Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Darlington Dog Show Society 19th September 2026 – Dalmatian I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the officers and committee of the Darlington Dog Show Society for the invitation to judge at their prestigious show, my third opportunity to award CCs in the breed. I am also deeply appreciative of my stewards, Angela and Judith; their efficiency kept the ring running seamlessly, and I am reminded once again how invaluable excellent stewarding is to a judge’s day. To the exhibitors, thank you for bringing such a beautiful entry of Dalmatians before me. With an entry of 87 and only four absentees, I was truly spoiled for choice. I was particularly pleased that both of my final lineups were remarkably consistent, containing no outliers. My judging philosophy remains centered on minimal handling; I prefer to rely on my eyes, using my hands only to confirm what I see. We were fortunate that the weather remained fine, though the wind picked up during the bitch classes. To ensure the dogs remained settled and were not unsettled by the movement of the marquee, I elected to go over them outside, a decision that proved successful. Overall, I have no significant concerns regarding the current state of the breed. While I noted a few tails shorter than ideal, temperament was excellent across the board, with no signs of nervousness. Furthermore, the quality of presentation was superb; all exhibits were clean, and I had no need to wipe my hands between classes. Class 1164: Veteran Dog 1st: 3143 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss, 3143 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss Ch Bleize De Montjuic At Winflash (Imp USA) A handsome 7-year-old black spotted male who has truly matured into his best form with age. He presents a beautifully balanced outline, further enhanced by excellent rear angulation and even, clear spotting. His "ghost face" adds a striking touch of character to an already impressive profile. A thoroughly deserving winner of this class who went on to take the CC, Best Opposite Sex and ultimately Best Veteran in Breed.. DCC BVIB 2nd: 3153 SAMPSON, Dr E & SAMPSON, Mr W, 3153 SAMPSON, Dr E & SAMPSON, Mr W Ch Dalstorm Golden Guinea JW This seven-year-old black spotted male is of ideal size and possesses a lovely forechest, with much to admire in his overall type. While he is a quality exhibit, he just didn't match the movement of the class winner today. He remains a very balanced and impressive representative of the breed. 3rd: 3150 RICHARDSON, Mrs L, 3150 RICHARDSON, Mrs L Ch Mapplewell Pocket Rocket Class 1165: Puppy Dog 1st: 3120 FRENCH, Mrs Lisa, 3120 FRENCH, Mrs Lisa Tamilanda Golden Snitch A promising 6-month-old liver-spotted youngster, presented at the correct stage of development with a balanced outline when standing. He possesses a pleasing silhouette and a very sweet, temperament. Once settled on the move, he displayed a purposeful, efficient gait. . BPD 2nd: 3147 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss, 3147 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss Philemon Vom Roten Herzfleck At Winflash (Imp) Deu This ten-month-old black spotted youngster is such a promising puppy with a truly pleasing head and lovely expression. He carries himself well, though I would love to see him develop just a bit more angulation in the rear as he continues to mature. 3rd 3157 SHORT, Ms Mikaela, 3157 SHORT, Ms Mikaela Winflash Jacquemus At Zakaytia Class 1166: Junior Dog 1st: 3112 CLEMENT, Mrs Louise & MARLEY, Miss Lisa A, 3112 CLEMENT, Mrs Louise & MARLEY, Miss Lisa A Spottified Young Forseti For Perdita's (Imp Bel) This 17-month-old liver-spotted dog is a well-sized youngster with a lovely temperament and pleasing head and expression, utilizing his ears beautifully. He shows promising rear angulation, though he currently needs time to firm up and further develop his muscling as he matures. 