British Dalmatian Club – Centenary Breed Championship Show
4th May 2025
DOGS – Paul Hipkiss
It was a great honour to be asked to judge dogs at this centenary show following the original judge having to withdraw through injury. I was delighted with the quality and temperament of the majority of entries and the way in which they were shown, with some promising youngsters with much to look forward to.
I was pleased to see Dr Stevenson’s choice of best bitch as I much admired her when I last judged her at Windsor where I awarded her the Reserve CC from the junior class. We were able to agree to awarding her Best In Show, and on the other main awards.
BABY PUPPY DOG
1. Hill’s Scampdal Limited Edition. Appealingly marked well balanced liver youngster, 5 months old and showing great promise for the future. Proportions correct, correct head size and shape, good spring of rib, excellent coat. Confident mover with good reach and drive. BEST BABY PUPPY
MINOR PUPPY DOG
1. Alexander’s Offordale Belvedere. Lovely liver, 7 months old, well decorated, masculine head and correct neck into well defined withers, deep chest with well sprung ribs, level topline and well set tail held on the move. Moved out confidently with well balanced movement. A promising future awaits this quality puppy.
2. Kaal’s Decoda’s Long John Silver von Schunikka. 8 month old black with good dark eyes and appealing head, overall well balanced and moved well holding good topline and tailset. Moved out smartly and with confidence. Good overall outline, build and balance.
PUPPY DOG
1. Evans’s Hafwenna Pie Kid You Not for Troikadal. 11 month old liver, nicely marked with correct head proportions & well set ears. Withers well defined, good front build in balance with well angled rear. Overall bone ideal for his age. Deep chest and spring of rib. Moved strongly holding his topline well.
JUNIOR DOG (3)
1. Whincup’s Tamilanda Vintage Gold JW. At 14 months of age this nicely marked liver dog moved with confidence, showing well balanced drive and good reach. Head of correct proportions, well arched neck, good depth of brisket and ribs well sprung & extended back. Overall well balanced in outline and good for bone. J
2. Warren’s Hafwenna Gulping Pixies. Lighter in build than 1, this black 15 month old moved well with good freedom of movement. Appealing spotting and condition. Expressive head and good eye colour.
3. Pratt’s Lyndalla Bail Me Out
YEARLING DOG (6)
1. Quayle’s Cubalibre Sirius Celeste. Well developed black of excellent size balance and outline. Head well held and of correct proportions with well set ears and dark eyes. Neck carried well into well defined withers. Deep chest with well sprung ribs carried well back. Correct front assembly and matched by turn of stifle. Movement was positive, strong and well orchestrated. RESERVE CC and BEST BLACK DOG
2. Stocks’s Dalmark Jubilations at Nospar JW. A very appealing liver with excellent overall balance and substance. Lovely head and overall markings. Put in a very strong show on the move with good action and drive. Shared the attributes of 1 and a close decision on the day.
3. Hodgkins’s Dalmadally in The Ballroom.
NOVICE DOG
1. Quayle’s Cubalibre Sirius Celeste.
2. Kaal’s Decoda’s Long John Silver von Schunikka
GRADUATE DOG
1. French’s Tamilanda Instant Envy. This striking black has excellent proportions and balance. Masculine head set on neck going down to strong front, level topline and rear well muscled and good turn of stifle. Movement was fluid and positive.
2. Goddard & Barry’s Dalberry That Boy is Mine. Well balanced liver, appealingly marked. Well balanced on the move with good rhythmic coordinated action. Topline correct and well held.
3. Graham-Weall’s Steyndal Moon Stone Among Phidgity
POST GRADUATE DOG
1. Wootton’s Tolkain Caliban. Appealing black with head of correct proportions with ears well set, neck well set on down to withers. Correctly held topline on the move where he displayed a good balanced and positive movement.
MID LIMIT DOG
1. French’s Tamilanda Instant Envy.
LIMIT DOG (7)
1. Chance & Dodds’s Apache Dream Catching for Dotlun. I liked the overall build and outline of this quality liver dog and was also pleased to watch him move so positively and freely. Such an appealing head in balance with his body. Really good topline, front and rear construction.
