British Dalmatian Club

British Dalmatian Club Open 3rd May 2025

A wonderful weekend for the centenary celebration of the club. A new venue for this event and a fantastic setting it was. We were blessed to see a well organised carriage dog demonstration during the lunch break, this was simply amazing seeing our breed do what they were bred to do and each step being explained thoroughly.

Thank you to the club, members, and exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to judge your lovely Dalmatians, many did make me smile and overall temperament was fantastic which is a real positive for our breed. I was however disappointed in the condition some of the dogs were presented in, not so much skin issues just not clean.

Lastly, thank you to my lovely stewards Fiona and Linda for keeping everything up to date, it’s certainly no easy task at a club show!

Baby puppy dog (2,0)

1st – Scampdal Limited Edition (Mrs W Hill) sweet puppy with a happy temperament, correct pigmentation on his head, black spots lightly distributed overall. Showing good bone and moving out confidently with his handler.

2nd- Anima Cordis Man In The Mirror for Kalvadene (Imp Pol)(Mrs J Cattemole & Miss S Richards) – Going to be a different type to 1st, much rangier in his development and has a lot of growing to do. Good for temperament and nice liver colour, at the stage of learning how his legs move, still very much a baby as the class suggests.

Minor puppy (2,0)

1st – Charismatic Caspar (Miss Z Blackmore) – I believe this was this puppy’s first show, I would never have guessed. Well-schooled and outgoing temperament. Evenly spaced black spotting showing good pigment throughout. Dark pigment on his face and ears which he used well. Has some growing to do as his age would suggest, would like some more body on him. Balanced angulation front and rear, holds a good topline on the move with tail carried correctly just off the back. Won the class on accuracy of movement, very together for such a young age. In the challenge for best puppy in show, felt he displayed a more flowing outline and was awarded Best Puppy In Show.

2nd Decoda’s Long John Silver Von Schunikka (Miss J Kaal) – A slightly larger frame than 1st, with more maturity evident at this stage of development. Presents a handsome expression with dark, well-pigmented eyes and excellent overall pigmentation. Shoulders well laid back, stands over the ground with purpose and strength over the loin. Although he did not always fully extend on the move today, he shows potential for fluid stride once he settles.

Puppy (3,0)

1st Winner of MPD – won this class on more accuracy in movement.

2nd Shydally Golden Star Over Judally (Mrs J Green & Mrs J Sears) – 11-month-old black spotted male, full of youthful exuberance and shown in excellent condition. Good amount of bone, correct round compact feet and correct pasterns, giving a strong and supportive stance. Spotting is well defined and evenly distributed over a clean white coat, with very good pigmentation throughout. Tail is well set and correctly carried. Should settle into a more rhythmical gait as he matures.

Junior (1,0)

1st – Hafwenna Dumbledores Army for Kalvadene (Mr C & Mrs J Cattermole) – Good colour liver displays a pleasing expression, with nicely carried ears and a good eye of correct shape and colour, in line with his liver pigment. Tail is well set and carried, although the topline itself could be firmer, he makes up for this in overall strength and drive. Well-developed fore chest and excellent muscle tone throughout.

Yearling (4,1)

1st – Dalmark’s Jubilations at Nospar JW (Mrs T Stocks) - Liver spotted, presenting a shorter-coupled outline. Moved with purpose and drive once settled, showing clean, efficient movement with good reach and drive. Clean neck fits into well laid back shoulder. Feet are tight and well arched, supported by strong pasterns—sound and functional. Head is masculine with a kind expression; slightly stronger in skull. Shows correct eye shape with well-matched liver eye colour, enhancing his overall appearance.

2nd – Dalstorm Just Jiving (Miss S & Dr J Claesen) Black spotted male of a larger frame, presenting a strong and athletic outline. Moved well around the ring with good drive and rhythm, maintaining a steady topline and confident presence. Would prefer a touch more refinement in pigmentation, and slightly more defined stop to enhance the overall expression and head balance.

Novice (1,0)

1st 2nd MP – repeat.

Graduate (3,1)

1st Junior – repeat.