2nd: 3111 CARROLL, Mrs Lisa Jane & CARROLL, Mr Paul, 3111 CARROLL, Mrs Lisa Jane & CARROLL, Mr Paul Salvadorada Morpheus Of Dalpaulisa Jw This 13-month-old is a dog of very good size, possessing a lovely masculine head and a kind expression paired with dark eyes. He shows great promise, though he is still coming together and currently needs to tighten up in his movement as he continues to mature. 3rd: 3125 GRANT, Ms Sheila & WILKINS, Ms Kelli, 3125 GRANT, Ms Sheila & WILKINS, Ms Kelli Salvadorada Let's Get Loud Class 1167: Yearling Dog 1st: 3103 BARRETT, Miss Lisa Jane, 3103 BARRETT, Miss Lisa Jane Dalamanti's Guardian Angel JW This balanced black-spotted youngster is of ideal size and proportions. He impressed me with his deep forechest and well-angulated construction, both fore and aft. On the move, he was a standout, maintaining a rock-solid topline that never wavered. 2nd 3185 WILLIAMS, Mr Kenny & TANSWELL, Ms Carla, 3185 WILLIAMS, Mr Kenny & TANSWELL, Ms Carla Carodal Welcome Way Via Waltzaway This 18-month-old black spotted male presents a strong head while maintaining a very pleasing expression. He is currently a little narrow in the front and lacks the level topline found in the class winner today. However, he remains a decent mover with ample drive from the rear. 3rd: 3138 LOCKHART, Mr David, 3138 LOCKHART, Mr David Salvadorada Mischief Maker Of Lockdalm Class 1168: Post Graduate Dog 1st: 3149 RICHARDSON, Mrs Charlote & RICHARDSON, Mr Andrew, 3149 RICHARDSON, Mrs Charlote & RICHARDSON, Mr Andrew Portunes St Jimmy At Exayeex JW This two-year-old liver male took the class today, standing out for his steady, rhythmic movement and balanced silhouette. He possesses a lovely decoration and truly comes alive once he is on the move, showcasing a sound and purposeful gait. While the competition at the front of this class was incredibly close, his overall consistency and movement secured his placement. 2nd: 3169 TURNBULL, Mr Marcus & MARTIN, MISS NATALIE, 3169 TURNBULL, Mr Marcus & MARTIN, MISS NATALIE Salvadorada Magic Touch For Drengmar This 13-month-old liver spotted male presents a very pleasing overall silhouette, boasting a good size and an excellent sense of balance throughout his frame. He possesses a lovely structure and sound proportions that form a solid foundation for his future development. While he currently displays a youthful frame, he simply needs time to continue maturing and firming up in body. 3rd: 3167 STORY-TAYLOR, Mr Stuart & STORY-TAYLOR, Miss Tyne , 3167 STORY-TAYLOR, Mr Stuart & STORY-TAYLOR, Miss Tyne Bayonspark Zeus At Kesteven Class 1169: Limit Dog 1st: 3102 BARRETT, Miss Lisa Jane, 3102 BARRETT, Miss Lisa Jane Dalamanti Duke's Legend JW This three-year-old liver male is a balanced, honest example of the breed, presenting an ideal size and pleasing outline. He is impressively marked with well-defined spotting and exhibits sound, economical movement driven by his correct angulation. There is nothing overdone about his conformation, reflecting a quality specimen that upholds the standard. I was very pleased to award him the Reserve Challenge Certificate.. RCC 2nd: 3116 CROFT, Ms Rebecca & RICHARDSON, Mrs Leanne, 3116 CROFT, Ms Rebecca & RICHARDSON, Mrs Leanne Mapplewell Rolex With Koroyza This nineteen-month-old liver male is a striking, powerful mover with an eyecatching presence in the ring. He possesses a pleasing head and expression, complemented by a well-muscled frame that remains balanced and refined rather than coarse. There is much to admire in his overall quality and athletic construction. 