Crufts

AFGHAN HOUNDS: Crufts March 6th, 2025

Judge: Michael Canalizo - USA

General Overview:

I have almost 50 years of awareness of the British Dog Scene, I was one of the “Architects “of the first Afghan Hound World Congress held in the UK in the 80’s and have attended numerous major UK Dog Events. Crufts being a cornerstone of those experiences. To be privileged to adjudicate my breed Crufts stands as a highlight of my many experiences in the breed. I was fortunate to have long time Afghanites me in the management of the ring. Many thanks to a close friend to myself and assisting the Grandeur Kennels: Sue Virgo for her calm, professional guidance throughout the long day. Another Sighthound aficionado, Joseph Lee-Brown was scheduled to help out as well, but he was called away to cover another ring soon after the ring start. I thank the lovely Annette Walters for her fine job in assembling the many large classes.

Having been a ringside spectator of Afghan Hounds at Crufts for nearly 20 years, (Thanks to my good friend Jillian Knight Messenger… always saving my “usual” seat between the rings. Her presence was truly missed this year owing to doctors’ orders) I have seen a wide swing within the breed. The most notable changes happened after border restrictions were eased and imports began to be incorporated into show rings and UK pedigrees. There will always be controversary as to the positive or negative influences of this: but being one to “accent the positive” I think the breed is in a very good place at this point in time. The breeders seem more aware of the breeds “Form and Function” with Strength, Speed and Power blended with a style of the highest order. This can present a real conundrum in the judging process. If one realizes that the “Royal Family” didn’t put a hound in magnificent coat…. having them luxuriate propped upon a pillow, then open up the palace gates and say..” go run down dinner”…the ones that could “ catch the game” were the ones prized and afforded the “royal treatment”. One needs to be knowledgeable of the Afghani terrain on which the breed endured. It is rocky, mountainous and tough with varying temperatures. To properly judge this breed with the mantra of “Fit for Function” foremost in mind….priorities ( for me) go first to those constructed for their task….the adornment of a correct silky coat and regal carriage complete the picture. Just like the “people” of the homeland: they are beautifully exotic in look, but beneath that exterior lies a keen, fierce persona. Yet one has to try to envision these hounds working tirelessly over a harsh landscape while running on a flat, often slick surface in the NEC!... far from their natural habitat. But we do imagine “would they, could they” if called upon. Gone for most part are the over-coated dogs that lack muscle which impacts movement and carriage. Temperaments across the entire entry were superb. Nary any entry failed to act with “dignity and Style”…allowing for the wonderful enthusiasm of many of the youngsters “having their day”. Most importantly: I cannot underscore the importance to judge those presented to me to the Standard of the RKC. I owe it to the breeders that I am judging them to the Standard they are directed to honor. My own personal preferences had to be set aside where slight differences in Standards were indicated. This is also something that the international exhibitors hopefully had a clear understanding of how the judging process needed to be applied. Having said that: most all of the larger classes were represented in a wide range of/in “Make and Shape” which in turn made each class very varied, colorful and unique: which is one of the attractive things about judging the Afghan Hound breed.

In closing, my awards were made without fear or favor…on the day…in the moment. If one chooses to be in the center of (any) ring…they need to make decisions based solely at that moment ….regardless if they have award a dog previously…or they have defeated it….it’s a very liberating feeling and one that I believe I have mastered.

Veteran Dog: 10 Entered- 2 Absent.

1st Place: #2310 - Ch/Aust Ch Tahkira Affogato (Miss C & Miss E & Mrs B & Mrs L Millward & Millward & Ferguson & Race): Such a handsome male in amazing condition of proper coat and sufficient muscle-tone. Both he and his handler showed everything beautiful about the breed. Head properties, masculine with a nice dark eye, a firm backline, graced with a desirable ringed tail and lovely correct short hocks. On the stack this dog appealed to me in many positive ways. Maybe owing to the ring surface and/or speed gaited something in his footfall didn’t fully translate to his condition and construction. He was in close contention as one of my final three for the ticket.

2nd Place: #2250 - Ir/int Ch Valkor Vritra (Ms L, Mr J, Mrs J & Mrs M Appleby, Minchin, Edwards & Mulvaney): a handsome well-coated brindle. Strong , long headpiece, good reach of neck into well set shoulder. Stood over more ground than preferred, with firm short hocks that gave him strong movement with style and a regal attitude.

3rd Place:#2316 - Cloudside Sunlord (Mrs C & Mr R Neilly)

Minor Puppy Dog: 3 Entered: 0 Absent

1st Place: # 2260 - Chinzaes Tartan Tiger (Miss V & Mr I Gleed & Mcpherson): A very rangy brindle baby, full of all the expected excitement of the moment. Under all the “Monkey Fuzz” was a long masculine head with nice details present. I liked him for his good proportions, angulation, short hocks with a nice bend and ringed tail. Actually, all three in the class shared many of the same attributes: not a surprise to find out all were from the same litter.

