Huddersfield & District Canine Association

Huddersfield and District Canine Society

6th September 2026

Dachshund (Miniature Long haired, Miniature Smooth haired, Miniature Wirehaired), Whippet and Basenji.

I always start my critiques with thanks to the committee and this time it was no exception. A proper Yorkshire welcome was given. Thank you to the hard working group that put on this show with a lovely atmosphere and again classes with good entries even when City of Birmingham was on over the same weekend, as well as several other significant breed specific Open and Champ shows. Well done to Janet, Tim and the rest of the committee for all your efforts.

My thanks must also go to Emily for running the ring so very admirably on her own. She really stuck to her task well and assisted very well indeed. Everything was in its place. Thank you.

Although predominantly a Gundog judge, I love to carry out appointments for other groups, especially working and hounds. It gives me a greater understanding of what is out and about, with a window into the standard of dogs for those groups. If these exhibits were anything to go by, then I believe the standard in the Hound group must be high, as I was suitably impressed. A lot to like on movement as well as the overall picture. Thank you to those who came under me with their lovely charges.

Basenji

I have been itching to get some further hands-on experience for this lovely breed. It was a shame that only one exhibit was on show today, however, the quality made up for the numbers.

Class: 8 - Junior (0)

Class: 9 - Post Graduate (0)

Class: 10 - Open (2,1)

1. 15 - Grayson & Cullen’s CH BUSHWACKER AMERICAN HUSTLE AT EMBEAU - 5-year-old male that I loved as soon as he entered the ring. A lovely expression and for me, excellent breed type. Super frame and outline when stacked, with good overall balance and pleasing proportions. Lovely head construction, good wrinkles that added to that lovely alert expression and a nicely set, well-carried head that was flat and showed chiseling, with a gentle stop and correct proportions. Quite clean in cheek. dark brown in almond shaped eyes, set well on head. Ears slightly hooded and only assisting his overall look. Good cresting that was accentuated by his strong neck that flowed nicely into the well-set withers. This all positively aided his noble and elegant appearance. Front angulation and construction correct, with straight pasterns and elbows well positioned in line with rib. Depth seen to brisket and well sprung ribs. Short couple that had strength, giving a level topline. The lovely overall construction continued, with good, moderate rear angulation and very pleasing width through the thigh. Well-muscled and positive in tail set that showed a nice curl Good body balance. He carried himself so well and regally, full of positive attitude and character, particularly impressive when on the move. Excellent head carriage and a good sense of purpose, showing himself well and demonstrating his quality and presence. A very attractive male with much to like. Although on his own a lovely example. BOB.

BOB - Grayson and Cullen’s CH BUSHWACKER AMERICAN HUSTLE AT EMBEAU (from class 10, Open)

Dachshund (Mini Long-haired)

Class: 14 - Junior (4,1)

1. 28 - McNulty’s DANIELLO FELIX STAR AT ABBYKIERA - 13-month dog that I liked straight from the off. This black and tan boy was very attractive in the stack for a young dog. He had excellent ring presence and a lovely overall outline. Good proportions, with a pleasing length of body in relation to height, giving a balanced and typical silhouette. Particularly appealing, well-shaped head with good proportions, showing conformity with the breed standard. Skull only slightly arched and well balanced with length of muzzle. A super expression, coming from lovely dark eyes, that were set well and of correct shape. This blended well with the rich dark coat. Ears of correct length and well positioned on head. These hung neatly next to a good clean, muscular neck, leading into well-laid shoulders and appealing front construction and a good, prominent keel. This was balanced with a front that showed width that fitted the hand very well. Excellent topline, level and well maintained, with good strength through the back. Lovely overall construction, with good body length and a pleasing balance between front and rear. Lovely width seen to upper thigh that balanced the overall picture. Well-muscled throughout and shown in good condition and substance. On the move he really came into his own, relaxing well and presenting a lovely picture. Good free movement, showing off and holding a good tail carriage. He maintained his outline well on the move and demonstrated the quality of his construction to advantage. Presented in excellent coat and condition, with a very pleasing overall finish. A lovely young dog with much to recommend him and one who should have a very bright future ahead. A nice exhibit indeed. Shortlisted in group. BOB.

