The Great Dane Club

Open Show

10th January 2026 (rescheduled from 16.11.25)

It was an honour to be invited to judge this show scheduled in November 2025, but to then receive the phone call from Helen explaining the double booking by the venue. Sadly, upon the announcement some exhibitors stated they would be unable to attend on the new date and then the days leading up to the new show date found us with snow and ice! So sadly, as can be seen there were a number of

absentees, I was upset not just for me but the club who put on such a lovely event jointly with the Great Dane Breeders and Owners Association. Having said the above, I really enjoyed my day, thank you once again to the exhibitors and committee for your support and a special thank you to Tracy for being my steward for the day.

Minor Puppy Bitch (6,2 abs)1st Hugill’s SHALRACE A MILLION DREAMS – Harlequin well marked with good patches. In relaxed pose and whilst in stance she shows how well-proportioned she is for her age. Skull of good width and well-set ears which are carried well, moderate stop, dark eye is nicely set. Good nose with large open nostrils compliments her broad muzzle, in profile underline is straight. Good length of neck with pleasing arch leading onto a nice lay of shoulder, good return of upper arm to elbows which are close to brisket. Stands straight in front onto good feet which have well arched toes and quite tight for one of this age. Body is a nice length with good ribbing and loin of pleasing width. Strong top line for age and nice undercarriage. Hind quarters are developing well, nice turn of stifle for age, with strength in hock.Movement is so free and easy with a lovely spring when driving, and at one with the handler on each stride. A really nice pup who surely has an exciting future. Pleased to award her BPB and then later BPIS. 2nd Chappell’s SELMALDA MY WILD FLAME – Fawn who is a little fine in bone for me, she is balanced fore and aft, but would benefit from a little more angle. Head is very feminine with lovely expression,correct ear set and carriage, lovely dark deep-set eye, darkest of muzzle which is of good width and leads well from a pleasing width of skull, underline of muzzle to jaw in profile is straight. Stands straight in front onto good feet. Lovely top line held well at all times. Pleasing croup and nice tail set. Stands straight in front onto good feet, in rear hocks are strong. Movement is sound in all directions.3rd Hogarth’s BONDOR MOST WANTED FOR SUNLIND

Puppy Bitch (3, 2abs)

1st Pocock’s LAMBRINI A GIRL LIKE ME AT TAMZDANE – Mantle nicely marked with a well-defined collar. Head is pleasing, ears are a nice size, carried and set well. Skull of moderate width with width of muzzle blending well to tip of nose, a little more stop would just to enhance her expression. Length of neck is good, nice width to chest for her age as is spring of rib, depth just meets with elbows which are placed close and well under. Nice top line with slight rise to loins, pleasing undercarriage. Croup is a little too rounded giving a lower tail set. Plenty of rear angles which give her good drive when observed in profile. Hocks are strong and low set.

Junior Bitch (4, 2abs) 1st Cranfield & Wright’s ZEFATHER’S GOSSIP GIRL WITH IRIEUSDANE – Fawn with lovely dark mask, skull is good with pleasing stop when observed in profile is of equal proportions, she has a nice clean underline, complimented with a lovely dark eye, I would prefer a little more width to muzzle and skull, age is on her side and still developing. Neck is of a good length. She would benefit from a little more angle in forequarters as this restricts her in reach on the move, stands straight in front, feet need to tighten. Nice depth of chest, and spring of rib for age. Top line is strong and blends nicely onto a good croup and tail set. Rear angles show nice muscle development for age and finished with strong hocks.2nd Page’s NOVAVIDA AESIRS CONQUEST – Strong yet feminine brindle. Head proportions are good, strong muzzle of good depth with a clean underline, skull is developing well, with nice planes when viewed in profile. Lovely dark eye compliments, with defined stop. Ribcage is developing well, and has a good depth where elbows meet. Would benefit from more angle in forequarters as she is toeing in on stance and on the move. Top line is strong and has a broad and strong loin for age, belly is drawn up, nice croup and tail set. Moderate rear angles which show muscle development.

Yearling Bitch (4, 3abs) 1st Cope & Thorn’s FONBLANQUE FIONA – Medium in size Harlequin who is still maturing. Stronger in skull but with an equally broad muzzle, proportions of muzzle to head are good with pleasing stop, eyes are a little round. Neck leads onto a pleasing front, chest is of good width, allowing her to stand straight in front onto good feet, rib cage is well sprung and of good depth where elbows are close.Good length of body with nice width to loin, croup is correct. Hindquarters are toned for age, with moderate angles, once relaxed she does use what she has but she would benefit from a little more length to first thigh as this would assist by giving more drive. Moved very sound in all directions.

