Exonian Canine Association

Thank you to the Officeholders and Committee of the Exonian Canine Association for inviting me to judge the whole of the Hound group except the Whippets. Although, I have judged most of the breeds before, it was the first time I had judged the whole group. Thank you to the exhibitors for presenting such quality exhibits and enabling me to put my hands on some outstanding champions. It was a shame we clashed with the Midland Dachshund Club show, who had over 200 entries. However, the Dachshunds that were present were of high standard resulting in them being placed in the Hound group and my Best Veteran going Reserve Best Veteran in Show.

A special thank you to my highly efficient stewards, Trudi Conibere, who was assisted by Jo. The life of a judge is so much easier when you have good stewards.

BEAGLE

OPEN DOG (5)

A lovely class of good quality Beagles.

1. Quantick’s Parkebreeway Rumour JW. A smart tri-colour, masculine young dog, heading towards two years old and maturing nicely. He presented a true Beagle outline. Super head, with slightly domed skull with slight peak. Good eyes and well-set ears. Correct neck, well laid shoulders, forelegs straight and upright set under body with round bone and firm elbows. Super tight, neat, well knuckled feet. Straight, level topline and ribs well sprung. Strong, well angulated hindquarters. Moved very well. Presented in lovely condition, well-muscled, boned and fit. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

2. Daniels’ Michelroy Earl Grey. A very promising puppy dog with a lovely shiny coat, presented in excellent condition, giving a well-balanced outline. He displays a handsome, masculine head. His markings can detract from his front assembly, which is very good with straight forelegs leading into neat, well-padded feet. Firm topline, which he maintained on the move. Muscular thighs, well bent stifles and hocks well let down. Moved out well with drive from behind.

3. Bell-Thomas & Thomas’ Amorpapaver Copernicus.

4. Hooper’s Davricard Jacobean at Torbers.

OPEN BITCH (6)

1. Hooper’s Bijou Tosha Avec Torbers. (Imp LVA). A sturdy, compact bitch. She presented a well-balanced outline, fit for purpose, giving the impression she could work all day. Super head and expression, slightly domed skull with slight peak, well defined stop, excellent eyes, ears and muzzle. Good neck and lay of shoulders, straight forelegs, well set under her. Good forechest and chest let down to below tight elbows. Level topline and ribbed well back. Muscled thighs, well bent stifles and well let down hocks. Well set tail and neat feet. Wonderful mover, reaching well in front and drive from behind. BEST OF BREED

2. Bell-Thomas & Thomas’ Amor Papaver Ada Lovelace. Another lovely attractive promising Beagle puppy, so nice to go over. Well-structured with a true Beagle outline. Correct, attractive head. Good neck and shoulder placement and straight front. Level topline, ribbed back well. Good hindquarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Neat feet. Moved very well, reaching in front and driving from behind. BEST PUPPY.

3. Oak’s Michelroy Boston Tea Party by Floridgebay.

AFGHAN HOUND

OPEN DOG (2)

Two brothers from the same kennel, so quite a like.

1. Godber-Ford’s Affynetta Desert Wind. This dog had that dignified look, with head proudly held. He is a black masked gold coloured dog with all the glamour of an Afghan Hound. In super coat of attractive colour. Long, balanced head, of correct shape, with slight stop. Long ‘top knot’ and prominent whiskers. Proud carriage of neck. Long sloping shoulders. Straight and well boned forelegs. Level back, well-muscled, with back falling slightly away to stern. Hipbones rather prominent and wide apart. Powerful, well bent and well-turned stifles, finished with a ring tail. Good overall outline. He had that lovely Afghan smooth springy flowing movement. BEST OF BREED.

