Torquay & District Canine Society

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Torquay & District Canine Society for the kind invitation to judge the Hound breeds. My gratitude also goes to the committee for their warm hospitality, the venue for providing an excellent lunch, and to my efficient steward, Tracey Hill, who ensured the ring ran smoothly throughout the day. I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entries and would like to thank all exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me. While I did not encounter any significant faults, I did feel that the general movement of some Beagles and Dachshunds could have been improved. However, I was generally delighted with the high standard presented.

Dachshund (Wire Haired):

SY (2,1) 1 PARKER’S, VIXENDAX TORNADO, 12-month-old WILD BOAR D, A pleasing young dog with good general appearance and correct proportions, moderately long in relation to height with sufficient ground clearance and balanced outline. Nice head and skull with good expression. Forequarters sound and body well muscled. Rear angulation good, giving a balanced profile. Movement adequate and free, maintaining a reasonably firm topline. Coat of correct wire texture, dense and harsh with appropriate furnishings, completing the overall picture. 2 PUGHE & FRASER’S, STANEGATE SONJA, 11-month-old WILD BOAR B, Another promising youngster. Head and skull pleasing, though the muzzle showed a slight rise which detracted marginally from overall balance. Slightly longer in body but still within proportion and maintaining sufficient ground clearance. Movement good and flowing, showing promise for maturity. A quality puppy. BPIB. PG (2,0) 1 ELLIS’S, VIXENDAX VENUS STARLIGHT, 3 year old WILD BOAR B, A bitch of excellent general appearance and true Wire Dachshund type, presenting a balanced outline without exaggeration. Lovely head and skull with correct proportions and pleasing expression. Neck of good length flowing cleanly into well placed shoulders and strong forequarters. Body moderately long in proportion to height with sufficient ground clearance and withers and quarters of approximately the same height, giving a harmonious and functional outline. Topline held firm both standing and on the move. Rear angulation well balanced and contributing to free, flowing movement with good drive from behind and reach in front. Coat of correct wire texture, dense and protective, completing a very impressive exhibit. BOB A quality bitch who deserved BOB and who went on to take the award of HG1, very well done! 2 PARKER’S, VIXENDAX YOU AND ME AT ZORIONADAX, 2 year old WILD BOAR B, A pleasing bitch with a nice head and skull and overall balanced appearance. Topline not quite as firm as the winner which affected the outline slightly. Hindquarters a little weaker in comparison, though movement remained sound and free. Coat of good wire texture and presentation. A quality exhibit who just lacked the finish and strength of the winner on the day. O (3,1) 1 EFFLER’S, GREYHAYNE HECTOR, 7 year old DARK BRINDLE D, A very pleasing veteran who retains excellent type and balance. Mouth surprisingly good for his age with strong jaws and correct bite. Moderately long in proportion to height with sufficient ground clearance, maintaining a firm and well held topline both standing and on the move. Body well muscled and balanced. Movement free and flowing with good drive from behind. Coat slightly shorter than ideal but still of fairly harsh texture and correct wire quality. A credit to his age and condition. RBOB. 2 ELLIS’S, VIXENDAX MAKE ME A WINNER, 2 year old WILD BOAR B, A bitch of overall pleasing appearance. Head and skull lacked sufficient stop which detracted from desired expression. Front a little narrow which affected overall balance. Topline showed a slight dip, particularly on the move. Movement adequate and sound. Coat of correct wire texture and presentation. On the day, just lacking the strength and finish of the winner.

Jak Titchener (DRIFTTZU)