Novice Bitch (0)

Post Graduate (1,1abs)

Limit Bitch (3, 1abs) 1st Reed’s WILDFLOWER PATCH AT MINEZARA – This young black bitch has lots to like, when settled she shows what she has. At present her head is a little more mature than body, so it appears to be a bit strong, however it is nicely proportioned, liked the width and strength of muzzle, in profile presents a good underline, nice fill, dark eye, ear set is good as is carriage, but would prefer a slightly smaller ear. Chest of good width, neck leads to a good lay of shoulder, return of upper arm allows elbow to be set well under body, stands straight in front onto tight feet with well arched toes. Body developing well but as expected for age still needs tone. Croup is good as is tail set. Hindquarters are balanced with a nice bend to stifle, hocks are strong. A very free mover, who is still loose in body, it would be nice to have seen her on a longer length of lead, however this will come with training as she was being restricted on the move which didn’t show her construction off. 2nd Merwick’s TARADANES STAR VISION FOR SAALAN – Brindle who in profile has a nice head, lovely clean outline, muzzle length is good. Ears are good size, carried and set well. Dark eye, a little narrow in muzzle. Nice neck with good arch, ribcage is well developed, but a tad narrow in chest, stands on tight feet, top line dips a little behind withers. A bit too steep in upper arm causes her to have restricted reach, whereas her hindquarters give good drive, firm muscle development in first thigh with strength evident in second thigh, stands strong in hock.

Open Bitch (0)

Special Veteran Bitch (2, 2abs)

Special Open Harlequin Bitch (3, 1abs) 1st Pocock’s TAMZDANE OOEY GOOEY CAKE – Harlequin with lovely bone and size throughout. She has a really happy temperament, but she was a little silly at times when gone over. Good width of skull with nice stop, muzzle also of good width, would like to have a little less lip to give a cleaner line in profile, well arched neck leads to pleasing front, nice width of chest, stands straight in front, feet need tightening. Body length and depth is good, with a nice spring of rib, loin is broad, set of tail could be better, well angulated in rear, lovely muscle development in first thigh and strength in second thigh,hocks are strong. Movement is sound and very free where she covers the ground with ease. A strong contender in my bitch line up. 2nd Cope & Thorn’s FONBLANQUE FIONA – critique see Yearling

Special Open Fawn Bitch (2, 1abs) 1st Cranfield’s CH ZEFATHER’S KIND OF MAGIC JW – Nice bitch presented in good condition. Nice head, ears are carried well with lovely dark eye, good stop, nice width to muzzle and large nose with open nostrils, complimented with a lovely black mask. Nice length of neck leads onto a good front where lay of shoulder is well placed and upper arm has a good return meeting elbows which are tight and well under body, strength in top line and ribs well sprung, pleasing under carriage. Lovely croup and tail set, hind quarters are put together well, defined muscular first thigh, good bend in stifle then leads to second thigh which shows strength, low set strong hocks. Moved sound in all directions.Please to award her Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Show.

Special Open Black Bitch (1) 1st Reed’s WILDFLOWER PATCH AT MINEZARA – See first in Limit Bitch

Special Open Brindle Bitch (2) 1st Merwick’s TARADANES STAR VISION FOR SAALAN – See second in Limit Bitch 2nd Page’s NOVAVIDA AESIRS CONQUEST – See second in Junior Bitch

Special Open Mantle Bitch (2, 1abs) 1st Pocock’s LAMBRINI A GIRL LIKE ME AT TAMZDANE – See first in Puppy Bitch

Special Open Blue Bitch (2) 1st Ferguson’s IR/SWISS CH RENESCENT TOO HOT TO HANDLE FOR CHATEAUDAIN LUX JCH CW25 JW – Nice bitch presented in good order. Broad skull, pleasing stop, dark eyes, muzzle to skull proportions are good, muzzle is of good width, would just prefer a smaller ear to enhance her expression. Nice length of neck leads onto a good top line, elbows are placed well under body, stands straight in front onto tight well arched feet. Rib cage is well sprung; undercarriage is good where belly is well drawn back. Lovely croup and tail set, well angled hindquarters which are a tad better than her forequarters, but she uses them well together on the move where she puts on a good sound performance in all directions. Continued a good performance where in a strong line up she was awarded Reserve Best Bitch. 2nd Simpson’s RENESCENT FUGGET ABOUT IT - Litter sister to first place. Lighter in bone and substance, and less mature, a little hormonal on the day didn’t help. Head is very pleasing, and feminine which is in keep with her body size, width of skull and muzzle blends well, dark eye compliments. When used she has a lovely well arched neck. Stands on tight feet, and straight in front. Body appears to be still developing, but of good depth, slight dip in top line, loin is broad and in keep with her size. Hindquarters are correctly proportioned but she doesn’t use them to drive her on the move. Moved sound in all directions.

Minor Puppy Dog (6, 4abs) 1st White’s KINNEGANS LAST KINGDOM (IMP IRE) – Whilst masculine this fawn youngster is very elegant and hope he continues to mature this way. He has a lovely head, width of skull and muzzle is carried through, skull is flat except for a slight indentation, correct rise over eyes, eyes are dark, triangular ears set high and fold forward, muzzle is deep, with large black nose and mask, if anything I would prefer a little less lip. Good neck leads onto a pleasing front, elbows are tight and well under body with lay of shoulder sloping back, straight legs lead onto nice tight feet. Depth of brisket meets elbow, chest has good width for age, with ribs nicely sprung. Strong topline with a loin of good width. Hindquarters have good angles, with nice croup and tailset. Moved sound in all directions, I am sure he will have a bright future. BPD & BOSPIS  2nd Fletcher’s SOPHELSA FIELDS OF GOLD – Fawn with black mask, strong in head with good ears which are set and carried well, broad muzzle with strength, pleasing underline when viewed in profile, dark muzzle, eyes are slightly round but dark. Would benefit from a better lay of shoulder as this restricts his front movement. He stands straight in front but will look better once feet tighten. Body is of good length; top line is level and leads to a nice croup and well angulated rear angles which he uses on the move. A lively lad who definitely is enjoying the beginning of his show career.