2. 25 - Kasprowicz’s AMBERDACH INCA LILY DANIELLO - A very pleasing young bitch of some 11 months, adorned in an almost full, cream coat that was immaculately presented. For me, I felt she was very close to first. An attractive, feminine head with good length and well-balanced proportions, soft, dark almond-shaped eyes and a lovely expression that was lively and intelligent. Correct in ear length and positioning that framed the expression well. Good reach of neck, clean and muscular, flowed nicely into a correctly placed shoulder. Excellent length of upper arm, contributing to a good front assembly. Depth to chest, prominence to sternum, with lovely spring of rib, which was carried well back. Obviously well-schooled and mature for her age, with a pleasing overall balance and outline. A touch longer in cast than that of first, but still presented good ground clearance and a lovely low-set body. Angulation of rear, in keeping with that of front. Good bone and muscle throughout, particularly pleasing for one so young. Didn’t quite have the edge on first today, when comparing the movement. I was looking for a little more attitude and drive, however, the front action and foot placement could not be faulted. When considering her positive attributes, she has everything in the right place to perform to the highest standard. A particularly pretty bitch.

3. 29 - McNulty’s KENBLOOM NIX BOXWOOD AT ABBYKIERA.

Class: 15 - Post Graduate (4,1)

1. 26 - Kasprowicz’s KAGATOMISOU VALENTINE DANIELLO - A very promising young, 6-month bitch with a lot to like and showing lovely breed type for her age. Shown in a black and cream coat that is developing well. She has a pleasing overall outline, with good proportions. At this age she is naturally still a touch immature, but there is plenty of quality and good construction to work with. Very nice, refined, feminine head and well balanced, with excellent proportions between muzzle and skull and a particularly pleasing slope to stop without being prominent. Good head length and overall balance, giving a lovely breed-typical appearance. Good expression coming from a lovely dark brown eye that was in keeping with coat. Ears sitting well on head that hung neatly next to neck of strength and length yet retained her femininity. This led into a well-made front construction, revealing well laid shoulder and good length of upper arm. Good depth through the chest and prominence to pro sternum. Nice length of ribbing that enabled a body that had length, whilst allowing her topline to retain its correct shape. This is coming in well and is pleasing for her age, although she needs further maturity and development to see the finished picture. Width seen across croup, with correct fall, also. Very appealing width through the upper and second thigh, with a good return of stifle and pleasing hindquarter construction. Good bend of stifle and sound rear assembly, giving her the necessary balance between length of body and angulation. Decent feet and good overall bone and substance for a youngster, without losing femininity. On the move she was particularly encouraging. Good side gait, with pleasing reach and developing drive and especially good behind for such a young puppy. She remained balanced and coordinated and showed that the hindquarter construction is already contributing positively to her movement. For six months, her overall movement and rear stability are very promising. She is very much a youngster and needs time to mature, particularly through her body and topline, but the essential ingredients are there. A lot to like in this puppy and one I would be very interested to see develop over the coming months. RBOB & BP.

2. 29 - McNulty’s KENBLOOM NIX BOXWOOD AT ABBYKIERA - 16-month, dark red bitch that was very unfortunate to come up against some good examples of the breed today. More substantial in appearance than some of the other exhibits on show today, but that does not mean less appealing. She remained well-proportioned overall with good, but slightly different type. Loved the coloration and lustre to her well-developed coat. Another that had a lovely, sweet head, well-proportioned and feminine without being too fine or snipey, with beautiful almond-shaped eyes and super expression. This came from her lovely head furnishings and deepest dark eye. All matching that lovely, clean, dense coat which is developing very well for her age and gives a good impression of the developing finished picture. Neck of strength, flowed seamlessly into a good front assembly showing a pleasing shoulder and good overall body construction. She had a good short loin. Good substance and bone, with a well-built body underneath the coat. width seen across croup that showed length also. Would like more development to the second thigh, but she is still young. When comparing the other exhibits, she didn’t have the same verve on the move today. However, she started to show off a little more than the previous class in which she was entered, almost like she needed to find her groove. However, all being said, moved with control and good reach. Width seen to front. There is plenty there to work with and I would be interested to see her mature.

