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 (Miniature Long Haired):

PG (5,0) 1 WAY’S, SUDASAM ARBENNIK TRUE DREAM, 3 year old SHADED CREAM B, A lovely, well balanced miniature who appealed immediately for size and proportion. Moderately long in relation to height with sufficient ground clearance and withers and quarters of approximately the same height, giving a harmonious outline without exaggeration. Feminine head and skull with pleasing expression. Good neck flowing into well placed shoulders and strong forequarters. Body proportionate with a firm, well held topline. Hindquarters strong and well angulated. Movement was really impressive, straight and true both coming and going, with free, flowing stride and good drive. Coat of correct silky texture, lying close with appropriate feathering, completing a quality exhibit. BOB. 2 WESTAWAY’S, MINARD WHISPERING ANGEL AT TRERANCH JW, 2 year old RED B, A pleasing bitch with a nice head and skull, though slightly shorter in muzzle than preferred which affected overall balance. Body proportionate and compact with adequate ground clearance. Feet on the smaller side but neat and tidy. Movement sound and free. Coat of correct long-haired texture and presentation. Just lacking the finish and overall balance of the winner on the day. 3 BROWN’S, DEVONCREAM DUSTIN THYME, BPIB. O (4,0) 1 COX’S, DOLYHARP GRACE KELLY AT CHERITONDAX JW, 17-month-old SHADED CREAM B, A pleasing bitch of nice general appearance and good overall balance. Moderately long in proportion to height with sufficient ground clearance and a harmonious outline. Chest would benefit from further development in depth to complete the picture, but body otherwise well proportioned. Forequarters sound and topline reasonably firm. Movement was her strong point, free, flowing and true, covering the ground well, which just secured her the class. Coat lovely in texture, silky and lying close with correct feathering. RBOB. 2 WAY’S, RALINES WAYS AND MEANS JW, 2 year old CREAM B, An overall very nice exhibit and extremely close decision with the winner. Preferred head and skull of this bitch, showing pleasing expression and balance. Body proportionate and well constructed. Movement good and sound, though on the day I preferred the drive and freedom of the first. Coat excellent, silky, well presented and of very good texture, and in fact preferred in this respect. A quality bitch who pushed hard for top honours.

Jak Titchener (DRIFTTZU)