Crufts

CRUFTS 7 March 2026

DALMATIANS

I was extremely honoured to be invited to judge Dalmatians at Crufts. It was a special privilege to judge this record entry, the largest in the Utility Group. My grateful thanks to all exhibitors who entered their dogs under me, in many instances travelling extremely long distances.

I was delighted by the depth and evenness of the quality in dogs and bitches with many beautiful specimens in both sexes who fitted the criteria of a moderate, functional Dalmatian that had the correct construction and substance to give economical, powerful movement combined with elegance. I was spoilt for choice in a number of classes leading to some very close decisions. The open bitch class was a sight to behold and a joy to judge. 

However I did observe that some were not typical in size or of the desired construction required to fit the purpose of a moving carriage dog, capable of endurance and too many fronts were narrow and set too far forward. Overall lateral movement was impressive with many displaying the desired extension and drive in profile; however, tracking was not quite so true with rather too many moving close behind.

Temperaments on the whole were delightful, I went over many outgoing characters today.

Thank you to all the exhibitors for the pleasure of your lovely dogs, the sportsmanship in the ring and the lovely atmosphere around the ring with the winners receiving warm applause.

My most grateful thanks go to my two hardworking, competent and efficient stewards, Tracey Anscombe and Sian McKay who did a most proficient job of keeping a record entry of 265 dogs organised and running seamlessly and on time.

The icing on the cake was to witness from the ringside my superb BOB winner, certainly living up to her name and taking 2nd in a strong Utility Group. Congratulations for representing this beautiful breed so effectively.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

Entries: 15 Absentees: 2 

1ST O`malley Des Dalmats De La Pierre Sacree at Dalmark (Ms M Kembrey) Gave this dog a best puppy as a youngster, now seven years old, he still stands out for his effortless and ground-covering movement. A soundly constructed well-bodied liver, who has a lovely appealing demeanour. An attractive masculine head of good proportion and expression, he scored in front assembly with a layback of shoulder, length in upper arm and defined sternum, balanced with well-developed hindquarters with a turn of stifle, width of thigh and hocks well let down, used to effect on the move. A good topline, croup and tailset and an excellent underline with lovely substance throughout. Sound powerful profile movement with good extension and drive, tracking very true. 2ND Kystuno Warners King (Ms V Blissett) Another 7 year old who moved out well in profile around the ring, he appeals for his type, balance and moderation with attractive black spotting and dense pigmentation, presenting a clean and balanced outline. Very typical head and expression into a good neck and wither with correct topline which he holds well on the move. Good shoulder placement which gives him reach on the move, compliments his well made hindquarters with a good hind action. Happy boy who shows well. 3RD Carodal Welcome Way via Waltzaway (Mr K & Ms C Williams & Tanswell).

Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 1    Absentees: 0

1ST Ruebedu Silence of The Jams (Mrs S C Noble) Just right for age, balanced and a nice type with a pleasing clean outline his construction was good and he went soundly acquitting himself very well for a 8 1/2 month youngster in this environment. Attractive, dense black spotting and an appealing head and expression, with a reach of neck into a defined wither shapely and nicely covered with correct topline, defined croup and a good length of body. Sound well matched quarters which gives him a good positive stride on the move with plenty of drive, holding his shape well for one so young. Liked him for size with nothing overdone.

Puppy Dog

Entries: 8    Absentees: 0

Two super puppies. 1ST Barking Mad Domenica’s Dals (Imp Cze) (Ms A Clune) Promising L/W youngster with a pleasing shapely outline and overall symmetry, I liked his size and proportions very much. Balanced all through and very together for just 10 1/2 months with attractive spotting of good colour, and a classic, masculine head with an appealing expression. Very well-matched, soundly made angulated quarters with good bone, legs and feet used effectively on the move, best mover in this class, travelling with a good ground covering action in profile with super drive and accurate tracking. Correct flowing topline, croup and tailset, held very well on the move. Stylish, in good order and well presented. BPD. 2ND Sophtspot Whiz Kid at Mullabuoy (Mr D Gamble) Another that appealed for his moderation and clean lines. A good head and reach of neck into defined wither, flowing firm topline, croup and tailset matched with a good underline with a length of body. Sound construction at both ends, very well balanced and beautifully covered, standing on good bone, legs and feet. A stylish and eye-catching black-spotted 1 year old who also tracked with accuracy in this class and strode out positively and freely in profile with drive. Has much to like with a lovely demeanour and lots of promise. 3RD Carodal Welcome Way via Waltzaway (Mr K & Ms C Williams & Tanswell).