2nd Place: #2307 - Chinzaes Tartan Higlander (Mrs S & Mr D Mclay) A proper shape wrapped in a striking Black and Silver coloration. Under all the hair I would find nice construction, croup and beautiful natural ringed tail. His movements had a wide range of motion which should settle down as he matures. All three made me smile with their uninhibited joy of being present.

3rd Place:#2306 - Chinzaes Tartan Express (Mrs S & Mr D Mclay)

Puppy Dog: Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st Place:#2337 - Affyneeta Above and Beyond (Mrs Janis Sharp) A bright white dog that showed “Fleeting Moments of Greatness”…if one didn’t blink! This boy was fit and firm with excellent footfall during his moments of smoothness of stride. His casual handler was having a good time: as it should be. I was able to see what I wanted when he posed “on his own” where the right balance and details became more evident.

2nd Place:#2348 - Phoenix Rising A Touch of Freedom (Imp Deu) (Mr E Venter) A shiny black male with very intense details of type. Age appropriate but with moments of softness in topline…but one must understand that we are in early March and many dogs faced challenges if they had a hard winter with limited exercise during this developmental stage. A few months of running about will net great results.

3rd Place:#2328 - Way Up Portofino (Imp Ita) (Mr T & Mrs A Reed)

Junior Dog: Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2285 - Istani Bob Dylan at Finkime (Ms T J Hughes) One look at this hound and I was transformed. He strutted into the ring, scanning the area the way a sighthound should. My hands and eye were filled with so many of the breeds most important elements in conformation and detail(s) of type. The long, powerful head and jaw, an arched neck into his hard back with hipbones and angled croup. His patterning showed off his huge feet and slick saddle and perfect tail. Sometimes everything you wish for is too good to be true. All these impressive details did not match his level of confidence. And I tried my best to give him every chance to show me what he held back. When he did give me a “moment” it was short-lived. I’m not sure his owner connected enough with him to support his confidence level. I would have loved time to show the handler how to strengthen a dog’s posture under the pressure of a show ring. I know he was built to be athletic and tireless. But as noted above: we have but minutes to make an evaluation, and while he did give enough to win the class….on the day he fell short of what I needed to see when it mattered most.

2nd Place:#2335 - Gold'n Copper Moriro Da Re (Mr & Mrs Seidel) A black male in beautiful condition. Very detailed in head, eye, hips and tail. His footfall was in range. And this entry could not have been more opposite of that of the class winner in performance. He had more exuberance than I wanted to see as it impacted a smooth stride, which in turn could influence tail and neck carriage. The two of them were perfectly matched in cheerfulness: which was not wasted on me entirely. Afghans with that level of energy bring something very endearing to the competition.

3rd Place:#2235 - Golddragon Gentleman Jack Esp/prt/gib/int Jch (Mrs C Claros Araujo)

Yearling Dog: Entries: 11 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2248 - Rhajikhan Achernar's River (Ms L, Mr J, Mrs J & Mrs M Appleby, Minchin, Edwards & Mulvaney) Brindle in typical adolescence coat. This was an “All Male” dog that never once gave a thought to being laid back or mellow. His strength and power made me think he could run all day and be ready to go again. That is Afghan to me. In order to convey that one must also have the right structure to support the mission. He did! He blended all that energy with a dash of glamour and dignity. There was nothing about his conformation that didn’t impress…I was a wee bit distracted by his inessentially wagging tail: it literally never stopped….i might have missed seeing a textbook tight ring of tail…and if it was just a curve…so be it….I am not appreciative of those who try to fool themselves and others by creating a “Number 3 Tail” for aesthetic purposes….this one was “GOD Given” and he won in spite of it….NOT because of it. This entry would go on to be awarded the Challenge Certificate.

2nd Place:#2263 - Rhajikhan Walking On Water (Mrs E A Gray) This was a full littermate to the class winner and they shared many of the pleasing details. In the end I gave preference to the head balance of foreface to backskull on the winner. Indeed, a close decision. For reasons never explained to me: The dog failed to return for the Reserve Challenge. It must be noted that a judge cannot show undue favoritism to wait for an entry when it is the handler/owners responsibility to be aware of ongoing competitions. I’m sure he would have been a close contender had it arrived back to ring on time.

3rd Place:#2243 - Way Up Only Can Judge Me J Int Ch Ejw'24 (Mr Della Rocca)

Post Graduate Dog: Entries: 13 Absentees: 2: a full class with the smallest of details that separated the placements.

1st Place:#2289 - Geordele Born Free (Miss L Kellet): A black masked gold dog with a good flow of his parts. Moderation in size, balance and movement. Handsome expression and eye. Good reach of neck…clean saddle and ringed tail. Possibly just a bit more rear thrust than his front could handle on the carpet.

