28th January 2012

The Holiday Inn, Rotherham-Sheffield JCT33
West Bawtry Road, Rotherham, S60 4NA
Tel : 01709 830630




Pictured are last years winner Daedalus Deacon Blue at Shacarlu with his proud owner Carol Burrows and the three judges of the 2010 event, Mr B Hernandez, Mrs A Arch and Mr M Smith,

The Competition

Dalmatian of the year is the North of England Dalmatian Club's prestigious competition, held in a match format for lucky Dalmatians who have qualified throughout the previous show year.

There are three separate competitions Best Dog, Best Bitch and Best Puppy. There are a number of rounds within the competition with Dalmatians in direct competition with each other to be chosen by at least two of the three appointed judges to make it through to the next round. The decision of each judge is kept secret, as is in fact the identity of judges right up until the competition starts.

The puppy competition is held as a mixed sex competition with the winner of the final round announced as Pup of the Year, qualifiers for the competition must have received Best Puppy In Breed at one of the various Championship Shows throughout the year or any of the Dalmatian Club Open Shows.

The winner of the final round of each of the adult competitions is deemed Best Dog / Best Bitch, they then face each other in one final round with the winner announced as Dalmatian of the Year and the runner up announced as Best Opposite Sex. To qualify for the adult competition the Dalmatian must have been awarded at least one Kennel Club Challenge Certificate during the previous show year.

The competition itself is a great spectacle, seeing the Dalmatians move around the ring as well as the various awards ceremonies. Please feel free to come along and watch as the event itself is free for spectators, at times you can feel the nerves and tension that the exhibitors are going through and get to experience the raw emotion of this wonderous event.

Following the competition there is also the chance to let your hair down and party.

Dance the night away

Tickets for the evening dinner dance cost just £27.50 and include your meal and the fabulous entertainment, for further information on either please use the links above right.

The special room rate is to be confirmed, watch this space for updates, if you do happen to contact the hotel in the mean time please quote : Dalmatian of the Year when making your booking and ensure to let the hotel know if you intend on having a Dalmatian stay with you in your room.

Tickets can be obtained from the DOTY organiser by emailing doty@noedc.com