sturdy hocks which he used to create excellent forward drive and kept himself low to the ground. 

2nd 69 Robbins’ Jasquarella Edge Of Winter

Eye catching, beautifully spotted black boy with an attractive head and dark eyes. Pleasant length of neck, muscular over the shoulders with good lay back. He has well boned, straight forelegs into tight feet. Clean topline and underline creating a smooth tuck up into the loin. Rounded thighs with excellent muscling and strong hocks. Moved soundly around the ring. 

3rd 38 Hill’s Dalstorm Incan Mission

Class 8 Postgraduate Dog (5/4)

1st 81 Tingey’s Dallyador Lockdown Legend

Tall, upstanding liver boy with a strong yet still elegant head with a gentle expression. Correctly coloured amber eye, deep liver pigment, uses his ears to frame his face. Muscular neck, defined withers, evident forechest, nicely boned fores and good feet. Strong through the topline and loin, well muscled at the rear. Had great reach when he strode out around the ring. 

2nd 28 Gardinor’s Dakairies First Carbon Copy At Dakata

Another liver boy who is well up to size. He has a gentle head and expression, good pigment and eye colour, flying his ears a touch today. Elegant neck, strong shoulders, deep chest and ribs to elbows. He has well boned fores and arched feet. Level topline, I liked his curve of underline and compact loin. Turn of stifle and hocks are sturdy, I would prefer a touch more width of thigh. Tracked up correctly and covered the ground.

3rd 10 Burke’s Hafwenna Painted Black

Class 9 Limit Dog (7/7)

1st 82 Townson & Pardoe’s Kaytoni Oh What A Night At Daymadals

As above

2nd 32 Green & Sears’ Alphadal Aint Misbehaving At Judally JW

As above

3rd 51 Kembrey’s O' Malley Des Dalmats De La Pierre Sacree At Dalmark

Class 10 Open Dog (5/4)

1st 89 Whincup’s Tamilanda Air Force One

Such an eye catching, upstanding boy. I love his compact outline and he is so well muscled you can see it from a distance but putting your hands on him just confirms it even more. Broad skull with jet black pigment, sparkling eyes and ears set high. Arched neck into strong withers, roomy chest, balanced bone and tight cat feet. Solid through the topline, great tuck up and clean loin. Rounded muscles in the hind legs with good turn of stifle. He is a little proud of his tail when he moved but his footfall was accurate both going round the ring and on the out and back. 

2nd 40 Hobbs & Whiting’s Rapanooey Ranunculus

Another lovely boy, completely different make and shape to the winner but still a quality male. Gentle head with rich liver colouring and a gentle disposition. I like his reach of neck and well laid shoulders. Deep chest, nicely boned fores with good spring to pastern and tidy feet. Level back with gently curved underline and muscular loin. He is another that is in excellent body condition with developed thighs and well bent stifle. On the go around his movement looked flawless however he was just throwing his front when he came towards me. 

3rd 13 Williams’ Tolkain Storm King From Phandate JW

Class 11 Special Junior Veteran Dog (4/4)

1st 31 Goodswen’s Alphadal’s King of Angels ShCM

As above 

2nd 55 McCarthy’s INT/FR/IR CH Domdallino Je Suis Kilndandy JW

Another fabulous veteran, I really was spoilt for choice in this class. He is so outgoing and confident. Refined head with wonderful expression from his amber eyes, correct ear placement and he uses them well. Good reach of neck, pleasingly constructed through the front angulation, nicely boned fores and still has lovely tight feet. Holding his topline, compact through the loin with a gentle arch. Still well muscled in his hind legs with good hocks. Moved with great fluidity, belying his nine years. 

3rd 2 Baker’s Lancelot Des Landes D'lroise At Oneowun (Imp Fr)

Class 12 Special Senior Veteran Dog (1/1)

1st 75 Tolutim Yaffle, Scott-Allen & Davis

Handsome black spotted gentleman of almost eleven years old. He really was enjoying having the ring all to himself in his class. Great pigment, dark eyes and the happiest disposition. Pleasing length of neck, well boned and still has nice feet. Well angulated at the back, just losing a little muscle tone now however he didn’t give anything away on the move and went around that ring with as much purpose as the youngsters. 

Class 13 Minor Puppy Bitch (2/2)

1st 63 Neath-Duggan & Coyne’s Kelevra Pickle my Fennel with Buffrey

Elegant youngster who makes an appealing outline on the stand. Feminine head, nicely pigmented with correct liver colouring, pleasing eye shape and set of ears. Good reach of neck, well defined withers, chest developed well for her age. Her bone complements her size, needs to strengthen through the pasterns but this will come with maturity. Level topline, tucked up underline and good length of loin. I liked her width of thigh and hocks. Moved with quite a bit of puppy roll but covered the ground well.

