Plymouth & District Kennel Association

Plymouth and District Kennel Association premier open show 4.4.26

Many thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge Junior/ adult handing and Dalmatians at their premier open show. I was well supported throughout the day. The ring was of good size, giving me good opportunity to see Dalmatians doing what they are bred to do as an endurance trotting breed. Thank you to all the exhibitors who presented their dogs to me today and for accepting their placings with good sportsmanship

Junior Handling 6-11yrs

1st Kaycee-Mae Turton handing a Beagle. A very confident and accomplished handler who made it look effortless. She listened to what was asked of her and presented her dog all four square. She was gentle in her handling and polite in manner. She knew the breed of her dog and showed the teeth well with minimal fuss. Her pattern work was accurate with neat corners and turns. In the challenge she stood out as the neatest handler which gave her Best overall handler. Very well done.

2nd Evie-May Smart handling an Australian Sheppherd. A very smartly dressed handler who was polite and demonstrated very good rapport with her dog. It was nice to hear her speaking to her dog. She knew the breed of her dog and showed the teeth well. It was a close call between 1 and 2 but her pattern work was just not quite as neat.

Junior handling 12-16

1st Lillie Betty . Well presented. This handler impressed me with her calm manner despite her dog playing up a bit. She showed the teeth well and knew where the topline was. She completed her pattern work well, moving her dog at the correct speed with neat turns. In the challenge her up and down was not quite as neat as the winner.

2nd Paige Smart. Smartly dressed and polite in manner. Paige presented her dog very well and her pattern work was neat and accurate. It was nice to see that she remained calm when her dog was not co-operating when showing the teeth. She got the points of dog question wrong, and this unfortunately cost her 1st place.

Adult handling 17-39

1st Rebecca Mills handling a Labrador Retriever. Smartly dressed in an outfit that complimented her dog well. She stood her dog all four square when stood and demonstrated good shadow work. She showed the teeth with minimal fuss and knew where the pin bones were. Rebecca moved her dog at the correct speed demonstrating excellent rapport with her dog. She just lost out in the challenge when her pattern work was not as tidy as the winner.

2nd Hannah Holden handling a Flatcoat Retriever. Hannah was another accomplished handler who pushed hard for 1st place. She presented her dog all four square when stood and demonstrated good shadow work. Very gentle in manner and had excellent rapport with her dog. The teeth were shown well, and Hannah was clear where the pin bones were. She completed her pattern work accurately and neatly. I was splitting hairs between 1 and 2 but I felt Rebecca moved her dog just a tad fast at times which unbalanced her dog slightly.

Adult handling 40+

1st Janet Rice handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Janet is a very confident and professional in manner. She has an excellent rapport with her dog, talking to her throughout, she clearly showed she knows how to get the most out of her dog. Both Handler and dog look like they are thoroughly enjoying their time in the ring which is lovely to see. She showed the teeth very well and moved her dog at the correct speed completing her pattern work accurately. Her shadow work was good, but she does need to remember to check her dog is standing four square, as at times she wasn’t.

Dalmatians

Puppy (1)

1st Edens Dr. D. Dalens Jewel in the crown. Black and white dog of 10 months. Attractive male who is up to height. He has a masculine head without being coarse, beautiful darkest of eyes which give him a kind expression. He has well broken ears which he carries well. Good length of neck, defined withers and firm topline which he held when on the move. He is still developing in muscle as is expected at this stage and he has good bone. Tail is well set and he stands on correct cat like feet. His coat was not at its best today, but he has attractive spotting with good pigmentation. On the move, he was very enthusiastic which did unbalance him a little. Best Puppy in Breed, Reserve Best of Breed. I was delighted for his handler that he was later awarded Puppy group 1.

Special Yearling (0)

Post-Graduate (0)

Limit

1st Davies Mrs H. L. Maddidalli True Loves Kiss, Black and white female of 20 months. Substantial female of good bone and substance but she doesn’t need to gain any more weight. She has a particularly attractive head and expression and has a friendly outgoing temperament. She presents a beautiful picture in profile on the stand. She is balanced in outline and stands on good feet. Her topline is straight and flows into a correct set tail and carriage. On the move she was a bit over excited today and this did affect her movement which was erratic at times. She showed enough to demonstrate she is capable of good reach and drive. I am sure she will settle in time. BOB

2nd Steventon Miss J. Kystuno Rosemary Russett, Liver and white female of 7 yrs. Very pretty and feminine, she is finer in build than 1. Another very friendly girl who has a very appealing face and expression. Correct amber eye, well broken ears which frame her face well. She has a good length of neck and clean withers. Not the fore chest of 1 but she has a good spring of rib. Correct tail set. Attractive liver spotting, coat was in good condition. On the move she was a bit erratic but did demonstrate good freedom of movement. I just preferred the overall outline of 1.

Judge: Luci Bridge (Akoni)