3. 23 - Borecka & Kasprowicz’s KAGATOMISOU VALENTINO - very honorable mention for this 6-month boy as he has a lot of promise, he just let his youthful exuberance get the better of him today. I am sure he will get there.

Class: 16 - Open (4,1)

1. 28 - McNulty’s DANIELLO FELIX STAR AT ABBYKIERA (please see critique for 1st in class 14 Junior).

2. 25 - Kasprowicz’s AMBERDACH INCA LILY DANIELLO (please see critique for 2nd in class 14 Junior).

3. 27 - May’s SCRUMPTIOUS RED ON THE DOT JW.

BOB - McNulty’s DANIELLO FELIX STAR AT ABBYKIERA (from classes 14 and 16, Junior and Open respectively).

RBOB & BP - Kasprowicz’s KAGATOMISOU VALENTINE DANIELLO (from class 15, Post Graduate)

Dachshund (Mini Smooth-haired)

Class: 17 - Junior (0)

Class: 18 - Post Graduate (0)

Class: 19 - Open (1,1)

Dachshund (Mini Wire-haired)

Class: 20 - Junior (0)

Class: 21 - Post Graduate (0)

Class: 22 - Open (0)

Whippet

Lovely standard of dogs in this breed.

Class: 26 - Junior (4,0)

1. 42 - Ryan’s RIOCIFE MOONOLOGY - 16-month dog that was shown in a lighter fawn brindle coat, with white. I felt this was what I was looking for in a whippet giving me a fantastic start to the day. Quite mature for age. In the stack, presented a solid, well-developed appearance without losing the elegance and balance expected of the breed. In excellent condition and with lovely overall breed type. I thought he had a very appealing head, long a lean, with gentle stop. Super soft, yet masculine expression from dark oval eyes that were suitably placed on skull. Lovely workings to fore face. Good strength of jaw with correct bite. A very attractive head which contributed to his overall appeal. correct in rose shaped ears, that assisted with his bright expression. Neck, clean and strong and of good length that entered seamlessly into excellent forequarters. These were well-laid at shoulders, showing good width between shoulder blades. upper arm and scapular length very appealing allowing for a superb prominence to the pro-sternum and excellent width through the front that fitted the hand so well. Lovely to see strength to bone without being coarse and straight, well-set limbs and spring to pasterns. Excellent depth of chest with proportionate spring of rib, giving good capacity for lung space and heart room. Good topline with rise over the loin giving that characteristic impression of power. Bend at stifle. Good overall balance between fore and hindquarters, with lovely rear angulation match that of front. Upper and second thighs showed width and well-muscled. Tight, neat feet. Even in a more compact ring, a very good mover. He covered plenty of ground with ease and strode out, whilst maintaining his outline well around the ring. Sound in his stride and pleasing in profile. Very positive in all aspects. Lovely width to front and true action behind on the up and back. He presented a lovely picture. A dog I will watch keenly as he matures. BOB.

2. 41 - Rodgers’s WENTVALLEY GOSH HE’S POSH - Very nice fawn brindle dog puppy in keeping with my type and lovely overall outline, who is still very much developing and coming into his own. At just seven months he was understandably slighter and rather raw, lacking a touch in refinement, but this is exactly as it should be for this age. He showed himself to be a very sound and well-made youngster with promise for the future. Very nice, typical head beautifully shaped and lean, with a good, clean profile, lovely proportions and a pleasing finish to the muzzle. Very nice dark eye provided the basis for a super expression that allowed him a bright, attentive and intelligent look. Head well-held on a leaner neck, that had length and elegance. This led to well laid shoulders and a good front, with pleasing width and strength to pro-sternum. Loved the proportions of upper arm to scapular. Depth seen to thoracic cavity and overall balance through the body. Well-made quarters, with good strength and soundness behind. Width coming in well to upper and second thigh. Nicely muscled for his age without looking overdone and showing good promise as he matures and develops. Bend seen at stifle. Bright and attentive, with a good attitude in the ring. Moved very well for one so young, showing good soundness and capability, with a pleasing outline both standing and on the move. Positive action to rear on the away, with width to front that complemented what was seen in the stack. There was plenty to like about this youngster; he has very good type, a lovely outline and sound construction, and should have an exciting future as he matures. Did so well and was glad to see him go BP & HPGrp 1. So very well done!

