THEAKSTON DALMATIANS

A Homepage exclusively for Theakston Dalmatians! I include a brief history of how I gradually got immersed and involved in the world of Dalmatians, owning, loving, breeding and showing and include a few pictures of the Dalmatians I have been lucky enough to have owned and bred.

Theakston Dalmatians live in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales near to Theakston Thoroughbred Stud from where they took their name. I had my first Dalmatian, Donna, a rescue dog when I lived there in the early 70's. We also have Theakston Brewery nearby.

The Theakston line has produced ticket winners both here and abroad, not only directly but also from the sons and daughters of Theakston Dalmatians. My original Dalmatians being obtained from the great Dalmatian Breeder and owner of the famous Olbero line Mrs Jean Rance, who sadly died some years ago.

My first show Dalmatian was CH. Olbero Onsdag Moln of Theakston
(Ch. Tantivvey Target Of Olbero ex Olbero Onsdag)
My wonderful Lucy bred in 1979 by Jean, won many awards. She gained her three CC's to make her into my first Champion under Arthur Johnson (1981 NEDC Show) - Mary Greening (1982 Manchester Ch. Show) - and Oonagh Gore (1982 BDC Ch. Show). She was not only wonderfully constructed and an excellent mover, but she was an excellent Brood Bitch with a wonderful temperament. To top it all, in 1985, she became the dam of Ch. THEAKSTON TAMERLAN

Tamerlan's sire Champion Beaumore Night Owl of Olbero, a beautiful black dog bred by Mr. & Mrs. Beasley of Glen Parva, Leicester became the second Champion that I campaigned. He was by Ch. Tantivvey Tawny Owl Of Olbero x Luccombe Arabella, and was chosen by Jean Rance from the litter. Ben was a wonderful showman and we won his first Reserve CC at 8 months of age under Mr. Hazlegrove at B.U.B.A.. We went on to win 8 CC's and 8 Reserve CC's plus Utility Group 2 under Tom Horner at WELKS. He was also the sire of my Ch. Theakston Tabasco and Ch. Theakston Tamerlan

Theakston went from success to success, helped by the many friends that I made and continue to make and for which I am very grateful. I also showed Penny (Olbero Onsdag Flicka of Theaksto), Olbero Onceuponadream and Laura (Theakston Tekuiti) winning many awards including Best Puppy in Show and Reserve CC's.
In 1984 I became the British Dalmatian Club Treasurer which post I filled for 10 years and I started judging and have now been fortunate to become a Championship Show judge in Dalmatians, both here and abroad.

Then came my first homebred Champion, Ch Theakston Tabasco. I owned him in partnership with Helen Mears with whom he lived. An elegant Liver spotted dog with a lively disposition, he won prolifically, including first at Crufts and Reserve BIS at BUBA in 1986.
He was retired from the show-ring when he won his 3rd CC.

...and who could forget Lucas? -

Paddy Lockett's Ch Stedfast Wait Watch Her. (Pagan).
Pagan was born using AI,
(Sire: Ch. Beaumore Night Owl of Olbero).

She was Top winning Dal 2002 ,2 BIS, 3 Groups etc. She is doing very well in the ring this year---Top winning Dalmatian at this stage.Two Best In Shows (Dalmatian Speciality and Non-Sporting + Utility), Three Best of Groups, Three Reserve of Groups,eight Intermediate of Groups. All of these at All Breed Championship Shows.

My preferences continue to be for a soundly constructed, true to type, road-going Dalmatian which is capable of fulfilling his/her role as a horse/carriage dog our equine background reinforces this view! I am always happy to hear from Theakston offspring from around the world, whether it is with news of winnings or just news and information of the continuation of Theakston lines.
Many others I know, continue to see the benefits of Theakston breeding in their lines and I wish them every success. I am also happy to share our experience in the Dalmatian world and offer help and advice whenever asked.

Left is a photo of me when I was judging the Danish Dalmatian Club show (May 2004). Here my BOB was the incomparable Int. Ch. Spotnik's Special Selection. Bred by Helle Hoie in Norway and owned in partnership by her and Rhys and Annimiek Morgans (with whom he lives in Holland), this dog is exceptional. I was also delighted with my Best Bitch who was just 14 months old. She is Bell-A-Mir's Dapper Dibah, owned by Lisette Moller Christensen I was delighted to find that her Great Grandmother was one of my favourite bitches, Skartoftas Clotilde who I had the pleasure to judge in 1992 when I gave her BOB in Sweden. It is really wonderful to have the opportunity to travel and to see such good dogs.

Meanwhile I have had fun judging overseas. In 2002 I was delighted to judge in Croatia where my Best of Breed was a son of Int. Ch. Salsusa Eternal Star, the Multi Ch. Dalissimo Magical Moonshine, bred in Italy by Nicola and Antonio Cacchionne.

I have been also been privileged to judge in Norway, Germany, India and Estonia in 2004/2005.

In April 2007 I judged the Dalmatian Club of NSW Easter show in Sydney, Australia.

I had a wonderful time judging the first Dalmatian Club show in Tarragona, Spain in October 2007. The friendliness of the exhibitors and the organisation of the show was excellent. The photo below shows me as Judge with my Best Dog and Bitch, their handlers and my long time friend and ring steward for the day Vincent Belles.

I am looking forward to returning to India to Judge in 2008.