Puppy Dog (2, 2abs)

Junior Dog (3,1abs) 1st Nunn, Patch & Nunn’s ROSHANUN CONQUISTADOR - Harlequin with good markings. He has lovely construction but doesn’t always present himself and I fear he could be  overlooked because of this.Strong flat skull and good width to muzzle. When he used his ears they really enhanced his expression, as a preference I would like a little less lip to give a cleaner appearance in profile. Nicely arched neck leads onto a well laid shoulder with good return of upper arm, good width to chest, depth of brisket meets elbows, where the latter are close and well under. Stands straight in front onto lovely feet. Well sprung rib, top line is strong leading onto a muscular loin of nice width. Hindquarters have a good width of first thigh; bend of stifle gives a nice angle where second thigh continues the strength.Strength in hock which he uses well to drive off and move in all directions with a free supple movement. Awarded Reserve Best Dog and then RBIS. 2nd Wright & Cranfield’s ZEAFATHER’S TWO FACES WITH IRIEUSDANE – Fawn with a pleasing head, strength in muzzle and having the correct ear size, shape, set and carriage give a good expression enhanced with a dark eye and extremely dark mask and nose. Forequarters are not as well angled as his hindquarters, this can be seen in movement, would benefit from a better lay of shoulder to improve this. Elbows are well placed under body. He moves sound in all directions and shows strength in hock. A little bit of a drama queen initially but he did settle and showed himself off well.Hopefully he will continue to improve and enjoy the showring.

Yearling Dog (2, 2abs)

Novice Dog (2, 1abs) 1st Pocock & Pavlou’s BUBBA VON PAO EBERJAGER WITH TAMZDANE (IMP FCA) – Mantle who is still maturing. In profile he stands well, head is attractive and in keep with his size and age, for preference I’d like a little more width to skull and muzzle and a tad more stop. Ears are set and carried well, dark eye, stop is long and shallow. Good length of neck onto a lovely front assembly, lay of shoulder is well laid back with a nice return of upper arm, elbows are close and placed well under. Depth and width of chest is pleasing for his age. He stands straight in front onto good feet. Body length is correct, set of tail is a little low, hindquarters are balanced and he uses these well with his forequarters. Whilst a little close in movement when going away, he presents a nice side gait which is very free. Soundness was observed at all times.

Post Graduate (no entries)

Limit Dog (1, 1abs)

Open Dog (1, 1abs)

Special Veteran Dog (2, 2abs)

Special Harlequin Dog (2, 2abs)

Special Open Fawn Dog (1) 1st Cranfield’s CH Zefather’s Ralph Lauren JW ShCEx OSW – Mature male with lovely bone throughout, presented in good condition. Head is masculine with good width, ears are set and carried well, dark deep set eye, muzzle blends well with the continuation from skull by being of good width, lips fall nicely and give the expected clean underline when viewed in profile. Head is complimented with a black mask and nose. Body displays maturity where ribs are well sprung, and of good depth where brisket meets elbows. Lovely croup and set of tail. Strength is evident in first and second thigh, with a nice bend to stifle and low set hock, these work well to give a good powerful drive on the move.

Special Open Black Dog (2, 1abs) 1st Simpson’s Renescent Bewitched JW - A truly honest elegant dog, with lovely bone throughout. His head is handsome with lovely expression both relaxed and when attentive, skull is a good width and leads well onto an equally broad strong muzzle, nice fill below eyes. Ears are well set with a good fall, if anything I would like them to be a tad smaller. Eyes are dark. Lips fall nicely. Head is complimented by a large black nose giving the desired blunt look. Neck has strength and of a good length leading onto a well-placed shoulder. Chest is of good width, stands straight in front, elbows are tucked well in where they meet with a nice depth to brisket. Feet are compact with well arched toes. Ribs well sprung with a nice length of body, loin is broad and strong, with a good undercarriage. Hindquarters are well put together with correct length of first and second thigh with a pleasing turn of stifle, muscle is evident in both first and second thigh, hocks are strong. He doesn’t always stand and show off what he has, however once moving he moves freely and with ease, with a good light spring at all times. Best Dog and pleased to award him BIS

Special Open Brindle Dog (1, 1abs)

Special Open Mantle Dog (1) 1st Pocock & Pavlou’s BUBBA VON PAO EBERJAGER WITH TAMZDANE (IMP FCA) – see first in Novice

Special Open Blue Dog (no entries)

Judge

Andrea Maltas (Virlees)