Ladies Kennel Association

THE LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION

14th December 2025

________________________________________

AFGHAN HOUND

Judge: Mrs Roberta Hall ( Saxonmill Afghan Hounds UK )

BEST OF BREED : 6974 DELLA ROCCA, Mrs A It Ch Way Up Punta Margherita

Dog CC : 7007 LANCASHIRE, Mrs A M & O'DONNELL, Miss C & LANCASHI Ch Drishaun Baby's In Black JW

Res Dog CC : 6997 HOUSE, Ms Jo & HINCHLIFFE, Mr Mark Cloudside Soul Prince For Jodak JW

Bitch CC : 6974 DELLA ROCCA, Mrs A It Ch Way Up Punta Margherita

Res Bitch CC : 7016 MOYES, Mrs Elsie & LOCKETT-DAVIES, Ms E & SHAW, Mi Rhazmakh Heart O'summer By Bryelis Jw

Best Puppy : 6961 BASTOW, Mr G & Mrs W Cloudside Bright Flame Karandikar

Best Veteran : 7020 O'DONNELL, Miss Lianne & O'DONNELL, Ms Catherine Ch Drishaun Faith Is Like A Lily For Javidan JW

Best Special Beginner : 7003 KELLETT, Miss Lisa Geordele Born Free

It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity of judging the breed I have been associated with for the last 60 years. 2025 was quite a milestone for me and my association with the breed and finishing it with a prestigious judging appointment was certainly quite poignant. A delightful entry, delightful hard working stewards , courteous and sporting exhibitors and some really lovely representatives of our breed – so thank you. I  have been fortunate to judge our breed over a large proportion of the  years I have shared with Afghan Hounds. I have judged , all over the world at Afghan Hound and sighthound specialties but love , particularly ,judging on my home ground. I frequently see posts on social media from individuals who question the authenticity of the UK Afghan Hound, often denigrating it and deriding our show scene, particularly our entries and depth of quality. Let me tell you that the UK model compares very favourably with any ,from elsewhere. We still have greater numbers at our shows and by and large our conformation is as good , if not better than those elsewhere. So please, stay strong and believe in what you have and recognise that the world is now open to us to increase genetic diversity, compliment existing gene pools, and even import to enhance a very strong base developed over years of dedication and passion from UK Afghan Hound fanciers. 

So, where are we today in these worrying times in pedigree dogs and dog showing ? With the consultation on the new breeding framework, the UK, which has been predominantly kept alive through hobby breeders is in danger, in my view. Is it going to be too difficult to carry on breeding for most of us? Who knows and only time will tell but things are not getting easier. I wonder where we will be in ten years’ time for any number of reasons. Covid accelerated a very fragile time, and social media is just about destroying the integrity of the dog show scene. That being said, and as an optimist I still hope the pedigree dog fraternity will rise to the challenge and ‘survive’ – I do so hope so. 

Thank you ,for the lovely entry and I wish everyone of you, future success with your hounds. Be true to yourself and above all be true to our breed standard which has changed only marginally since its’ inception. There is still a divergence in type, as one would expect and fewer in number but remember we have just one breed standard which has to be applied to every hound. It was nice to see the younger classes filling up at last. The middle classes are not so well populated but given the youngsters around, at the moment, this should improve. This leaves limit and open as hotly contended with some propelled into these challenging classes through lack of middle numbers, perhaps before they are ready, leading to what can be disenchantment and disappointment. Please hold fast! It will even out over the next few years. 

So, what am I looking for? My priority is the ‘whole package’ which is a phrase I often use and refer to, which fits our standard . I judge on the day looking for structure, condition and performance. Structure you cannot change but condition and performance is down to you and your commitment. A few would have benefited from better condition which obviously impacts on performance. I am not looking for the generic show dog but for a hound that has all the breed characteristics that set it apart from other breeds and ‘screams’ Afghan. I try hard not to be a ‘head fanatic’ but for me the head piece is a key feature of the Afghan (detail and far eastern expression etc ) but, the fit for function through adequate  ribbing, strong toplines and ring tails are a must for me to and this together with  a light sound , stylish movement represents  my interpretation of the  ‘whole package’. 

Interestingly the four green card winners were all black/tan even though colour is of no consequence to me. The male CC winner was UK with an American lines and the female BOB/CC winner was UK/Italian. Both reserve CC winners were predominantly UK. Together  these main winners represent   the cosmopolitan nature of the Afghan of the present day in the UK. We must embrace this as a positive and make the most of our new horizons and new opportunities.

