Judges : Mr S. Bolt & Mr A. Talbot

Referee : Mr A. Cuthbertson

Dogs

Such a great show that I felt honoured to judge held at the Kennel Club show facility, Stoneleigh Warwickshire. This venue has to be one of the very best in which to show dogs having wonderful sized rings with excellent natural lighting that can be exploited by exhibitors to demonstrate the marvellous moving spotted dog.

Having all four clubs come together at once seemed no challenge for the committee's that ran the show to perfection with a great atmosphere and both dogs and exhibitors enjoying their day out.

I have to say that this was my most challenging appointment to date. The difficulty being that we appear to be losing breed type. My plea to all people breeding is to study your pedigrees meticulously and make your choice of breeding pattern with our lovely breeds interest at heart – think of the legacy YOU are leaving behind. I need to make comment on breed type because if we are to go forward in group and to challenge for best in group we need to get more type back.

Overall I was pleased with my winners all of good type having movement that flowed with drive and purpose.

I would like to thank both stewards who really controlled the running of each class making my job so much easier – thank you.

Top Honours

Best Dog – Best Opposite Sex in Show

Barrett & Fort's Shulune Ice Phantom of Dalmanti – Dog CC

Res Dog CC; Quayle's Buffrey The Shaded Sun at Cubalibre

Best Dog Puppy; Whincup & Sibson's Tamilanda Vintage Pink

Breeders Class – Mrs Neath-Duggan

Brace Class – Mr & Mrs L Thorner

Dogs

Minor Puppy Dog (6)

A vary varied class with some not showing typical puppy type. With schooling and familiarity to shows placings could change another day. But again, please watch your breeding programmes – these young dogs are our breeds future.

Blissett's Shydally's King Arthur

Compact black dog of correct size for age showing well and enjoying his day out – a dog of good personality. He has an excellent head well pigmented and of correct size and good strong muzzle, correct breadth of skull, well broken ear that were held correctly and good eye colour. Good length of neck leading to a nice chest and lay of shoulder. His wither is developing nicely as is his spring of rib and hind quarters which are also developing nicely. Overall a balamced developing puppy.

2nd Clement's Caldecacre Shiver M'timbers

Another nice dog but seemed a little unsettled and overawed by the event – hopefully this will change with time. Bolder spotting than first of pitch black colour fantastic pigmentation and darkest eye colour. A good compact dog having excellent substance. He needs to come up on his pasterns which will bring his top line up. This will come with time. He has a very

handsome head good strong neck and good front. I preferred his decoration to first. He has a good depth of brisket good coupling leading to well developing quarters. He has a strong set tail which his body needs to catch up with.

On the whole two nice puppies to watch.

3rd Caldecacre Sharknozemoto

Puppy Dog (7)

I can see a real battle between these two dogs at future events with placings being reversed from time to time – this competition is good for our breed.

1st Whincup & Sibson's Tamilanda Vintage Pink – Best Puppy Dog in Show

I think this dog has a great future as he is so well made and balanced. A good liver dog having good classic head and expression with well set on ears that carried well. He has good length of neck leading to correct lay of shoulder with no coarseness. This dog moved extremely well for a youngster – really flowed with purpose which was probably down to schooling and handler. Constructed correctly with good front, nicely formed ribbed body and length of loin leading to good hindquarters. Nice type - just needs time to fill out.

2nd Lamb's Dalpetro Decaprio

Another really nice liver dog that is well bodied and full of promise. Not as polished in the area of movement yet which I know will come because he is a good dog. He has a good head with terrific pigmentation and eye colour and with body decoration that is correct. Holds himself proudly, strong neck into a developing body with 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 Clement's Caldecacre Shiver M'timbers

Junior Dog (5)

Apart from the Post Graduate Dog class this was one of 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 Unlucky dog had to be third that is a good dog of quality well worth mentioning. First had this class on movement today and another day they could easily swap places. A difficult choice to make.

