I would like to sincerely thank the Officers and Committee of the Darlington Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge two varieties of the dachshund breed at this prestigious show.

From my entry on the day, my general observations are how much this breed I have loved since the late eighties has deteriorated!

Whichever the individual feels may be the result of this question for them individually, it does need to be addressed by the current custodians. I would always judge a dog or bitch on its overall merits as I personally interpret them point for point, and I do not/will not penalize an overweight miniature dachshund for the inclement restriction.

MPD (3) 1. Wood, Mr. Roy Wildstar Washington, took your eye when he moved around at the beginning of the class, he was all there for construction, just needs time to settle and develop. BPD 2. Oxley, Mrs. M P Dinkidax Diplomat, Super outline on this baby, but once again he needs more time to settle and develop. 3. Mcsorley, Miss Paris Barlaine Midnight Charmer.

PD (1) 1. Wood, Mr. Roy Wildstar Washington.

JD (2) 1. Latham-Jackson, Mr. P & Mrs. A Hanishan Neapolitan Urishay, good construction throughout, in good coat and moved out soundly with reach and drive.

PGD (2) 2. Talbot, Mrs. Lucy Irisdax Star Alistair Robin, would benefit from more ringcraft, but he is better constructed in his front assembly than his sire who stood second. 2. Yates, Mrs. T K Lyndarlea Just Brian of Irisdax really liked this dogs outline but was quite disappointed to go over his front assembly, he does have an excellent length of ribbing and a level topline, although his footfall is not where it should be.

LD (5) 3. 1. Weston, Mrs. K F & Johnson, Miss V J Ecotyne Devil's Advocate, excels in profile, especially on the move, he was a pleasure to go over with nothing exaggerated. 2. Oxley, Mrs. M P Lokmadi Rio Bravo at Dinkidax Jw, shame he was out of coat, well-constructed. 3. Drady, Mrs K M Tolberg Black Adder at Indiko.

OD (6) 1. Wood, Mr. Roy Ch Wildstar Wrobinson, Judges need to ignore a dog’s reputation and judge it with their own clear minds! This glossy red is just quite simply constructed correctly and within the current breed standard weight restrictions, the boy then knows the benefits of moving on a catwalk, together with the correct amount of schooling he has not gotten bored with his craft and presents himself excellently for his handler. I was happy to award him his 67th challenge certificate with Best of Breed, 2. Hall, Mr & Mrs. D B & W P Cliffmere Woodman, my notes tell me that he was unlucky to meet the winner today who is also his sire, I am sure that elusive third will be his soon for this red male is a well-balanced boy with excellent quality throughout resulting in a sound movement. RDCC. 3. Graham, Mrs D A Jadag Herr Bjorn.

VB (2) 1. Mee, Mr. William Barlaine's Red Splendour, 8 years and looking very well, moved around my ring with presence and her construction did not disappoint me. I was delighted to award her BVIB. 2. Weston, Mrs. K F & Johnson, Miss V J Ecotyne Firewitch, unlucky to meet the winner but she lost her topline on the move today.

MPB (3) 1. Dunhill, Mrs. R A & Knight, Mrs. J Calgreg Glory at Gellijam, large framework on this bitch and very mature for her age, she needs more schooling to fulfill her potential. 2. Mcsorley, Miss Paris Barlaine Golden Honey, less mature than the winner but the same remarks apply. 3. Ibbotson, Ms. Jackie Yanina & Ibbotson, Miss Rachel Marishka La Belle.

PB (3) 1. Mitchell, Miss Emily Bronia Day Dreamer, I had a Marilyn Monroe moment when this one walked around my ring, she was a sheer pleasure to judge as your hands just glide all over her, she will trouble the best and climb the ranks to be sure! RBCC and BPIB. 2. Graham, Mrs. D A Jadag Razzamataz, a well-marked dapple with good construction throughout, moved out so soundly, unlucky to meet the winner. 3. Ibbotson, Ms. Jackie Yanina & Ibbotson, Miss Rachel Marishka La Belle

JB (2) 1. Carey, Miss Debbie Honeysuckle Scent to Me Via Debbiejay, nicely constructed bitch, good length of ribbing, needs to tighten in the left elbow.

PGB (3) 1. Shutt, Mrs. Marie Starlight Angel of Donnadoon, excellently constructed bitch, showing her sound movement, shown in gleaming condition. 2. Rees, Mrs. Julie Mary Minard Magic of Light at Yumares, same remarks as my winner but was not level in topline on the move today. 3. Heather, Miss W Ravensbeech Beansprout of Whiteorchard.

 LB (3) 1. Mason, Miss Daisy Crownlake's Queen Bee JW, this bitch takes your eye by her clean lines and gleaming coat, she is constructed and developed well, and to top that off she has a talented handler. 2. Drady, Mrs. K M Tolberg Cream Surprise at Indiko like this bitch on the move, but she was not cooperative with her handler, she was not relaxing on the stack to show herself to advantage.

OB (5) 1. Bell, Mrs. L Tolberg Cream Delight Another with good construction and within the breed standard weight restriction, strong topline on the move with good forward reach, and drive behind, upon examining her within the challenge I knew she had to be my winner today. BCC 2. Metcalfe, Mrs. Barbara Metadale Ariadne, have always really liked this bitch and indeed she was unlucky to meet the principal winners, good solid construction, and moves soundly. 3. Graham, Mrs. D A Jadag Take a Chance on Me.