Southern Counties Canine Association

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CH SHOW

MAY 2026

DALMATIAN

I have been fortunate to have judged Dalmatian’s a number of times in the Uk and abroad. On previous appointments i felt the depth of quality had been strong across the classes having awarded CC’s to youngsters as well as adults and veterans,I always enjoy working my way through the entry for this lovely breed, i am not a breed specialist so please take my comments as constructive advice in a bid to help the breed going forwards.

 The breed standard is fairly descriptive on movement, which it should be for a carriage dog so please when breeding future stock look to try lock in well constructed dogs to sort the movement out.

Symmetry and balance are so important to this breed. Today i found a lot of exhibits that lack the balance needed, either poorly made fronts or narrow rears, for me profile is more important to see the freedom of movement so i can forgive some closeness in the rear if the use themselves in profile, but with poorly made fronts the clean elegant outline is being lost and a lack of strength in the rear there are too many that are not balanced.

Dogs running fast doesn’t always mean freedom of movement.

I had some males that are too coarse, especially in head which spoils and removes any hint of elegance.

That said i was more than happy with my principle winners who are nice examples of the breed and I found the bitches to have more depth in quality today.

I hope if i get to judge the breed again in a few years i see improvement in construction. I will say it was nice to hear a sporting ringside for each class which is to be applauded.

VD 3(0)

1. Page/Howell’s Ch. Bleize De Montjuic at Winflash (imp USA). Nicely balanced dog, masculine but not overdone, equal head proportions on him, moderate stop, neat ears set well, lovely straight forelegs with good feet, has some forechest, good spring of rib that extend well back, excellent firm top-line, correct slight sloping croup with good tail, strong muscled rear, places his feet well on the move and holds his shape, good condition, lots to like. 

2. Townson/Pardoe’s Ch. Kaytoni Oh What A Night at Daymadals. Nicely proportioned dog being slightly longer than tall, pleasing head, moderate width of skull, not overdone in lip, preferred ear set on 1, excellent straight forelegs with good compact feet, nice spring of rib, holds his top-line, has some width in thigh, a little bit close in hock on the move but in profile again is positive with good carriage and good tail set, also in good condition. 

3. Williams/Tanswell’s Tolkain Storm King from Phadante JW.

MPD 5(1)

Four youngsters, still fairly raw all through.

1. Page/Howell’s Philemon vom Roten Herzfleck at Winflash (imp DEU). Was the most balanced in class, clean outline to him, I liked his head, equal head proportions, moderate stop ears moderate size, good pigment on him, nicely made front, still obviously needs to develop in chest but he has a clean neck, ribs are of fair length, excellent top-line, strong rear angulation on him, good tail carriage and he is a sound mover, in profile he has good carriage to him, felt he was the best overall for soundness and proportions, BP.

2. Bridge/Meyer’s Tamilanda Staropramen for Akoni. Slightly stronger male in head than 1 but a balanced dog, clean lips and has some strength in foreface, neat ears set well, good bone to him, still obviously needs to drop and fill in front, good spring of rib, good top-line, tail carriage a little too high and needs to strengthen in hock but he is a positive mover in profile although close in the rear, moderate spotting.

3. Simpson’s Castletop Oud and Obsidian.

PD 2(0)

1. Bridge/Meyer’s Tamilanda Staropramen for Akoni. Repeat.

2. Reide-West’s Jemblewood Northern Stork of Rangalstere. Strongly built male, broad skull to him, a little loose in lip, would prefer less throat, straight forelegs with good feet, strong neck, a little upright in shoulder but he has neat elbows to him, his ribs have some spring but could be longer, good top-line, moderate rear angulation, a little steep in croup but carries his tail level moving, parallel hocks, just preferred the profile movement of 1.

JD 3(0)

1. Edens’ Dalens Jewel In The Crown. Masculine head, bit too much stop for ideal but he has some width in skull and high set ears of moderate size, equal head proportions on him, could be a little bit tighter in lip, good bone, feet, strong muscular neck of medium length, depth to his chest, moderate front assembly on him, he has good length of leg and ok length of body, good top-line, correct croup and tail, muscular rear, most balanced dog in the class.

