Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Birmingham National Hound Veteran Group 08.06.2026

Judge: Nicola Spencer 

Thank you to Birmingham National for giving me the huge honour of judging this wonderful Group, my first at Championship level, and also thanks to my efficient stewards Jan and Pedro.

The quality, soundness and conditioning in these Seniors was outstanding which made for a considerable, though most enjoyable, task in selecting my shortlist: the Basenji, Nash's Ch Tokaji Moon Over Miami with Mutoko JW ShCEx OSW, one I have selected for top honours at breed level previously. This seven year old Tricolour, so correct in conformation, was as glorious as ever today with the scope of the large group ring giving her the opportunity to show off her breed typical swinging stride and striking silhouette in profile; the Basset Hound, Allchorne's Ch Nelgus Thyme Bomb JW ShCEx VW, such a well balanced Tricolour male, typical in head and eye with the desirable amount of substance to his frame. Almost ten years old, he is built without exaggeration in any aspect and moves with absolute soundness and an effortless gait with characteristic tail carriage; the Beagle, Taylor and Taylor's Ch Deaconfield Kingcraft, correctly sized and correctly proportioned eight and a half years old boy who oozes breed type. The kindest expression, lovely head with well sized ears. Another with effortless stride and just so well made all through with excellent bone and feet; the Norwegian Elkhound, Roxford's Whittimere No Matter What, seven and a half years and full of character. Nicely proportioned all through. Compact in build with correct square outline and well held tail. Typical in head with good eye and ears. Moved out with ease.

Then to my eventual winners, in 1st place the breathtaking nine years old Greyhound, Newsham's Ch Europa Decuma Via Windspiel (Cze Imp). She typifies the breed standard in all aspects and as such is hard to fault. So strong and powerful yet unmistakably feminine, not least in her beautiful head and expression. Clean in outline, capacious in build with curves in all the right places she moves with an elegant and sound stride with accurate footfall. 

2nd : Lewis' Ch Olphae Charman VW. A magnificent eight years old Black and Tan Otterhound male who comes into his own on the move with his long striding trot, accuracy of footfall and correctly carried stern creating an impressive picture. Head well proportioned with the loveliest expression and a good nose. His robust build is underpinned by strong bone and large, well made feet. Rough, harsh coat naturally presented. What a great ambassador for his breed.

3rd : Roberts’ Ch Swansford Gabrieldor. Seven years old Long Haired Dachshund. Masculine head of good length with a most handsome expression from his dark eye. Goodness can this boy motor; he powered around the ring effortlessly like he could go all day with his head held high and his tail in action as a continuation of his strong topline. So well constructed all through with ample keel, balanced angulation front and back and generally in superb shape. His shaded red coat in gleaming condition and showing off his balanced outline.

4th : Robinson and Howlett's Skyswift Tennessee Honey. Another impressive Dachshund, such a nicely proportioned seven year old Wire Haired male with good bone and coat of excellent texture. Masculine expression framed by shapely brows and excellent ears. He is particularly well constructed in front with plenty fill to his forechest, good length and angulation to his upper arm perfectly balanced to his clean, well laid shoulders and complementing his well angulated, muscular hindquarters. Moved out with soundness and drive from the rear.

Nicola Spencer (Judge)