Class 2680 MPD (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7039 WEBSTER, Mr J & LLOYD, Mr Stephen Yessir Del Ghyryo Imp Bel

Black/tan quality puppy. Well put together with excellent breed points. Complimentary angulation and good in topline and ribbing. Four square and presents as a pleasing picture of breed type completed with ring tail. Darkest of eyes in a balanced head. Promising movement when settled with strong rear movement. Will be interested to see how he develops. Loved his overall type.

2nd: 7005 KIRK, Mrs Claire & MOTTERSHAW, Mrs P Istani Robert De Niro

Pleasing puppy with nice proportions Attractive head and eye and excellent conformation. Well up on leg but a little uncooperative with his handler today which affected his movement. However, one to look for in the future.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2681 PD (6 Entries) Abs: 1

Five gold litter brothers in this class, all at differing stages of development and I’m sure will interchange as they proceed through the classes. 

1st: 6961 BASTOW, Mr G & Mrs W Cloudside Bright Flame Karandikar

Headed his brothers, today as the most all round representative of the breed for his age. Masculine and well bodied for his age and in excellent condition and good width. Loved his proportions with excellent neck to shoulder, strong topline, ribbing and adequate croup followed by well set ringed tail. Beautiful  head, eye and expression and carried himself in a style of high order around the ring, settled and sound. Today, scored over his litter mates as the whole package. Pleased to award him BPIB, narrowly beating his more exuberant sister on this occasion. Please do not get him too heavy in body condition as he continues to develop.

2nd: 7027 REED, Mrs Amanda Jayne & REED, Mr Terence Cloudside Sunshine

Lovely youngster and litter mate to the above and similar remarks apply. Perhaps a shade longer in loin than his litter mate and a little finer with not the width at this stage. However has all the breed characteristics and will do very well in the future. Just preferred the overall package of his brother at this stage of their development. Collected on the move, with evidence of good stride and reach. 

3rd: 7033 STAINSBY, Miss A J Cloudside Alpine Sunset With Carmenote

Res: 6971 CHEESMAN, Mrs Carolyn & CHEESMAN, Mr Anthony Cloudside Golden Fleece At Zaram

VHC: 7017 NEWTON, Mrs L Cloudside Red Sky Over Shimalma

Class 2682 JD (8 Entries) Abs: 2

Another class dominated by litter mates, again at differing stages of development.

1st: 6997 HOUSE, Ms Jo & HINCHLIFFE, Mr Mark Cloudside Soul Prince For Jodak JW

Love this heavily marked black and cream and have followed his career with interest, since he came out as a sixth month old puppy. Presents as an upstanding hound of excellent breed type. Masculine but not heavy and displays a certain elegance and arrogance. Underneath his junior coat there is a beautiful head with the darkest of eyes. Excellent expression and flows neck to shoulder. Front and rear angulation balance and he is well ribbed with sufficient depth for his age. Strong topline and excellent ribbing. Would have preferred more weight on him today however his movement , once settled presented as true Afghan movement , light, stylish and sufficient reach. Rear movement has now tidied up and as he matures and loses some of his ‘coat bulk’ will present as an exciting prospect. I liked him sufficiently to award him the reserve CC in strong competition.

2nd: 6966 BELLRINGER, Mrs S & BELLRINGER, Mr Paul Cloudside Ebony Prince At Johda

Love this young boy and another who I have watched with interest. Similar to his brother in type and make up. Very stylish  and eye catching, and utilises his excellent proportions and conformation to advantage on the move. Sound and true and in excellent condition. Not the size of his brother but can certainly give him a ‘run for his money’. It will be interesting to see how he continues to develop but today I just preferred the overall package of the winner.

3rd: 6984 GLEED, Miss V & MCPHERSON, Mr I Chinzaes Tartan Tiger

Res: 7004 KIDD, Mrs Joanne & KIDD, Mr Andrew Cloudside Prince Of Light

VHC: 6981 FRENCH, Ms Margaret & FRENCH, Mr William Sitana Silver Surfer At Zalmeerah

Class 2683 GD (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7026 REED, Mrs Amanda Jayne & REED, Mr Terence Way Up Portofino (imp Ita)

Brindle youngster who is very much at the in between stage. Plenty of promise under his enormous coat! He carries a beautiful head and eye with excellent expression. Sufficient underjaw. Nicely proportioned and with good topline, croup and ring tail. Suffiient depth, ribbing and angulation. Stood alone but worthy of his first prize and will benefit from ‘coating down’ so that the full picture can be appreciated. Moved with style and purpose.