2. Williams/Transwell’s Carodal Welcome Way via Waltzaway. Strong headed dog, little short in foreface for ideal and wide in cheek and back skull, preferred the head on 1, correct bone, deep chest, a little bit too tucked up underneath, strong back, moderate rear angulation, low set hocks, could have a fraction more bend of stifle for ideal, tail carried a little bit too high, just preferred the balance and carriage of 1.

3. Davies’ Teghafren Black Knight.

YD 2(0)

1. Page/Howell’s Winflash Tom Ford. Masculine well built dog, strong dog overall but not coarse, I liked his head, very balanced, equal head proportions on him, lovely dark oval eye, has some width in skull, tight lips, also some strength in muzzle that slightly tapers, good neck, has some forechest and depth to him, excellent straight forelegs with good bone, well sprung ribs that extend well back, firm top-line, strong muscled rear quarters, could have a little bit more definition of hock but he is in firm good condition, very positive on the move, in profile he holds his shape, good temperament on him, lots to like, just up to size.

2. Edens’ Dalens Jewel In The Crown. Repeat.

PGD 5(0)

1. Goddard/Barry’s Dalberry That Boy Is Mine. Best for proportions in this class and balance, good size with a clean outline on him, he has equal head proportions, moderate stop, broad skull and has some strength in muzzle, good bone to him, compact feet, he has a clean arched neck, chest could be a little bit deeper for ideal but there is some spring there and has good top-line, muscled loin, correct croup and tail, moderate balanced rear angulation, good skin, good spotting on him, was the freest mover in the class in profile.

2. Dewcroft’s Joubello Heaven Sent. Slightly stronger headed dog than 1 and ideally like a darker eye to him but he has equal head proportions, moderate stop, wide flat skull, straight forelegs with compact feet, ideally like a little bit more width through chest and slightly more spring of rib but he has good top-line on him and like 1 has correct proportions of body and leg, moderate rear angulation with good muscle tone, just preferred the strength of hock of 1 but he is a positive mover, just needs to fill out in the middle more, nice temperament.

3. Davies’ Hafwenna King John at Teghafren.

LD 9(2)

1. Corcoran/Howard-Riddle’s Shydally Star Gazer. Lovely balanced elegant dog, very clean symmetrical outline to this dog, masculine but not overdone, excellent head proportions, flat skull and moderate well set ears,had a sparkle in his eye along with some strength to his foreface, strong, long arched neck, lovely straight forelegs, compact feet, nice spring of rib, firm top-line with muscled loin, correct croup and tail, very sound from all angles, holds his shape at all times, he is a free powerful dog,shown in lovely muscular condition, lots to like, good type, felt he was the best example i had in today’s entry,DCC & BOB. Was told it was his first CC, for sure he is a future Champion.

2. Moss’ Sadiedel Let Ur Heat Decide JW. Slightly more feminine dog than 1 but still has nice proportions, just preferred the substance and a bit more bone on 1 but this dog has a nice head, good expression, lovely black nose, he has neat well set ears, flat skull, just felt he could have a little more fill in front but he has straight forelegs, level back, moderate angles front and back, yet again he is positive on the move, carries his tail a fraction high, lots to like, just felt the winner had a little more masculinity.

3. Baker’s Kelevra Chive Talking with Dalleaf JW.

OD 5(1)

1. Alexander’s Offordale Belvedere. Very balanced, liked his size, proportions and balance, medium frame but still masculine, lovely head actually, has some strength in foreface, good skull, moderate build, feet could be a little bit tighter for ideal, straight forelegs, correct amount of bone, nice depth to his chest, ribs extend well back, nicely spotted, strong rear which he uses well on the move with good tail set and carriage, in profile was best in the class, RDCC.

2. Page/Howell’s Ch. Olilou Heavenly Hamilton by Winflash. Masculine dog, stronger build than dog, broader skull, a little bit strong in foreface for ideal, lovely straight forelegs, excellent feet, has depth to his chest, preferred the shoulder placement of 1, this dog has good ribs, excellent body, muscled loin, super firm top-line, strong tail, has width in his upper thigh and he is a positive mover, just preferred the framework of 1 but 2 nice dogs but they are different.

