Crufts

CRUFTS 2023

HOUND GROUP

It gave me immense pleasure to judge The Hound Group at CRUFTS 2023

Thank you so much to the Crufts Show Committee for this very special invitation.

I feel very honoured & privileged to be given this assignment.

Having started by judging a Breed Club Match for Beagles in 1977, little did I think that I would, 46 yrs later, be judging the Hound Group @ Crufts, a dream come true.

Thank you to the judges for sending through excellent examples of the respective breeds.

The Hound Group consisted of 34 breeds, & timings for TV coverage meant that judging had to be speedier than normally undertaken.

It is a cliche but I was certainly “spoilt for choice” 

I shortlisted 8 , 

Afghan, excellent in outline & carriage: Std Wire Haired Dachshund, balanced outline, sound construction & excellent coat: Saluki, balanced outline & light effortless movement: Whippet, smooth flowing outline, sound in construction & movement.

Group1 Sade Paris Irish Wolfhound 

 Such an impressive 5yr male of excellent stature & athletic build, has the size & substance required, of excellent breed type with smooth flowing lines. 

Magnificent headpiece carried proudly on lengthy,strong neck, super forehand construction with great depth & smooth underline, good width through powerful well angulated hindquarters, sound in movement with a free striding gait. Harsh coat.

Group 2 Ch Forget-Me-Not V Tum-Tum’s Vriendjes. Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

Another impressive 5yr male , appeals for size, breed type, soundness & presentation. Excellence carriage & deportment, super head/leathers, holds a wonderful well balanced outline, soundly constructed , excellent harsh coat, 

Group 3 Multi Ch Vaskurs Moni Maker Qiwidotter Pharaoh Hound

Beautiful 5 yr bitch whom I had the pleasure of judging @ Crufts 2022, where I awarded her CC & BOB, she impresses in outline of superb balance & proportions, is so well constructed, of athletic build & excellent breed type. Lovely blunt, wedged shaped head, expressive eyes, super well used ears, she carries herself so well with easy, sound, free striding movement. In superb condition.

Group 4 Ch Annavah Princess Tiana. Beagle

Another Beautiful bitch of 23 mths, to whom I awarded CC & BOB @ a club show 2022, Super quality, most lovely feminine head/expression, holds a well balanced outline of ideal proportions, excellent construction, excels in her forehand, round bone, neat feet, level topline, short loin, well muscled hindquarters, good tail set & all contribute to sound movement with effortless profile gait.

Mike Caple (Judge)