Southampton & District Canine Association

Southampton & District Canine Association – Saturday 22nd July 2023 – Dalmatians

A very challenging day weather wise, I applaud the committee for their efforts to still make the show a success and thank you for inviting me to judge the Dalmatians at this wonderful location. I would also like to say how much I appreciate all the exhibitors staying during the persistent rain, having travelled some distance I was thrilled with the overall entry.

Junior (3,1)

1st Miss J Kaal Schunikka Ifor Dream – Black spotted 13-month male, built up to size but wonderfully balanced. Clean head, broad skull, moderate stop and well-placed ears. Kind expression from his dark eyes to complete the head. Strong neck into well laid-back shoulder, strong round bone and excellent feet. Plenty fill to fore chest, showing good muscle tone throughout. Solid topline and well angulated rear showing his excellent width of thigh, this enabled him to drive around the ring with a steady economical stride with power, very sound dog and well handled. BOB and pleased to see him still showing well to earn Group 3 under a breed specialist.

2nd Mrs E Williamson Shydally Ultimate Edition – Another young black spotted male, some of the same comments apply as above, this boy just a little finer throughout. Excellent condition, really fit and well presented. Ideal for height, well placed elbows and good bone. Strong hocks, driving from the rear well, a sound active mover.

Post Graduate (9,2)

1st Mrs R Wilson Decoda’s Trick Or Treat For Travier – 20 month old liver male, not coarse in any way but masculine. Good liver colour and decoration, well placed shoulders and tight elbows. Strong topline and excellent tail set, when he moves he comes into his own as he does not make the most of himself on the stand, partly could have been the weather but I think with some more ringcraft he should do well. Really sound powerful movement in all directions, nothing overdone a more old-fashioned type. Pipped to BOB by the showmanship of the Junior male. RBOB.

2nd Ms C Chappell & Mr K Williams Nalderhill Aphrodite At Waltzaway – Very happy 5-year-old richly marked liver bitch, she was not hindered by the weather at all. Nice size bitch, more compact in body, feminine head although quite heavy marked. Nicely set ears and used well. Good width across her body, tight feet and correct pasterns, deep chest and ribs carried well back. Hocks well let down and moved clean out and back.

Open (8,3)

1st Mrs V Blissett Kystuno Warners King – 4 years old, fully mature smart black spotted boy, well distributed spotting, very bold and clear. Another who needed a little more schooling to make the most of his time in the ring. A little finer than the other males in the challenge overall. Straight legs, excellent cat like feet. Good spring to his rib and strong loin. Tail set and carried well balanced angulation front and rear, moved positively and in fantastic condition. Just preferred the rhythmical movement of the PG winner for RBOB, keep putting in the work to develop the partnership further.

2nd Ms M England & Miss P Edens Dalens Queen Of The Seas At Silverspot - pretty 3-year-old black bitch, excellently schooled and another not phased by the weather. Feminine head, clean lips and elegant reach of neck. Powerful movement with excellent reach and drive, tail set and carried well, great muscle especially in her rear, it was a close decision between 1 and 2, just preferred overall balance of the male, but she pushed him very hard on the move.

Judge Miss Lisa Marley (Bellili)