2. Godber-Ford’s Affynetta Mountain Breeze. Black in colour. He has a nicely proportioned head with strong jaws. Long, correct in shape, with a slight stop and prominent occiput. Correct neck, balanced body, in good condition. Finished with a ring tail. Moved out well, with strong rear drive. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

DACHSHUND (WIRE-HAIRED)

PUPPY (1)

1. Pughe & Fraser’s Stanegate Sonja. I really fell in love with this gorgeous bitch puppy, who must have a wonderful future. First impressions, she looked long but was in fact correctly, moderately long. She has such a super head carriage with intelligent expression. Long, conical shaped head, slightly arched skull and dark almond shaped eyes. Ridges over her eyes with bushy eyebrows. Strong, slightly arched neck. Well set shoulders and correctly placed straight forelegs. Strong breastbone developing well with depressions on either side. Level back, good length of ribbing with a nice short loin. Rump developing nicely. Lovely tail set and carriage. Super free flowing movement. Wire hair coming through nicely. BEST PUPPY & BEST OF BREED.

POST GRADUATE (1)

1. Wills’ Kasalane Pietersite. A 13-month-old dog, who unfortunately was rather apprehensive on the day. Such a shame, as it affected his outline and movement. He has a pleasing head shape and eye set, giving the correct expression. Nice body and colour.

OPEN (3)

1. Wills’ Kasalane Ostiriato Sea. He has a masculine head, dark eyes correct dentition. Good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders and return of upper arm. Strong, prominent breastbone with depression on either side. Level topline and good tail set. Lacking in coat on the day. Moved OK.

DACHSHUND (MINIATURE WIRE-HAIRED)

POST GRADUATE (4)

Two lovely puppies with super personalities, both must have great futures.

1. Rose’s Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz. Only 8 months old, but what a show girl, full of breed type with correct proportions. She has a super long conical feminine head, with eyebrows coming. Good eye shape with lovely expression, nice ear set and correct dentition. Lengthy well arched neck. Very good shoulder placement, prominent keel developing well and neat elbows. Level topline and good length of ribbing. Hindquarters developing nicely. Correct tail set and carriage. Stands square on closely knit feet. She moves so well, flowing freely for one so young and small. Wire coat coming through. BEST PUPPY & BEST OF BREED.

2. Kilroy’s Janacop Sweet Child of Mine. Another very nice puppy, just over 6 months old. with similar attributes. Another with ring presence in abundance. Good head, correct eyes and ear set. Long well arched neck flowing into good shoulders and neat elbows. Ribbing well sprung for age, with good topline and loin. Well-made hindquarters. Good underline and clearance with correct height to length ratio. Moved very well, retaining a good outline in profile. Superb coat.

OPEN (3)

1. Rose’s Merryline Martha with Rosencrantz JW. Not a lot to choose between these two bitches but just preferred the overall shape of this bitch. 17month old bitch with lovely prominent eye ridges to accentuate her correct feminine conical head and correct amount of stop. Sufficient ground clearance and good angulation in front. Good level topline with sufficient ribbing extending back. She was not at her best on the day, appearing a bit apprehensive and cold, which affected her hind movement, which was a shame. Wire coat coming through.

2. Kilroy’s Rozelle Rosalie at Janacop JW. Over two years old, with a harsher more mature wire coat. Super bushy eyebrows accentuating her almond shaped dark eyes. Well-developed keel fitting neatly into crook and elbows well tucked in. Good angulation fore and aft and well-muscled. Good fluent movement, with reach in front and drive from behind.

DACHSHUND (LONG-HAIRED)

PUPPY (1)

1. Parrott & Clifton’s Davydon Ocean Breeze. A well-grown 6-month-old dog puppy presented in super condition, with a lovely shiny coat. Very young and a little apprehensive, not showing himself off to advantage, which affected his movement. He was soundly constructed with excellent dentition. Would love to see what he is like when he has grown up. BEST PUPPY.

