CRUFTS 2026   GREAT DANE  Judge Mandy Bithell

Firstly, can I say what an absolute honour & privilege it was, to be asked to judge the breed I have loved, exhibited, bred & lived with, for almost 40 years, at the biggest & most prestigious Dog Show in the World. I would like to say a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to EVERYONE that entered under me. We all know it’s not a ‘cheap’ day out & I truly & sincerely appreciate the time & money spent, to bring your Danes to this wonderful show. While I have valued the experience of exhibiting at Crufts, standing as a judge on the Green Carpet represented a significant professional achievement. A dream fulfilled. Whereas I recognize the fact that certain exhibitors enjoy participating at Crufts, regardless of the judge. I was very humbled to receive some thoughtful messages, expressing their support, despite not achieving a placing. This underscores the exceptional support and sportsmanship demonstrated by all exhibitors. It was truly gratifying to observe such mutual respect in the ring. I would also like to thank all those that came along ‘just to watch.’ Your support for those parading around the ring AND for myself, was heartwarming & made my day extra special. If there were any ‘disgruntled’ people, I didn’t hear them…. but then again, once I stood onto that green carpet, my focus was 100% on the dogs in hand & almost forgot people were sat around! ‘My Day’ wouldn’t have been possible without the immense support of my husband, my daughter & co-codamol…& I thank them whole-heartedly! Also, the superb efficiency of my two stewards. What a splendid job they did in keeping both the ‘ring’ & myself, running smoothly. Overall, temperaments were a credit to their owners, with just the odd one or two that found the Green Carpet a little overwhelming & the floor a little slippery! Let us review and highlight some important key traits and essential qualities of the ‘Apollo’ of the Dog World, the Great Dane. Upon looking at its head, it should be one that screams ‘Great Dane’ back at you, with Dash & Dare complimented with a Soft, alert expression. This is one of the ‘characteristic’ requirements of the breed. A balanced outline… with movement of the required reach & drive, with correct ‘footfall.’ A Dane that moves with purpose…driving from the hocks. Therefore, I would like to point out a few important details, which seem to be ‘creeping’ in! Noticeably, ‘straight’ angles! A Dane drives from its ‘well let down’ hocks & ‘reaches’ from its correctly made angulated lay of shoulder & corresponding upper arm. They should NOT look ‘stilted’ when moving, but with a ‘galloping’ power…driving around the ring. Whereas ‘baiting’ your Dane, may help to get it to stand/wait/concentrate! Unfortunately, as a judge trying to look into its mouth, when it’s filled with ‘treats,’ is a bit of a hinderance! On the whole though, I was truly pleased with my winners & many that were placed lower down, on another day, could swap places, for those ‘red’ cards. But I had to judge ‘on the day.’ I would also like to say a very huge thank you to Tess (Big’Ed Rosettes) for supplying me with the most stunningly ‘framed’ personalised rosettes, made ‘patiently’ to my requirements & awarded to my BOB, BOS, BP & BV. I’m sure the recipients were over the moon with them. A wonderful momentum of their success at this prestigious show. Thank you all once again, with entrusting me with my ‘opinion’ on your beloved Danes. It was my absolute pleasure to get up close & personal with this majestic Breed. There is nothing like a Dane!

GCD 1 Fergusons Int/Ir/Lux Ch Elitedaimos Magick Mago at Chateaudain. Blue of sound condition & good bone. When viewed from the front, he had a nice kind eye with a soft expression. I would have preferred more refinement in the back skull but used his ears to advantage. Good width of muzzle with a square drop of lip. The depth of chest filled his front, with good width & flowed level with his well tucked in elbows & continuing into a nicely tucked up under carriage. Stood on straight legs & good cat-like feet. Adequate length of neck. A more angulated front & rear would have given him the drive & reach that would give the overall desired appearance when moving.

PD (7,2) 1 Bakers Kinnegans Bodyguard for Preveli. Nicely balanced fawn, with dark eye & kind expression. Good shape to head for his young age but would prefer smaller ears to enhance that expression. Stood straight at the front, with tight feet. Adequate width & depth of chest. Lovely arched neck, flowing into correctly angulated shoulders. Good length to upper arm with satisfactory lay of shoulder. Easily won this class on his movement. Handler did well, even when this young boy decided that he’d enjoy himself on the move! I love seeing naughty youngsters, but I saw enough to give him the well-deserved first. Unfortunately, his topline let him down in the challenge for BPIB. I’m sure the owner will have lots of fun in the show-ring with this boy. BPD

2 White Kinnegans Last Kingdom at Tarandanes. The fawn is slightly heavier in the head compared to the winner, but he displayed his dark eyes and gentle expression impressively. His ears could be smaller. He has a well-proportioned muzzle, square lips, and a nicely arched neck. Overall, he is well-balanced with adequate angulation. From the side, his movement was good, though he appeared somewhat untidy coming and going.