2nd 94 Wilkins’ Jasquarella Cosmopolitan For Salvadorada

Such a sweet baby at her very first show and she did so well! At this age it would be easy for her to be overawed by her surroundings but she coped like a professional. She has a pretty head with a gentle expression and correct liver colouring and amber eye. Nice length of neck, good front construction, well boned fores and good feet. Slightly long so she has quite a dip in her topline behind her withers which was more noticeable when she moved. Obviously very loose at present as you’d expect for her age.

Class 14 Puppy Bitch (3/3)

1st 45 Jenkins & Ridgway’s Luccombe Strawberry Ripple

As above

2nd 63 Neath-Duggan & Coyne’s Kelevra Pickle my Fennel with Buffrey

As above

3rd 94 Wilkins Jasquarella Cosmopolitan For Salvadorada

Class 15 Junior Bitch (7/6)

1st 49 Kembrey’s Dalmark’s Banana-Rama

Charming liver girl, she presents a lovely outline. I loved her balanced head and gentle expression. Great reach of neck into strong withers, pleasing depth of chest and ribs to elbows. Well off for bone, good pasterns and feet. Level topline and a good curve to the underline. Excellent rear muscling, in fact she is just in wonderful hard condition all through. Nice bend of stifle giving her powerful driving action around the ring. I strongly considered her for the RBB today. 

2nd 90 Whincup’s Tamilanda Instant Star

Super pretty young black bitch, very elegant make and shape. Feminine head, great pigment with gorgeous dark eyes. Nicely arched neck into well constructed front. Perfectly straight fores, good spring of pastern and tight feet. Level topline and beautiful tuck up. Well angulated at the rear, I liked the definition and strength of her hocks. In hard condition all through. Moved fluidly around the ring. 

3rd 83 Townson & Pardoe’s Sophtspot Phantasia For Daymadals

Class 16 Yearling Bitch (7/5)

1st 72 Samkin’s Jabitoja Playa Blanca

What a find this girl is! Exceptionally sound and balanced youngster. She has a prettily spotted face with vivid liver pigment and amber eyes. Elegant reach of neck, great front construction and forechest. Straight fores and smart feet. Level topline with beautiful curve to her underline and clean through the loin. Well angulated at the back with clearly developed first and second thighs. Moved with such accuracy and that graceful, steady gait I was looking for. Another who was close to the top awards today and I will watch her future with interest.

2nd 74 Davis & Scott-Allen’s Dallydyl Code Breaker

Another quality liver girl who is slightly longer in body than the first but still balanced. Feminine head with a sweet expression from her amber eyes. Gently arched neck, clean withers and front angulation. Enough bone for her size, straight fores and tight feet. Holds her topline well and has a smoothly curving underline. Well angulated at the back, strong hocks giving her a fluid action around the ring. 

3rd 84 Tysterman’s Carodal Jacobs Ladder

Class 17 Maiden Bitch (1/1)

1st 90 Whincup’s Tamilanda Instant Star

As above

Class 18 Novice Bitch (4/4)

1st 84 Tysterman’s Carodal Jacobs Ladder

I really like this little liver, she was in an earlier class but not interested in proceedings at all. In this class she got herself together and presented herself much better. She is compact and feminine, beautiful liver pigment and amber eyes. Great neck and excellent withers, chest has plenty of heart room, balanced bone for her size, lovely feet. Level through her topline into a strong loin and well tucked up underline. Balanced rear angulation with nice width of thigh and turn of stifle. She does have a tendency to stand with her hind legs under herself so she is best judged on the move where you can see her fluidity of movement and drive. 

2nd 90 Whincup’s Tamilanda Instant Star

As above

3rd 39 Johnson’s Scampdal Vice Versa 

Class 19 Graduate Bitch (8/7)

1st 65 Penn’s Dalfellin Agape

Nicely made black bitch who is just reaching maturity at two years old. I liked her overall shape, being slightly longer than she is tall. Pretty face with dark eyes, she uses her ears to give her an intelligent expression. Lovely reach of neck into clean withers. Good front angulation, capacious chest, straight fores, excellent pasterns and feet. Strong through the topline and loin, good curve to her underline, well angulated at the rear with great muscling. Moved steadily around the ring, staying close to the ground.

