South Wales Kennel Association

South Wales KA Open Show – 14th February 2026

My sincere thanks to the Committee and Officers for inviting me to judge the Hound breeds, and also for the last minute request to step in for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels when the scheduled judge was unable to attend. Your hospitality throughout the day was much appreciated, and it was a pleasure to officiate at such a friendly, well organised show. Grateful thanks as well to my stewards, whose efficiency kept the ring running smoothly. Finally, my appreciation to all the exhibitors for bringing their dogs for me to assess and for accepting my decisions with such good grace.

Afghan Hound

O (2,1) 1. Gunn & Cannon’s Golddragon Bubble Bounce into Zushkhan (Imp Esp). A very appealing 13 month old gold bitch who immediately catches the eye with her pretty head and soft expression. She has the correct parallel planes of skull and muzzle, giving the classic aristocratic appearance. Good front angulation, though understandably still needing time for her chest to deepen and fill, as expected at this age. She is at a naturally loose and gangly stage of development, but this does not detract from her overall promise. Carries a good topline, which she held well on the move. Movement was parallel and true, showing the light, effortless action typical of the breed. A youngster with much potential ahead. Pleased to award her BOB.

Beagle

J (4,2) 1. Daniel’s Michelroy Earl Grey. A smart and promising 10 month-old dog who, despite being hurried into the ring and initially a little unsettled, soon composed himself to present a pleasing and well-balanced outline. He displays a handsome, masculine head with no hint of coarseness, complemented by a kind expression. Straight forelegs leading into neat, well-padded feet. His angulation is balanced fore and aft, and he carries a correct, firm topline which he maintained on the move. Once settled, he strode out freely with good drive. He secured first place on his slightly greater maturity over the second. Delighted to award him BPIB and later Hound Puppy Group Two. 2. Turton’s Parkebreeway Broken Rock. A very attractive 7 month-old tricolour bitch. Understandably a little overawed at first, but she soon gained confidence. Presents a pleasing overall picture with a pretty, feminine head and soft expression. Still very raw at this stage and needs time to develop and strengthen, but the essentials are all there. G (3,1). A close decision between these two quality males, both already holding their JW titles, and it is easy to appreciate why. 1. Murphy’s Bayard Seal of Approval at Rhosyndu JW. A smart 23 month-old tricolour dog of excellent breed type. Masculine head with a lovely dark eye and strong pigment, giving the desired gentle expression. Straight front with tight, well-shaped feet. Moved parallel and true, showing sufficient reach and drive, and used his stern correctly to enhance his movement. A well-balanced hound who could not be denied today. Pleased to award him BOB. 2. Cornell’s Braveair Pawsforthought from Bronllys JW. A substantial and handsome 2 year-old dog with a masculine head and expression. Presents a balanced outline with a good topline when standing. He moved well overall, though he did lose his topline occasionally on the move. My only slight criticism is that I would prefer him in firmer, harder condition to complete the picture. O (2,1) 1. Murphy’s Felinoak Gossip at Rhosyndu (AI). A quality 2 year-old tricolour bitch with a pretty head and soft expression. Correct ear set and carriage. She has balanced angulation fore and aft. She is slightly longer cast, but her length is correctly placed in her ribbing rather than the loin, which is entirely acceptable. Maintains a firm topline both standing and on the move. She moved with purpose and plenty of drive. Awarded RBOB.

