Driffield Championship Dog Show

My thanks to the organisers for their hospitality and their kind invitation to judge the Hound Group at Driffield 2018. 

This was an impressive group containing some high-quality hounds sent forward from the Breed, AVNSC and Import Register Classes. After an initial examination my shortlist comprised the Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand), Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit), Basenji and Rhodesian Ridgeback in addition to the four placed exhibits. 

Group 1 was the Borzoi, Ch Korsakov Radost Power Of Love Menigma (Imp), an impressive example of the breed showing elegance with strength and power. Masculine head with good eye and expression, strong neck, ample substance with correct bone, good pasterns and feet, good depth of rib with desired narrow oval cut, pleasing balance of construction of fore and rear quarters, broad loin with well-muscled thighs, well developed second thighs and strong well placed hocks, pleasing coat texture and feathering, correctly carried and shaped tail, gave a definite impression of endless power on the move when viewed in profile, good forward reach and spring of pastern, strong hind action with obvious power and drive. 

Group 2 was the Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, Zarcrest Black Smith, very houndy in appearance with a well-shaped skull and muzzle of balanced proportions, prominent breast bone, strong neck, firm and level top line with pleasing finish of croup and tail set, well ribbed back, powerful loin, pleasing height to length ratio with ample ground clearance, balanced construction with well-placed elbows, moved correctly from all angles. 

Group 3 was the Greyhound, Ina's Fashion Desirable, a very feminine and elegant hound showing lovely type and quality, grand head, eye and expression, super neck, outline and quarters, very correct on the move, just a little unsettled otherwise would have been a strong contender for a higher placing. 

Group 4 was the Beagle, Ch Davricard Honeybee, a top-quality example of her breed, balanced and femine head with the desired soft expression, correct size and body proportions, strong neck, super rib and top line, grand tail, well-constructed and moving exactly as the breed should.