1st Todhunter Robinson's Millbelle Young Gun

A good sized honest liver dog who was well-presented standing four square. 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 kept in excellent firm condition – this dog has been exercised, Well let down hock with perfect angulation. A dog of excellent type that I hope maintains this condition. He is a dog with a good front displaying strong pasterns and good feet. Classic liver coat that looked polished contrasting with the pure white. Moved extremely well and stood rock solid but today just needed a little more pizzazz. If he would have had this today I think he would have taken top honours. Keep your eyes on this dog he should have a good future.

2nd Gamble's Cannabee Comander at Mullaboy

Another one that should not be ignored. Quality black dog of good type. He has much potential - I'll watch him with keen interest. This dog moves with terrific drive and covers the ground so well - handler and dog at good pace and harmony. A well bodied black dog shorter coupled than first 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, and tail set carried well on the move showing terrific ring presence.

3rd Candidals King of the World by Daovolante

Yearling Dog (7)

1st Alexander's Offerdale Chevalier

Black dog that just demands attention so much to like about him. He has such ring presence which cannot be ignored. Commands the ring on the move which won him this class. Great head and expression pigment and eye colour. A longer cast dog that stands well which is testimony to the way the dog is handled and the unity between dog and handler. A dog with good length of neck leading to well placed shoulder and correct front. Sound developed fore chest, level top line with extended loin and good angulated hindquarters. On the move he drove around the ring carrying his tail perfectly. It is hard to fault this dog but today was not stood quite right for me.

2nd Shulune Ice & Fire over Briarmist

This is another good dog of quality and would have pushed first hard for the top space when he decides showing isn't so bad after all. More compact in frame than first which I preferred. Good black colour well decorated boy of nice size. He has a good head with perfect spotted ear, nice broad skull and good muzzle. He stands well displaying quality with good reach of neck and wither. He has a good chest and fore leg. Preferred the pastern on first but he may come up on these in time. He has a good top line nice length of loin and strong well developed hind quarters – obviously well exercised. Another that could have a bright future.

3rd Alcock's Creaganbrec Face of Beau at Dalspartan.

Post Graduate Dog (14)

Probably my best and yet most difficult class of the day due to lack of breed type – it was so varied. However all dogs were in superb condition and handling was very good.

1st Barrett's Shulune Ice Phantom of Dalmanti – Dog Challenge Certificate winner

This is a quality dog that surpassed all with fantastic movement today. He covered the ground so well and could not be ignored not only on the move but also on the stand – excellent ring presence! Only criticism I could have with this boy was his weight but could see through the dilemma of bitches in season and a dog with no appetite. He is a very nice black dog with excellent pigmentation. Pleasing head with well set on ears. Correct length of neck leading to good body and structure, having well sprung chest with strong front. A dog of excellent balanced proportion with good correct length of back leading to excellent set of tail. He has strong rear quarters developing well with good angulation and form. Good bone throughout leading to nice feet. So pleased to award him a well deserved challenge certificate. He will need more body to take him further.

2nd Webb's Dalleaf Devil inDisguise at Jemblewood

Lighter decorated than first and in profile possibly the better dog but first had him on drive in his movement and ring presence today for me. This is a very good dog of quality with masculine head and a nice strong reach of neck into well developed shoulder and wither. Correct fore leg with nicely angulated pastern with good tight feet. A well coupled dog appearing a little heavy today over his back today but another with well sprung rib and good length of back. A nicely coupled dog but needs to develop stronger hind quarters which should come with time plus exercise which will give him the drive that first had. Good length of leg with nicely angulated pastern with good tight feet. He has great pigmentation and good even decoration that many should envy – overall he is developing well.

3Rd Todhunter Robinson's Millbelle Young Gun

Mid Limit Dog (5)

1st Munro's Tanstar Sea the Stars

This boy took this class easily today. He is not overdone or rushed in anyway. A dog of good size with a pleasing handsome head of correct proportion but to be hyper critical would prefer a more broken ear and darker eye. He is a dog with the blackest pigmentation which makes him stand out with well distributed decoration adorning the whitest coat – very well presented. He stands well having good front strong deepest of chests, strong through the wither with

level top line a nice croup and hindquarters to match. Longer on the leg which helped him cover the ring well. Good to go over and well handled.