Junior Dog

Entries: 13    Absentees: 3

Two quality males headed this strong class, with very little to separate the pair. 1ST Offordale Belvedere (Mrs J E Alexander) This happy liver boy really caught my eye, when he got into his stride he powered round the ring, but not overdoing it, he moved with great efficiency. Presented in super condition, with striking even spotting of good size and colour I liked his head with just the right amount of masculinity atop a good neck and shoulders well matched with a sound muscular hindquarter. A super length of body, clean wither, flowing topline, croup and tailset, he has a lovely flow with a pleasing clean outline displaying balance and strength, with a good underline, a depth of brisket, spring of rib and firm loin. Moves so soundly with a good stride and carriage. Nice to go over, with a lovely covering he makes the most of himself with a delightful ring presence. I feel he has lots still to give when he is fully mature. 2ND Mapplewell Rolex with Koroyza (Miss R & Mrs L Croft & Richardson) Another attractively decorated liver, with excellent construction at both ends, which gives him such good sound movement. A lovely type of good size, shape, and balance, a masculine but moderate youngster that shows well. Holding a good topline, both standing and on the move, he uses his strong quarters to drive around the ring with precision, tracking very true. Well-boned and bodied with good substance and excellent muscle tone, shown in great shape. Has plenty of promise and a lovely rapport with his handler. 3RD Anima Cordis Man in The Mirror for Kalvadene for Hafwenna (Imp Pol) (Mrs J & Miss S Cattermole & Richards).

Yearling Dog

Entries: 19    Absentees: 3

Competitive class. 1ST Daelly'dots Xingalong Man After Midnight (Mr Sam Daelemans) Impressed me moving, he caught my eye on the first run around, his length of stride and drive from the rear was outstanding, travelling freely and effortlessly covering the ring with such ease. A handsome B/W of good colour and pigmentation balanced all through and well put together with no exaggeration, and a lovely demeanour. Head of nice proportion with a good eye and expression, a lovely reach of neck into a cleanly defined wither, correct firm topline. Sound forehand assembly with well-laid shoulders, shapely body lines with a depth of brisket, good underline and well-developed hindquarters with the best of hocks, bone, legs and feet. Just right for covering and muscle tone. Lovely to see a dog shown on a loose lead this boy really came into his own on the move. 2ND Winflash Tom Ford JW (Mr I R & Mrs K J & Miss C-L & Mrs J Page & Page & Page & Howell) A different stamp to one, up to size but with much to like and put down in excellent condition this B/W earned his place in this class with his active and sound movement keeping a good top line and using his quarters so effectively to cover the ground with ease. A characterful male who seemed to be enjoying every minute. Very masculine in outlook with attractive dense black defined spotting, a pleasing head and appealing expression, with dark eye and strong reach of neck. Well-matched quarters with a firm topline and good underline with strong loin. Well boned and bodied standing on good legs and feet. 3RD Playful Spots Butterbeer (Miss K Van Den Eijnden).

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 16    Absentees: 5

1ST Schunikka Ifor Dream JW (Miss J M Kaal) A lovely make and shape, who stands out for type, beautifully balanced B/W with sound, true and efficient movement. Typical head of pleasing proportion. He scores in front assembly with a good layback of shoulder and sternum, balanced with well-developed hindquarters with a good turn of stifle, width of thigh and hocks let down, standing on nice legs and feet. Super neck into a firm topline, well-bodied with lovely substance throughout, a depth of brisket, spring of rib giving plenty of heart and lung room and firm loin. Presents a very pleasing picture, in hard body condition and nicely muscled he combines strength with elegance. 2ND Hafwenna The Red Viper at Dintradot (Miss F A Burke) A moderately sized and nicely made B/W with attractive spotting presenting a pleasing clean outline. Head of good proportion with a strong reach of neck into a clean wither with a nicely flowing firm topline, croup and tailset held well on the move, equally matched with a good underline. Pleasing body and rib, strong loin and well-made hindquarters with hocks well let down, used to great effect to give him plenty of drive. A positive mover with precise tracking. Presented in lovely condition and makes the most of himself. 3RD Silverspot Odessi of The Sea (Ms M England).