2nd – Cubalibre Sirius Celeste (Mrs B Quayle) Hard work for his handler today, very distracted which made it difficult to assess him on the move. Shorter coupled, presenting a compact and balanced body. Displays good stifle angulation and excellent muscle tone. Tail is nicely set and carried correctly, complementing his topline. Black spots well placed, correct pigment throughout and excellent well broken ears.

Postgraduate (3,1)

1st Dalberry That Boy Is Mine (Mr I Goddard & Miss E Barry) – Liver male of good size and substance, exhibiting a strong, well-defined head with balanced features and a pleasing expression. Shows excellent muscle tone and balance in outline. Coat displays ideal spotting, well distributed though a little on the darker side in colour, does not detract from overall quality. Feet are well shaped and tight. Moved accurately in all directions. Pushed hard in the challenge, Best Liver Dog

2nd – Hafwenna The Red Viper at Dintradot (Miss F Burke) – Black male of a lighter type, shorter in body. Displays a keen expression with correct pigmentation throughout, spotting is attractive however not in the best coat at the moment. Well schooled, moved straight out and back with accuracy, showing good topline and carried his tail well, complementing his overall outline.

Limit (5,0)

1st – Shydally Ultimate Edition JW (Mrs E Williamson) - A well-built male exhibiting excellent muscle tone, demonstrating strength and athleticism throughout his body. He presents a compact and correctly proportioned frame, certainly well exercised. Eyes are a shade lighter than I would prefer, especially as he has such deep pigmentation on his head and ears, though they remain well-shaped and set. On the move side profile is pleasing, with clean reach and drive, and he maintains correct tracking up. Stepped up in the challenge on the move to be awarded Reserve Best Dog.

2nd – Dallyador Lockdown Legend (Mrs H & Mr R Tingey) A liver dog of larger frame yet still maintaining balance and substance without coarseness. Shows a well-developed fore chest and strong front assembly, allowing for good reach on the move. Thighs are muscular and well-defined, supporting drive from the rear.

Open (2,1)

1st – Decoda’s Captain Tom (Mrs E Williamson) A well-balanced liver dog of pleasing size and proportions. Presents a rich liver pigmentation throughout, his head is clean and of good length, with a well-defined muzzle and a kind expression in his eyes. Displays even angulation fore and aft, demonstrated steady profile movement. Excellent topline—level and maintained both standing and on the move.

Junior Veteran (2,0)

1st – Ch Alphadal’s King of Angels ShCM VW (Mrs P & Mr C Goodswen) At 9 years old, black-spotted veteran came to win today. He is of ideal size, and his overall balance and proportions really appeal. Balanced head, with a strong neck and clean over the withers, his shoulder angulation is correctly well laid back with a well-matched return of upper arm, contributing to his efficient and ground-covering stride. Good depth of chest and enough width throughout for heart and lung room. A standout on the move, with the best straight movement, tracking up correctly and demonstrating excellent reach and drive. Thighs are muscular, giving the required power. Excellent feet with correct slightly sloping pasterns and strong hocks. Carries his tail well both standing and on the move. Calm and happy in temperament, excellent pigmentation throughout, with soft kind eyes giving a pleasing expression. In the challenge could not look past him for Best Dog and ultimately Best In Show & Best Veteran In Show.

2nd – Tippledal Tarw Du at Opalsnow (Mrs J Salkeld) 7-year-old black dog of taller stature and more athletic build. Presents with a happy, outgoing temperament and a truly kind expression, enhanced by his very dark, expressive eyes. While spotting could benefit from more definition, his overall construction is clean and functional.

Senior Veteran (4,0)

1st – Ch Buffrey Incognito by Dalleaf JW VW Swiss Vch (Mrs S A Neath-Coyne & Miss S Baker) 10-year-old black-spotted male who continues to impress in his senior years, still showing so well and not showing signs of aging. Presented in excellent condition, with dark, well-defined spotting of pleasing size. Stands on good pasterns and moved straight in all directions, maintaining balance and enthusiasm throughout. I would prefer a little more width through the frame, his overall construction remains sound and athletic. Carries his tail well and topline remains strong standing and on the move.