JD (6,2) 1 Wright & Cranfields Zefather’s Two Faces with Irieusdane. Balanced fawn with flat bone and a clean outline. He has dark eyes, a refined head with a sculpted skull, and a broad muzzle. His lips are square and well dropped. Unfortunately, he didn’t use his ears to advantage today, which affected his expression. The front is well filled with good width and depth. The neck is adequately shaped and transitions smoothly into well-placed shoulders. His topline is level, maintained both standing and moving. Balanced outline with correct croup. He moved soundly and with purpose. The handler brought out his best qualities and performed well.

2 Nunn & Patch Roshanun Conquistador. The Harlequin is of appropriate size and bone and has a dark eye, though less haw would be preferable. He used his ears well at times, which added to his expression. His muzzle is broad; however, greater refinement and less lip would enhance his appearance. His neck length is adequate. He is somewhat straight in both upper arm and rear quarters, which limits his ability to move freely. He is short coupled. The handler should focus on bringing out the best in her dog, particularly by paying attention to the placement of his feet when stood.

YD (2) 1 Simpsons Renescent Bewitched JW. This striking black male is in excellent condition with a balanced outline, good length of foreface, flat skull, and kind expression. He has square lips, solid filled front, correct brisket width, straight forelegs, cat-like feet, and tucked elbows. His neck is of adequate length with well-set shoulders and a strong topline. The ribcage is nicely sprung and body proportions are solid. While he moves purposefully and is well-muscled, a more relaxed hock would enhance his rear drive. Overall, he exemplifies many breed qualities and is a fine representative.

2 Tempest Adoreadane Yellowstone (AI). Mantle of good size and bone. Head is coarser than the first, but lips are square. Ears could be smaller for better expression. Chest is deep and wide, with elbows neatly tucked. Bone is flat and feet strong and cat-like. Neck could be longer and more elegant, but shoulders are well placed. Topline is strong and level; tail set is slightlyhigh, causing the tail to fly when moving and affecting the outline when viewed from a side gait. Very good spring of rib. Strode out well at the front.

PGD (7,1) 1 Watsons Adoreadane Frank Sinatra (ai). Harlequin with a clean white neck and balanced, muscular outline. Kind eyes, adequate expression, square muzzle with level planes. Strong, well-filled front of good width, elbows tucked in. Feet could be straighter and tighter. Level topline and sufficient angles front and rear; handler showcased him well on the move.

2 Shadbolt Adoreadane Blazing Saddles (ai). Nicely marked harlequin with clean white background. Stood proud on the stand. Skull a little wider than winner but carries it off when viewed from the side. Correct width to muzzle with square drop of lip. Ears of good size. Nicely arched neck of good length. Flat bone, standing on well-shaped feet. They just need to tighten on the move. Strong level topline. Would like to see more reach & drive to give him a more free flowing movement.

LD (10,3) 1 Munro Roucandane Stolen Kisses. Tall fawn of good proportions, standing foursquare & balanced. A darker eye would soften his expression. Broad muzzle & square drop of lip. Front filled solid in depth & width. Excellent tight elbows. Straight flat bone, standing on excellent feet & strong pasterns. Strong neck of adequate length. Good lay of shoulder. Let his topline dip at times unfortunately. Well sprung ribs with sufficient tuck up. Moved adequately in stride, when viewed from the side. good width of thigh, falling parallel. Coming & going was best footfall in the class.

2 McGuiness & Nelson-McGuiness & McGuiness Dinahtron The Omen. This clean fawn immediately stood out with an elegant look, still maintaining a masculine presence, with dark eyes, showing of that soft expression so often missing these days. His head was well-proportioned on a beautifully, arched neck. His overall outline was eye-catching. Shoulder and front structure were excellent, with flat bone & good feet. His topline was firm, although slightly long, with good width to thigh & adequate let down hocks. His qualities evident throughout. He switched handlers to move, became unsettled in the ring, and sadly, lost the class as a result.

