Judge; Sidney J Bolt

What a lovely show with all officials being so welcoming. The weather for the day was bright and sunny and the perfect Dalmatian acre of a show ring to see this lovely breed do what it was bred for.

My task of judging that largest breed in the Utility group for that day was made so much easier with the help and guidance of Bill and Jane Gardner – thank you.

On to the dogs and a few comments. I thought that with a relatively good summer I would handle many fit dogs but unfortunately this was not the case. There were many overweight – particularly in the bitches with little muscle definition. Some were a little on the light side which doesn't mean they are in good condition – remember to always feed a good quality food as this coupled with good exercise makes your dog what it is.

This is meant to be a durable but elegant breed so let's try to protect that description.

In general the breed seemed in no worse condition from my last appointment but one thing that is becoming obvious and I have grave concern over is that bitches are getting too big, very masculine and losing their femininity. Eyes are very light – look at your breeding program.

Dog CC; Hartley's Ch Creaganbrec the Favorite at Miragua JW
Res Dog CC; Burrows Deacon Blue at Shacarlu

Bitch CC; Dunachie Ch Dvojica Voodoo JW
Res Bitch CC; Fort's Shulune Fantazy on Ice JW Sh.CM
Best Puppy; Neath-Duggan's bitch Buffrey Gift Wrapped
Breeders Class Johnson's home bred litter.

Dogs

Two rather nice pleasing puppies. First had it on movement and control as second could be a handful. This will come with time and ring craft.

Minor Puppy Dog (6)
1st Polhill's Fincham Hurricane Jack at Kymvale    Nice liver dog with excellent pigmentation. Pleasing head with well set on ears. Correct length of neck leading to good body and structure. A dog with balanced proportion a good length of back leading to nicely set tail. He has classic liver decoration and is of correct colour. Rear quarters are developing nicely with good angulation and form. Good bone leading to nice feet! Pastern needs to tighten but he is still young and this will come with time. Like to see him in a years time - don't over do him. Well schooled so moved well to his advantage with great control and handling which won him this class

2nd Hitchin's and Livermore's Tyrodal Special Feature    A really nice liver dog that is well bodied. He needs more schooling if he is to go further and it would be a shame for this to let him down because he is a good dog. He has a good head with terrific pigmentation and eye colour. Prefer slightly more broken ear but his body decoration is correct. Holds himself proudly, strong neck into a developing body that has good rounded bone and nice feet. Good front with depth of brisket and sprung rib. He has well developed hindquarters that could - with control - move him well, once schooled. Again, well constructed which was reflected in his movement.

3rd Ganters Jabbawock Jailhouse Rock

Puppy Dog (4)
1st Townson's Buffrey Follow That Star   I think this dog has a great future as he is so well made and balanced. A nice black dog having good classic head and expression with well set on ears that carried well. A dog with good length of neck leading to correct lay of shoulder. This dog moved extremely well for a youngster – really flowed with purpose. Constructed correctly with good front, nicely formed ribbed body and length of loin leading to good hindquarters. Nice type - just needs time.

2nd Hitchins and Livermore's Tyrodal Special Feature
See Minor Puppy Dog

3rd Stout's Tynevale Tranquil Troodos

Junior Dog (9)
This was the hardest class of the day to judge. I had a real problem with the first two who are unlucky to be in the same class both being of similar type. The unluckiest dog had to be third who is another dog of good quality. First had this class on movement today and another day they could easily swap places. A difficult choice to make.

1st Burrows Daedalus Deacon Blue at Shacarlu - Res Dog CC   Black dog well-presented standing four square and giving everything today. A dog having a super classic shaped head that displays correct pigmentation and eye colour. Overall balance is good in body with defined wither and well sprung rib, good width of chest with plenty of heart room, Well let down hock and good angulation. A dog of nice type that I hope maintains this correct height. He is a dog with a good front displaying strong pasterns and good feet. Blackest spotted coat that looked polished contrasting with the pure white. Moved well but was a little fidgety at times but stood rock solid for the challenge. Be careful not to overdo him – he is still young. His presence shouted for me to give him the Res Dog CC. Well earned in this class

2nd Crofts Doubtwell Show Stopper    This is a dog that is full of potential and another that is a sure thing for top honours. He was unfortunate to have met a dog who's owner moved him to better potential. I have liked this dog for a long time and watched him with keen interest. This dog moves with terrific drive and covers the ground so well. I think the handler could move him truer. A well bodied black dog with great profile stood and on the move. He has good head carriage on the move with a nicely arched neck. Shoulder well laid and good well developed wither. Strong front having correct width and good length of forearm, nicely angled pastern. On the whole, constructed correctly with level top line, superb tail carriage and terrific ring presence. Another I would not like to see too much bigger.