2nd Holderness Henman Hill

A dog not to dissimilar to first in decoration however having less ring presence which was a shame because he is a good honest dog. He has a pleasing head, good ear and nicely decorated face with excellent dark eye and good expression. Another with good reach of neck that is strong and is set on well placed shoulder and strong front. He has a good deep chest that is well sprung. A nice length of loin and powerful hind quarters that drive him well on the move. His feet are as they should be – nice and tight. He is well angulated through the rear.

3rd Markey Heaven Sent Phreeman Calix with Dalissm

Limit Dog (6)

A very difficult class to judge between first and second

1st Quayle's Buffrey The Shaded Sun at Cubalibre – Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate Winner

A dog that had his act together which won him this class being helped by the fact that he was well handled. He is a compact shorter coupled black dog of good make and shape and correct size with excellent ring presence – he will not allow you to ignored him. He has a very pleasing handsome head with only criticism being I would prefer a broken ear, He has a marvellous powerful front, a good strong neck and well developed wither. This dog moves well but would prefer more drive at rear like second. He can do it because he has a good strong rear quarter. Good top line, well set croup and tail flowing off his back. One of the dogs today that had his weight spot on

2nd Todhunter Robinson's Takesti Moon Dancer

This is a dog I really liked who really can move with drive and vigour. He was so close to winning this class but first had him on body weight - just. He covers the ground with ease having strong rear quarters that drove him around the ring. He is a handsome dog of good demeanour with a good head of correct proportion and well set perfectly decorated ear. His overall make and shape is of good balance. He is longer cast than first which gave the better drive from the rear. He has a good front with well angulated shoulder strong bone and good feet. He has a good chest with ample lung capacity for doing his job. His rear quarters are strong and so well angulated. This was another that did not stop showing and gave his all. Another day another, another chance

3rd Dodds Kelevra Hudson Hawk

Open Dog (11)

1st Sophspot Abracadabra JW

This black dog for me meets the standard for type and never disappoints giving 100%. I love his head and expression. He has such an attentive intelligent expression with one focus - to please. Beautifully rounded bone with correct body coupling with good ring presence stood. I have seen him move better but today still managed to cover the ground with ease. He seemed to drop his top line today which was unfortunate. This is a dog with great condition and presented in the fittest of conditions – not overstated in anyway but always giving his all.

He has a balanced body having correct length of neck good wither and correct coupled body. 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.

2nd Crofts Doubtwell Show Stopper

An extremely striking handsome dog of good temperament with his mind focused on pleasing his owner. This is a dog that is full of potential. He was unfortunate to have met a dog who's owner moved him to better potential. He has the classic bold black pigmented body we strive for. Such dense black polished spotting well distributed with the whitest of coats. He is a dog of moderate size that oozes quality. He has a marvellous head carrying great expression that is framed with well set and carried ear. He has a lovely strong neck and chest with correct front, good bone and tightest of feet. His body has a well sprung rib good correct length of

back, loin and level top line to well set tail. Another with strong rear quarters and perfect angulation.

3rd Burrows Ch Daedalus Deacon Blue at Shacarlu.

Junior Veteran Dog (4)

1st Kembrey's Dalmark the Show Stormer JW Sh CM

This is another quality black dog that showed his socks off. He was presented and moved well fore and aft as well as having a good side action. A dog of good size with dense black spotting that shone and correct weight in body. He has a good head not overdone in anyway with blackest pigmentation. A neck of correct length showing no stuffiness, good shoulder and depth of brisket. He is well placed for muscle through his hock and in firm condition. Moderate for bone and good feet standing well with good angulation and presence.