2nd – Int/Fr/Ir Ch Domdallino Je Suis Kilndandy JW (Mr J & Mrs K McCarthy) Liver male more senior in age, presented in good muscle and clean lines throughout. Shows ideal movement—light, balanced, and efficient, covering the ground with ease. Liver pigmentation is of correct rich tone, and spotting is well distributed. Really liked his head, masculine but not coarse. A sound, honest dog who moved with grace and precision, just not as athletic as the winner.

BITCHES

Minor puppy (1,0) 

1st – Tippledal Mist Of The Meadow (Mrs E James & Mr S Vaux) Promising young girl of nice size and overall proportions. Well-balanced with pleasing angulation fore and aft, standing on good feet. Her head shape is developing nicely, complemented by good ear carriage which enhances her feminine expression. As expected for her age, ring experience is still building—she just needs more time and practice to fully showcase her movement.

Puppy (2,0)

1st – Maddidalli True Loves Kiss (Mrs H Davies) Black-spotted youngster of ideal size for her age, although ghost faced, she has excellent pigmentation with a nicely decorated ear that adds to her expression. Displays a good fore chest and strong bone. Well put together and balanced, she presents a tidy overall picture. Moving out well showing purposeful strides,

2nd – Arthica You’ll Be In My Heart at Hafwenna (Miss S Richards) Liver, smaller in size but well balanced and exhibiting a good profile on the move. Shows tight feet and good muscle tone appropriate for her age. Tailset is correct and she carries herself with elegance. Head is pretty with correct eye colour, complemented by a graceful neck.

Junior (7,0)

1st – Rapanooey Rosebank von Schunikka (Miss J Kaal) Black-spotted of quality type, though preference would be for less ear decoration to better balance her head. Exhibits excellent width of thigh and well-bent stifles, contributing to strong and effective rear drive. Feet are excellent—tight and well-arched. Shows good length of neck, giving her a graceful outline.

2nd – Offordale Jazz (Mrs J Alexander & Miss I Collier) Very pretty girl, contrast to 1st as she is lighter in spotting overall, presenting a bright expression enhanced by ideal ear decoration and a nice, tight muzzle. Body width is still developing and will benefit from maturity. Shows promise in overall balance and type, moved out with plenty drive.

Yearling (4,0)

1st – Tamilanda Rose Gold at Elabri (Mrs E Tillson) Liver, showing nice ideal spotting with well-distributed markings, pretty head with correct amber eye. Tailset is excellent, complementing her balanced outline. Good width of fore chest and she is well ribbed, topline is held well. Feet are good size and well-formed, very tight. Delightful temperament really wants to please and moves out accurately on a loose lead. Once she matures and tightens up throughout, will move with more freedom.

2nd – Akoni Buttery D’or (Mrs L Bridge, Ms E Meyer & Mr G Britton) Feminine girl with a kind expression and correctly shaped eye, complemented by a clean neck of good length. Exhibits slightly sloping pasterns that contribute to soundness and moves straight in all directions with good reach and drive. Slightly longer in leg than the winner but maintains overall good balance. A quality exhibit demonstrating both style and substance.

Novice (4,0)

1st Tamilanda Golden Leaf (Mr S & Mrs M Donnelly) Liver bitch with rich evenly distributed spotting. Feminine head with a pretty expression and good eye colour. Tidy outline, showing balanced angulation with excellent width of thigh and correct tailset. Held her topline well standing and on the move, wonderful temperament really focused on her handler.

2nd Maddidalli Auroras Heart (Miss T Davies) Excellent pigmentation on this black youngster. Uses her ears well, they are set on high and frame her face. Expression completed with her dark eyes and give an overall feminine look. Tight feet and well-manicured nails. Pushed hard in the challenge for BPB and came out on top as felt she had more fluidity in her movement. Best Puppy Bitch

Graduate (7,1)

1st – Alphadal’s Royal Rainbow (Mrs P & Mr C Goodswen) Liver, smaller size overall but retains good bone. Well-balanced with correct tailset and good fore chest. Amber eyes with correct shape, giving a kind expression. Spotting could be tidier, but she took this class on her driving movement.