3rd: 3108 BURKE, Miss Fin & TAVILL, Miss Rebecca, 3108 BURKE, Miss Fin & TAVILL, Miss Rebecca Puntinato Ballante Virtual Vision Vortex In Tockic Class 1170: Open Dog 1st: 3166 STOCKS, Mrs T, 3166 STOCKS, Mrs T Ch Dalmark's Jubilations At Nospar JW This three-year-old liver male is presented in tip-top condition, featuring nicely broken ears that frame his face and provide a warm, kind expression. He moves with purpose, utilizing his tight cat feet at a lovely steady pace. He carries his tail perfectly while on the move. 2nd: 3129 HOBBS & WHITING, Ms & Miss M & C, 3129 HOBBS & WHITING, Ms & Miss M & C Rapanooey Ranunculus Six year old Liver male who moves with effortless grace and possesses a wonderful, moderate build without any sign of exaggeration. While he is perhaps easy to overlook when standing, he is impeccably put together with everything in the correct proportions. He was simply unlucky to meet the winner in such top form today, but he is a lovely representative of the breed. 3rd: 3139 NEWTON, Miss C, 3139 NEWTON, Miss C What You See Is What You Get Passionate About You Class 1171: Veteran Bitch 1st: 3109 BURROWS, Mrs C, 3109 BURROWS, Mrs C Ch Ellemstra Tough Cookie At Shacarlu This lovely 8 1/2-year-old black spotted bitch is in excellent, solid condition. She possesses a wonderful balance of front and rear angulation, making her a pleasure to go over Her movement was truly effortless, showing great reach and drive. Best Veteran Bitch.. BVB 2nd: 3132 JENKINS & RIDGWAY, Miss S & S, 3132 JENKINS & RIDGWAY, Miss S & S Luccombe Strawberry Kisses VW An elegant 11-year-old in lovely condition, presenting clean lines and excellent quality throughout. She moved with a very economical gait and maintained a rock-solid topline when viewed in profile. While she is just beginning to show her age, it does nothing to detract from her overall presence and charm in the ring. 3rd: 3151 RICHARDSON, Mrs L, 3151 RICHARDSON, Mrs L Ch Mapplewell Limited Edition Class 1172: Puppy Bitch 1st: 3123 GOODSWEN, Mrs Paula & GOODSWEN, Mr Colin, 3123 GOODSWEN, Mrs Paula & GOODSWEN, Mr Colin Tamilanda Gold Magic By Alphadal This six-month-old liver girl presents with exceptionally rich, deep spotting that is both well-distributed and even across her frame. She is a balanced youngster who already carries herself with impressive poise and confidence for her age. Exceptionally well-schooled, she moved with purpose and commanded my attention throughout the class. It was a pleasure to award her Best Puppy in Breed.. BPIB 2nd: 3178 WAREHAM, Miss N J & WYLDE, Mr James & WHINCUP, Mr, 3178 WAREHAM, Miss N J & WYLDE, Mr James & WHINCUP, Mr Tamilanda Gold Witch A lovely, sweet-natured youngster who is not quite as mature as the class winner, yet possesses a very balanced frame. She was a pleasure to go over and, once she settled into her stride, showed the necessary reach and drive. She should continue to develop beautifully as her show career progresses. 3rd: 3131 HOBBS & WHITING, Ms & Miss M & C, 3131 HOBBS & WHITING, Ms & Miss M & C Rapanooey Portia's Reverie Class 1173: Junior Bitch 1st: 3146 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss, 3146 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss Winflash Coco By Chanel This 14-month-old presents a lovely, sweet expression and is beautifully balanced throughout. She possesses just the right amount of bone for her size and shape, with sound foot placement on the out and back. Finished with attractive decorations, she carries herself with confidence. 2nd: 3182 WILKINS, Ms Kelli, 3182 WILKINS, Ms Kelli Salvadorada Look At Me A lovely 17-month-old liver-spotted bitch of excellent size and balance. She possesses a sweet expression framed by well carried ears and beautiful, even spotting of the correct shade. While she is impeccably put together, she would benefit from showing herself off as confidently when standing as she does on the move. 3rd: 3124 GRANT, Miss Nicole, 3124 GRANT, Miss Nicole Salvadorada Lady Of The Glen For Bevahalli Class 1174: Yearling Bitch 1st: 3127 HAYWOOD-RIDGWAY, Mrs S & JENKINS, Miss Sammi, 3127 HAYWOOD-RIDGWAY, Mrs S & JENKINS, Miss Sammi Sophtspot With Style At Luccombe A lovely young bitch who demanded attention from the moment she entered the ring. She possesses a gorgeous, ultra-feminine headpiece, correctly carried on a strong neck that flows into well-laid shoulders. Her movement is smooth