2nd Cutts Ch Kaytian Kalypso to Marzelina

This is a dog of quality that I have always thought much of. Unfortunately he didn't seem to be enjoying himself today as much as I know he can. He has the most classic decoration that cannot be faulted for a liver and the colour is what we liver owners should be striving for. He has ear decoration to die for. He has a wonderful body make and shape that starts at his head, follows through his body to the tip of his tail. A good length neck with great front and a well laid shoulder, good bone and most perfect feet. He has a smooth transition from shoulder to rib – no coarseness with this dog. A good length of back that is level on the move which he does with true purpose. It was just a shame for me that he seemed like he wanted to be elsewhere today as I have always liked him.

3rd Dalesbred Larkin Around with Deovolante

Senior Veteran Dog

What a fantastic class of quality dogs despite their ages certainly could show some of the young guns how to move. Both dogs literally floated around the ring – such a pleasure to see.

1st Croft's Gemmont Mystic Night – Best Veteran in Show

A dog that was new to me but I can't understand how this dog never got his title, a fantastic liver dog who despite his twelve years still shows great quality. A correct coloured liver dog of moderate size with a handsome head, great pigmentation and eye colour. He has a good length of neck leading to good lay of shoulder, a well sprung rib and correct length of loin. He moved so well – a little stiff to start with on the move but once he got his old bones going there was no stopping him. So please to see him go best veteran in show.

P.S. Sorry to hear he passed away a week later. What a way to go out in style. Run free Cromwell!

2nd Gardner's Wrendragge Willeckerslyk JW

A well grown black dog again in good sound condition. Not a dog I am familiar with – great name! A good dog to go over stood rock solid and in great condition for his age. He has a good typical head with good dark pigmentation with nicely broken ear. His neck flows well into a good solid top line and correct set croup ending with good tail set when on the move. Front of correct width, rounded bone leading to nice feet. He 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. He has a good clear coat that was a clean white with shining black spots – nice. Presented well and shown well.

