Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

DARLINGTON DOG SHOW

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CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

14th September 2025

Thank you to the Committee of Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge Labradors, and thank you to my stewards who worked so well. Also, thank you to everyone who contributed to such a lovely quality entry. I am sorry you all could not go home with a red card, but I simply placed the dogs as I saw them on the day.  I have attended very few shows during the last few years, so it was easier to be objective about what I saw today. The main things I noted today were heads/expressions, shoulders and coats. So many times I read that a dog has a ʻgood dark eyeʼ. A dark eye in a Labrador makes the expression totally blank. The eye should be brown or hazel and reflect their kind, willing-to-please character. Heads varied, with some beautiful heads that were true to breed type and others that were not. Shoulders have been poor for some years now, but I was happy with my winners in that department. Coats, on the whole, were OK. Some were in between coats, but my main winners had the correct Labrador coat. On the plus side, I was spoilt for choice in some of my later classes, both in dogs and bitches.

My appreciation to all the exhibitors for the sporting manner in which they accepted my placings.

I shortlisted four dogs for my DCC line-up.

Cinders Salty Sea – Open Dog winner and DCC. A black dog of excellent type. I just liked everything about him, starting with his size and overall construction; his legs are well placed under his body, he has a broad skull, a lovely masculine head with an alert but kind expression, scored in neck & shoulders, good barrelled ribs, short coupled with strong firm quarters, broad and deep through the chest, and he has good bone and feet; perhaps his tail could be a little straighter, but it is well clothed and set on correctly. Carrying the correct amount of weight for his build, He moved extremely well, sound and sensible with good forward reach and drive behind, and I was delighted to award him his 2nd CC (much to the handler’s surprise). He is an honest dog, no exaggeration, just a Labrador. I wish him well for his title.

Seatallan Chilli - Limit Dog winner and RDCC. This black dog has an excellent outline, is strong over the neck, and has well-placed shoulders. His head is balanced and masculine without being overdone in any way, with kind, expressive hazel eyes, excellent topline, and a fabulous coat and tail, which is well clothed. His quarters are strong and well-muscled, and his movement is sound and positive, with good forward reach. Excellent bone and substance; at one with his handler, he moved around the ring with a positive gait. He could easily have taken the CC today—a quality Labrador that I liked a great deal.

Sh Ch Binnaig Sea The Stars Over Tullochmohr JW – Yearling Dog winner.  Well-made yellow with such a kind head and expression. He has a lovely character, shows his eagerness to please his handler, has a strong neck with the correct layback of shoulder and good depth and spring of rib, has excellent compact feet and strong pasterns, and is very sound on the move with good reach in front and strong drive behind. His tail is well set and comes right off his backline, holding it a shade high on the move, but he is a young male and I am sure he finds everyone around him attractive. He was in the final four for consideration. A youngster of quality

Sh Ch Millroseglen Make My Day With Meadovillabs – Veteran Dog winner. 12-year-old yellow dog whom I awarded the RCC at my first judging appointment back in 2018, I still adored him. Lovely masculine head; excellent, dense coat of the correct length. He is short-coupled and deep through the chest, balanced overall; his tail is well clothed, and he carries it well on the move. He has a strong topline and is sympathetically handled to get the best out of him.

VD (5,1)

1st: MCCRORY, Mr P Sh Ch Millroseglen Make My Day With Meadovillabs

2nd: DODD, Mr W & Mrs G Sh Ch Carriegame Moonshine - a black who is an excellent showman, has lovely overall balance, a kind head with an intelligent, alert expression, correct eye shape, is masculine but in no way coarse, is clean over the neck and shoulders, has good depth in the forechest and a level topline, has good width in second thigh, carries a perfect double coat, is a stylish dog who moves out well on a loose lead. Worthy champion.

3rd: LESLEY, Mrs Leigh Aramis Britannica Archipelago At Steeleigh JW

MPD (5,3)

1st: SHIRTON, Mrs Y Woolman Free And Easy - BPD - 8-month-old yellow, such a lovely disposition, clean balanced outline, he has a pleasing head, correctly set ears which he used to advantage, good layback of shoulder & clean neck, liked his construction and length of rib, carries a level topline, shows steadily for his handler and moved soundly—such a great deal to like about this youngster.

2nd: PATTISON, Miss Rachel & PATTISON, Ms Jane  Dylsonleigh Titan For Pattilands – a well-grown yellow puppy who has a very balanced outline, good angulation in front with a clean neck and depth of forechest, and a good turn of stifle and width in the second thigh. Another with much to like about him; when settled, he moved very well.

