Welsh Kennel Club

Hound group WKC 2018

 Gavin Robertson 

This show has many fond memories both in and out of the ring and today I had the pleasure of judging a very nice quality group in a super big ring which really allowed the dogs to move and show their stride and side gait.

I shortlisted the Basset, Cirneco Dell’Etna,Norweigian Elkhound, Dachshund L/H and the Pharaoh hound.

My final 4 placing who really put on a super performance was Group 4, a super upstanding Irish Wolfhound Male, Ch Sade Brutus, this dog has matured into a lovely example of the breed,he has strength and symmetry whilst keeping that graceful look, masculine long head with a clean neck and shoulders, places his feet well on the move and at 1 with his clever handler. Looked super on the go round.

Group 3 was the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, Hibeck Dino,for a relatively new breed to these shores the breed has been fortunate to have a super example of the breed and a dog that could win anywhere in Europe.The skull shape has that half moon roundedness when viewed from the front giving him that lovely expression with his dark eyes and well placed ears. Lovely straight forelegs and with good bone, his back is correct being just slightly longer than his height. Where the dog comes into his own is on the move. He uses himself so well with that supple almost elastic gait with great drive and power. Excellent coat and pulled out all the stops for his ringside supporters.

Group 2 was the Whippet Ch Jothryn Bjorne To Love. This dog never put a foot wrong throughout the entire group. He has good length to his skull with neat ears. Good width between eyes and a bright alert expression, stands over good ground with a gentle curvey outline. He is a Male in a right size frame without being course or overdone. Foot placement is very good from all angles and is shown in lovely coat and skin condition.

Group 1 who really stole the show with his performance for me was the Beagle, Ch Eardley Les Canoodle, he has a classic clean outline with correct size and proportions built into his well made construction. Beautiful head and expression. Round bone with tight firm feet, he is masculine but not overdone in anyway. A high set thick tail of the correct length which is lacking in the breed these days. Came in the ring on his toes using his well angled rear and low set hocks and never stopped showing, firm muscular condition,at one with his handler and able to free stand fore square which really showed his quality and style. Lovely type and capable of winning anywhere in the world..