2. Williams & Tanswell’s Tolkain Storm King From Phadante. Nicely balanced black, shown to perfection with good reach and excellent drive. Coat in tip top condition, head and ears correct, well ribbed and good topline. Good front in balance with well muscled rear.
3. Tingey’s Dallyador Lockdown Legend.
OPEN DOG
1. Christie’s Ch Sophtspot Gold Dust JW. A quality liver dog who was on top form today. Head of good proportions, with well defined stop, excellent ear carriage. Well defined stifle, good depth of brisket, ribs well back and a firm, level topline which was well held on the move. Ideal tailset. Firm well muscled rear, stifles well bent and hocks well let down. A delight to watch on the move with precise fore and aft co-ordination covering the ground with ease. DOG CC and Reserve Best in Show, Best Liver & Best Opposite Sex
2. Sampson’s Dalstorm Golden Guinea JW. A nicely balanced black dog with appealing head and expression. A little lighter built than 1 but of excellent size and proportions. Correct front assembly and lay of shoulder matched by good bend of stifle. Easy well balanced movement.
3. Whincup’s Tamilanda Airforce One
SPECIAL MEMORIAL OPEN DOG (4)
1. Richardson’s Ch Mapplewell Pocket Rocket. Striking boldly marked black . Soundly built, well muscled and balanced, he moved with a sound easy and well coordinated balanced stride. His overall outline and balance are of the highest order.
2. Williamson’s Decoda’s Captain Tom. A well balanced liver who strode out with well coordinated and balanced reach and drive. Held his level topline and tail carriage both standing and on the move. Right amount of bone and substance, nothing overdone.
3. Alexander’s Offordale Grenadier
SPECIAL JUNIOR VETERAN DOG
1. Marley & Libbey’s Bellili’s D’amore De Loin ShCM ShCEx. 9 year old black who moved well with an easy well balanced motion. Nice head in proportion to body, good topline and depth of brisket.
2. Salkeld’s Tippledal Tarw Du at Opalsnow. 7 year old black, longer cast than 1. Moved with good coordination and drive. Not in the best of coat, but appealing overall appearance.
SPECIAL SENIOR VETERAN DOG (2, 1 abs)
1. James & Vaux’s Tippledal A New Moon Rises. 10 year old liver, nicely marked and of good proportions with keen young handler. Both put in the effort to get the best out of him. Movement was good and well balanced. In profile he has an appealing head, good lay of shoulder, topline and tailset. A nicely balanced dog.
BITCHES – Dr. John Stevenson
It was a privilege to judge bitches at the Club’s Centenary Championship Show. I would like to thank those Members who elected me to this honour, and to the exhibitors who entered, giving me the opportunity to go over their wonderful Dalmatians. My thanks also go to my competent Stewards who managed the ring so efficiently. My particular thanks must go to the Officers and Committee who collectively organised such a well-run and enjoyable event. The Ch.Show was the culmination of a weekend of celebration which was very well supported on both days, with a variety of events for all to enjoy in a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Congratulations to the British Dalmatian Club in its Centenary year and best wishes for the years to come.
I have two negative observations on the Breed generally, (though fortunately not so prevalent on the day). Firstly there appears to be a mood of ‘bigger is better’ today. Unfortunately, this can lead to an appearance in some Dalmatians of coarseness and lumber, which is expressly undesirable according to the Standard. Secondly, there are a number of exhibits with high tails, which again is undesirable and really spoils the outline of the dog. It is a trait which is very difficult to breed out.
MINOR PUPPY BITCH (1 0)
1 James & Vaux Tippledal Mist of The Meadow Attentive and outgoing 9m (on the day) b/w. Defined wither, well laid shoulder and level topline. Straight well boned forelegs. Correct degree of musculature for age and will no doubt continue to mature.