OPEN (1)

1. Sainsbury’s Drymoor Marron Glace at Boscolla. Very showy bold mature bitch with plenty of style. Well balanced, presenting a beautiful outline and she knows it! Holds a bold defiant carriage of head, of correct length, with good skull and muzzle, plus correct amount of stop. Lovely almond-shaped dark eyes giving that super intelligent expression. Slightly arched neck and good shoulder placement. Excellent keel placed correctly and tight elbows. Level topline and well ribbed back. Well-developed muscled hindquarters with full rump and good turn of stifle. This aided her super flowing movement with reach in front and drive from behind. Presented in super coat to complete the picture. BEST OF BREED.

DACHSHUND (MINIATURE LONG-HAIRED)

POST GRADUATE (4)

1. Westaway’s Minard Whispering Angel at Treranch. A very striking, beautifully presented, well balanced red bitch. Super head of correct shape, carried proudly. Lovely almond-shaped dark eyes and well-set ears. Graceful neck flowing into correct shoulder placement. Well pronounced keel and tight elbows. Firm level topline, good depth and spring of ribs. Muscled hindquarters, full rump and good angulation. Moved like a dream, flowing around the ring with long strides, maintaining her outline in profile, carrying her well set tail correctly. Super soft coat of a lovely colour. BEST OF BREED.

2. Bater’s All for Show. Correct shaped head, with super almond shaped dark eyes. Level topline. Well-muscled. Super colour and coat.

3. Parrott & Clifton’s Davydon Ocean Dawn.

OPEN (3)

1. Bater’s Daxiemoors Flower Girl. A smaller black and tan bitch, not in such good coat. Good head and pigmentation. Very good front construction, resulting in a good frontal view with straight forelegs covering the lowest part of the keel. Not such a prominent fore chest as some. Level topline and good angulation. Moved very well with good carriage and drive from her nicely muscled hindquarters.

2. Way’s Ralines Ways and Means JW. Very impressive outline on the stand, with a lovely coat of soft texture and colour. Nice feminine head. Graceful neck flowing into good shoulders. Prominent breastbone. Level topline with slight rise over loin and ribbed well back. Correct feet and well boned.

DACHSHUND (SMOOTH-HAIRED)

SPECIAL YEARLING (1)

1. Rycroft’s Raajput’s Dancer Divaa with Trisensara. A lovely mature black and tan 13-month bitch, with an impressive shiny coat. Beautiful feminine head, with good ear set and dark eyes. Good length of neck flowing into well placed shoulders with good return of upper arm. Prominent breastbone. Good ribbing and length of body. Strong rounded rump with good turn of stifle. Good feet. Well presented. Moved very well with reach and drive.

OPEN BITCH (1)

1. Rycroft’s Chidax Sahara Sand by Trisensara JW. Lovely mature well balanced red 2-year-old bitch. Super well-proportioned head with lovely expression. Good length of neck, shoulder placement and elbows. Level topline, held well on the move and well ribbed up. Muscled hindquarters with good angulation. Moved very well with good length of stride and drive from the rear. Presented in good hard condition and super shiny coat. BEST OF BREED.

DACHSHUND (MINIATURE SMOOTH-HAIRED)

PUPPY (2)

1. Small’s Marvale Golden Oriole for Devondax. A lovely 11-month-old red bitch puppy with a super shiny coat. Well-proportioned head, almond shaped eyes and well-set ears with wonderful dentition. Long, muscular, slightly arched neck. Well angled forequarters, straight forelegs, elbows set under and fore chest developing well. Correct length of body with good height to length proportions. Level topline, well ribbed back and angulated hindquarters. Moved briskly and confidently.

POST GRADUATE (2)

1. Small’s Marvale Sparrowhawk for Devondax. Litter brother to the above, with all the attributes of his sister and lots more. He has been doing particularly well and certainly one to watch for the future. I gave him very high honours at Minehead & District Open show recently, but regrettably at this show he did not shine and show himself off the same. He is well constructed and presented in lovely condition. He has a super shaped head, well-placed ears, almond eyes and wonderful dentition. Slightly arched neck, lovely chest, elbows, super outline and stands with straight, parallel hocks. He appeared a bit apprehensive, not showing off his lovely movement. I hope he has not been shown too much and got a bit fed up. Such a shame, as he would have been placed well in the Hound Group. BEST PUPPY & BEST OF BREED.