Mid Limit Dog

Entries: 12    Absentees: 2

Two top class males headed this strong class. 1ST Joubello Fastlove (Mrs J Hopkin) A very eye-catching handsome boy with striking black and white spotting on a very well-balanced body he looked the picture, both standing and moving to take this class. A delightful and typical masculine head with good expression, a lovely reach of neck into a clean wither, superb flowing topline carried well and matched with a good underline. He uses his sound well angulated quarters so effectively on the move, with a good length of stride and really driving from the rear, he covers the ground with ease and with style. Has quality with a great ring presence, I see he is sired by the veteran dog winner and carries similar qualities, he just didn't move so well for his change of handler in the challenge. 2ND Tamilanda Vintage Gold JW (Mr K & Mrs D L Whincup) This liver boy has a lovely quality about him, masculine but with nothing overdone presenting a very pleasing picture and put down in excellent condition. He is soundly made and nicely balanced throughout, I loved his head and expression, and he moves so positively on good legs with super bone and feet. Moderately sized and well bodied with a lovely covering, holding a firm topline and sound well-matched quarters, with a correct underline and a depth and spring of rib giving him plenty of heart and lung room. Also excelled in movement in this class, driving from a strong rear with an accurate stride. He is a lovely type enhanced by his delightful demeanour and excellent handling. 3RD Jaxsondal Crème De La Crème at Koroyza (Mr Ij Bickerdike).

Limit Dog

Entries: 10    Absentees: 0

1ST Shydally Golden Star over Judally (Mrs J S & Mrs J A Green & Sears) Took my eye immediately with his commanding outline and beautiful balance, his whole demeanour is one of quiet confidence, he is unexaggerated and ultra sound at both ends enhanced by his lovely B/W decoration, and that extra touch of class. Delightful classic head with such an appealing expression, a super reach of neck into cleanly defined wither and correct flowing topline, croup and tailset. So soundly put together, with well-laid shoulders, a deep brisket and well-sprung ribs giving plenty of heart and lung room, and a firm loin with strong muscular hindquarters giving him power. He looks a picture standing and does not disappoint on the move with a free and easy gate, a ground-covering stride and accurate tracking in both directions. Appealed greatly for his size, moderation and proportions, beautifully conditioned he was pleasing to go over and really stood out today. Still a youngster but just looked top drawer and showed his socks off in a strong line up, could not deny him the RDCC. I see he is the son of my RBCC winner and why he appealed so much having similar quality and class. 2ND Salvadorada Heads Will Roll JW (Ms K Wilkins) Classic type who also impressed for his sound, positive and efficient movement. A pleasing outline, size and build, he has quality and strength with super balance, standing over plenty of ground and holding his shape on the move, presented in lovely order. Very masculine but moderate, attractively marked L/W with beautiful covering and muscle tone. A most delightful head of excellent proportion and expression, with strong reach of neck into a correct topline with defined wither and well-set tail, matched with a very good underline with a depth of brisket giving plenty of heart and lung room. Nice for substance with soundly constructed well-matched quarters, standing on good bone, legs, hocks and feet to finish the picture. 3RD Silverspot Voyage of The Sea (Ms M England).