PUPPY BITCH (2 0)
1 H Davies Maddidalli True Loves Kiss Outgoing 9m b/w with pleasing head and expression. Strong round bone in foreleg, level topline well-ribbed and nice hindquarter angulation. Steady fluid movement, nice to see in one so young BPB
2 T Davies Maddidalli Auroras Heart B/w litter sister to 1, sharing many attributes and a fine decision between them. Bold dense pigmentation. Tight cat feet. Nicely arched neck into defined withers. Deep chest and strong loin.
JUNIOR BITCH (8 0)
1 Alexander & Collier Offordale Jazz Love the compact balance and proportions of this young attractively marked b/w who displays correct size and body/height ratio. Firm throughout with toned muscle but not overdone for age. Good angulation of quarters allowing positive reach and drive, and length of stride resulting in a flowing movement.
2 Wareham & Wylde Tamilanda Gold Standard at Dotsadaisy Rich liver spotting on tight coat. Lively and outgoing bitch of substance with strong bone throughout. Well laid back shoulders, level topline, excellent tail set and carriage. Relaxed rhythmic movement.
3 Penn Dalarisa Spring in Her Step.
YEARLING BITCH (8 0)
1 Tillson Tamilanda Rose Gold at Elabri Attentive l/w of some substance with attractive even spotting on tight coat. Appealing expression, complimented by well carried broken ears. Firm condition, deep chest with good length and depth of rib. Strong loin. Nice overall profile. Moved steadily.
2 Healey, Healey, Wheaton & Gardinor Hebemor Careless Whisper from Dakata Much to like about this soundly constructed l/w of balanced proportions, not overdone in any way. Well off for bone, tight feet, nice quarters angulation resulting in collected movement which earned her the place.
3 Bridge, Meyer & Britton Akoni Buttery D'or
NOVICE BITCH (8 0)
1 Harris Dallydyl Odette In the initial line-up, the outline construction and proportions of this l/w simply caught the eye. Was not disappointed going over her. Elegant balanced and soundly put together throughout with nice angulation of quarters. Direct, steady and coordinated on the move both out and back. A real ‘find’.
2 Dalarisa Spring in Her Step 3rd in good JB class. B/w in excellent condition. Lovely head and expression, gently arched neck, defined wither and level topline. Good bend of stifle and coordinated stride. Still very much a youngster and has time on her side.
3 French Tamilanda Instant Sass
GRADUATE BITCH (7 0)
1 Harris Dallydyl Odette (Rpt)
2 Tingey Dallyador White Magnolia JW Feminine l/w with good eye colour contributing to pleasing expression. Liked her shoulder placement and return of upper arm providing scope for forward reach. Good spring and length of rib. Covered the ground economically.
3 Stocks Sophtspot Sparkler at Nospar
POST GRADUATE BITCH (4 1)
1 Sampson Dalstorm Just Waltzing JW L/w of quality with sweetest expression and rich eye colour. Substance throughout, with strong bone, well defined wither, chest to elbow, powerful coupling, well developed first and second thighs. Covered the ground well with good length of stride.
2 Pace Sadiedel's Arab Girl JW Taller framed b/w but in proportion. Nicely arched neck. Capacious chest with good spring of rib. Fit throughout with toned muscle, balanced angulation front and rear, used to advantage moving.
3 Pedlar Capearlla Diamond
MID LIMIT BITCH (3 0)
1 Hurst Dvojica Firefly for Finnidal JW This b/w has matured into a firm bodied youngster of correct size with balanced proportions of body length and height, bone and substance and good muscle. Not exaggerated in any way and moved freely out, back and in profile.
2 Neal Tolkain Morning Star Compact b/w nicely decorated on tight sleek coat. Feminine head with well broken and carried ears. Good depth of chest and length of rib. Relaxed steady movement.
3 Tamilanda Instant Sass
LIMIT BITCH (10 1) A class of quality in depth and a true pleasure to judge!
