• Show Date: 17/01/2026
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Tom Mather Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 19/01/2026

Manchester Dog Show Society

Breed: Utility Group

Manchester Dog Show 2026

Utility Group

Sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee of Manchester D.S.S. for their invitation to judge the Utility Group. Lots of high quality dogs here, I had a shortlist of 9 and even then some dogs I have previously awarded top honours did not make the cut.

For the top spot I chose the young French Bulldog, Timms’ Olijah Going In Deep. A very classy youngster, he is cobby and compact with good bone and substance. Well-set ears with large, open nostrils and nicely p[added cheeks. Very typical outline with some strength over the loins and a shapely body. Her mo0ved out well with an easy, flowing action. I was delighted to learn that he later won Reserve Best in Show under Mr Gordon Haran. Congratulations.

Group 2 was the feminine and free moving Dalmatian, Van Den Eijnden’s Boz & H Bel Ch. Playful Spots Dancing Pink Magnolia. Lithe and energetic, pleasing head with some breadth of skull, dark eyes and kind expression. Clean, nicely arched neck and shoulders. Good depth of chest. Strong well-muscled hindquarters. Very impressive on the move.

In third place was the Miniature Poodle, Lee-Morris’ Ch Michandy It's Showtime at Pupstar JW. I have admired him before as I think he is a most impressive dog. Good length of head with decent chin and he looks back at you with a real glint in his eyes. Pleasing forehand with depth and adequate breadth of chest. He is elegant and well balanced and keeps his outline on the move. His harsh, well-tailored jacket is the icing on the cake.

Completing the line-up was Dunhill-Hall’s Japanese Shiba Inu, Ch Vormund Coachella. This youngster was my BOB winner at Midland Counties last autumn and she is maturing beautifully. Nicely hooded hears, well-developed cheeks and lovely eyes. Compact, well-knuckled feet. Perfect outline with her high-set, well carried tail.

Also shortlisted were the Bulldog, Chow Chow, Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Poodle and the Schipperke.

Judge: Tom Mather