OD (13,3) 1 Chappell Ch Selmalda Jealous Guy (ai). I believe this was this record-breaking Brindle boys ‘80th’ CC! What a tremendous achievement & every bit deserving of that accolade. Shouts ‘All male Great Dane,’ standing firm, muscular & sound. Balanced & flowing throughout. I doubt there’s anything I can say or add, that hasn’t already been said before. He commands the ring with his striking outline & majestic, regal appearance. Rich in colour & superb muscular condition. Head of good proportions, with broad muzzle & square drop of lip. Would like to see him use his ears more, with ‘Dash & Dare’ which would set off the finishing touch. He fills his front with excellent depth & width, standing on firm legs & feet, with toenails clipped to perfection. This certainly helps the appearance of his tight, cat-like feet. Elbows tucked neatly under his nicely rounded spring of rib, giving off a flowing appearance, with the required ‘tuck-up.’ Strong arched neck, which flows into well angulated shoulders & excellent return of upper arm. Firm topline, with excellent croup & tail set. Well angulated hind quarters, well-muscled 2nd thigh & low set hocks which he knows how to drive from, as he powers round the ring. Correct footfall when viewed from all angles. His handler certainly knows how to get the best out of him. Both owning the large ring with presence & style. Shown in sound condition, with handler, perfectly suited to compliment his dog. I was pleased to award him the Dog CC. Did I mention, it was his 80th!? Just wow. Congratulations.

2 Jacques & Kirbys Ch Jacqukir No Regrets JW. This well-balanced, extremely handsome fawn stands with confidence and ring presence. He has a broad muzzle, square lip, beautifully arched neck, good shoulders, and a firm topline. He uses his ears to give off that beautiful expression with ‘Dash & Dare’ that is greatly missing in the breed. He moves soundly with a nicely carried tail. Despite showing signs of age, his handler maximized his performance, although greater reach and drive would have improved him further. Theres no doubt this striking male is deserving of his title & was pleased to award him the RDCC.

GCB (5,1) 1 Hayters Taysca Stele Mici with Stevarah. Nicely balanced Blue. Dark, tight eye, using her ears for maximum use of expression. Would prefer a little more refinement to her head, but still gave off a pretty picture, when viewed from the side. square drop of lip. Adequate arch to her neck. Front assembly is correct in width & depth. Stood on ok feet, with decent pasterns. Good spring of rib. Firm topline & correct croup. Good turn of stifle. Won this class on her movement, which her handler complimented, whilst getting the best out of her.

2 Middletons Carson Agustina at Dornoir. Pretty Blue with Kind expression. Although more could have been brought out of this girl, to give her that added touch of ring presence. Stood on good feet & correct ‘give’ of pastern. Elbows good, with adequate ‘tuck-up.’ Moved out ok.

MPB (1) 1 Tasker & Malloys Ravendane Fallen Angel. Happy Blue baby, who was enjoying her day out. Nice eye & expression. A tad wide in back skull & ears rather large. Getting away with drop of lip atm. Chest needs to drop, but she is still very young & that will come. Handler needs to pay attention to the feet, as allowing her to stand, with feet turning out, needs to be rectified. Balanced body shape, with nicely arched neck, adequate lay of shoulder. Topline ok. Stood parallel from behind, with satisfactory rear angulation. Moved out well for a youngster, when viewed from the side.

PB (7,1) 1 Evans & Lloyd-Jones Kinnegans Sweet Home at Blodaugoch. This mischievous pretty little fawn girl, caught my eye, with her beautiful expression & out-going personality. Everything in proportion, with nothing exaggerated. Balanced outline, with nicely filled front assembly. Forelegs straight, standing on good feet. Lovely arched neck of good length, falling nicely into a decent lay of shoulder. Firm level topline, with nice rise over the loin & excellent croup. Good tail set & carriage. Adequate rear angulation; wouldn’t want more at her age. Moves out with excellent footfall. Will watch her progress as she matures, with great interest. I was pleased to award her Best Puppy in Breed

2 Hugills Shalrace A Million Dreams. Pretty upstanding Harlequin. Head of equal breadth & good strength of jaw. Square lips. Would like to see a bit more expression from her, to give her that added touch when looking head on. Nicely arched, clean neck of good length. Filled front, with well tucked in elbows. Forelegs were flat & firm. Feet ok. Adequate lay of shoulder, with good spring of rib, nicely tucked up. Stood a little bum-high at times, but she’s still young. Good tail set. Moved well.