3rd Goodswen's Tamilanda Pink Vigilante from Alphadal

Yearling Dog (5)

1st Christie's Sophspot Abracadabra    Black dog that just demands attention. He has such ring presence which cannot be ignored. Commands the ring on the move and I believe he will make top honours soon.  Great head and expression pigment and eye colour. Stands four square which is testimony to the way the dog is handled and the unity between dog and handler. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and correct front. Sound developed fore chest, level top line and good angulated hindquarters. On the move he drove around the ring carrying his tail perfectly.

2nd Hernadez's Dalminshi Star Gazer    Now this is a dog I have never really taken note of and had overlooked. When you go over him you cannot deny that this is a very sound dog. Longer in leg than first and for me needs a little more body weight which will come with maturity. A dog with a good head and pleasing expression. Good length of neck and level top line on the move. Stole the place from 3rd on movement as he covered the ground with ease displaying good drive and. To be hyper critical I would like a little more decoration on his quarters to complete the picture.

3rd Goodswen's Tamilanda Pink Vigilante from Alphadal

Post Graduate Dog (8)

1st Quayle's Buffrey the Shaded Sun at Cubalibre   Nice black dog with excellent pigmentation. Pleasing head with well set on ears. Correct length of neck leading to good body and structure. A dog with balanced proportion, with good length of back leading to nice set tail. Rear quarters are developing nicely with good angulation and form. Good bone leading to nice feet. Moved well which helped him take this class.

2nd Adderley's Leiahart Chicago Bear   Lighter decorated than first and in profile possibly the better dog but first had him on movement today for me. A dog with a good masculine head and a nice reach of neck into well developed shoulder and wither. Well sprung rib and therefore he is a nicely coupled dog with developing hind quarters. Correct fore leg with nicely angulated pastern and good feet.

3Rd Stacey's Gwencarodale Polka Pippin

Limit Dog (8)

1st Jubbs Dalmark the Double Agent   Today he took this class easily. He is not overdone or rushed in anyway which will pay dividends in the end. A dog of correct size with a pleasing handsome head of correct proportion and alert expression being framed by nicely broken ears and good pigmentation. Stands four square having good front with hindquarters to match. Again to be hyper critical would prefer a better top line but everything else I like about this dog. A well proportioned dog with well sprung chest, correct length of loin, good rear quarters. Good to go over and well handled.

2nd Tingey's Holderness Hillbilly by Dallyador   Again another dog that I like not too dissimilar to first – just more body. He pushed hard for first but was let down by pigment which was the only thing separating them. He is a dog of correct height and balance. He has a good head having a scull of good width that carries good expression. Good neck with correct lay of shoulder and good front. He has a firm top line on the move and covered the ground well. A body that is balanced and well off for bone and will be a dog of some substance.

3rd Kay's Kaytian One Kool Cat

Open Dog (11)

Both placings moved with drive and vigour and much can be learnt from watching these two – in particular 2.

1st Hartley's Ch Creaganbrec the Favorite at Miragua JW – Dog CC   This black dog for me meets the standard for type and just seems to get better with age. I love his head and expression. Beautifully rounded bone with correct body coupling with good ring presence stood and on the move. He ticked all the boxes for me. Presented in the fittest of conditions – not overstated in anyway but always giving his all.
A handsome chap that has good scull of correct proportion framed with nicely broken ear. Balanced body having correct length of neck good wither and top line. A well angulated turn of stifle and finished off with good feet. His tail set is correct and carried well both standing and on the move. Overall a pleasing dog that I was happy to give the ticket to.

