The Swedish Dalmatian Club warmly invited me in January 2023 to judge their Dalmatians at the club show on September 17, 2023 in Helsingborg. I would like to thank everyone involved for the trust they have placed in me.

On September 17th, 2023, I was able to judge around 51 Dalmatians, 4 breeding groups and 1 offspring group by wonderful weather, beautiful surroundings, good preparation by the organizers and a beautiful, large show ring.

General summary:
The majority of Dalmatians, around 95%, had a harmonious overall appearance with strong running bones. Unfortunately, about 5% of Dalmatians had a little too much on their ribs (1.5 to 2.0 kilograms). About 50% of the Dalmatians were in a slightly longer format, but were still in balance and almost all had above-average spotting and rich pigment. Only about 3% of the dogs presented did not have a pure, clean coat. These dogs had minor to moderate skin irritations.

Almost all Dalmatians had head proportions that were standard. There were only a very few around 3% who had a somewhat narrow muzzle and where the lower jaw was not strongly pronounced. At around 30% the muzzle was a little bit shorter than 1:1. All Dalmatians had a very beautiful expression and the eyes pigmentation (100%) and up to 98% of the noses pigmentation were closed. 80% of the dogs had a medium dark eye color. The rest had brighter eyes.

All Dalmatians had a scissor bite and approximately 96% had complete teeth. Unfortunately, I discovered that around 98% of the dogs I judged did not have clean teeth. These had mild to very severe tartar. As a rule, this shouldn't be the case, because oral hygiene is part of maintaining health. The owners have a responsibility here. Here you can very well use joint bones (this corresponds to nature) to clean the back molars (morals and partly premolars) and for the incisors (canine and partly premolars) you can now use an ultrasonic device to gently clean the dog's teeth. Any dog owner can easily use this device and is available for purchase at a price of 39.99 to 100.00 euros. This comment on my part should not be taken as an instruction to dog owners, it is just a small note.

All had strong and long necks. Only about 6% had plenty of throat skin.

99% of Dalmatians had excellent withers and a straight back. 90% had excellent croup position. There were very few Dalmatians who had a slightly shorter tail and it was carried a little high when moving.

Approximately 85% of the dogs presented had a pronounced forechest and 90% had correct forehand angulation. Some dogs (10%) had a little bit steep/straight forehand and/or the upper arm was too short. Only in about 2% of Dalmatians had the under line a little too high. 100% of Dalmatians had correct chest depth and hindquarter angulation.

Approximately 85% of the dogs demonstrated had a parallel, powerful, athletic movement in the correct sequence. Unfortunately, the remaining 15% ran offset, not parallel, with less of power from the hindquarters or sometimes pass.

I was very impressed by the character of the Dalmatians. Almost all of them were very open, lovable and approachable. The very few dogs that weren't as open were probably out of touch, weren't a team with the handler, or had very little show experience.

The dog handler of the dogs were very professional, very focused, very fair, practiced, very disciplined and treated the dogs in a species-appropriate and very loving manner. The dog handler beginners also put in a great effort. Note: No master has fallen from heaven yet. Practice and patience (especially with dogs) makes perfect.

Evaluation of the form scores and awarding of champion quality (competition classes):
30 x Excellent
7 x Very good
Males 12 x Awarded Champion Quality
Females 12 x Awarded Champion Quality

Note on the winners: BIR (BOB) and BIM (BOS)
These dogs are absolutely proud representatives of the “Dalmatian” breed and are very, very close to the FCI No. 153 standard. These dogs are almost perfect.

Summary of anatomy and movement:
I myself have never seen and judged so many high-quality Dalmatians on one show. For me that day, the male dogs were better anatomically and in terms of movement than the female dogs.

Note on the breeding groups:
I would like to thank the breeders very much for making it possible to introduce their many dogs to me. I appreciate their effort. All breeding groups were a feast for the eyes, each in their own right. But one breeding group has to be highlighted here ...the breeding group of “Jilloc’s”. Very consistent in all parts. Anatomically very close to standard.

Breeding technique:
My compliments and respect to the breeders for their tireless breeding work and effort to breed these great anatomical dogs. „Chapó“

To my right hand at the show was “The Show Manager” the serenity personified. We always communicated well with each other. She was responsible for everything. The process, the awarding of prizes, calling the classes, recording the winners in writing and so much more. This woman had covered quite a few kilometers that day. My compliments and respect for the smooth implementation of the show.

To my left hand at the show was “The Writer“ also a serenity personified. We spoke in German and English. Voting took place in German and the judges reports in English. This
poor woman had to put all of my very long and detailed assessments on paper. I hope she didn't have any hand pain from writing so much. But we were a well-rehearsed team. She was very knowledgeable and very professional in her work as a writer. My compliments and respect for the smooth preparation of the judges reports.

Thank you very much for the very nice gift that I received at the end of the show. I was very happy about it.

Ending:
Special THANKS to the show committee, organizers and dog handlers. Without you, such an “EVENT” would not be possible. Unfortunately, not all dogs can leave the place as BIR (BOB), but we all take our loving dog home as a winner!

Thank you very much for the invitation and it was for me a "GREAT HONOR" to be able to judge your Dalmatians in Sweden!!