Borzoi

G (2,0). Hall’s Jansam’s Bloody Mary. A very eye catching 19 month old bitch who immediately drew my attention on entering the ring. She has an attractive, feminine head with the correct head proportions and a soft, typical expression. Presents a balanced and elegant outline when standing, with a good front assembly leading into correct, well shaped feet. Her topline is correct, showing the required curves in all the right places, and she has a correct low tail set. Strong rear angulation which she used to advantage on the move. Her movement was effortless, light and powerful, as the standard demands. A very promising young hound with much to look forward to as she matures. Pleased to award her Best of Breed and Hound Group One. 2. Derrick’s Jansams Cosmopolitan. Litter sister to the winner and sharing many of the same virtues. Built on a slightly smaller frame. Not as settled as her sister today, though this may improve with maturity and experience. Moved well, but without the same confidence or drive. Nonetheless, a promising young hound with plenty of potential. O (2,0) 1. Logvinenko’s Lynx Faster Than Light of Noldoli JW (Imp Swe). An impressive 2 year old male built on a larger frame, yet entirely free from coarseness. Handsome head and expression with adequate pigmentation for his colouring. Well angulated front with a balanced rear, giving him the essential outline of a strong yet elegant hound. Good topline when standing, though he tended to flatten slightly on the move today. His movement was generally sound, though he was a little close behind. I feel he would benefit from a larger outdoor ring to truly open up and show his full potential. Awarded RBOB. 2. Derrick’s Jansams Cosmopolitan.

Dachshund (MSH)

G (1,0) 1. Lewis’ Trixhund Magic. A balanced and tidy 2 year old black and tan bitch. She has the correct conical head with a soft, feminine expression. Good front assembly leading into correct, tight feet, and she shows pleasing depth of keel. Her topline is correct and she held it well on the move. She moved soundly overall, though her front action was a little untidy today. Awarded RBOB. O (3,1) 1. Lewis’ Trixhund Magic Moment. A 2 year old red male and litter brother to the Graduate winner. He has a handsome conical head with excellent dark pigmentation, complemented by a good ear set and carriage. Well developed keel and spring of rib. Correct length to height ratio, with his length carried in his ribbing rather than his loin, as required. Maintains a firm topline both standing and on the move. He moved straight and true with sufficient drive. Pleased to award him BOB. 2. Ashby’s Midlandbulls Willow at Jaxinorydax. An attractive 5 year old red bitch. Well made throughout, though carrying a little more weight than ideal, which detracts slightly from her outline. Conical head, though a touch wide in backskull. Balanced angulation fore and aft, with good spring of rib and neat feet. Moved satisfactorily, though she appeared a little unsettled today.

Dachshund (MLH)

G (4,0) 1. Dalton & Beach’s Llansansior Red At The Door. A very promising 10 month old red dog presenting a pleasing outline with good overall balance when standing. Correct conical head with a masculine expression, enhanced by a lovely almond shaped dark eye and strong pigmentation. Well constructed front assembly leading into neat, tight feet. Good depth of keel and correct length to height ratio, with his length carried in his ribbing rather than his loin. He moved the best in this class, showing confidence and purpose. A youngster with much potential. Very pleased to award him BPIB and BOB. 2. Turton’s Cornwalldaxs Midnight Star at Damoradaxies. A balanced 2 year old male with a correct topline and correct length carried in his ribbing. Moved satisfactorily, though his rear action was a little untidy today. 3. Brown’s Devoncream Dustin Thyme. O (2,0) 1. Ham’s Minard Darque Red for Devondax JW. A quality 2 year old red dog presenting a pleasing outline with balanced angulation fore and aft. Adequate spring of rib and a masculine conical head with excellent dark pigmentation. Correct ear set and carriage. He moved well and pushed hard for top honours, but was not quite as animated as the overall winner today. Awarded RBOB. 2. Devoncream Mystique Jewel. A 2 year old cream bitch with many appealing qualities. Unfortunately, she was unsettled on the table, and although more relaxed on the floor, she did not show herself to full advantage. Pretty head and expression with dark pigmentation. When settled, she moved acceptably and held her topline, but her lack of confidence affected her tail carriage, which spoiled the overall picture.