Open Dog

Entries: 23    Absentees: 4

1ST Ch Dotlun Apache Running Bear JW (Mrs D Dinsdale) Stood out in such an exceptionally strong class, this immaculately presented handsome liver is unmistakably masculine but not overdone in any way, he has it all, quality, style, substance, refinement, and total balance. Came into the ring today in cracking form he is lovely to go over with beautiful covering, soundly constructed throughout with excellent body proportions, he holds himself so well standing and on the move. A typical head with strong reach of neck, flowing well into cleanly defined wither, super topline, croup and tailset, matched with an equally good underline with depth of brisket, a spring of rib and firm loin. Correctly angulated at both ends with an exceptionally good layback of shoulder with length in upper arm, a well-filled forechest, and rounded muscular hindquarters, standing on good legs and feet. His economical, fluid movement is totally reflective of his construction, smooth with an easy stride and precise footfall. I particularly loved his demeanour and calm attitude, so at one with his handler. Such a pleasure to judge and my very worthy DCC winner. Fought a good battle for BOB and certainly looked a picture going round together with the bitch winner at the end of a long day. 2ND Ch Bleize De Montjuic at Winflash (Imp Usa) (Mr I R & Mrs K J & Miss C-L & Mrs J Page & Page & Page & Howell) Liked this boy when I gave him a first as a minor puppy, he has great ring presence and charisma. Presents a dynamic, powerful picture and stands out for his sound, effortless ground covering movement. This B/W is all male, and has a masculine head, strong neck and scores in front assembly with well-laid shoulders, a length in upper arm and excellent sternum, balanced with nicely angulated hindquarters with hocks well let down, standing on very good legs and feet. Has a good length and depth of body, strength in loin, super muscle tone and substance. He uses his angulation to advantage on the move opening up in profile with plenty of reach and drive, carrying himself so well and holding a firm level topline, a joy to watch. 3RD Int/multi Ch Blumingsdale Daredevil Dk Jch (Miss H. & Miss P. Høgdall Hansen & Sevelsted Jensen).

Veteran Dog

Entries: 12    Absentees: 3

Two super representatives of the breed. 1ST Ch Rapanooey Red Rose JW (Mrs J Hopkin) An enthusiastic showman in great form for 9 1/2 years he powered round the ring, travelling effortlessly and with style. What a charming, classical B/W veteran clearly loving every minute. Typical, attractively decorated and beautifully balanced with good neck, shoulders, correct topline and tailset and a super hindquarter with well let down hocks. Essentially masculine, shapely and soundly made throughout with a nice length and depth of body, I particularly liked his overall symmetry. Impressed me moving, striding out so well with superb reach, powerful drive and one of the most soundest of movers fore and aft. Quality all through and a class act. Well presented, with a lovely rapport between handler and dog. BVD & BVIB. 2ND Ch/Ir Ch Buffrey Incognito by Dalleaf JW VW Swiss Vch (Mrs S A & Miss S Neath-Coyne & Baker) Close decision with winner, one I have given top honours to before and it was such a pleasure to see him go on the green carpet today. A quality dog, put down to perfection and displaying such fabulous extension around the ring in profile. Hard to believe he is now a veteran and nearly 11, he is still enjoying his time in the ring and retains that element of showbiz. Eye-catching B/W with a typical head, beautifully conditioned, I particularly like his overall balance and proportions with very well-matched, soundly constructed quarters, good bone, legs and feet. He moves freely, holding his shape, with excellent reach and plenty of power, using his strong back end to great effect to give drive. Classy, with much style. 3RD Ch Alphadal's King of Angels ShCM VW (Mrs P M & Mr C P Goodswen).

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 22    Absentees: 3

1ST Sophtspot Kalamity Jane with Dalticino (Miss S D & Mr J K E Finch & Bonner) Just over six years old, with a really pleasing outline, overall symmetry and attractive dense black spotting. An appealing head and expression, with a lovely arch of neck into a well-defined wither, a correct firm flowing topline and defined croup. Very shapely and nicely covered with a good length of body and strength in loin. Her front and rear angulation is in total balance, with an excellent forehand assembly matched with well-angulated hindquarters with good turn of stifle and hocks well let down, standing on good legs, bone and feet. Moves true with purpose and drive, holding herself well. A lovely type and character. 2ND Kallierbelle Bluebelle (Mr, Mrs & Miss Collier) Classic type who strode out well around the ring, a nicely decorated B/W, clean in outline with balanced quarters. A typical head with a reach of neck which flows correctly into a defined wither and lovely firm topline matched with a good underline with strong loin. A moderate and elegant bitch, beautifully toned, who holds herself well both standing and on the move and presents a pleasing picture, a sound positive mover with a good profile action. 3RD Salvadorada Lady of The Glen for Bevahalli (Miss N Grant).

Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 2    Absentees: 0

1ST Jemblewood Stork of Solace (Miss E Gill) A well-spotted, liver puppy with good overall balance, very together for eight months old I liked her proportions and clean outline. Pretty head with good eye and dark pigmentation. She has a nice reach of neck into a super fluid wither, topline, croup and tailset matched with an equally good underline and a good depth of chest for age. She moves out true and sound, using her well-made shoulders and strong angulated hindquarters to cover the ground when she got into her stride. I see she is a daughter of my DCC winner, a most promising youngster with great appeal. 2ND Dalamour’s Irish Rose for Spotamour (Imp Ire) (A Smith) Eight months B/W girl, not as mature as winner, an old-fashioned sort with an appealing quality about her. Very feminine and endearing, a nicely made youngster with a sweet head and expression. She scores in forehand with a lay-back of shoulder, length in upper arm and a defined sternum, balanced with sound hindquarters and a second thigh. Well covered, with a firm topline and a length in body, standing on good bone and tight feet. Moves soundly and positively and has lots of potential.

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 9    Absentees: 0

Delighted to find something as promising as these two in this puppy class. 1ST Sophtspot with Style at Luccombe (Mrs S & Miss S Haywood-Ridgway & Jenkins) This most delightful one-year-old really filled my eye with her quality, style and soundness. Such a lovely size, make and shape, with a super clean flowing outline and overall symmetry she has lots to appeal enhanced by her dense black, well marked, defined spotting. She has an appealing head and expression with lovely reach of neck into a clean flowing topline, croup and tailset, a nicely covered body with a good underline and firm loin. Moves freely using her soundly constructed angulated quarters to give an excellent profile picture with good extension and accurate footfall, she holds herself well and has a lovely carriage for one so young, clearly enjoying herself. A standout youngster, I liked her enormously and will watch her progress with interest. BPB & BPIB. 2ND Sophtspot Wild Child (Mrs J Christie) Another eye-catching classy youngster, such an active mover, she travelled so well with a flowing side gait and a strong rear action, using her soundly constructed angulated quarters to great effect. A lovely typical head and arch of neck elegantly flowing into a super firm topline, she is well made, attractively marked with dense black spotting, and has a pleasing clean outline. Beautifully presented in fit order, standing on good bone, legs and feet, I liked her style and she certainly makes the most of herself. 3RD Salvadorada Legally Blonde for Lockdalm (Mr D Lockhart).

Junior Bitch

Entries: 10    Absentees: 3

1ST Mapplewell Queen Bee (Mrs L Richardson) An honest and soundly made B/W bitch who stood out on the move in this class. A pleasing moderate size and presented in super order with good muscle tone, I liked her body lines and shapely profile. Very attractive head of nice proportion with a lovely expression, into a good neck and wither she holds herself well both standing and moving with a firm topline, a good underline with spring of rib and strong loin. A balanced body with well-made, correctly angulated quarters used to advantage on the move, clean in outline, she moved sound and true in all directions, with a positive, easy flowing stride. Showed well and competently handled. 2ND Special K Di Ca Gilardoni Jch (Mrs R. Semenzato) Stylish and showy with evenly decorated B/W spotting, she certainly catches the eye with her super clean outline and ring presence. Typical head with excellent reach of neck, into good lay of shoulder, with a length and depth of body, well sprung ribs and strong loin. A flowing topline, excellent rear angulation with hocks well let down and so well conditioned, pleasing bone and substance all through. On the move, she covers the ground with ease, she has a long stride and excellent driving action, although a slower pace would perhaps help her rhythm. 3RD Salvadorada Look at Me (Ms K Wilkins).