1 Collier Kallierbelle Ceithir JW In the near 3 yrs since I awarded this b/w the RCC at 12m, she has matured in body and tone to perfection whilst retaining her femininity. Her conformation reflects quality from head to tail. Best of angulation fore and aft, not excessive but the correct proportion to facilitate the stride of a true carriage dog. On the move, a joy to watch. Great reach, positively drawing the ground toward her, complimented by powerful yet seeming effortless drive. Appears to simply float over the ground. Could not deny her the third and crowning CC. BCC & BBB
2 Quayle Cubalibre Wishing Star JW L/w, another of top quality, and still a yearling. Lovely head shape with true amber eye. Smoothly flowing profile from slightly arched neck through defined wither, level topline, slight arch over croup to correct tailset and carriage. Good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Strong straight foreleg, slight spring of pastern and cat feet. Sound rear quarters, effortless movement with legs tracking perfectly. RBCC & BLB
3 Bolt Fakenham Fontanella
OPEN BITCH (7 0)
1 Chance & Dodds Ch/Swiss/Ir Ch Dotlun Apache Inch Perfect JW This very attentive well presented l/w displays an impressive picture on the stand with all features so balanced and in proportion. Well boned, firm toned body in hard condition. Excellent angulation of quarters, with good bend of stifle contributing to the drive required of a carriage dog.
2 Whincup Tamilanda Instant Star JW B/w with excellent front construction, strong straight bone, correct spring of pastern and tight cat-like feet. Deep capacious chest to elbow, good length of rib. Rhythmic economic and steady gait.
3 White Ch/Ir Ch Sophtspot La De Da at Belsmard ShCEx
SPECIAL MEMORIAL OPEN BITCH (7 2)
1 Richardson Ch Mapplewell Limited Edition Elegant and feminine evenly marked b/w of standard size presents a well defined profile with substance and balance of features throughout, free of any exaggeration. Sound front with strong bone, firm body, nicely angulated hindquarters. Moved purposefully and true, tracking well.
2 Pickup Ch Dotlun English Rose at Roadcoach Well presented and attractively decorated l/w. Good lay of shoulder, defined wither. Level topline, deep chest, nice spring of rib. Strong foreleg. Nice bend of stifle with defined second thigh.
3 Whincup Ch Tamilanda Continental Gold Cw21
SPECIAL JUNIOR VETERAN BITCH (6 0)
1 Jenkins & Ridgway Luccombe Strawberry Kisses The condition and presentation of this b/w belied her 9+y. Dense spotting evenly distributed on a tight pure white coat. Lovely make and shape, firm body, toned muscle and of attractive proportions. Did not disappoint on the move, striding around the ring with purpose BVB
2 McManus Boschendal Ashes of Roses B/w also 9+y Kind expression enhanced by dark eye. Nice body proportions. Sound forequarter construction and nicely angulated rear quarters. Moved with confidence.
3 Finch & Bonner Sophtspot Hocus Pocus at Dalticino
SPECIAL SENIOR VETERAN BITCH (1 0)
1 Bolt Gemmont Affirmed by Fakenham 10y b/w. Stood alone yet thoroughly deserved her place and enjoying her day. Nice forequarter construction with sound bone in foreleg. Deep chest, nicely ribbed, level topline and strong coupling. Sound overall construction. Navigated the ring with relaxed stride.
JUDGED JOINTLY
My co-judge Mr Paul Hipkiss and I were in agreement on all the major awards (JS):-
BEST IN SHOW - Collier’s Kallierbelle Ceithir JW
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW, BEST OPPOSITE SEX & BEST VETERAN IN SHOW – Christie’s Ch Sophtspot Gold Dust JW
BEST PUPPY IN SHOW – Alexander’s Offordale Belverdere
BRACE (6,2)
All exhibitors are to be congratulated for their performance. (JS)
1. Williams & Tanswell
Nicely matched black couple who put in a polished performance moving out well together in tandem. (PH)
A well matched pair who moved with balance and in unison around the ring.(JS)
2. Williamson’s
Pair of well matched dogs. Moved with good stride and balance , close up with 1 (PH)
Attractive l/w pair, who also navigated the ring in a coordinated manner. (JS)
3. Finch & Bonner
