Remembering Darwin Delaney

Written By: Gannon O’Reilly

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Darwin Delaney, a world-renowned Chihuahua breeder whose profound influence on purebred dogs and the Chihuahua breed is both extensive and enduring.

In 1952, Darwin purchased his first pair of AKC registered Chihuahuas. Over the subsequent seven decades, Darwin, alongside his beloved wife Tanya, built an exceptional bloodline under the Dartan prefix, a fusion of their names “Dar” and “Tan.” Following Tanya’s passing in 2005, their daughter, Tamra Delaney, assumed a more active role in the Dartan breeding program alongside her father.

For those within the Chihuahua community, the Dartan bloodline’s immeasurable impact is widely recognized and respected. Darwin bred approximately 400 Champions, including many All-Breed Best In Show Winners, National Specialty Winners, and many of the breed’s winningest Chihuahuas on an international level. Remarkably, there are over 200 All-Breed Best In Show Winners out of a Dartan sire or dam. While these accomplishments in the show ring are impressive and numerous, Darwin was a true master breeder and believed that the most meaningful contribution any dogman could make was to share his bloodline with others to improvethe breed collectively. This commitment is evident in the breed’s top producers, with half of the top 10 producing sires in breed history being Dartan bred, and most others having first generation ties to the Dartan bloodline.

Darwin’s legacy extends beyond his famed bloodline. He was cherished for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering integrity. Darwin readily shared his knowledge, offered mentorship, and assisted newcomers entering the world of dogs. He exemplified the highest levels of integrity and sportsmanship, frequently offering words of encouragement and praise to his fellow breeders and exhibitors. He prioritized people and relationships, genuinely celebrating the successes of others. In 2020, the Chihuahua Club of America recognized his contributions with a Lifetime Membership and the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

Darwin dedicated his life to purebred dogs; his unparalleled contributions to the Chihuahua breed will endure through the individuals he mentored and whose breeding programs are built upon the foundation he established over the past 70 years.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Darwin’s family, friends, and the entire community of purebred dog enthusiasts who held him in deep affection and admiration.

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Posted by Gia on Sep 11 2023. Filed under Breaking News, Featured, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.