Yearling Bitch

Entries: 15    Absentees: 2

1ST Offordale Jazz (Mrs J & Miss I Alexander & Collier) Fills the eye for type and quality, with such a clean and balanced outline, this girl is well-constructed throughout with the most attractive black spotting, built with substance yet maintaining elegance, she carries herself extremely well. Classic head of good proportion with excellent reach of neck into a good lay of shoulder and balanced length of upper arm. Ideal bone and substance all through with excellent well sprung ribs into a strong loin. Great topline, excellent rear angulation with hocks well let down and beautifully conditioned. One of the soundest movers with correct foot fall in her side gate, an effortless and economical smooth action, she carries her topline beautifully with accurate tracking out and back. Stood out for me in this class full of good bitches and was a serious contender in the challenge, has a bright future. 2ND Olilou Dancing Queen at Daymadals (Mr G D & Miss S E Townson & Pardoe) Most appealing and soundly made, of nice shape and moderate size, with attractive dense black defined spotting and pleasing clean outline. Another to track well in profile around the ring with an easy efficient stride, she impresses on the move. Feminine head of good proportion and expression with a reach of neck into a sound and flowing wither, topline, croup and tailset, with a good length of body and firm loin. Nicely proportioned front assembly with layback of shoulder and length in upper arm, balanced with well angulated muscular hindquarters with second thigh, standing on good legs and feet. 3RD Playful Spots Fizzing Whizzbees (Miss Mj Grootenboer).

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 19    Absentees: 2

1ST Salvadorada Kinky Boots JW (Ms K Wilkins) Shapely, well constructed and covered liver of excellent colour and decoration. A classic head of good proportion with a kind expression and a strong reach of neck into a sound topline held well on the move, matched with pleasing underline with a depth of brisket and spring of rib. She scores in forehand assembly with lay back of shoulder, length in upper arm and defined sternum, well bodied with substance throughout, balanced with muscular hindquarters with second thigh and good rounded bone. Comes alive on the move, she is a sound mover with an economic and easy stride who tracked well fore and aft. 2ND Makificate Wymondham Queen (Mrs K & Mr M Read) Nicely proportioned and a pleasing moderate size with attractive, dense black defined spotting, presenting a balanced clean outline. A happy showgirl with a lovely demeanour who works well for her handler. Feminine head atop a lovely reach of neck into defined wither, correct topline croup and tailset, with good underline. Sound well matched quarters standing on good legs and feet which she uses well on the move in profile, with a good rear action and covering the ground with purpose. 3RD Jemblewood Jelly Baby (Miss C & Ms M Brooks & De Rozario).

Mid Limit Bitch 

Entries: 20    Absentees: 3

1ST Cubalibre Star Attraction JW (Mrs B Quayle) A class act, with lots of appeal and type I liked her proportions very much. Just right for size and substance, she is soundly constructed all through which shows in her excellent movement. An attractive head with good neck into very well made shoulders with length in upper arm and defined sternum. Correct topline and underline with a depth of brisket, spring of rib and firm loin. Beautifully bodied and balanced, with lovely muscular hindquarters with a turn of stifle, hocks well let down, standing on nice legs and bone. Super body shape which she holds on the move, with a fluid and easy ground-covering action she is accurate and sound in all directions. 2ND Shydally Stage Star (Miss B Cliffe) A well presented bitch, with style and character who is also good for type and very balanced. A lovely bitch all through, elegant with attractive dense black spotting, who shows herself to advantage. A beautiful classic head with a good reach of neck into wither, she scores in front assembly with a layback of shoulder, length in upper arm, defined sternum, equally matched with nicely angulated hindquarters, with pleasing muscle tone and bone. She holds a firm topline both standing and moving, a real powerhouse her profile movement has a super length of stride and drive from the rear. 3RD Miragua Heart to Heart (Mrs Fct & Mr J M Hartley & Griffiths).