Dachshund (MWH)

G (2,0) 1. Rose’s Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz. A very smart 10 month old bitch who won this class on her overall balance, size and ring presence. Attractive chocolate and tan with a correct conical head, dark almond shaped eyes and a typical, keen expression. Balanced both standing and on the move, with a correct topline which she held well throughout. Confident and full of attitude, she moved soundly in all directions. Pleased to award her RBOB and later Hound Puppy Group One. 2. Stone’s Milkwood’s May Time. An 18 month old male built on a slightly larger frame than the winner. Balanced overall, though I would prefer him carrying a little less weight to enhance his outline. Good head and expression with correct facial furnishings. Well balanced when standing. He was somewhat unsettled and fidgety today, but once settled he moved well, though without the same drive as the class winner. O (5,1) 1. Rose’s Ridanflight Remo. A very impressive 4 year old male and sire of the Best Puppy in Breed winner. Immediately caught my eye on entering the ring. A lovely shaded red with a good harsh coat. Masculine conical head with a typical expression, strong pigmentation and almond shaped eyes. Well balanced with good angulation fore and aft. His length is correctly carried in his ribbing, supported by a strong loin. Correct topline which he held on the move. He won this class on his movement - parallel, purposeful and with plenty of drive. Very pleased to award him BOB and later Hound Group Four. 2. Rose’s Merryline Martha with Rosencrantz JW. A very promising 19 month old bitch who already holds her JW title, and I am sure further honours await her. Feminine head and expression with dark pigmentation. Still needs to develop in spring of rib and depth of brisket, but this should come with maturity. Moved well overall, though her rear action was occasionally a little untidy. 3. Stone’s Milkwood’s May Time.

Dachshund (SH)

G (4,0) 1. Ashby’s Rayol Pumpkin Pie at Jaxinorydax. A well balanced 2 year old red bitch presenting a pleasing outline. Her body length is correctly carried in her ribbing rather than her loin. Typical conical head with a soft, houndy expression. Very good depth of keel and a well angulated front with elbows fitting closely to the ribcage. Correct topline, held firmly on the move. Strong rear angulation with a good bend of stifle, which she used effectively to drive around the ring. Awarded RBOB. 2. Turton’s Madrebambino Slinky Gal at Skipsar. A 3 year old black and tan bitch with a pleasing head and expression, dark almond shaped eyes and rich pigmentation. Well angulated front with good keel and depth of brisket. Balanced rear angulation and an overall harmonious outline. Correct topline maintained on the move. 3. Ashby’s Raajput’s Canadian Winter with Wakywilks. O (2,0) 1. Ashby’s Rayol Dallas Cowboys at Jaxinorydax JW. A 2 year old red dog and litter brother to the Graduate winner. Presents a typical outline with no exaggeration and is in excellent, well muscled condition. Ideal conical head with a true hound expression and dark almond shaped eyes. Strong, well angulated front, good spring and length of ribbing, and a well developed keel and underline. Correct topline, held well on the move. He moved with purpose and drive, securing BOB. 2. Stark’s Gobannium Made of Honour JW. A 2 year old red bitch with much to admire and who pushed the winner closely. Balanced outline with good length of ribbing and a strong loin. Well angulated front with neat feet. Maintained a correct topline on the move. Moved well, though not with quite the same animation as the BOB winner.

Dachshund (LH)

G (3,0) 1. Partridge’s Ranglewood Xmas Cracker to Riverroyal. A very impressive 14 month old black and tan dog who won this class on his excellent head and expression. He has a masculine, houndy conical head without any hint of coarseness, complemented by dark almond shaped eyes. Presents a balanced outline with good length and spring of rib. Correct topline, held firmly on the move. Strong rear angulation which he used to drive around the ring with purpose. Pleased to award him RBOB. 2. Barnicott & Pascoe’s Fahoogle Minack. A 17 month old red bitch with much to admire. Balanced outline with good front angulation. Slightly down on her pasterns today, which may simply reflect her adolescent stage and should improve with maturity. Well angulated, powerful hindquarters, though she did not quite use them to full advantage today and lacked a little drive on the move. 3. Turton’s Bay of Biscoff Biscuit at Damoradaxie. O (2,0) 1. Fricker’s Sundayshill Theodore at Borzdac. A 3 year old red dog who is not flashy but is exceptionally well balanced both front and rear. Not over long, with his length correctly carried in his ribbing and supported by a strong loin. Conical head with dark almond shaped eyes and a typical hound expression. Strong bone, correct keel and a well constructed front with elbows fitting closely to the ribcage. Powerful rear assembly which he used to move with drive and purpose. Pleased to award him Best of Breed. Notably, both BOB and RBOB share the same sire. 2. Partridge’s Pettigans Viva La Vida by Riverroyal JW. A 2 year old shaded red bitch with plenty to like. Feminine throughout, with a conical head, typical expression, correct front assembly, good keel and neat feet. Balanced fore and aft. Moved steadily, though not quite with the same animation as the winner.