OPEN DOG (1)

1. Poulier’s Auradach Alfred the Great. A rather vocal 7-year-old, with no grey hairs, certainly enjoying his day out. A slightly larger type but nicely proportioned, with good elbows. Strong jaws and teeth, presenting a super complete dentition. He has good feet and moves OK in front. Well-loved and shown in excellent condition.

OPEN BITCH (2)

1. Small’s Lois Lane Cheky’s Hojanmit (Imp FCA). Another with lovely teeth, shown in beautiful condition and shiny coat, presenting a lovely outline. Classic, feminine head with super almond shaped eyes. Good forequarters, level topline, muscled loin and good ribbing. Nice hindquarter angulation, standing with parallel hocks. Lovely neat feet. Moved a bit fast, but OK.

BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE

OPEN DOG (1)

1. Carter’s Gouvier Espresso Martini JW. A shame he played up and spoilt his chances. Being 4 years old with an experienced handler, he should know better. He has a good well-balanced head with correct amount of dome to his skull. Lovely folding in ears, set on in line with his eyes, enhancing his super expression. Short, muscular neck. Strong, very well-muscled hindquarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Presented in good bone and well bodied. Super harsh, dense coat of correct texture. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

OPEN BITCH (2)

1. Horn & Betty’s Mochras Mahjesty. A 3-year-old balanced bitch presenting a super profile. She has a very nice well-balanced head, with eye colour matching her coat colour. Ears folding inwards set on level with her eyes. Short, muscular neck set into sloping shoulders. Straight forelegs of good bone for her size and well filled fore chest with ample heart-room. Good length and depth of body, strong topline and good tail-set. Nicely angulated rear with good width of thigh and well-let down hocks. Moved well. BEST OF BREED.

OTTERHOUND

POST GRADUATE (2)

1. Hansford & Donnelly’s Olphae Graceful with Peregos. This youngish Otterhound did not appear very happy and difficult to assess. A shame really, as she has some good attributes. A correctly shaped head with long, pendulous ears. Straight front legs, level topline and correct length of tail. Movement hard to assess. Correct rough, harsh waterproof coat. BEST OF BREED.

BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN (PETIT)

POST GRADUATE (2)

1. Cadmore’s Soletrader Sybil Fawlty. A lovely 7-month-old bitch puppy, with a happy, outgoing temperament, aiding her nice outline. A super noble head carried proudly. Domed skull and occipital bone well developed. Large, dark, oval, intelligent expressive eyes and correct ears folding inwards. Good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Good fore-chest, straight legs with good bone standing on super feet. Level topline, ribs extending well back. Muscled hindquarters with well bent stifles. Moved freely with drive. Correct rough textured coat coming through. She should have a bright future. BEST PUPPY & BEST OF BREED.

OPEN (2)

1. Fordham’s Elsfie Monsieur Oakley. 6 years old and rather lethargic. Head OK, with clearly defined stop. Correctly shaped ears. Straight, well boned forelegs. Very strong, muscular hindquarters. Good rough coat and thick undercoat.

SLOUGHI

OPEN BITCH (1)

1. Carter’s Ir Ch Aabidah De Polvo Magico (Imp Aut) CW24 CJW24. When I judge breeds that are unfamiliar to me, I often download the photographs of past BOBs at Crufts to give me a more in-depth idea of what they should look like, when reading their breed standard. I had a photograph of the 2024 BOB on the table when judging and thought this bitch looked much like the photograph. It was a picture of her! So, what more can I say about a worthy champion that was BOB at Crufts 2024! My notes are – as per standard! However, there were a couple of other things. Her arched neck, well arched lean, elongated hare feet and effortless, free movement. BEST OF BREED.