Limit Bitch

Entries: 11    Absentees: 2

1ST Tamilanda Instant Sass (Mr M & Mrs L French)This feminine black-spotted bitch makes a pleasing picture, presenting a clean outline and standing with a good topline and very balanced soundly made quarters on good legs and feet, used to great effect on the move. Has an appealing pretty head and expression and good pigmentation. Beautifully covered and conditioned, she appealed for her moderation and overall symmetry. A happy showgirl who stood out in this class with her positive and efficient movement, she opened up really well in profile covering the ground with ease. 2ND Salvadorada Honestly Maybe (Ms K Wilkins) A very shapely evenly spotted liver of good colour and pigmentation with a well covered body. An attractive head of correct proportion with balanced soundly constructed quarters which she used on the move to stride out, on good legs and feet, covering the ring with ease with a lovely driving action. Correct flowing topline, croup and tailset equally matched with nice underline with good depth of body, pleasing bone and substance. Has such an appealing demeanour. 3RD Sophtspot Kalamity Jane with Dalticino (Miss S D & Mr J K E Finch & Bonner).

Open Bitch

Entries: 35    Absentees: 5

An exceptional and challenging class, my cut were all outstanding top quality bitches, split by the finest of margins. 1ST Ch Cubalibre Wishing Star JW (Mrs B Quayle) I previously gave this outstanding liver bitch a best puppy, and thought that she had a bright future, she has certainly fulfilled her early promise, a beautiful example of the breed. I particularly liked her combination of substance with elegance, having the desired strength all through but not overdone. Well-constructed, without exaggeration, she fulfils all requirements of the breed standard, and she moved soundly and effortlessly around the ring, especially in the challenge. Presents a shapely silhouette, with a delightful head and elegant neck into a flawless flowing topline and tailset and perfectly balanced super sound angulated quarters. Full of quality and type, this charismatic bitch is so accurate on the move, holding her shape and economically covering the ground with ease and purpose, a joy to watch. BCC & BOB. Thrilled to see her take the Utility Group 2 a great credit to the breed, she performed exceptionally well in such strong company, demonstrating such a lovely rapport with her handler. 2ND Ch Shydally Star Attraction (Mrs S L Howard Riddle) Last time I saw this B/W girl I awarded her crowning CC and she still retains the same lovely qualities and remains a beautiful example of the breed. So very feminine and elegant, put down in superb form today accentuating all her good points from her excellent neck & shoulders, topline & tailset, to her powerful hindquarters, I just love her flow from nose to tail. When she moves she is outstanding, with such precise footfall, on well boned legs and feet she covers the ground with style and ease, carrying herself so well and earning her place in this quality class, with exceptional reach and drive giving free flowing, rhythmic movement, that is so fit for function. Has great ring presence, a real harmony with her handler and is a pleasure to judge. RBCC. 3RD Puntinato Ballante Wanda Wonder Woman (Miss K Van Den Eijnden)

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 17    Absentees: 3

1ST Ch Dvojica Chilli Chutney for Wrendragge JW (Dr W J E & Mrs J M Gardner) Have judged before and a real pleasure to see her again as a veteran, she still commands the ring with her class, quality and style and shows like a true pro. Much to admire on this 9 1/2 year old liver, such a lovely example of the breed, well conformed all through with a nice flow to her topline. When stood she is well proportioned, with a classic head and kind expression. Her strong neck fits into well placed shoulders, deep in brisket and with a good spring of rib, width to the thighs and a nice bend of stifle. Lovely substance throughout standing on good legs, and feet with nice bone and well let down hocks. On the move she covers the ground so soundly and effortlessly demonstrating some of the best tracking here today. BVB. 2ND Dallyador Secret Addiction (Mrs H & Mr R.s Tingey) This lovely veteran really caught my eye, plenty to like on this feminine bitch, of excellent type with a delightful personality. Nearly 8 years, with clear well-distributed black spotting, an appealing typical head and a balanced, well-proportioned outline. Pleasing size and beautifully conditioned, with very sound angulation at both ends giving her such a positive fluid action, really driving and holding her super topline and shape so well on the move. 3RD Ch Ellemstra Tough Cookie at Shacarlu (Mrs C Burrows).

Judge Ms Sarah Dandy