3. Howard’s Decoda’s Crackerjack JW.

SpB 3(0)

1. Bezer’s Hafwenna Ravenclaw. Yearling bitch, nicely balanced, super condition on her, I liked her head, she is feminine with equal head proportions, moderate stop and nice neat ears on her, kind expression, clean neck to her, neat moderate front, elbows were tight, has some spring of rib, super firm top-line, muscled loin, correct rear quarters on her, lovely tail set and carriage, outgoing, when she settles she is steady with nice footfall, lovely skin and coat, BSpB.

2. Burke’s Hafwenna The Red Viper at Dintradot. Placed in LD earlier, pleasing head, lovely dark oval eye, could have a little bit more definition of stop for ideal and prefer tighter lip but has equal head proportions, neat ears, strong neck, correct bone for frame, well sprung ribs, would like a better lay of shoulder for ideal, firm top-line, I liked his width of rear and muscled second thigh, positive mover but just preferred the clean outline of 1.

3. Carrington’s Caprilli Remember Me for Ladallyvita.

VB 5(2)

1. Neath-Coyne/Baker’s Ch. Buffrey Hanky Panky by Dalleaf JW. Lovely bitch, she is 10 years old and doesn’t look it, clean moderate outline, very balanced throughout, lovely feminine head on her, oval shaped eye, neat ears, has some width in skull, skull is flat, a very nicely made front with good length of neck, lovely spring of rib on her, straight forelegs, compact feet, muscled loin, liked her proportions, excellent tail set and tail carriage, well angled rear, on the move really opens up, lots to like, super condition, nicely spotted,in the challenge she put on the best performance and fully deserved the BCC & BV.

2. Kroes/Van Kampen’s Lichtenbelt’s Summer Breeze (imp NLD). Nicely proportioned bitch, correct length of leg for body, equal head proportions, her eyes are a little round for ideal and could be darker but she has a flat skull, moderate stop, tight lips with some strength in foreface, has some forechest with nice spring of rib, straight forelegs, holds her top-line, like 1 she is a nice mover in profile, good for size, low set hocks, just preferred the head of 1 but this is also a nice moving bitch.

3. Williams/Tanswell’s Nalderhill Aphrodite at Waltzaway.

MPB 1(0)

1. Hobbs/Whiting’s Rapanooey Portia’s Reverie. Feminine headed bitch, nice balance on her for her age with good length of leg and she holds her shape, she has equal head proportions, still needs to develop in skull but she has dark eyes and clean muzzle, moderate neck with legs nicely under her body, compact feet, good depth of chest for her age, nice spring of rib, lovely body, short coupled, good muscle, holds her top-line, she is a little wide in her front at the minute but in profile she is very positive with good carriage, lots to like, nice temperament. 

PB 2(1)

1. Page/Howell’s Winflash Coco by Chanel. I liked her shape standing but she is still babyish so obviously still needs to fillout, she has an excellent dark oval shaped eye, equal head proportions on her, flat skull, good quality of bone on her, a little upright in shoulder, neat elbows, level back, correct croup with good tail carriage, on the move she is a little rolly in top-line at the minute but will definitely improve with time but she is positive with some reach and drive, has good parts to her, just needs to fill out.

JB 4(1)

1. Haywood-Ridgway/Jenkins’ Sophtspot with Style at Luccombe. Moderate build with a feminine clean outline, flat skull, nice expression, dark eyes, has some length to her neck, excellent straight forelegs, moderate front assembly with neat elbows, has some fill in front, ribs extend well back, holds her top-line at all times, moderate rear angulation that is well muscled, good spotting on her, in profile she holds her shape, unexaggerated nice bitch.

2. Carrington’s Caprilli Remember Me for Ladallyvita. Previously in SpB, she is a little bit fine in foreface, needs to develop there, but she has a flat skull, neat ears, moderate length of neck on her, good spring of rib, nice tight elbows, compact feet, muscled loin, she has a level top-line on her, low set hocks, needs to tighten up in the rear on the move but she has good carriage, lovely skin and coat, just preferred the overall balance of 1. 