2nd – 1st Yearling - repeat

Postgraduate (4,0)

1st – Sadiedel’s Arab Girl JW (Miss N Pace) Showy black bitch with good body length and excellent width of thigh. Balanced angulation in front with good width. Strong rear angulation enabled her to show powerful movement with reach and drive from all directions. Lovely pigmentation, tight muzzle, well-carried ears, and a soft, feminine expression. Coat of good texture and condition, showing well for her handler. Pushed hard in the challenge.

2nd – Hafwenna Honey Pie (Miss A Pattington & Mr A Blomfield) Liver with rich pigmentation and a heavier spotting pattern than 1st. Longer in body but shows good reach and drive with well let down hocks and strong pasterns. Previously judged early in her show career—pleased to see how much she has improved.

Limit (13,2)

1st – Cubalibre Wishing Star JW (Mrs B Quayle) Lovely liver of ideal size, proportion, and type. Everything flows harmoniously, giving a balanced, eye-catching outline. Attractive spotting with a coat in excellent condition. Good eye colour with a bright, inquisitive expression. Calm and composed temperament, showing maturity and confidence throughout for her age. Well-muscled all through, with correct pasterns, compact tight feet and a well-carried tail. Moved with precision and fluidity, covering the ground with ease and purpose, always maintaining her shape. A very complete package. Topped a strong class and also awarded Awarded Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd – Kallierbelle Ceithir JW (Mr, Mrs & Miss Collier) Elegant and strong black with lighter spotting. Would prefer more decoration overall but she presents a lovely outline, tight coat and in fabulous muscle tone. Neck of good length, round bone with ribs carried well back, strong rear with good width and well let down hocks. Body flows smoothly into a clean, efficient stride—tracks up well on the move. Best Black Bitch

Open (3,0)

1st – Nospar’s Gin and Tonic JW (Mrs T Stocks) Charming liver of ideal size with a lovely head and soft, feminine expression. Good fill in fore chest and nicely distributed spotting. Moved with light, active steps, demonstrating excellent reach and drive. Tracked up correctly behind, maintaining good ground cover and fluidity on the move. Balanced and purposeful, she showed true soundness and enthusiasm. Pushed hard in the challenge to take Reserve Best Bitch.

2nd – Cubalibre On One (Mrs B Quayle) Liver, shorter in type and more compact. An active mover with a nice, straight neck that flows smoothly into withers. Shows good ground coverage and soundness on the move. Well-shaped feet complete the picture.

Junior Veteran (5,1)

1st – Divazzi’s Desire for Romance at Hafwenna (Miss S Richards) Black, nice size and balanced proportion. An active mover with good tailset and well-developed muscle tone. Good forehand with tight elbows, moves freely and confidently on a loose lead showing correct tail carriage. Pretty head with well-decorated ears and an attentive expression complete a very attractive overall picture. Best Veteran Bitch

2nd – Sophtspot Hocus Pocus at Dalticino (Miss S Finch & Mr J Bonner) Black, taller type than 1st and heavier decoration. Excellent pigmentation with a soft, pleasing expression. Holds topline well on the move, showing good overall balance and presence. Moves light and active with a good balanced clean stride.

Senior Veteran (2,0)

1st – Dallyador The Enchanteress JW (Mrs H & Mr R Tingey) Liver of larger frame but well balanced overall. Moved with confidence maintaining a steady topline. Excellent rich liver colour complemented by matching eye colour. Good tailset and well-developed fore chest complete the picture on the move showing soundness even at this senior age. So nice to see the older ones still enjoying their day out and demonstrating the longevity of our breed.

2nd – Creaganbrec Glory Be at Miragua (Mrs F Hartley & Mr J Griffiths) Black of smaller size to 1st, well spotted with excellent pigmentation. Good ear carriage and a nice mover, though showing a little more age today. She has a lovely attitude and clearly just wants to please her handler. Both bitches well-made and presented and credit to their owners for their wonderful condition.

Judge Lisa Marley (Bellili)