2nd 90 Whincup’s Tamilanda Instant Star

As above

3rd 14 Collier’s Kallierbelle Ceithir

Class 20 Postgraduate Bitch (7/7)

1st 21 Derrick & Ryan’s Kalokairie’s Hocus Pocus

As above 

2nd 37 Haywood-Ridgway’s Luccombe Strawberry Fizz

There’s dogs with personality and then there’s this little girl who is in a different league. Smiley and waggy she is just so endearing. When she’s concentrating she is a lovely make and shape, I like her size and balance. She has an elegant head, excellent pigmentation and dark eyes, however she does have a tendency to fly her ears. Nice reach of neck into well placed shoulders and good front angulation. She has enough bone for her size, spring to pasterns and tight feet. Great spring of rib, level topline and compact through the loin. Rear angulation is in proportion and she has defined hocks. Covered the ground easily around the ring but throws her front a little coming forwards.  

3rd 48 Kembrey’s Dalmark The Ash Blonde

Class 21 Limit Bitch (7/6)

1st 25 Finlay’s Dvojica Excuse My French At Dalfin JW

As above

2nd 24 England’s Dalens Queen Of The Seas At Silverspot

Just love this pretty black bitch, she is elegant and presents a clean outline. Feminine head with dark oval eyes, balanced skull to muzzle lengths, makes good use of her ears. Lovely neck into defined withers and good lay back of shoulder. Capacious chest with evident forechest, nicely boned fores with tight feet. Level topline, muscled loin and correct tailset. Well angulated at the back with excellent first and second thighs, strong hocks. She moves smoothly with real reach drive. Being picky, her spotting could be tidier but this doesn’t take away from her other qualities.

3rd 56 McCarthy’s Tolkain Gold Star For Kilndandy

Class 22 Open Bitch (2/1)

1st 46 Kaal & Rance’s Dallydyl Dream Of Manderley To Olbero

Very sweet girl, dam of the puppy dog winner and you can see where he gets his charming disposition from. Pretty head with dark eyes, lovely reach of neck and well defined withers. She has a good depth of chest, straight fores and tight feet. She has good ribs which are carried right back, a level topline and carries her tail well. Good bend of stifle but I would prefer a bit more strength in her rear to get more drive from her movement. 

Class 23 Special Junior Veteran Bitch (6/4)

1st 44 Jenkins & Ridgeway’s Luccombe Strawberry Kisses

As above

2nd 41 Hobbs & Whiting’s Rapanooey Rhona

This bitch has a beautiful outline both standing and moving. Very feminine but with plenty of substance. Clean head with dark eyes. Muscled, lengthy neck into sound front construction. Straight fores, sprung pasterns and well arched feet. Level topline, compact and clean loin, well rounded thighs and sturdy hocks. Moved steadily around the ring but unfortunately she has split her tail which just unsettled her. 

3rd 35 Hartley & Griffiths’ Creaganbrec Glory Be At Miragua

Class 24 Special Senior Veteran Bitch (4/2)

Two girls I have admired for years and it was an honour to be able to judge them. 

1st 59 Morgan’s Winflash Olympic Star JW, ShCM

Compact, balanced black girl who is wearing her ten years well. She still has excellent muscle tone all through. Clean head, dark eye and well set ears. Good reach of neck and shoulder placement. Straight fores, tight feet with hard pads. Holding her topline into a clean loin. Rear angulation matches the front and she has defined hocks. Went off like a rocket on the move but when she slowed down her tracking was accurate and tidy from all directions. 

2nd 29 Gardner’s CH Dvojica Black Again At Wrendragge JW, ShCM

Beautiful black, made along larger lines than the first placed exhibit. Elegant head, she has sparkling dark eyes and makes use of her ears. Lengthy neck into defined withers, laid back shoulders and straight fores. Pleasant length and spring of rib, just losing her topline a little now. Balanced rear angulation and she maintains a steady, rhythmic gait. 

Class 25 Brace (4/4)

Some handlers struggle to move one dog, so to move two is a great challenge and all these handlers are to be commended for their performances. This class was no where near as chaotic as I’d expected (hoped) for. 

1st 48 Kembrey’s Brace

These liver girls are so well matched, very similar head shapes, both have great reach of neck, balanced front and back angulation and are soundly constructed all through. Moved around with good synchronisation of footfall.

2nd 13 Chappell & Williams’ Brace 

Nicely spotted black male and female pairing, well matched for size and substance. Moved together easily around the ring. 

3rd 40 Hobbs & Whiting’s Brace