JB (10,1) 1 Jacques & Kirbys Jacqukir Love me again (ai). Pretty upstanding fawn, with lovely eye & soft expression. Skull of equal proportions, with good length, width & strength throughout. Square drop of lip. Would prefer smaller ears, but she certainly used them well, to enhance the look of ‘Dash & Dare.’ Straight forequarters. Nicely filled, rounded front, flowing into well sprung ribs & tucked in elbows. Slightly wrinkled over the withers, but stands with firm topline, with that required rise over the loin. Movement ok but would like to see a bit more reach & drive. Nevertheless, you can’t deny her qualities, especially in type. Handler does well to get the best out of her at all times. Shown in excellent condition.

2 Cranfield & Wrights Zefathers Gossip Girl with Irieusdane. Very similar in shape & size to winner, standing foursquare, but doesn’t have the head type & expression, that caught my eye. Having said that, her qualities can’t be denied. Skull of good proportions. Correct ear set, I just wish she would use them to her advantage. Nicely filled front of good depth & width. Flat bone & tight feet. Firm topline, with that required rise over the loin. Presents a nice overall picture. Covered the ground well on the move. Well handled.

YB (13,2) 1 Kourtesi Gr/ks Ch Into The Sky-F De Cinegeti Gr Jch Med jw25. Pretty elegant fawn, with no exaggeration. Won in the second largest class of the day, she should be very proud. A difficult class to assess, with various ‘types’ to consider. She has a beautiful dark eye & expression, using her ‘rather large’ ears well. Nicely chiselled head of balanced proportions. Good square drop of lip, giving off a nice profile, when viewed from the side. Adequate depth & width to front & stood on strong straight forelegs, with flat bone & good feet. Arched neck of good length, with adequate lay of shoulder. Excellent firm topline, croup & tail-set, which she held well on the move. She drove out well from her hocks on the move, but I would have liked to see more reach from the front. Handler had his work cut out with her!

2 Lodini Unalbachiara del Castello Delle Rocche. Pretty Harlequin, with beautiful solid outline & balance. Standing foursquare. Skull of equal ratio. Nice eye, with dark make-up. Would like to have seen her use more expression, especially with her smaller ears & correct ear-set. When viewed from the front, her flat bone & excellent tight feet, with the nicely filled front, gives off a truthful impression of balance. Her arched neck of good length, flows into decent shoulders. Her withers sloping into a firm topline, with a good spring of rib. She drove from her hocks on the move, with soundness & confidence.

PGB (10,1) 1 Fosters Ravendane Like A Prayer. Fawn of nice type, shape & size. Shown in muscular, sound condition. Kind eye & expression. Head of equal proportions, nicely chiselled with level planes. Good drop of lip. Would just prefer smaller ears to set off the overall picture. Nicely arched neck of good length, flowing into a decent slope over the withers & falling nicely into a firm topline. Her front assembly shows strength, with a good depth & width to her well filled front. Standing firmly of straight legs, of flat bone & tight feet. She has a well sprung ribcage, nicely tucked up under her loin. Adequately angulated front & rear, with well-muscled 2nd thigh. Her handler works hard to get some ‘purpose’ out of her on the move & does just enough to get her over the finishing line.

2 Tempests Adoreadane May West. Nicely marked harlequin, with beautiful clean white background & neck. Her head is beautifully chiselled, with level planes & broad muzzle. Kind eye, with dark markings, which helped with her soft expression. Nice square drop of lip & good ears, which she used to her advantage. Flat bone, standing on true cat-like feet. Just enough depth & width to her chest. Elbows neat, tucking into her nicely formed ribcage. Strong topline. Adequate front & rear angulation. Moved out well, holding that topline neatly, with decent stride. Well-toned throughout. Would have preferred more parallel hindquarters, when viewed from behind. A little longer in body than winner but still can’t deny her qualities.

LB (8,2) 1 Henshalls Calchas Addition. This well-balanced Harlequin won this class easily on her free-flowing movement. One of the very few, that had that reach & drive, so greatly missing in our breed. She stands square & balanced, with nicely angulated front & rear hindquarters. I would like to see more refinement in back skull, but she has a lovely tight eye & soft expression. I had to look hard at this girl, to appreciate all her qualities, with handler not always getting the best out of her. Its fortunate, that her movement is so free, lithe & springy, with drive from her well set hocks & from her well angulated shoulders, which gives her that required ‘reach.’ Her footfall is perfect, especially when viewed from the side. it’s a pleasure to watch her go. She is well filled in her front assembly, with decent width. Well sprung ribcage & level topline, with rise over the loin. Her feet could be tighter.