3. Hardy’s Mountsorrel Moonstruck.

YB 7(1)

Nice class, a little bit mixed.

1. Page/Howell’s Olilou Its Gucci at Winflash. Elegant clean outline, very feminine head, equal head proportions on her with moderate stop, has flat skull, good pigment to her, strong muscular neck, excellent proportions, has some forechest , firm top-line, correct for size, feet could be a little bit tighter, moderate spring of rib on her, muscled loin, good rear quarters on her, lovely tail set, felt she was very balanced and in profile she is a lovely mover, RBCC.

2. Page’s Winflash Valentina. Liked this bitch as well, similar proportions to 1, nice dark oval eye, broad skull, tight lips to her, 1 was a little more feminine in head,good neck, correct amount of bone, could be a little bit tighter in her feet but she has neat elbows, nice depth of chest, good spring of rib that extends well back, level top-line, nicely muscled rear, a little bit close in her rear on the move but in profile she has good carriage to her, nicely spotted and in good condition, 2 nice bitches, just preferred the rear on 1.

3. Townson/Pardoe’s Olilou Dancing Queen at Daymadals.

PGB 5(0)

1. Healey/Wheaton/Gardinor’s Hebemor Careless Whisper from Dakata. Liver bitch, moderate balanced with a clean outline to her, she has a pleasing head, moderate stop, has flat skull and equal head proportions, has some width of chest, straight forelegs, excellent feet, good spring of rib that extends well back, lovely firm top-line, correct croup and tail set, strong muscular rear, strong tail of good length,she is very positive on the move and she is sound up and down, very positive in profile where she holds her shape, nicely spotted, good skin, coat and temperament. 

2. Bezer’s Hafwenna Ravenclaw. Winner of SpB, nicely balanced bitch, really positive in profile, just a shade longer actually than 1.

3. Jenkins/Ridgway’s Luccombe Strawberry Ripple.

LB 8(1) 

1. Stevenson’s Dallyador White Snowflake at Macula. Lovely balanced bitch, unexaggerated and nicely put together, good proportions on her, she has a feminine head, flat skull, neat well set ears, equal head proportions on her, moderate length of neck, front nicely under her body, lovely straight forelegs on her with compact feet, well sprung ribs of good length, lovely firm top-line, correct moderate rear angulation, she is very sound from all angles, good croup and tail carriage , covers the ground well, nicely marked, lovely skin, lots to like, very honest.

2. Alexander/Collier’s Offordale Jazz. Like 1 very nicely balanced with good proportions of body and leg, I liked her headpiece, flat skull, has some width but not too strong, tight lips with some strength in muzzle, lovely dark eyes to her, compact feet, just preferred the shoulder placement of 1 but she has straight forelegs, good spring of rib, strong muscled rear quarters on her, on the move she is a little bit close in the rear but in profile she is very positive and holds her shape, 2 nice bitches, just preferred the angles of 1.

3. Finch/Bonner’s Sophtspot Klamath Jane with Dalticino.

OB 8(2)

1. Neath-Coyne/Coyne’s Kelevra Pickel My Fennel with Buffrey JW Swiss JCh. Nicely balanced typey bitch, medium sized build, she has a feminine head, moderate stop,equal head proportions , flat skull, neat ears, liver bitch, straight forelegs, neck of good length, ideally like a little bit better lay of shoulder but she has straight forelegs, nice depth of chest with good spring of rib, good firm top-line on her, muscled loin on her, has width in rear quarters and 2nd thigh, low set hocks, she is very free in profile where she holds her shape and good tail carriage, feet could be little tighter but she is very balanced and holds her shape on the move. 

2. Williamson/Howard’s Decoda’s Toffee Apple ShCEx. Also nicely balanced bitch, flat skull, nice expression to her, ears are set well, tapered muzzle with clean lips, lovely neck on her, good bone, well sprung ribs, holds her top-line, in profile she is a good mover, I’d like her a little bit neater in front on the move, she has super compact feet, good croup, tail set, nice buttocks, low set hocks, good temperament, nicely spotted, 2 nice bitches.

3. Moss’ Winflash Mirage.

GAVIN ROBERTSON