2nd Place:#2259 - Shahfoladi Thunderbird (ai) (Ms M Gizewska) a black brindle with a nice punishing length of muzzle …he had good depth but more fullness of chest would be of benefit. Traveled well with good carriage.

3rd Place:#2300 - Altside Micah Hot Prophet JW (Mrs S Lees)

Limit Dog: Entries: 13 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2317 - Way Up Walker to Cloudside (Imp Ita) (Mrs C & Mr R Neilly)A handsome dark brindle male of good proportions. The scope and depth was excellent. He had the requisite details of the breed and an easy way of going without excessive speed where his footfall could be appreciated. Yet one could see his rear drive clear the ground. There was no question this dog could sustain long distances at a gallop.

2nd Place:# 2257 - Shahfoladi Sphinx Riddle at Zharook (ai) JW (Mrs T, Mr P, Mrs P A & Mr R E Gorman & Latimer) a stylish Black & Tan male a pleasing head: long, punishing and intense in detail. Both top two in the class shared a similar balance. Both had short hocks and big feet. He was good on his legs in motion.

3rd Place:#2297 - Drishaun Baby's in Black JW (Mrs A M, Mr M & Miss C Lancashire & O'donnell)

Open Dog: Entries: 15 Absentees: 2

1st Place:#2321 - Ch/int/lux/nld Ch Popovs Aladdin at Sarakhan (Imp Nld) (Mr & Mrs C Pascoe) A Black Masked Red male with excellent balance both standing and moving. He had a lovely silky coat and sleek saddle. This dog was shown with respect to his aloof and dignified demeanor. His feet allowed some “air” under him without exgeration…nice lift and style with the impression of endurance. He would be rewarded the Reserve Ticket .

2nd Place:#2320 - Fin/se/no/lt Ch Not Guilty His Royal Majesty Int/fin/ee Jch (Ms Laura & Mr Samu Partanen & Siermala) A blue male made right and moved right. A full array of details present. I liked his stature and way he carried himself. Clean action on the come and go…good posture in profile. A long and muscular neck could not be ignored!

3rd Place:#2319 - Sp/prt Ch Back in Black De Afghanterra (Mr C & Ms A M Olmedo Aparicio & Reyes Alba)

Veteran Bitch: Entries: 9 Absentees: 4

1st Place:#2322 - Ch/int/lux/ir/nld Ch Popovs Sazerac at Sarakhan (Imp Nld) JW (Mrs R Tromp) Black Masked Red. Ultra feminine in details. Pleased with her long, strong neck, good front angles , mantle of silky coat and sound gait….not pleased with an “forced ( man-made) ring on her tail…as a breeder: one strives to work around and through a flaw…no one benefits in the end when shortcuts are taken. Just a comment: not meant to make it personal as I do not know the facts….but I do know a thin tail can not ring into a tiny donut.

2nd Place:#2265 - Int/lux Ch Amal Salang Hey I'm The Star at Zushkhan VW (Imp Rus) (Ms C & Mrs V Gunn & Cannon) Black. Very good in type and balance. Eye and expression classic. Front set on well…level backline and good turn of stifle.

3rd Place:#2258 - Ch Saxonmill Zan Zan (Ms M Gizewska)

Minor Puppy Bitch: Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Place:#2282 - Chinzaes Touch of Tartan (Mrs R & Miss J Howie & Leitch); Highly Marked Black & Silver. Never discount the “Power of One”…this single entry was very beautiful. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t like on her. This age isn’t always competitive in a huge entry: but my mind went right to this bitch will finish out just fine. She had a collected way of going, with room to tighten up as she matures. Her head, eye ,underjaw were pleasing , as was her long neck into smooth shoulders, set well under. Big feet and short hocks aided to her good footfall moving. Its exciting to see the “next generation” sporting great quality.

Puppy Bitch: Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1st Place:#2229 - Pretty Infinity A Touch of Freedom at Pashtari (Imp Deu) (Mr J & Mrs M Bloor) Black. Just after seeing a lovely minor puppy: in walks another class with great promise. The winner here was a well-proportioned bitch with confidence, coupled with great style. Her head and expression grabbed my attention on the first walk of the line. Her conformation under my hand was just what I hoped for. Her thick puppy coat might have hid some of her depth and angulation: but it was there! Puppies are harder to judge. One must know how a hound develops to apricate the range of growth. I loved her gaiting on a dead loose lead with great style. If I am to be honest…she gave me a moment of how many a Grandeur great looked at this age. She proved herself as the competition increased…it was the slightest moment of distraction that impacted a close decision for the Challenge and Reserve Challenge. She would be awarded Best Puppy in Breed.

