A liver bitch with nice side gait.
veining in marble). Dogs with solid colored ears, containing a few white guard hairs are well within the standard and should be judged on their overall merit, and not ignored simply because of their dark ears. Other overly spotted areas on the dog that might cause concern for newer judg- es can be the throat, the neck, and under- belly. Spotting in these areas tend to run together. Th is is okay. When thinking of a Patch, think about a Pointer or a Ger- man Shorthaired Pointer. Patches do not look like a cluster of spots that have run together and are touching. Patches are larger areas, with smooth edges, and do not contain white hair or white veining within the solid area. Although the AKC standard calls for dogs and bitches to be between 19-23 inches, any dog over 24 inches at the withers is to be disqualified. In reality, bitches are usually somewhat smaller than dogs. However, the Dalmatian has good substance, and is strong and sturdy in bone, but never coarse. It is possible to have too much bone and substance; this would produce a dog that is too coarse. Refined bone would prevent a Dalmatian from being capable of great endurance. Overall symmetry in outline, without exaggeration is desirable. Shoulders are smoothly muscled and well laid back. Th e upper arm is approximately equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an angle su ffi cient to insure that the foot falls under the shoulder. Th e hindquar- ters are powerful, with smooth, yet well defined muscles. Th e stifle is well bent. Feet are very important. Both the front and rear feet are round and com- pact, and should have thick, elastic pads and well arched toes. Flat feet and
Nice photo of dark ears³not a patch Notice the white hairs in the brown ear.
cow hocks are major faults, as they will a ff ect the dog’s ability to have powerful, e ffi cient movement. I suggest to anyone who wants to judge the Dalmatian, to first find the dogs that have the correct balance and shape. Th en find the dogs that have a powerful, balanced side gait, including a level topline while moving. Lastly, look for a spotting pattern that is within the boundaries of the standard, and a pattern that is not distracting to you. When in doubt, remember the original purpose of the Dalmatian, and move them around the ring one more time. Th e really good ones should be easy to find. Dalmatians are much more than just their spots.
BIO Tim Robbins obtained his first Dalmatian in 1967, while in high school. In 1970 he finished his first home- bred champion. He was hooked
on dog showing, and breeding qual- ity Dalmatians under the Robbsdale prefix. Tim became an AKC judge in 1990, and has judged the Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty show twice, and continues to breed a litter occasionally.
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