Belfast Dog Show Society

Hound Group Belfast 2025

An impressively strong Hound group, I was delighted with the dogs that placed in the group and very pleased with the following who made the cut, but remained unplaced:

The Afghan Hound Ch.Aust.Ch. Tahkira Affogato, the Wire-haired Dachshund Ch. Aikton Alexander at Stanegate, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Ch.Ir.Ch.Int.Ch. Rottzridge I Am Wrath and the Whippet Ch. Ranveli Diki Diki.

Group 1: Miniature Long-haired Dachshund Ch.Ir.Ch.Int.Ch. Zarcrest See in Red At Smartdac:

This is not a breed that would usually figure in the group placements in the UK, but then this is a truly exceptional dog. He is such a beautifully proportioned and beautifully constructed dog, masculine and strong, but without lumber. Masculine head with beautiful expression from his dark, sparkling and bright eyes. Well set and carried ears. Unusually for his breed, he has a neck of good length and very well set into his shoulders. Excellent keel. Well angulated both ends. Strong and firm topline finishing off with an excellent tailset. Coat of excellent quality. And then he moved, and he just knocked my socks off, very sound with excellent reach and drive, at all times retaining his balance. Wow!

Group 2: Basset Hound Ch.Ir.Ch.Int.Ch. Blevwil Ivana Twinkle

I was very impressed with this beautifully balanced bitch who was very close on the heals of the winner. She is very well balanced, combines being feminine and elegant with substance and strength. She has a well chiselled head with length and parallel planes, sound and healthy eyes, well set and well folded ears. Well angulated both ends. Parallel body planes with a strong topline, very well set and carried tail. Excellent socks. Another who looked even better moving than standing, simply outstanding in her balance and carriage and in the way she used her legs from all angles, very athletic and sound, very much in sync with her young handler.

Group 3: Irish Wolfhound Ch.Caredig Mafioso

A strong and masculine dog, still a typical sighthound in his make and shape, he is very soundly constructed and this is very well reflected in his movement. Typically masculine and strong head with balance and correctly shaped rose ears. Calm and dignified in his expression. Strong and crested neck, well set into shoulder. Well angulated in front with a very pleasing forechest and completely straight front legs all the way down as viewed from the front and with excellent bone. Deep and capacious body which is shapely enough. In an excellent coat with plenty of structure. Moderately angulated behind. He is perfectly sound coming and going and strode out well from the side. A very typical representative of his breed and sex.

Group 4: Long-haired Dachshund Ch. Cavallibrook Final Fling Bronia

A very well balanced bitch with excellent construction all through. She is strong and substantial, yet feminine enough. Typical head with quality and chiselling. Very well set and carried ears. Excellent expression. Strong and crested neck, well set. Excellent keel. Strong and firm topline with a slight slope to it and a very well set and carried tail. Deep and capacious body with excellent spring of rib. Lovely coat quality and just the right amount of coat to enhance her outline. She is a very sound and efficient mover from all angles with excellent balance and energy.

Espen Engh (Norway), judge