IBIZAN HOUND

OPEN DOG (3)

1. Carter’s Ch L-Wynd’s Where the Shadow Ends (Imp USA) JW. Now 18 months old. I placed him first in a Stakes class of twenty-six entries when he was 9 months old. He is still an ‘eye catching’ stunner with elegance and beauty. Now a champion, receiving the DCC at Crufts last year. He still has a lovely head, which is fine and long, with a flat skull and prominent occipital bone. So beautifully balanced, clear amber eyes, ending with a flesh-coloured nose. Very lean, long, muscular neck, slightly arched. Long, straight legs. Long, flat ribcage. Long, strong, straight and lean hindquarters, with moderate angulation and arched toes. But I felt he had just lost that lovely condition and finish on the day. A shame. BEST OF BREED.

OPEN BITCH (2)

1. Carter’s Ch Afilador Room on the Broom ShCM ShCEx VW. Another worthy champion from this kennel. Now 10 years old and unfortunately beginning to show her age. Super in outline with a beautiful feminine head and expression, darkest of eyes and large mobile ears which she uses well. Lovely length of neck, with a good front, shallow chest and flat ribs. Long, straight front legs. Good long and strong hindquarters and neat well-arched feet. Moved well. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

BORZOI

OPEN (3)

1. Logvinenko’s Lynx Faster Then Light of Noldoli JW (Imp Swe). Full of Borzoi graceful elegance and balance. Very nice well-proportioned long, lean head. With the correct view from the side of the forehead and muzzle forming a convex line. Excellent full dentition. Correct ears, set high, folded back along his neck when in repose. Dark intelligent eyes. Strong neck, with that typical arch, well laid-back shoulders and well-made front assembly. Nice depth of chest. Graceful topline with nice fallaway and defined tuck up. Well angulated rear, good width of second thigh and well-muscled. Tail of correct length and carried perfectly on the move. Oval well arched feet. True Borzoi movement with the rear moving wider than the front. BEST OF BREED.

ANY VARIETY IMPORTED BREED REGISTER HOUND

OPEN (2)

1. Gombas-Juhasz’s Basset Bleu De Gascogne, Vegas Des Vallees Longeronnaises. Both good specimens of the breed, presented in lovely coat and condition. Both had wedge shaped heads with domed skulls and defined occipital points. Ears set below the eyeline on both dogs, but this one’s ears were more curled in. This dog had a correct prominent sternum. Both had long, strong and level backs, plus strong, muscular hindquarters and bent stifles. Both dogs moved well, but I thought this one moved with a bit more drive from behind. Both are very nice. BEST ANY VARIETY IMPORTED BREED REGISTER.

2. Gombas-Juhasz’s Basset Bleu De Gascogne, Venise Des Vallees Longeronnaises. Critique as above. Lovely feminine example of this breed.

ANY VARIETY NOT SEPARATELY CLASSIFIED HOUND

POST GRADUATE (1)

1. McMahon’s Norwegian Elkhound, Frigg Pride of North Via Seasara (Imp Pol). Just over a year old. Compact body with square outline. Wedge-shaped head, high set small erect ears and slightly oval dark eyes. Straight front legs, nicely boned. Well bodied, with straight and level topline. Strong and powerful hindquarters, definite bend at stifles. Strong tail, set on high, tightly curled over the centre line of her back. Tightly closed small oval feet. Good weather resistant coat. Moved well. BEST ANY VARIETY NOT SEPARATELY CLASSIFIED HOUND.

HOUND GROUP

BEST HOUND: - Godber-Ford’s Afghan Hound, Affynetta Desert Wind.

RESERVE BEST HOUND: - Carter’s Sloughi, Ir Ch Aabidah De Polvo Magico (Imp Aut) CW24 CJW24.

GROUP THREE: - Pughe & Fraser’s Dachshund (Wire-Haired, Stanegate Sonja.