PD (5,1)

1st: BARDSLEY, Ms Jacqueline Baileydale Boogaloo – a lively 11-month-old yellow puppy, well-developed head with a lovely expression and kind eye, clean over the neck with a good forechest, and balanced in angulation front and rear. Good spring of rib and well-set tail. Well-developed quarters, not in full coat, held his topline well, and for me, he was the best mover in the class. Really nice youngster.

2nd: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Frewlings Fastrack At Bearstone – 10-month-old black with a lovely head and expression, great coat and well-clothed tail, just a little up at the rear at the moment, good quarters which he uses well on the move. Really nice type.

3rd: THOMPSON, Miss L J & GORDON - SMITH, Mrs Kirsty Exelby Botis At Meadowline

JD (5,1)

1st: BECKLEY, Mrs Anne Swiftpeace Marksman At Godruo – lovely head on this 15-month-old yellow, clean-cut with good length to muzzle and a kind and gentle expression, good reach of neck and well-placed shoulders, he is well constructed and is well-developed in quarters. I liked his leg-to-body proportions, a young male who is very enthusiastic and tends to carry his tail a bit high on the move; however, he has lots to like about him, and he won this class on his strong level topline.

2nd: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Frewlings Fastrack At Bearstone – 2 nd PD

3rd: PICKIN, Miss Linda Edenwood Hinch

YD (2,0)

1st: TULLOCH, Mrs Diana Sh Ch Binnaig Sea The Stars Over Tullochmohr JW

2nd: BARON, Miss Natalie Landebec Ventura JW – yellow dog with a masculine head and kind expression, good length and depth to muzzle, good reach of neck, well-constructed front, level topline, short coupled, more compact than the winner, is well balanced with a good spring of rib, another young dog carrying his tail a little high, testosterone flowing. Lovely youngster. Should do well.

ND (8,3)

1st: BECKLEY, Mrs Anne Swiftpeace Marksman At Godruo - 1 ST JD

2nd: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Frewlings Fastrack At Bearstone – 2 ND PD and JD

3rd: THOMPSON, Miss L J & GORDON - SMITH, Mrs Kirsty Exelby Botis At Meadowline

GD (6,1)

1st: BURROUGHS, Mrs S Annakay Colour Sargent – a nicely balanced chocolate boy with a kind head with a willing-to-please expression; he has a good length of muzzle, a clean neck, well-laid- back shoulders and good barrel ribs, a short strong loin, and he stands on good legs, and he has good bone and substance, perhaps a little soft in pasterns, a strong rear, a lovely temperament, and he is a steady mover, carrying a dense coat.

2nd: YOUNG, Mrs Elaine Jean Potterspiney. My Sovereign JW – yellow dog, has good balance in body, a masculine head, a good length of muzzle, good depth of forechest, and spring of rib, well- angled front and rear, short coupled, good sound movement; I just preferred the head of one.

3rd: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Frewlings Gary Player At Bearstone

PGD (6,2)

1st: YOUNG, Mrs Elaine Jean Potterspiney Optimist Vision – yellow dog, with a balanced outline, kind head with a pleasing expression, excellent bone and substance, good angulation in shoulder and short coupled with good depth of forechest, strong and firm over the quarters with just the correct degree of angulation to give him balance, neat feet, good tail set, moved well.

2nd: BOLD, Miss J E Shaymiloney Saint Signed By Loubert – black boy, clean outline, good overall construction, kind head with the loveliest of expressions, masculine without being coarse, good shoulders, level topline, handled well with the minimum of fuss, moved out well.

3rd: GANNEY, Mr Ian & GANNEY, Mrs Darrabol Sand Dollar (ai)

LD (14,4)

1st: POWELL, Miss K Seatallan Chilli – RDCC

2nd: MORLEY, Mrs A & MORLEY, Mr E Carpenny Paddy At Rockledge – well balanced black with a masculine head, kind eye with a lovely expression, overall he has good construction, handled very well to get the best from him, lovely compact feet, moved soundly out and back and carried his topline well.

3rd: FINNEY, Miss L. Carpenny Kipling

OD (10,2)

Splitting hairs in this class between the first three.

1st: HUGHES, Miss Janine Cinders Salty Sea – DCC

2nd: CASEY, Mr E & JAYES, Mrs E Sh Ch Berlan Get Up And Go At Sandylands – quality yellow dog, lovely head and expression, balanced outline, such an excellent mover, really scored in outline going around the ring, strong but not overdone, masculine without being coarse, short coupled with ample turn of stifle and width in quarters, sound dog all through.