2nd:

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2684 PGD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 6975 DRAGE, Mr Mike Zendushkas Born To Run Isjulees

Self-masked gold who is well made throughout and of excellent proportions and coat pattern. Masculine head with correct proportions but  but for me, a little over done in back skull. Super neck to shoulder, upper arm and ribbing Strong topline, correct rib to loin ratio, croup and ring tail set on correctly. Nice size with adequate leg. Once in his stride and settled displays reach and drive with sufficient spring. Lovely quality.

2nd: 6986 GRAY, Mrs Elizabeth Anne Rhajikhan Walking On Water

Commanding brindle of a completely different type to the above. Well-presented and a very attractive head, eye and expression. Well up on leg, and has a lot to like about him. Moved well with purpose but for me would prefer a better rib to loin ratio and tail. Unlucky to meet the above today.

3rd: 6989 GUNN, Mr Richard & GUNN, Miss Charlotte Katanga's God Of Thunder JW

Res:

VHC:

Class 2685 LD (11 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: 7035 THOMPSON, Mr & Mrs R C & J A Drishaun Rock Me Baby Gothika

A beautiful black masked gold headed this competitive and challenging class. I found him in excellent condition with his silky coat presented to perfection. He was excellent for condition in body and muscle tone. Lovely shape on the stack with no particular exaggeration. Excellent to go over with everything in the right place, nicely proportioned with adequate ribbing and loin, ring tail. Sufficiently up on leg and a nice overall size. Attractive head , eye and expression. Excellent style with typical movement with a style of high order. Presents as the whole package and in the running for the green cards. Just my personal preference on the day. 

2nd: 6995 HERITAGE, Mr A M & HERITAGE, Mrs J P Amaserwah Any Way The Wind Blows At Jazzmeenah (IK

I do like this masculine black masked gold male. Still young and has the best to come. A different type to the above but of the similar excellent proportions. Probably more masculine in head with sufficient underjaw. Nice in eye and expression . Moderate neck to shoulder with balanced angulation front and back. Liked his four square picture. Good length of croup, although a little steep but finished by a ring tail. Strong topline and keeps his shape on the move with excellent gait and style. Will be interested to see how he continues to mature and finish.

3rd: 6980 FRENCH, Ms Margaret & FRENCH, Mr William Sitana Moon Knight At Zalmeerah Jw

Res: 6976 DUNSTAN, Ms L J & WATERHOUSE, Mr J Shimalma Disaronna At Tazkindi

VHC: 7023 PEEK-MATAR, Mrs Deborah Yansukhim's Sherbet Fizz 

Class 2686 OD (10 Entries) Abs: 1

Thank you for the opportunity of judging this quality, competitive class.

1st: 7007 LANCASHIRE, Mrs A M & O'DONNELL, Miss C & LANCASHI Ch Drishaun Baby's In Black JW

Quite a stallion of a male. This black and tan commanded attention through his quality of breed type, excellent condition, conformation  and overall presentation. Completely sound and in excellent muscle tone as I would expect from this kennel. Going over him I found him to be of excellent proportions with an excellent ribcage, depth, spring and the correct length of loin to accompany this. Masculine head that is detailed once you are on him and a dark triangular eye much like his mothers. Excellent neck to shoulder. Presents as an unexaggerated hound fit for purpose with the movement to reflect this. I think at the top of his game and I anticipate will continue to do well. In this company, today he was the complete package and was my CC winner. 

2nd: 7001 JAMES, Mrs Emma & JAMES, Miss Imogen Ch Syrdarya Darjeeling Chai Of Simkhan

Shaded masked gold who has all the breed characteristics and presents as an excellent example of our breed. Most beautiful head, eye and expression but still masculine. His proportions are excellent and he really is ‘Afghan’ through and through. True Afghan movement with carriage and style, in excellent condition and still a contender for top honours.