and effortless, exhibiting excellent reach and drive while maintaining a steady topline. She features beautiful, well-distributed spotting, and her overall type is balanced and correct. A highly deserved Bitch CC and Best of Breed.. BCC BOB 2nd: 3152 RICHARDSON, Mrs L, 3152 RICHARDSON, Mrs L Mapplewell Queen Bee This 17-month-old black spotted bitch is a lovely size, possessing excellent bone while maintaining a distinctly feminine expression. She displays beautiful, flowing lines and very balanced angulation. On the move, she covers the ground with both reach and drive, showing great precision in her gait. 3rd: 3124 GRANT, Miss Nicole, 3124 GRANT, Miss Nicole Salvadorada Lady Of The Glen For Bevahalli Class 1175: Post Graduate Bitch 1st: 3118 DONNELLY, Mr Stephen & DONNELLY, Mrs Michelle, 3118 DONNELLY, Mr Stephen & DONNELLY, Mrs Michelle Tamilanda Golden Leaf This lovely two-and-a-half-year-old liver bitch is beautifully marked, wellpresented, and possesses a wonderful temperament. She is of a nice size and shape, boasting strong withers and held a lovely topline while on the move in the ring. While she impressed in her class, her movement became less steady during the challenge, which ultimately kept her from higher honors today. 2nd: 3174 WAREHAM, Miss N J & WYLDE, Mr James, 3174 WAREHAM, Miss N J & WYLDE, Mr James Tamilanda Gold Standard At Dotsadaisy This two-and-a-half-year-old bitch is a well-made exhibit with excellent bone, substance, and balanced angulation. She presents a lovely silhouette and covers the ground with a positive, efficient profile gait. While she is slightly heavier in frame than the winner, she remains a quality animal. She lost out today only due to her out and back movement. 3rd: 3171 VOCKINGS, Mr M, Mrs E & Miss H E, 3171 VOCKINGS, Mr M, Mrs E & Miss H E Bellehoud Tipple At Portunes JW Class 1176: Limit Bitch 1st: 3144 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss, 3144 PAGE, Mr Ian & PAGE, Mrs Karen Jayne & PAGE, Miss Olilou Its Gucci At Winflash This feminine 2 1/2-year-old black-spotted bitch is elegant throughout and presented in lovely condition. She displays beautiful, even markings and carries herself with great confidence and balance. Most impressive is her movement, where she possesses a truly positive reach and drive, appearing to float effortlessly around the ring. She was showed to her full advantage to be awarded the Reserve Bitch CC.. RBCC 2nd: 3114 COLLIER, Miss Isabelle & ALEXANDER, Mrs J, 3114 COLLIER, Miss Isabelle & ALEXANDER, Mrs J Offordale Jazz Jw This lovely two-and-a-half-year-old black spotted bitch is a delight, showing wonderful substance and balanced angulation both front and rear. She is highly attentive to her handler and moved with a very pleasing profile. While her movement was impressive, she just lacked the extra positivity in her rear action to overcome the class winner today. 3rd: 3156 SCOTT, Mr J & SCOTT, Miss E, 3156 SCOTT, Mr J & SCOTT, Miss E Sophtspot Whirlwind JW Class 1177: Open Bitch 1st: 3119 FINLAY, Mrs A M & Mr M, 3119 FINLAY, Mrs A M & Mr M Ch Dvojica Excuse My French At Dalfin JW This quality five-year-old black spotted bitch is of excellent size and shape, presenting a balanced outline with well proportioned angulation. She carries herself around the ring to great advantage, demonstrating positive, purposeful movement. With a lovely head and gentle expression, she is shown in tip top condition which contributed to her winning the class. 2nd: 3134 LAMB, Mrs R, 3134 LAMB, Mrs R Ch Dalpetro Dotty JW A lovely 5-year-old with a sweet, feminine head and sound angulation both fore and aft. She remains a quality bitch, though she is currently carrying a touch too much weight, which impacted her performance today. While there are many positives to appreciate, she lacked the overall condition and movement of the class winner on this occasion. 3rd: 3105 BROOKS, Miss C & DEROZARIO, Ms M, 3105 BROOKS, Miss C & DEROZARIO, Ms M Jemblewood Jelly Baby