2nd Evans Tyrodal Cracker Jack Of same type as first – hard to separate the two for type both typical dalmatians. I really like this liver dog and wanted to do more for him but overall the first was more finished and looked fresher. This dog has to be one of the fittest I have had the pleasure of judging. One thing that cannot be ignored with this dog is his movement. He floats around the ring and his condition shows that the dog can do what he was bred for – amazing. He has terrific ring presence and there is no doubt about his masculinity.
A correctly balanced, honest dog. Correct colour liver. He has a good masculine head of correct size. Nice reach of neck flowing into a well laid shoulder, top line and correct tail set that is carried well. He has a good length of upper arm, well angulated pastern and good feet. Well sprung rib with good length of loin leading to correct rear angulation.

3rd Alcock's Mapplewell Chocolate Box for Dalparton

Bitches

Minor Puppy Bitch (2)

1st Pages Winflash the Final Magic     What a beauty this little girl is. An impressive little bitch that captures the eye of good shape and with the most beautiful even decoration. So feminine, so pretty. Important to feed correctly at this stage of a puppies life. - don't let her get too thin – you cannot put bone and substance on later. Today your other dogs were too thin for me which lost them places - don't let her get like this.A bitch with good make and shape and well off for bone with well placed shoulder, nice spring of rib leading to good tuck up. Well balanced rear end displaying good angulation and turn of stifle. Moved well which won her this class Promising bitch that could go a long way – careful not to over do it – don't ruin her.

2nd Dodds Kelevra Mercury Rising   Unlucky to meet first but never had the ring presence of first – I would like to see her at a later stage in her life when the tables could turn. Older than 1 which may account for more body but slightly less feminine. A well bodied bitch that has that classic Dalmatian spotting, a good head shape with ears that frame her head. She is well rounded with a great spring of rib and length of loin. One of correct build with a good lay of shoulder. A good flowing movement carrying her tail correctly but unfortunately dropped it at the final moment.

Puppy Bitch (7)

1st Neath – Duggan's Buffrey Gift Wrapped – Best Puppy   A good class to win with some quality puppies coming through. This kennel just keeps producing quality dogs and this one is no exception and possibly better than the last. Nice black bitch that was new to me – quite striking. Again, another well brought up four square bitch displaying a lovely head of good expression and femininity. Darkest pigmentation with dark well carried ear. Balanced neck to defined wither and level top line. Defined hock for a young bitch, driving well on the move for one so young Well bodied as to be expected at this age with nice even decoration. Full of attitude – which is needed to reach top spot which I am sure she will do. So pleased to give her best puppy.

2nd Johnson's Tynevale Take Three to Tango   This young liver bitch has a lot going for her. One who moves extremely well. A nice head and expression with a pleasant eye. Correct decoration for a liver. Very well off for bone, having good fore leg of correct length and nice angulated pastern. Good length of neck leading to a lovely evenly decorated frame and well balanced thigh. A bitch of correct coupling giving good overall confirmation stood and on the move.

3rd Dunnachie's Dvojica Voulez Vous

Junior Bitch (12)
What a tough class with both top winners pushing each other hard.

1st Dore's Daldior Ace of Diamonds   A feminine bitch of correct size and full of type. A good head framed with a well broken ear and true Dalmatian expression. Great pigmentation. Well bodied with correct length neck, good depth of brisket and well sprung rib also having flowing top line and tailset. Good quarters with a well defined second thigh. Tough to pick between 1 and 2.

2nd Hughes & Smith's Tamilanda Pretty in Pink    This is a nice bitch that I think could have a strong future. Slightly bigger than first with a little more substance, possibly carrying a little more weight but other than that a really nice bitch. Another day and the positions could be reversed. Good pigmentation spotted ear good eye colour eye. Another bitch of correct type having a nice outline. Not over done in anyway having correct amount of bone for a bitch. Long reach of neck, rib well sprung, nice loin, good width of stifle. A good strong fore arm with well angulated pastern. Moved sound and freely offering a pleasing overall picture.

3rd Dinsdale's Koroyza Candy Floss at Dalesbred

Yearling Bitch (9)

1st Tingy's Phaeland Pheonix Phorever by Dallyador     I like the shape of this bitch who is a nicely bodied liver bitch that is well off for bone. Good head with correct expression and nicely broken ear. Correct length of neck leading to strong wither and level top line. Moved well with a free flowing gait. She has a lot of substance so be careful not to loose her femininity..