Dachshund (WH)

G – no entries. O (2,1) 1. Matthews’ Sonham Fire Cracker. A quality 3 year old male who presented a well balanced outline with correct angulation both fore and aft. Typical conical head with correct facial furnishings and a harsh coat of the right texture. Strong front with an excellent keel, good length of ribbing and a firm, well muscled loin. Correct topline, held consistently on the move. He moved with purpose and drive, giving the impression of a hound capable of a full day’s work. Showed himself confidently from the moment he entered the ring. Although standing alone today, he fully deserved BOB, and I was pleased to award him Hound Group Three.

Irish Wolfhound  O (3,3) Sadly all three were absent.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

O (2,0) 1. Raymond’s Sofala’s Raffaello (AI) JW. A very impressive 2 year old male of excellent breed type. Masculine throughout and well off for bone, presented in hard, well muscled condition. Strong dark pigmentation and a rich coat colour, with only a very small white patch on the chest, as permitted in the Breed Standard. Clear, well defined ridge. Balanced outline when stacked, with adequate angulation fore and aft and no exaggeration. He moved with reach, drive and purpose, covering the ground efficiently. Pleased to award him BOB. 2. Sofala’s Pink Cadillac. A raw 7 month old bitch enjoying her day out. Very much a baby and in need of further ringcraft experience, but showing promise. Feminine head with a typical expression. Balanced fore and aft. Quite unsettled on the move today, making full assessment difficult, but I saw enough to suggest she has potential once she gains confidence. Awarded RBOB and BPIB.

Saluki

O (3,1) 1. Smithson & Thorsteinson’s Silvershadow Zelda Odi et Amo Elessar. A beautiful 4 year old chocolate bitch of excellent type. Perfectly balanced with the desired moderation and no hint of exaggeration. She has a pretty, feminine head with the typical far seeing expression and correctly shaped eyes. Good spring of rib and depth of brisket flowing into a strong loin. Her movement was effortless, light and economical, giving the impression she could run all day if required. Pleased to award her BOB. 2. Ham’s Ravensett Ashkan. A 3 year old gold male with much to admire. Attractive masculine head and expression. Presents a balanced outline with good angulation fore and aft. Good spring of rib into a strong loin. I would prefer a little more width in front. A very close decision between him and the winner, but he lacked a touch of sparkle on the move today. I am confident that in a larger outdoor ring he would be able to show himself to better advantage. Awarded RBOB.