3rd: 7032 SEMPLE, Mrs Eunice & BECK, Mrs Elizabeth Ayoubkhan Stargazer(ay3)

Res: 7029 ROPER, Mr David & MOORE, Ms C Ch Sitana The Kingsman At Temenshu

VHC: 6985 GORMAN, Mrs T & GORMAN, Mr P & LATIMER, Mrs P A & Shahfoladi Sphinx Riddle At Zharook (ai) JW

Class 2687 VD (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7006 LANCASHIRE, Mrs A M & O'DONNELL, Miss C & LANCASHI Ch Drishaun Fair As A Lily JW ShCEx OSW

Self-masked cream with all round appeal. Holds himself well and keeps his shape on the move. Excellent in conformation and has all the breed characteristics. Balanced, detailed head with masculine outlook. Still a contender for high hours and in excellent condition.

2nd: 7041 WINTERS, Mr Clive & WINTERS, Mrs Susan Ch Pashtari Lord Tennyson Tokando JW

I gave this beautiful black and tan his crowning CC in 2019. My appreciation of him is still the same but now he is showing his age. Nevertheless he still appeals and I am pleased to have given him his crown. An excellent representative of the breed and most worthy champion.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2688 GCD NO ENTRIES

Class 2689 SBD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 7003 KELLETT, Miss Lisa Geordele Born Free

Black masked gold of nice proportions with all the breed characteristics. Not a big dog but has an attractive head, eye and expression with adequate neck and overall angulation. Ring tail and a steady sound mover. Would prefer more ribbing and a little flat in croup but a pleasing type.

2nd: 7033 STAINSBY, Miss A J Cloudside Alpine Sunset With Carmenote

Shaded masked gold and one of the five litter brothers from puppy and was placed third. I like this puppy and he has excellent potential. He is well made and of good proportions with attractive head. He needs to fill out and improve his body condition. When settled he shows his potential as a good mover. Very promising, so keep working on him.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2690 MPB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

Two pretty litter sisters

1st: 7000 HUGHES, Ms T Istani Liza Minnelli

Black masked cream promising baby of nice proportions. Moderate in angles and needs to grow into herself . Showing an easy action on the move today and raised ring tail.

2nd: 7024 REANEY, Mrs Andrea Istani Miss Jackson At Andazraq's

Attractive black masked red sister, finer all through and not as settled. Nice proportions and promising.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2691 PB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7002 JAMES, Mrs Emma & JAMES, Miss Imogen Cloudside Camomile At Simkhan

Shaded masked gold of excellent proportions . Beautiful head, eye and expression. Excellent neck to well laid shoulders. Good width in front and excellent angulation front and rear. Strong topline with good ribbing and short loin. Complimentary length of croup leading to ring tail. When settled shows evidence of reach and drive in her gait. Quite a character and I anticipate will do very well as she matures. Best puppy bitch.

2nd: 6991 GUNN, Ms C & CANNON, Mrs V Golddragon Bubble Bounce Into Zushkhan (imp Esp)

Quality black masked gold of a different type to the above. Promising in all aspects just finer all through. Nicely proportioned and has style on the move. Another who will mature well.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2692 JB (5 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 6973 DARE, Mrs Jeanette Sitana The Eternal At Lakarnadream

Quality black masked cream who exudes breed type. Has all the breed characteristics and presents as a really classic picture. Beautiful head, eye and expression. Good neck to shoulder and well angulated front and complimentary rear. Strong topline and adequate ribbing. Moved purposefully with style. Must be a star for the future.

2nd: 6998 HOWIE, Mrs Rhona Elizabeth Anne & LEITCH, Miss Jun Chinzaes Touch Of Tartan

Lovely black cream youngster. I really liked her and she like the winner has all the breed characteristics. Unlucky to meet the above in such form .Bigger all through and not the ribbing of the above otherwise very close and has excellent style on the move. Again should do well as she continues to mature.

3rd: 7031 SANGHERA, Mr Harjinder & SANGHERA, Mrs Joy Sitana Beautiful Dreamer

Res: 6970 CHEESMAN, Mrs Carolyn & CHEESMAN, Mr Anthony Cloudside Snow Angel At Zaram

VHC:

Class 2693 GB (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 6978 FAIRBURN, Mrs M & DELLA ROCCA, Mrs A & JOY, Mrs S Way Up Bombay Sapphire (Imp) It

A really nice young brindle bitch with excellent proportions and bags of style to power her around the ring. Her handler really got the best out of her today. Her proportions are excellent and she has a great head piece, eye and expression. Will benefit from coating down as she matures. Stood alone but very worthy of a red card. I liked her a lot and will look forward to seeing her mature.