Bitches

This is our first time at Stoneleigh; it was an honour to be asked to judge bitches at this show. The light and airy feel of the building made it a pleasure to judge our wonderful breed. It is a Joint effort to bring this show together, with all four clubs pitching in and doing their “bit.” I think in bitches we have a great deal of quality, but we do seem to be losing type. I was very pleased with my winners and would thank everyone for the lovely entry. I would also like to thank my 2 able stewards George and Sharon who made the day run smoothly.
MP 8(1)
1st Emmett,s Dalliviro Reba Mac at Ellemstra B/w  pleasing outline, correct head  dark  eyes  correct ear set,  well balanced puppy with a long neck flowing into well laid shoulders, rounded bone deep chest with well sprung ribs, level top line & correct tail set and carriage, rounded rear construction.
2nd Stock’s Kalokairies Lady Bollinger at Nospar lightly marked B/w,   shorter coupled than 1, with a pleasing head and dark eyes, well-handled, and at one with her handler on the move
3rd Martland Kalokairies Lady Elonor at Deefadal
PB 12
1st Lamb’s Delpetro Diva b/w presents a well-balanced outline, pleasing head and eyes, correct amount of stop and well placed ears. She has a long neck flowing into well laid shoulders and a deep chest, well sprung ribs and a level top line. She has a good bend of stifle which enables her to move fluidly around the ring.   BPiS
2nd Emmett,s Dalliviro Reba Mac at Ellemstra
3rd Webster’s Tamilanda Pink Addition To Dalmarno
JB 9
1st Page’s Winflash Born to be Wild another quality bitch from this kennel,  B/W darkest of eyes, correct ear carriage,  long neck that flows into well laid shoulders, correct front,  good feet, level top line both on the stand and on the move. Good bend of stifle which she uses to move effortlessly around the ring.
2nd Radford-House Fivejays Oloroso    Lovely l/w that I had not seen before and she did not disappoint, Pleasing head and expression, good neck into well laid shoulders, level top line, rounded bone, cat like feet,  good bend of stifle with well let down hocks.  
3rd Christie’s Sophtspot Cha Cha
YB 18 (8)
1st Fort Shulune Fantasy Snapdragon l/w presents a pleasing outline good head, well placed and broken ears,, long neck which flowed into well laid shoulders, cat like feet, elbows close to the chest, level top line, good bend of stifle, felt coat could be better but this did not detract from her overall picture.
2nd Adderley Buffrey May Queen at Leiahart    lovely b/w well balanced bitch with a correct head and eye, well placed and broken ears, with good spring of rib and level top line which she kept on the move. Adequate bend of stifle, presented in hard condition.
PGB 19 (5)
1st Cottee Dalendale Dakota Delorno  L/w another new one to me. Correct in head and ear carriage, elbows tight to her body, shoulders well laid level top line which she kept on the move, well off for bone, tight feet, and well placed tail.  Presented a nice picture. Moved well and deserved her place
2nd Dunnachie’s Dvojica Vote for Me  B/w who on another day could have changed places with 1 , presents  balanced outline, good head and neck, ears set on correctly,  well  placed shoulders, level top line,  well ribbed body,  moved with an easy flowing motion.
ML 4 (1)
1st Cottee’s Dalendale Dakota Delorno
2nd Dodds & Pearson’s Kelevera Mercury Rising  B/w  pleasing head, correct amount of stop, with well carried ears, long neck into well laid shoulders, well bodied throughout,  lovely black spotting, would like to see more animation to complete the picture.
3rd Bardet’s Dallydyl Guinevere
LB 12 (2)
1st Wright’s Boutonneux Artemis of Millebelle Jw Sh.CM  L/w this bitch is maturing  nicely, flat skull well placed ears,  correct amount of stop, good shoulder placement, level top line,  well-muscled throughout ,  moved out  with reach and drive, well-handled and shown,  
2nd Hobbs & Whiting Winflash Loopy Loo B/w  another bitch maturing along nice lines, this bitch has a very pleasing outline, flat skull correct ear placement, neck and shoulders, rounded bone , cat like feet , strong back, correct in rib, not much between her and 1 just felt that the winner had a better bend of stifle. Very attentive to her young handler.
3rd Gibb’s Phadante Dixie Lilly Jw
Ob 12 (1)
Class of the day, so many of excellent examples of our breed, it was a shame that some had to go cardless.
1st Forts Shulune Fantasy on Ice Jw Sh. CM  B/w What a complete picture she presents,  balanced throughout, correct in head  with the right amount of stop, ears set on correctly, long neck that flowed into well-defined withers, deep chest, elbows tight to her body, level top line , correct rear angulation, which she used to drive around the ring. CC BIS
2nd Christies Ch Sophtspot Snap Crackle n Pop JW  B/w another high quality bitch all the attributes of one, dark eyes well place ears, pleasing expression,  long neck, withers well defined,  strong bone, deep chest, correct in rib, strong back, another bitch that moves correctly, RBCC  RBiS
3rd Quayle’s Ch Cubalibre Spot On Jw
JV 10(2)
Would like to say that all of our older ladies were presented in good condition, showing what a long lived breed ours is. Again it was a shame that some had to go home cardless
1st Clarke’s Ch Mapplewell Double Take By Klarkeson Jw B/w of good size typical Dalmatian head, dark eyes, long reach of neck, correct front shoulder placement, rounded bone, deep chest, good spring of rib, with a good bend of stifle.
2nd Richardson’s Mapplewell Hot Fudge L/w   just lost out to 1 on movement, pleasing expression, dark eyes, well off for bone, correct feet, correct in rib and back, correct tail carriage, well defined hocks.
3rd Roach’s Ch Hebe Aleatory in Holderness Jw Sh.CM
SPV
1st Wallington’s Diamond Dally B/w Enjoying her day out, still full of life, presents a balanced outline front and back, shoulders well placed, keeping her top line on the  move. RBVS
2nd Gardiner’s Wrendragge  Repetiteur  B/w  another enjoying her day out, still showing her socks off, head and ears present a soft kind expression,  neck long  and arched, plenty of heart room in her deep chest, good length of back, she just lost out today on her hind movement.