Whippet

P (5,2) 1. Cooper’s Ballauren’s You Got It. An 11 month-old bitch who headed this class on her overall size, balance, and unmistakably feminine quality. She presents a clean, harmonious outline, standing over sufficient ground without any hint of exaggeration. Her head is pretty and feminine, with the correct proportions and a typical Whippet expression. Ears are well set, though a little fly-away today -something that should resolve as she matures. She has good angulation fore and aft. The hindquarters show a pleasing bend of stifle without being overdone. Her topline is correct, with the slight rise over the loin maintained both standing and on the move. True and parallel coming and going, and she covered the ground with ease. Pleased to award her BP. 2. Perkins’ Zeglynn Bee Liever. A 9 month-old male, heavier in bone and slightly longer cast than the winner, yet still retaining elegance and balance. He has a correct head with a typical expression and well-set ears. Very much at the baby stage and still needing to develop in depth of chest and strength of loin, but the essentials are all there. Moved straight and true. A promising youngster. 3. Bayley’s Wolfscastle Mr Luva Luva at Hengilfach. J (5,2) 1. Thomas & Prynne’s Swistir Talk Of The Town. A handsome 17 month-old red brindle male presenting a balanced, unexaggerated outline. He has good angulation both front and rear, with well-constructed hindquarters showing strength and a correct bend of stifle. His front is correct with adequate forechest. Chest still needs to deepen slightly, which should come with maturity. Straight forelegs into neat feet. Moved with effortless drive and freedom, covering the ground with ease. 2. Perkins’ Silkridge Figgy Pudding with Zeglynn. A 13 month-old male who pushed the winner hard; the first simply had the advantage of greater maturity. Another well-balanced hound with correct angulation fore and aft. Attractive head with correct oval eyes and well-set ears. Moved well, though he needs to tighten in his rear action, which should improve as he strengthens with age. 3. Cooper’s Ballauren’s You Got It. G (3,2) 1. Perkins’ Zeglynn Hello You. A 4 year-old fawn male with an attractive head and expression, and good pigmentation for his colour. He has a well-angulated front and neat feet. His topline shows the correct slight rise over the loin. I would prefer slightly less angulation in the hindquarters for ideal balance. Moved well in profile with good reach and drive, though a little untidy on the out-and-back. O (2,0) 1. Cooper’s Crosscop I’m Always Yours at Ballauren JW. A 2 year-old bitch of excellent overall balance and quality, free from exaggeration. She has correct angulation fore and aft, enabling her to stand over plenty of ground without appearing overstretched. Her head is very pretty with a soft, typical expression and excellent dark pigmentation. She has good length and spring of rib, a strong loin, and a clean underline. Not a flashy mover, but her footfall is absolutely correct, and she moves with effortless precision and ease. Beautifully handled. Delighted to award her BOB and Hound Group Two. 2. Perkins’ Silkridge Rapture with Zeglynn. A 2 year-old male of rangier type who has much to like but still needs time to fully mature. Overall balanced with a good topline. Masculine head with a typical expression. Well-muscled hindquarters with breadth and correct angulation. Moved well in profile, showing good reach and drive, though his front action was a little untidy today.

AVNSC Hound

P (4,1) 1. Allenby’s Revenite Sergeant Wilson for Rangali. An 8 month-old Basset Fauve de Bretagne male who immediately drew my eye on entering the ring. A real little showman with confidence beyond his age. He presents a balanced, unexaggerated outline with correct proportions for the breed. His head is handsome with good pigmentation and a typical, alert expression. Well-angulated fore and aft, enabling him to move with drive and accuracy, maintaining perfect footfall throughout. A very promising youngster. Delighted to award him BP AVNSC and Hound Puppy Group Four. 2. Mortimer’s Laakso Lumi. A 6 month-old Norwegian Elkhound bitch at her first show and very raw, yet she took the experience entirely in her stride. She has pleasing overall proportions with a correct square outline and balanced angulation. Feminine head with a lovely expression and correct dark pigmentation. Moved with balance and ease, holding a level topline. A baby with much potential. 3. Porter’s Roe Rumble. Bavarian Mountain Hound. G (2,1) 1. Jones’ Bonjour My Love. A 2 year-old PBGV bitch. Attractive and feminine. She has balanced angulation fore and aft and a pleasing head with correct proportions and typical facial furnishings. Moved well, maintaining her topline and using her stern to advantage. Awarded Reserve Best AVNSC. O (5,3) 1. McLoughlin’s Amenediels Eye On The Prize with Zantescwtch. A 16 month-old Bavarian Mountain Hound bitch. Feminine yet giving an impression of strength and capability. She presents a balanced outline with correct angulation fore and aft. Her head is lovely, with a typical expression, dark pigmentation, and a well-defined dark muzzle. Topline correct, showing the slight rise from front to rear characteristic of the breed, and she held this well on the move. Her movement was powerful and purposeful. She covered the ground with reach and drive, giving the impression she could work all day. Pleased to award her Best AVNSC. 2. Mortimer’s Laakso Julaften. A 2 year-old Norwegian Elkhound bitch presenting a balanced, square outline with good angulation front and rear. Feminine head and expression with correct breed characteristics. She moved very well, showing soundness and balance. A quality hound with much to admire, but unfortunately out of coat today, which detracted from the overall picture.

