Lichfield Premier Open Show

We started the New Year off at Lichfield Premier Open Show, on a very cold day.

In the breed classes, under judge Tom Rigby, Eira came Reserve in the Junior class. She was a bit bouncy!

Under Janet Kay in the Val Freer Memorial Stakes Junior under judge she came 2nd out of 13 Junior dogs.

She enjoyed having a potted round the show and a leg stretch or 6!!

Wirral KA open show

Dave drew the short straw and drive me to this show on the Wirral! There wasn’t a breed class for Dalmatians, but as the judge was a breed specialist I decided to put her in AVNSC.

It wasn’t the biggest of rings, but she showed her socks off, gaining 2nd place. She was rewarded with a sausage butty!!

Ladies Kennel Association Champ Show

First time we’ve been to LKA, and I love that it’s at Stafford, so much closer to home than the NEC!

Eira was in Minor Puppy B, and came first in a strong class. She was much more settled, and on a new snake chain, gold rose coloured to compliment her liver spots.

She coped really well with the challenge, after a long day, and didn’t fidget until the very end!

Seren was in another very strong open class, and didn’t get placed, but she showed her socks off, couldn’t have asked for more from her.

That’s the last champ show of 2025 done and dusted. Our next outing is an open after Christmas, before the last champ show before Crufts – Manchester.

British Utility Breeds Association Champ show

Yesterday I took Eira and Seren to BUBA, first time managing the two girls on my own, but it all went smoothly.

Eira was up first, having 2 classes, Minor Puppy Bitch and Novice Bitch. She nearly sent me flying in Minor Puppy, her movement was all over the place and rushed, so we didn’t place.

However, we had a change of leads and strategy, so in the Novice class she moved so much better and won the class, qualifying her for Crufts 2026! We are over the moon!

Seren was in a class of champions, whilst she showed her socks off she didn’t get placed.

BUBA is special as it’s the show that each of the girls gained their first 1st placing at a championship show.

Lottie 1st Special Beginners December 2019
Seren 1st Minor Puppy December 2021
Eira 1st Novice Bitch December 2925

A few critiques

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM – 2025

DALMATIAN

 Vd (2,1) 1 Wallington,  Sophtspot In The Zone Nicely marked, with a good head and expression. Pleasing body and bone with a nice flow of neck into a good topline. OK for rear angulation, with well muscled quarters, and a good second thigh. Feet OK, but might benefit from shorter nails, he moved out well.

Barry Day

Dalmatian Club of Scotland – Open show  12th September 2025.

Judge Julie Hopkin

Baby Puppy Bitch  (5)

2nd Wallington Mrs C – Ailsadot Blue Orchid  

Liver spotted 4 months old. Happy confident outgoing puppy, with lots to like. Superb picture when she went into a stand, very balanced overall. Nicely constructed puppy, very promising for the future. Very close call between 1 & 2 today,1 was more settled on the move.

South Wales Kennel Association – 9th October 2025

Judge: Theresa Gardinor

Open Bitch (8,4)

2nd Wallington- Ailsadot Astral Lyra

Pretty black spotted girl, lovely shape, well-muscled, good hind quarters. Good depth of chest, nice reach of neck and moved well.

 

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch (10,1)

2nd Wallington – Ailsadot Astral Lyra

Report in previous class

Darwen

K Laws 

DALMATIAN

Puppy 3

I’ve wrote in my notes that this class was judged by hands on and on the stack. 3 very giddy puppies who were being just that. I’m sure all would be better in a much bigger ring. It’s the dog on the day and none were in any disgrace 

2nd Wallington Allsadot Blue Orchid.

This little lady was 6months and the best behaved, she has a very pretty head leading into a good front, showing correct length of loin. A bit off on the move. Super critical I would like more depth to ribs but at 6 months I’m sure this will come.

A couple of Open shows

We took Eira to Darwen Canine society’s Premier Open show last weekend. She was the only girl in the class, and behaved really well. Sadly the ring was tiny so she couldn’t settle into her stride. She got placed 2nd, so I was over the moon with her.

We went to Sedgley and Gornal’s premier open show today. Only 2 in the class, Eira came 2nd behind an older boy, but she moved better in the bigger ring.

Carriage Dog Training

Dalmatians were bred to follow carriages in the Georgian period. We are lucky to have the Carriage Dog Society and the provide training and carriage dog trials.

As Lottie finds being in a crate at shows uncomfortable on her back I have been looking for something else to do with her, and the opportunity to do some carriage training in the north came up. So I signed us up for a 90 minute session with 9 other dals.

What an amazing experience, Lottie was a natural and by the end of the session I was stood on the carriage and she was trotting behind. This is brilliant as she only had a total of 8 minutes behind the carriage!

As well as doing carriage work we did some groundwork, training the dog to focus on you groom, follow commands such as stay and recall, and to work among distractions. Lottie, being the well behaved dog she is, nailed it, even the stay with exciting people moving around!!

We will definitely be back for more!!