Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Darlington Championship Show – Lagotto Romagnolo

14th September 2025

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at the Darlington Championship Show. My thanks also go to my very capable stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently. Finally, my sincere appreciation to all the exhibitors for their entries and for the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. The overall quality was pleasing, with some very promising youngsters.

Veteran Dog or Bitch (1 Entry)

1st Nelson’s Mizani D’oro Over Savio

A well-presented veteran in lovely condition for age. Shows typical Lagotto expression with kind, alert eyes. Good balance and proportions, with a well-shaped skull, moderate stop, and strong muzzle. Maintains good topline both standing and on the move, moving freely with reach and drive. A credit to his owner. BV

Puppy Dog (2 Entries)

1st Gilder, Blunden and Blunden’s Mikette On A Promise

Very promising young male with a pleasing outline. Balanced head, correct eye shape and colour, and good depth of chest for age. Developing well in body, moved with confidence and a correct, efficient stride. Coat of good texture coming along nicely. well handled. I will watch his career with interest. BD and BP

2nd Allen’s Amadar Roberto Cavalli At Pemonteil

Another quality puppy, slightly less mature at this stage but of good type. Pleasing head and expression, straight front and good feet. Moved soundly once settled, just not quite the body and finish of 1st today.

Junior Dog (2 Entries)

1st Cuddy, Cuddy and Norbury’s Bedeslea Prada Paradoxe

Very typical young dog of good proportions. Attractive head with correct ratio of muzzle to skull, good width and depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. Short neck into well laid shoulders. well ribbed, good topline and slight slope to croup. In excellent coat, following the line of the body with correct curl and texture . Moved with purpose, at one with his handler. RBD

2nd Thomas & Thomas Arcticbreeze On The Double (AI)

Another promising junior, slightly longer cast than 1st but well-balanced overall. Presented in good condition. Movement sound though needs to tighten a little behind as he matures.

Post Graduate Dog (2 Entries)

1st Cuddy, Cuddy and Norbury’s Bedeslea Prada Paradoxe

Repeat from Junior, again showed well.

2nd Snowdon and Nelson’s Rozebottel’s Mario Tronti (Imp Nld)

Mature masculine dog of different type. Good substance and depth to chest. Presented in slightly shorter coat but of good texture and obvious curl. Not quite as tidy coming towards me.

Open Dog (2 Entries, 2 absent)

Puppy Bitch (3 Entries)

1st Cooper’s Gameglow Toy Story

Lovely puppy bitch of delightful character. Feminine head, balanced proportions, and excellent coat developing well. Moved out with confidence. A bright future ahead. BPB

2nd Nelson’s Nelbekio Loyal Leony

Very close decision between these two. Good body shape and proportions, well-handled. Just preferred the maturity and movement of 1st today.

Junior Bitch (1 Entry)

1st Nelbekio Loyal Leony

repeat entry

Post Graduate Bitch (4 entries 1 absent)

1st Gina Lollobridga with Carmadine

Well balanced bitch of correct proportions and true square outline. Head well-proportioned into short strong neck. Level topline and well-developed loin. Balanced throughout. Pleasing coat of correct texture and curl. She could show a touch more confidence in the ring but her breed type, soundness and overall construction could not be denied today. BB and BOB.

2nd Nelson’s Solipe Gelato Noce Di Cocco at Nelbekio.

Well made bitch of ideal square outline, combined with femininity of good breed type and typical rustic appearance. Pleasing head, good breadth and stop. Chest deep, well sprung ribs, and short loin. Slightly longer in body than 1. Moved out well and true.

Open Bitch (4 entries, 2 absent)

1st Nelson’s Nelbekio Just the Ticket.

Quality bitch of good type, presenting in classic, square outline and rustic appearance. Feminine yet substantial. Well balanced proportions. Pleasing head, strong neck, well laid shoulders, firm level back. Coat of good curl and texture. Lots to like about this young lady. RBB

2nd Allen’s Amadar Sweet Child o’ Mine.

Another well made bitch of pleasing type. Unlikely to meet 1. Good type, slightly longer than winner but still good proportions. Attractive head and kind expression. Well-muscled and balanced throughout. Coat of good curl.

Judge – Kerry Roberts – Byphar