AV Hound. See critiques above.

P (9,4) 1. Turton’s Parkebreeway Broken Rock (Beagle). 2. Perkins’ Zeglynn Bee Liever (Whippet). 3. Porter’s Roe Rumble (Bavarian Mountain Hound). J (11,6) 1. Hall’s Jansam’s Bloody Mary (Borzoi). 2. Perkins’ Silkridge Figgy Pudding with Zeglynn (Whippet). 3. Gunn & Cannon’s Golddragon Bubble Bounce into Zushkan Imp Esp (Afghan). O (3,3).

Hound Group

1. Hall’s Jansam’s Bloody Mary (Borzoi). 2. Cooper’s Crosscop I’m Always Yours at Ballauren JW (Whippet). 3. Matthews’ Sonham Fire Cracker (Dachshund WH). 4. Rose’s Ridanflight Remo (Dachshund MWH).

Hound Puppy Group

1. Rose’s Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz (Dachshund MWH). 2. Daniels’ Michelroy Earl Grey (Beagle). 3. Dalton & Beach’s Llansansior Red At The Door (Dachshund MLH). 4. Allenby’s Revenite Sergeant Wilson for Rangali (Basset Fauve de Bretagne)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

P (4,2) 1. Liverton Ovey’s Halosey All The Stars Align. A 6 month old Blenheim bitch who impressed with her confidence and composure, taking the day very much in her stride. She presents a pleasing, balanced outline with good overall proportions. Her markings are clear and well defined, enhancing her pretty, feminine head and soft, typical expression. Correct topline, which she held well on the move. She moved with drive and accuracy, showing good footfall for one so young. A promising puppy. Pleased to award her BPIB. 2. Hawkins’ Lexody’s Legacy. A 6 month old Blenheim male of balanced outline with a pleasing head and expression. Well angulated fore and aft. Very much a baby at this stage and understandably loose on the move, which should improve as he strengthens and matures. J (3,1) 1. Bennett’s Arroline Incognito at Remmya. A 12 month old tricolour bitch, correctly marked and presenting a balanced, well-proportioned outline. Feminine head with a flat skull, correct ear set, and a gentle expression. Good angulation fore and aft. She won this class on her movement, which showed drive, accuracy, and correct footfall. 2. Hawkins’ Lexody’s Serenity. A 6 month old Blenheim bitch, still very much in puppy coat but clearly enjoying her day. Balanced outline with good angulation front and rear. Moved as well as expected for her age, though a little untidy behind today. Time and maturity should help her tighten. G (1,0) 1. Williams’ Granasil Tea House Moon on Sancana. A 3 year old black and tan bitch, immaculately presented with a glossy black coat and rich tan markings. Feminine head and expression with a correct flat skull and well set ears. Balanced outline with good angulation fore and aft. She was a strong contender for Best of Breed, but unfortunately lacked animation on the move today, which cost her the top spot. O (3,1) 1. Williams’ Charnell The Renegade Sancana JW. A 21 month old Blenheim male, beautifully presented with rich chestnut markings on a clear, pearly white coat. He has a balanced outline with correct angulation fore and aft. His head is typical, with a soft expression, flat skull, and well set ears. Moved effortlessly and parallel, showing plenty of drive and accuracy. Delighted to award him Best of Breed. 2. Jones’ Javerdi Fleur Alyse. A 4 year old black and tan bitch, well presented with a jet black coat and rich tan markings. Balanced outline with good angulation fore and aft. Feminine head, though I would prefer a slightly softer expression. Moved well, but not with the same precision of footfall as the winner.

Judge: Dee Blatchford