2 Waltons Ravendane Mustang Sally. Tall fawn of excellent type. Beautiful head of equal proportions. Nicely chiselled, with level planes & square drop of lip. Nice eye with soft expression. Unfortunately, her large ears ruin the overall profile. Filled front to elbows. Straight front on good feet. Beautiful length to her elegantly crested neck. Firm topline, although slightly long over the loin. Well angulated front & rear, which gave her that drive from her low-set hocks & the reach, when viewed from her side gait. nice free flowing movement. unfortunately, her untidy front movement, was something I couldn’t get past.

OB (18,5) 1 Firstly, may I say how wonderful it was, to see such a large class of beautiful bitches, all presented in top condition. It was a beautiful sight to turn around from my desk & see such a tremendous line-up. It certainly brought a smile to my face. Such a credit to the owners/handlers. Thank you so much, for entering this very esteemed class.

1 Stantons Ch Goldanias Diva Princess. This beautiful fawn ticked almost every box & Shouted ‘Great Dane’ at me, with her classic structure, balance & type. Her expression was something she maintained throughout. Soft, alert & with Dash & Dare. When looking head on, she fills her front strongly, with tucked in elbows, flat bone & beautiful cat-like feet. She has good chiselling to her head & although I’d like to see a slightly smaller ear, she carried them well & used them to perfection. Broad muzzle & square jawline. She has a beautifully arched neck of good length, flowing into an excellent lay of shoulder, lovely slope over the withers, across a strong topline, rise over her loin, with good tail set & carriage. Her deep brisket & spring of rib is strong & tucks up neatly under her strong body. She has strong second thigh muscles, with a correct turn of stifle. Low set hocks & beautiful feet. When viewed from the front & behind, all four feet point perfectly to the front, with her hind quarters falling parallel. She covers the ground well, with presence, dash & dare & with purpose. Her handler got every inch out of her & I was pleased, not only to award her this class, eventually, The Bitch CC & up against her sire for BOB, there wasn’t much to choose between them, but won it on her beautiful expression, that she still continued with in the Group, where I was delighted to see her awarded a very worthy Group 4. What a day for her breeder, owner & handler. Huge Congratulations. She did the breed proud in the Group Ring & never faltered.

2 Canavesi’s It/fin/deu/aut/bel/cro Ch G A C Dei Cinegeti Ww. A nicely balanced dark brindle of smaller build than winner but still maintaining qualities deserving of her accolades. Everything about her is in proportion. A nice dark eye, dark mask & nicely set ears of good length & shape, which she used beautifully to give her a very regal look & expression. Square drop of lip, giving off an overall balanced shape to her well chiselled head. Good length & strength of jaw. Nice muscular tone throughout, with a strong, well filled front. Flat bone & beautiful cat-like feet. She has a lovely arched neck of good length, with a firm topline. Good tail-set, which she carries well on the move. Adequately angulated front & rear quarters. She stands on all fours, with a very balanced picture. She moved out well, coming & going, with a pleasant gait. You have to put your hands on this girl, to appreciate her qualities. Shown in superb condition.Handler kept on top of her at all times. I was pleased to award her a very worthy RBCC. Congratulations.

VB (4,2) 1 Middletons Damarkann IIIicit Love for Dornoir. 10-year-old Harlequin. Clean white neck of good length. Lovely tight eye, with a pretty head of equal measures. Nicely chiselled. Square drop of lip & decent ear-set & size. Flat bone, with good feet. Well filled at the front, forming a nicely rounded outline under her spring of rib. Well bodied with firm topline. Enough angulation front & rear, although her age was telling slightly over her back end. Moved good for her age, bless her. Pleased to award her Best veteran.

2 Middletons Ch Taysac Must Be Cartier at Dornoir. 9-year-old black of good substance & overall shape & balance. Tight dark eye. Chiselled skull, of good length, with square drop of lip. Used her ears well. Good depth to her chest, reaching her tucked in elbows. Adequate front & rear angulation, with solid topline. Moved ok for her age, unfortunately, a few old-age lumps just took the shine off her overall appearance.

Mandy Bithell (Bourntwyn)