GROUP FOUR: - Sainsbury’s Dachshund (Long-Haired), Drymoor Marron Glace at Boscolla.

BEST HOUND PUPPY: - Pughe & Fraser’s Dachshund (Wire-Haired), Stanegate Sonja.

RESERVE BEST HOUND PUPPY: - Rose’s Dachshund (Miniature Wire-Haired), Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz.

PUPPY GROUP THREE: - Bell-Thomas & Thomas’ Beagle, Amorpapaver Ada Lovelace.

PUPPY GROUP FOUR: - Cadmore’s Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit), Soletrader Sybil Fawlty.

ANY VARIETY HOUND

PUPPY (11)

1. Bell-Thomas & Thomas’ Beagle, Amorpapaver Copernicus. Both lovely puppies who were both placed third in their respective Open classes. Both had good heads, but I felt this dog had a slightly better skull. Both had all the usual good Beagle attributes. Both moved well but I felt this dog moved slightly better than the bitch. Both had very good compact, tight, firm feet.

2. Oak’s Beagle, Michelroy Boston Tea Party by Folridgebay. Critique as above. A very nice bitch puppy.

OPEN (10)

1. Bell-Thomas & Thomas’ Beagle, Amorpapaver Copernicus. AS ABOVE.

2. Horn & Betty’s Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Mochras Mahjesty. AS ABOVE.

3. Poulier’s Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired), Auradach Alfred the Great.

ANY VARIETY HOUND VETERAN

VETERAN 7-9 YEARS (14)

1. Rose’s Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired), Pennydach Mystique at Rosencrantz. Absolutely superb 7-year-old Miniature Smooth Dachshund bitch, full of breed type. Wonderful head, conical shaped and slightly arched skull. Long, muscular slightly arched neck, flowing into well laid shoulders. Strong, prominent breastbone with relevant depression either side, with good elbows. Level back with good length of ribs, nice short loin. Well-developed rump with muscled hindquarters and correct angulation. Moved wonderfully for a dog of 7 years old, so small and long. She was a real delight to watch. I was so pleased when she went Reserve Best Veteran in Show. Well deserved. BEST HOUND VETERAN.

2. Breeze’s Beagle, Ch Dufosee Dragonfly of Parkebreeway JW. I feel so sorry for the handler of this really stunning, lovely looking, worthy champion. First impressions, was she was the obvious winner. Stacked on the table she was absolutely gorgeous. When she moved, she was all over the place. Such a shame, as she spoilt her chances. The handler told me she has got into a bad habit.

3. Breeze’s Beagle, Davricard Hummingbird of Parkebreeway ShCM VW.

4. Poulier’s Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired), Auradach Alfred the Great.

5. McMahon’s Norwegian Elkhound, Seasara Fire Cracker.

VETERAN 10+ YEARS

1. Carter’s Ibizan Hound, Ch. Afilador Room on the Broom ShCM ShCEx VW. AS ABOVE.

ANY VARIETY HOUND CHAMPION (8)

1. Logvinenko’s Borzoi, Ch Ryazan Vladimir ShCEx. What a lovely worthy champion! Absolutely gorgeous in every way. ‘A chip off the old block’. I understand his sire is the breed record holder and his brother has 17 CCs. What else can be said. Such ‘eye catching’ graceful movement. Lovely head, ears so correct. Great depth of brisket reaching to his elbows. Super ‘Borzoi’ outline. Long and muscular hind legs with stifles well angulated. Beautifully presented, with wonderful silky, flat wavy coat. Much loved and handled to perfection. BEST HOUND CHAMPION.

2. Carter’s Sloughi, Ir Ch Aabidah De Polvo Magico (Imp Aut) CW24 CJW24. AS ABOVE.

3. Carter’s Ibizan Hound, Ch L-Wynd’s Where the Shadow Ends (Imp USA) JW.

4. Breeze’s Beagle, Ch Dufosee Dragonfly of Parkebreeway JW.

Felicity A Snook

JUDGE