2nd Place:#2343 - Altside Back to Black (ai) (Mr D A Traversari): Black. Everything noted above about the winner could apply to this nice puppy. The decision hinged on the winner being a bit more fluid on the go. No doubt these two will be battling it out together as they grow up.

3rd Place:#2251 - Way Up Bombay Sapphire (Imp Ita) (M & A & S Fairburn & Della Rocca & Joy)

Junior Bitch: Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2234 - Golddragon Blue Hilary Esp/prt/gib/int Jch (Mrs C Claros Araujo)Blue. Very typy bitch with very beautiful head details. A good balance here of neck, leg and rear. Hipbones and long ring tail gave her a real “monkey dog” look…which we love in the breed at this age. She was light on her feet when in motion and her tail never stopped showing us what a good time she was having!

Yearling Bitch: Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2241 - Way Up All Eyez On Me (Mr Della Rocca)

Sahded Masked Blonde. This entry felt good under the hand in fitness and muscle. Pleasing head details. Good length of neck in well set shoulder. Firm backline with good croup and tail. Loved her strong saddle patterning. Movement was clean but wanted a more powerful stride.

2nd Place:#2341 - Mistrato Heavenly Mover (Mrs Agnes Trojanowska Agnieszka) Self masked Cream. A well made bitch with a heavy coat that had yet to change in texture. She had good structural qualities front and rear. Her divergent head planes were a slight distraction. Her strong gait carried her to this high placement.

3rd Place:#2291 - Grace Kelly (Ms R Cook)

Post Graduate Bitch: Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

1st Place:#2315 - Rhazmakh Heart O’summer by Bryelis JW (Mrs E & Ms E & Miss J & Mrs G Moyes & Lockett-Davies & Shaw & Hunter-Ryan) Black & Tan. Good “make and shape” on this entry. All the details were pleasing of head, structure, front and rear and croup and tail. She had a good shoulder that matched good rear quarters. I liked her coat texture and moved with style, but I was wanting a bit more openness to her stride.

2nd Place:#2255 - Khawari Raspberry Beret (Mrs A & Mrs Y Gilchrist) Dark Red brindle. This bitch excelled in her long headpiece and good reach of neck into proper shoulder. A decent croup under a wee bit of padding but a long ring tail was evident. Pleased the way she covered ground on the go.

3rd Place:#2227 - Rhazmakh Portrait O’summer (Miss R & Mr S Blessington)

Limit Bitch: Entries: 15 Absentees: 1

1st Place:#2333 - Altside Hot Shot at Arushkhan (Mr T & Mrs J Scott) Self Masked Cream. So much to appreciate on this bitch and the close second place bitch. The winner was very fit with good elements of structure that is important in the bitch line for breeders. I liked her depth of chest and strong loin with short hocks, big feet. All those qualities provided her with good movement. If I were to change anything: it would be more refinement of backskull….but that’s an easy fix if that would be ones intention

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2nd Place:#2252 - Shimalma Campari Goes to Ifmaraf (Mr I & Mrs M Fisher)

 Black Masked Silver/red. So, so elegant. There is a place for this degree of beauty in the breed, when combined with good structure: which she also had. I rewarded her smooth flowing line from head to shoulder to rear. A few “soft” moments on the move defined the decision in a very good class.

3rd Place:#2266 - Karagez Kartina Maslom at Zushkhan (Imp Rkf) (Ms C & Mrs V Gunn & Cannon)

Open Bitch: Entries: 18 Absentees: 13

1st Place:#2332 - Am Gch Zaida Bint Muti von Haussman (Mr R & Mr S & Mr J & Dr A Podesta & Pfeil & Donahue & Sobrado) Black Masked Red. There is always a moment when what you see in front of you “acts and moves” like the breed. It’s part physicality and part mentality. The Afghan Hound needs to “look through you”: she did. They need to “own the ground they stand on”: she did. They need to have conformation that imparts an ability to hunt: she did. They need to prove themselves in a rigorous/vigorous evaluation: she did. All those ubiquitous qualities spoke to me. The relationship between her and her handler was seamless without any extraneous gyrations or excessive speed. She floated on huge feet that covered ground with ease, all the way to the Bitch Challenge and Best of Breed – she would advance to the Hound Group and was awarded second to the eventual Best in Show winner.

2nd Place:#2268 - Ch Saxonmill Majic Mirror (Mrs R Hall) Black/Brindle(?). A world class bitch presented in amazing condition. Textbook details of head, proportion with great flow of neck to shoulder, a hard, firm back and a tail well rooted and tapering from the base to a perfect ring. Pleased to present her the Reserve Bitch Challenge.

3rd Place:#2326 - Fin/ee/lt Ch Not Guilty Hell No Int/fin/lv Jch Hejw-23 Ltjv-24 Hew-24 (Miss Jasmi Rainoma)