3rd: TULLOCH, Mrs Diana Sh Ch Binnaig Bonnach For Tullochmohr JW

I shortlisted four bitches for my BCC line-up.

Rocheby Hickory – Open Bitch winner and BCC. A lovely black bitch who won this strong class on her quality, condition, type and construction. I liked everything about her: a sweet, feminine, balanced head, beautiful in outline, excellent over the neck and shoulders, sets herself up well and looks so good in profile moving around the ring, has good width in second thigh without being over-angulated and has balance from nose to tail, carrying a good coat of the correct texture and length. This bitch held her own in the class of quality bitches, and I would be happy to take her home with me. I found out this was her 3rd CC, delighted for her and her owners.

Alkhamhurst London Girl – Limit Bitch winner and RBCC. Such a kind and feminine head on this black, she has an equally lovely front with good shoulders well angulated, strong neck and good depth of brisket, is balanced all through with good bone and substance, good length of rib and strong firm quarters that were well muscled, she moved with a free positive action, all Labrador with a wonderful tail which is clothed, she was in excellent condition and carries such a good double coat. I was pleased to hear that she was made up shortly after I judged. A lovely Labrador bitch full of quality.

Irislav O'Revolution At Rocheby (imp Ukr) – PG Bitch winner.  Black with a classic head and the softest expression (best head in the class), clean neck with a good layback of shoulder, good depth of forechest. Well sprung rib and is short coupled, she has a strong level topline and an excellent tail set, well let-down hocks and good width of second thigh. Lovely compact feet and strong pasterns, moved out well with a confident, easy stride, perhaps a shade close behind, but still a strong contender in the final line-up of quality bitches.

Meadowline Whizz Bang At Bruxinho – Puppy Bitch winner and BPIB. An adorable black puppy who caught my eye on my first look around the ring, she has a classic outline, a feminine head with an alert expression, a clean neck, and well-laid-back shoulders. For me, she has all the breed essentials: good bone, legs and feet, barrel ribs, a fabulous temperament, strong quarters, well let-down hocks, and carrying the correct amount of weight for her age. Balanced in outline and moving so well, her tail could be slightly better, but her other qualities outweighed this. Just a little star – so pleased to give her BP. Must surely have a bright future – loved her!

VB (10,4)

1st: RAWLINSON, Mr &; Mrs M & RAWLINSON, Miss L &; BALSHAW Halshimoor Pitch Perfect With Shanorrell – Best Veteran – yellow bitch with a feminine, kind head and eye, good reach of neck, well-placed shoulders, is deep through the chest, has a good spring of rib and strong, firm quarters, moves steadily with an easy stride, shown in lovely condition and was on top form today. When it came to the best veteran challenge, I felt she had the stronger rear movement.

2nd: BARON, Miss Natalie Mariank Vanity Fair At Landebec – lovely yellow, so unlucky to meet one in such fine form, feminine head with good length of muzzle, she has a lovely outline, is sound in front, has good neck and shoulders, a firm level topline, and excellent quarters, and she moves with ease. She was a very well-presented bitch.

3rd: GANNEY, Mr Ian & GANNEY, Mrs Allenies Tampa Bay D'orta For Darrabol

MPB (6,3)

1st: BRACKNER, Mr Barry Brupurhat Star In Sight – 7-month- old yellow bitch, stood out for me in this class with her lovely balance and scope in body, such a feminine head with good length & depth of muzzle, beautiful expressive eyes, clean strong neck with long sloping shoulders, really excels in topline which just flows from the shoulders, good length of rib and short in couplings, in good condition and coat, and tail right off the back. She has quality, and it will be interesting to see her mature. I think she could be very special.

2nd: DAWSON, Mr R & DAWSON, Mrs Pamela & DAWSON, Miss M Rocheby Sunday’s Girl At Beskerby – 7-month-old quality yellow puppy with a pretty, feminine head of balanced proportions, clean over the neck with good topline, well developed in body for age, strong over the quarters, moved off well, positive and without exaggeration. Nice puppy.

3rd: BOMMER, Miss Rebekka Sykehead Radiance

PB (8,1)

1st: GORDON-SMITH, Mrs K A & BIBBY, Mrs A T Meadowline Whizz Bang At – BPB & Best Puppy in Breed

2nd: RAWLINSON, Mr & Mrs M &; RAWLINSON, Miss L &; BALSHAW Halshimoor Wicked At Shanorrell – 10 month old yellow bitch with an attractive outline, won her place in this class on her balance, good proportioned feminine head, she has excellent scope, has the correct length and angulation in shoulder and is clean over the neck, nice bitch to go over, moved sound and positive.