2nd Cheetham's Koroyza Cute as Candy for Dollywood   This bitch pushed hard for the first spot. One that has great ring presence and gave her all. A more feminine bitch who is shorter coupled than first and of correct height. A pleasing head having a well carried broken ear. Nice length of neck with a good lay of shoulder. Level top line with a flowing sabre tail having correct set. On the whole a well balanced bitch.

3rd Whiting's Cibrith China Aster

Post Grad Bitch (20)
What a terrific class to win – a class full of quality.

1st Williams Phadante Bossanova Baby.    Black bitch with excellent pigmentation who moved best in this class today. This bitch is honest, fit and soundly constructed, of nice shape in profile. Like a good wine she has got better with age. When this bitch moves she flows with a lovely level top line good drive and extension. She has good neck, strong wither, correct length of back and loin. Her frame is well off for bone and has good feet. A bitch that is well cast in profile displaying great hind quarters which are strong with good turn of stifle.

2nd Pilgrim's – Olbero One to Charm at Weaponness    Wish this bitch had a little more animation because she is a really nice bitch. Prefered her decoration over one. Nice liver bitch of correct colour – good spotting on a clear coat, Cracking head, strong arched neck of good length, defined withers, well proportioned body. Bitch of same type as one with little to choose however, never moved quite as well as one but all the same covered the ground well. If only she could have given a little more on the final presentation.

3rd Addy's Creaganbrec Raven Black

Limit Bitch (17)
Another great strong class with some quality bitches – such choice.

1st Fort's ShuluneFantazy on Ice Res Bitch CC    Not one I am familiar with but when you go over her she really is true to type. Very typical head with good dark pigmentation with nicely broken ear. Her neck flows well into a good solid level top line and correct set croup ending with a proper tail set and carriage. Front of correct width, rounded bone leading to nice feet. She has a good depth of brisket with nicely rounded rib. Well angulated with a nice turn of stifle. Has a nice cyclic action on the move, good to and fro as well as in side profile. She has a good clear coat that was a clean white with polished black spots – nice. Presented well and deserved to win reserve best bitch.

2nd Haywards Luccombe Hazel Nut Cluster    Such quality in this liver bitch who is often forgotten because she could give more. Again a clear coat with lovely liver pigment and decoration. She has a lovely feminine head with good expression. Good length of neck – not stuffy into a well laid shoulder. Defined wither into level top line. Well angulated hind quarters. A bitch in top physical hard condition qualified by her muscle and yet not overdone retaining her femininity. Nice bitch up against strong opposition today. Third unfortunate not to move so well from behind today.

3rd Alexander's Offordale White Lady

Open Bitch (14)

1st Dunnachie's Ch Dvojica Voodoo JW Bitch CC – Group Winner Utility – Best in Show    I won't wax lyrical about this bitch - this is the benchmark for the Dalmatian breed.  A deliciously feminine bitch with such overall quality who was on fire today. She made my job so much easier with a 'look at me' attitude. A bitch that is pleasing to handle because of correct type, who is so well proportioned and balanced displaying firmness that was demonstrated in her free flowing movement. Her movement is something else with such drive and good extension. Good feminine head of good width and correct ear set pleasing feminine expression. She has a neck nicely arched of correct length. A lovely depth of chest having a good spring of rib, good loin followed by strong hindquarter with good turn of stifle. Her decoration is outstanding being even and consistent in size and coverage. She has a flowing tail set held correctly on the move and stood. Just beautiful! Lovely bitch that is true to type and her next goal should be BIS Crufts – set the standard!

2nd Neath – Duggan's Ch Buffrey Sprig 'O' Mint   How unfortunate for this quality bitch to come up against first on so much form. A feminine bitch slightly longer in leg than one. Good head framed with a well broken ear and good expression. Well bodied with correct length neck, flowing top line, good quarters and second thigh. Good bone and tight feet. Nice reach of neck into well laid shoulder. Well ribbed up over strong loin. Great pigmentation. Moved with drive and purpose but stood I could see the owner trying to raise her game but she didn't show with the vigour I know she can. Pushed hard by third.

3rd Cuthberton's Ch Kalsidoni Garnet JW Sh.CM

Breeders Certificate (1)

Johnsons bred litter.    A litter bred with good bone and all well pigmented. Nice to see so many Dalmatians from the same breeder in the show ring at the same time. All moved freely and a picture to see all together.

Judge: Sidney J Bolt