Taunton & District Canine Association

Dalmatians – Taunton & District Canine Association 7th January 2024.

A very warm welcome is what I received at this society, it is wonderful venue with heating, a good-sized ring with a carpeted surface made for a suitable area to judge the wonderful dogs entered on the day. Thank you to my two lovely stewards for their clear direction and organisation of the ring, and the exhibitors for entering and accepting my decisions. Looking back, I have previously judged the full brother to today’s best of breed and believe these would make an excellent brace being a true pair of great type. I would also like to mention every entrant had a fantastic temperament and were a delight to judge, thank you.

Puppy (3,0)

1st Miss N Pace, Sadiedel’s Arab Girl very attentive 8-month female, good colouring to her black spots which are evenly distributed. Dark brown eye colour and well broken ears which she carries well to give her a sweet expression. Good shoulder placement and her clean neck fits well into defined wither. Her elbows are held tight to the body, quite mature in her movement on the out and back, tracking up correctly and moving straight both ways. As expected at this age, topline still developing but on the stand she held herself well. Presented in clean condition and pleased to award Best Puppy In Breed in a competitive class.

2nd Mrs A & Mr K Hurst Dvojica Firefly For Finnidal, this 8-month-old female was really enjoying her ring time, different in build to 1 having more substance overall however lots of the same comments apply. Very keen to show, bright expression with fantastic dark eyes and good strong muzzle but retaining femininity. Scored well for her fore chest and upper arm placement. Excellent feet and bone and her muscle is developing nicely for her age. Her enthusiasm made her movement difficult to assess and ultimately cost her the class. Two very nice puppies.

Graduate (2,0)

1st Miss T Davies Maddidalli River Song a great partnership between this feminine 4-year-old black female and her handler, she was set on going too fast at first but did settle on the second go around, moving much freer with a longer lead. Scored for her overall size, excellent muscle tone, and well-manicured nails. Elegant neck and ribs carried well back, slight rise over loin and tail is set and carried correctly. Well broken ears matching her lightly decorated face.

2nd – Sadiedel’s Arab Girl – Repeat 1st Puppy

Limit (3,0)

1st Mrs E L Williamson & Mrs H J Howard, Decoda’s Toffee Apple Liver spotted ideal sized female, for me had the correct balance in outline. Just turned two years old maturing well, and showing solid for her handler, calm performance and made the most of the space available to showcase her accurate movement with good reach and drive. Scored well for her topline and rear angulation, gave her excellent width of thigh. Her tail is set just off her back, carried level around the ring. Pretty head, clearly feminine. Correct amber eyes, moderate stop and equal head proportions, would like a slightly stronger muzzle in profile. Well broken ears, set high and correct size for her head, always alert keeping a keen expression. Even decoration, of the darker liver colour and her coat presented in excellent condition. I would describe this female as elegant but also strong, Best Of Breed and later awarded Group 3 under Richard Lemon.

2nd Mr P Hipkiss, Dalkiss Whole Lotta Rosie Fr Jr Ch – compact outline on this 2 and a half black female. Liked her spotty face, good length to her muzzle and clean lips and flat skull. Great width to her fore chest, well sprung ribs with plenty lung and heart room. Hand painted black spotting on a pure white background, coat in excellent condition. Moved well around the ring in all directions, preferred balance of 1.

Open (5,1)

1st Ms M England, Dalens Queen Of The Seas At Silverspot ShCEX a showgirl through and through, she put in an excellent performance. 3 and a half years old, fully mature black spotted female, deep pigmentation throughout. Kind bright expression, dark medium eyes. Ears set high on her head, flat skull, with a moderate stop giving a balanced head overall. Elegant nicely arched neck, round bone. Slight slope to front pasterns giving correct tight feet. Excellent muscle overall especially hindquarters, well defined hocks enabling her to push off well around the ring, moves with purpose and accuracy. Reserve Best Of Breed

2nd Mrs E L Williamson, Shydally Ultimate Edition JW I last judged this black spotted male 5 months ago and what a difference as he is now approaching two years old. He has bodied up significantly and now just needs to tighten up throughout to show the drive his construction shows he has. Excellent bone, standing on tight feet he moves powerfully driving from his strong hocks.

Judge – Lisa Marley (Bellili)