3. 37 - Lynch’s HESYKHIA AQUARIUS.

Class: 27 - Post Graduate (5,0)

1. 42 - Ryan’s RIOCIFE MOONOLOGY (please see critique for 1st in class 26, Junior)

2. 36 - Head’s NEVEDITH GOLD GLOW OF DEMERLAY - 4-year-old fawn and white bitch of pleasing size, with much to admire. Somewhat finer in appearance than some of the other exhibits, but this contributes to her elegance and pleasing outline. Lovely head, with good ear set, appealing shape and a gentle, feminine expression. Good dark eyes and strong, long jaw with correct bite. Long, arched neck that led into a clean topline. Shoulders could have been somewhat further laid back, although overall a well put together bitch. Front had a pleasing width and sufficient bone, straight forelegs and good feet with strong pasterns. Good depth of chest and well-ribbed body, with a gentle rise over the loin. Appealing in hindquarters, with well-muscled thighs and a well-developed, and proportionate second thigh, good angulation and well let-down hocks. Quite sound in action, moving well up and back and maintaining a good outline, although I would have preferred a little more rear thrust and drive. True in footfall on the around. Ultimately just preferred the type and robustness of the first-placed charge. However, she was a very nice girl that was elegant, racy and sleek. She looked like she was built for action. Another quality example of the breed, with much to admire.

3. 34 - Gordon’s STARCEYLON SO THIS IS LOVE.

Class: 28 - Open (7,2)

1. 38 - Mc Daniel’s PRETTY TILLY TICKTOK AT ALICHICHI - 5-year-old bitch shown in a brindle coat. Finer and more refined in appearance than some other charges on show on the day, but this adds considerably to her elegance without compromising her overall construction. Very pleasing for size and elegance. Particularly lovely in profile, with a beautiful, well-balanced outline. Lovely head with super head planes, good shape and pleasing oval eyes that give a soft and feminine expression. Good bite and a strong, reach of neck of good length that flowed neatly into a lovely topline and well-laid-back shoulders. Particularly good front construction, with a straight, neat front, tight elbows, correct bone and excellent pasterns. Although finer, she still produced prominence to pro-sternum that fitted the hand well. Good depth and spring to ribs extending well and correct length of back. Very pleasing overall balance through the body. Lovely hindquarters with good angulation, well-developed second thigh and well-let-down hocks. Stands over plenty of ground and has good overall balance between front and rear. Moved very well, with an easy, purposeful and sound gait, maintaining her lovely outline throughout. In fact, moved best in class today and very well indeed. A very attractive, elegant bitch with excellent balance and much to admire. Very happy to award RBOB.

2. 32 - Cottrell’s BLACKSTEM BE TRUE TO ME - A fab 9-year-old fawn brindle with white throat dog, beautifully presented by his handler and of whom I thought very highly. A very nice overall make-up, with lovely breed type, construction and balance throughout. Of late he has been a little happy with the treats making his weight a little less than ideal today, which unfortunately meant I had to place him a little lower than I would have liked from his construction, but this did little to disguise the many attributes he retained. Very appealing in head shape with good, level planes and a very pleasing expression, with the brown eye adding to his lovely overall look. Nice arched neck flowing beautifully into well laid-back shoulders, leading to a strong back with a gentle arch over the loin. Lovely construction throughout, with good balance and proportions and standing straight both front and rear. Particularly pleasing to see that, at nine years of age, he is still holding his construction so well and retaining the soundness and elegance expected of the breed. Moved steadily and very well for his handler, showing that lovely soundness and balance are still very much there. Still has all the attributes of a lovely Whippet. A real pleasure to judge.

3. 35 - Head’s DEMERLAY EBONY EYES.

BOB & HGrp 4 - Ryan’s RIOCIFE MOONOLOGY (from classes 26 and 27, junior and post graduate, respectively)

RBOB - McDaniel’s PRETTY TILLY TICKTOK AT ALICHICHI (from class 28, Open)

BP & HPGrp 1 - Rodgers’s WENTVALLEY GOSH HE’S POSH (2nd from class 26, Junior)

Dr.Hefin Jones (Pencastan)