3rd: CHARLTON, Mrs J Foxrush Hope So JW

JB (9,1) 1 st and 2 nd in this class, two lovely yellow bitches.

1st: CLAYTON, Mrs C &; CLAYTON, Mr D Rocheby Acacia Of Rochevale – it was difficult to split these two bitches as they were both of lovely quality, just felt this yellow was slightly better balanced on the day, sweet feminine head with a kind eye and soft expression, short coupled with good depth of brisket, her coat is of the correct texture and shows good undercoat, on the move she carried herself so well, I really like the size and overall construction of this bitch, she has a lovely calm disposition and is a good sound mover.

2nd: CAMPBELL, Ms C Binnaig Sea Salt JW – lovely quality feminine yellow with a clean balanced outline, she is handled and presented so well. Good length of rib and is short coupled, has an ample length of neck and enough layback of shoulder to give her balance in profile. I was taken by her disposition, willing to please; she moved out soundly.

3rd: BRAMBLES, Mrs Hayley Jo Alexander Shaymiloney Saucy Olive

YB (5,2)

1st: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Forsywoods Ebony At Bearstone – appealing young black bitch with a lovely head & expression, good outline and body construction; she has lovely bone and a correct coat. Her tail could have been wrapped a bit better, and she needs to tighten up her move a bit. Having said this, she is well put together and has the essentials to mature well.

2nd: MCDONALD, Mrs Sharon Darmilye Dancing Queen – lovely head on this chocolate, she has a good reach of neck, level topline, is clean over the neck and has well laid shoulders, she is balanced in outline, and she moved well.

3rd: ELVIDGE, Miss Jessica Pevensie's Queen Lucy

NB (13,2)

1st: TINLIN-THOMPSON, Mrs Jude Cilurnum Tintho Flavia - a feminine chocolate with a sweet, expressive head, clean neck, well-angled front and rear, good topline and tailset, short-coupled, with good barrelled ribs, strong quarters – carries a good coat, won this class on her strong positive movement.

2nd: EDWARDS, Mrs Alison Forsywoods Ebony At Bearstone –1 st YB

3rd: MARKHAM, Ms M Knowjoes Bwalya Sabine Ania

GB (12,5)

1st: TINLIN-THOMPSON, Mrs Jude Cilurnum Tintho Flavia - 1 ST Novice Bitch

2nd: CHARLTON, Mrs J Foxrush Hermione JW – a lovely yellow bitch of beautiful type, lovely head and eye, strong over the neck with well-placed shoulders, a good topline and tailset, and a strong, purposeful mover. Just preferred the topline of my winner for now.

3rd: YOUNG, Mrs Elaine Jean Potterspiney. Ahsoka Tano

PGB (12,3)

1st: HOPKINSON, Mrs Marion Irislav O'Revolution At Rocheby (imp Ukr)

2nd: DAVIS, Miss Zoe Rochevale Palm Reader JW – black with a balanced, feminine head and expression and a strong neck into well-angulated shoulders; liked her overall balance and construction; a little weak in the pasterns but with good bone. Although her topcoat is a shade long, she has a dense undercoat and a well-shaped tail. She was handled and represented really well and is a sound mover.

3rd: DODD, Mr W & Mrs G Carriegame Loves To Dance (a.i.)

LB (15,8)

1st: WOODLEY, Mrs Maxine Alkhamhurst, London Girl –RBCC

2nd: HOWARD &  MORTON, Mr & Miss Paul & Caron & MORTON,  Mattriella Maybe This Time For Dakross – another quality black, close up to my winner in type and overall balance, very feminine with a kind, expressive head, good clean neck, well angulated shoulders, ample bone for her size and make-up, I really liked her.

3rd: RAWLINSON, Mr & Mrs M & RAWLINSON, Miss L & BALSHAW Halshimoor Perfect Pitch At Shanorrell

OB (9,2) This was an excellent class full of beautiful bitches.

1st: HOPKINSON, Mrs Marion Rocheby Hickory – BCC and  Best of Breed

2nd: EDWARDS, Ms Caroline M Sh Ch Kimbajak Miss Jazz Swinger JW – a super yellow bitch who exudes femininity and has a beautiful, balanced, shapely profile. She is well constructed with good shoulders and a clean, strong neck; she has a sweet head and expression, good eye colour, and neat feet; she shows like a seasoned professional.

3rd: CASEY, Mr E & JAYES, Mrs E Sh Ch Lapema Masquerade At Sandylands