Three Counties Agricultural Society

Hound Group 6th June 2026 A real privilege to be asked to judge the Hound Group at this fabulous show set in the Malvern Hills, my sincere thanks to everyone at Three Counties for this invitation and for such a welcome from all. Having been blessed with good showing conditions on the previous two days, the weather had unfortunately dipped both in temperature and sunshine, however we had an excellent space in the Kildare Hall & the ring was set out beautifully. This Group was full of quality & a good cut was deserved; those selected for further consideration were the Afghan Hound, long-haired Dachshund, wire-haired Dachshund, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Otterhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Whippet & Pharaoh Hound from AVNSC. All had a final chance to show off their balance, condition & movement before deciding on the final four. Group 1 Wheeler’s Ch Ranveli Diki Diki (Whippet) pale brindle at the top of his game whose poise, elegant flowing curves & overall shape could not be overlooked, beautifully constructed with no exaggerations & shown in superb firm muscle-tone he glided around the ring with perfect footfall, daisy cutting forehand & good drive, looked so collected & was in perfect harmony with his owner. Group 2 was Parker, Stevens, Williams & Carota’s Am Ch Hallam Desert Phoenix Bakhu’s Max One In a Million (Pharaoh Hound) loved this rich tan male who was so alert, clean cut & breed typical, super hard & gleaming with condition his well chiselled head so detailed, nicely sized & erect mobile ears used well, also impressed for muscular neck, body, overall muscle-tone & outline with movement to match, super looking dog so in tune with his owner/handler Group 3 Barnes Diamondridge Dreadnought JW (Rhodesian Ridgeback) most handsome male symmetrical outline, full of strength & condition, well defined ridge with perfect identical crowns, his neck, clean shoulders & straight forelegs blending beautifully into his body, well-sprung ribcage & loin like a rock, well defined hindquarters with good muscle on second thigh giving strength on those hocks, free movement was outstanding with long free stride; a lovely example of this breed, I understand he gained his well-deserved crown today – congratulations. Group 4 Carruthers Ch Aikton Alexander at Stanegate (Wire-Hard Dachshund) classic male with no exaggerations, balance & condition first class, bold & breed typical, sparkling dark eyes with super expression, good male conical head, neck strong blending so well into his shoulders, forehand fitting neatly around the chest, pronounced breastbone, ribs extending well back, nicely proportioned, good broad rump, nicely muscled & angled well, super clearance, movement free flowing & precise at all times, harsh coat, presented immaculately. Jill Cross (Gilari)