2nd:

3rd:

Res:

VHC: 

Class 2694 PGB (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7011 LAWSON-BALL, Mrs B Sitana Mystique At Zarcar

Beautifully made sister to the post graduate dog winner and most of the marks applied to him, apply to her. Balanced all through and in good condition. Well bodied but please take care and not take her over otherwise it will spoil her. Easy mover with reach and drive, maturing nicely.

2nd:

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2695 LB (10 Entries) Abs: 5

1st: 7016 MOYES, Mrs Elsie & LOCKETT-DAVIES, Ms E & SHAW, Mi Rhazmakh Heart O'summer By Bryelis Jw

This feminine black and tan headed a strong, hotly contended and challenging limit class. The bitches were all of similar quality and it was much about personal preference, the whole package and therefore performance on the day. This bitch presented as the whole package, not exaggerated but completely feminine with a style of high order and all the breed characteristics. Presented in good condition and her handler did get the best out of her. Beautiful head, eye and expression, adequate front and rear angulation. Well ribbed with sufficient spring. Easy mover with good side gait not overreaching but light and effortless. In excellent condition and very much a bitch. I liked her sufficiently to award her the Reserve CC.

2nd: 7030 SANGHERA, Mr Harjinder & SANGHERA, Mrs Joy Sitana Love And Thunder JW

Beautifully made and proportioned shaded masked gold. Bigger than the winner and not the expression of the above. Sparsely coated which is not a disadvantage and she has nothing to hide. Her excellent conformation powered her around the ring. Unlucky to meet the above in such fine form. I’m sure her day will come and deservedly so.

3rd: 7018 NISBET, Mrs F & FORRESTER, A B & SMITH, Mrs J Finix Just A Girl (ai) JW

Res: 7028 RHODES, Mrs S Madeleine & SHAVERNEVA, Ms M & GARRA Alaqadar Ariodante Of Shadowfax (imp)

VHC: 6990 GUNN, Ms C & CANNON, Mrs V Karagez Kartina Maslom At Zushkhan (Imp)

Class 2696 OB (6 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: 6974 DELLA ROCCA, Mrs A It Ch Way Up Punta Margherita

A very beautiful representative of our breed, from her lovely feminine head, dark eye and expression to a conformation that is fit for purpose and representative of our breed. Her quality and attributes shone out today. For me, she was the complete package and a type  I like and admire. She moved with style , high order and attitude to take the top spot over a very beautiful bitch in second place. She is moderate with no exaggeration just with type and quality which was  all evident as she powered around the ring. It was a pleasure to reward her with the CC, BOB and I understand her UK title. Congratulations and well deserved. Thank you for bringing her in such excellent condition.

2nd: 6994 HEDGE, Mr B & Mrs N Ch Unstoppable Happy Go Lucky (ai) (Swed Imp)

Beautiful black and tan and of the same quality as above A great favourite and she was unlucky to meet the above in such fine form. Not as settled today on the move as the above which was a shame. However excellent breed type with all the breed characteristics and a picture on the stack. Very worthy champion.

3rd: 6972 CULLEN, Mrs T M Cloudside Sevillana At Eweyisska (ai)

Res: 6983 GLEED, Miss V & MCPHERSON, Mr I Ch Saviour And My Salvation At Ksiadz

VHC:

Class 2697 VB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 7020 O'DONNELL, Miss Lianne & O'DONNELL, Ms Catherine Ch Drishaun Faith Is Like A Lily For Javidan JW

Brindle, feminine and well-made bitch who I have done well for before. I still have the same opinion . In excellent condition and so well presented. She is an asset to the breed and is still a top contender. Best Veteran today.

2nd: 7019 NOBLE & WILCOX, Mrs & Mr Ja & D Ch Aqua's The Bitchisback At Bichoux JW (Imp USA)

Beautiful masked gold of a different type to the first. I liked her for her proportions overall conformation and breed type. Well up on leg, attractive head of correct proportions and excellent expression. A little over in body condition which detracted , today.  She moved purposefully and soundly with style. Unlucky to meet the above.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 2698 GCB NO ENTRIES

Class 2699 SBB (1 Entries) Abs: 1

Roberta Hall, Saxonmill Afghan Hounds UK (Judge)