Devon County Agricultural Association

Hound Classes and Hound Group Critique – Devon County Show 23rd May 2026

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Devon County Show Dog Show Team for inviting me to judge the Hound Group. Although the temperature rose significantly throughout the day to over 25 degrees, every effort was made to keep dogs cool and comfortable. Although large, the ring was sloping which hindered some movement but also showed which hounds could cope effortlessly with the incline and decline, leading to me making some changes to a few decisions purely based on how fit for function the hounds in front of me were.

A huge thank you must go to my stewards Sue and Phil, who kept the ring flowing smoothly all day. 

BEAGLE

Puppy (3)

1st Breeze’s Parkebreeway Buckle Bunny – 10mth Tricoloured Bitch. Beautifully balanced youngster with lots of promise for the future. Feminine head with super expression and correct bite. Long neck into well laid back shoulders. Level topline which was held on the move. Nice short pasters and excellent tight feet. Moved with purpose around the ring not struggling with the sloping nature of the ring. Moved true down and back. Pleased to award her BPIB and HPG1. 

2nd Turton’s Parkebreeway Broken Rock – 10mth Tricoloured Bitch. Litter sister to 1. Maturing slower to her sister but still a balanced and well constructed youngster. Well balanced head and correct bite. Well laid back shoulders. Deep brisket, short coupled and excellent width of thigh. Preferred the topline and pasterns of 1, however still a very promising puppy!

3rd Oak’s Annavah Crème De Fleur By Floridgebay. 

Post Graduate (3)

1st Murphy’s Bayard Seal Of Approval At Rhosyndu JW. 2yo Tricoloured Dog. A strong dog hound throughout, not too heavy and certainly fit for function. Masculine, well proportioned head with correct bite and well set ears. Strong neck and fantastic front assembly, mirrored behind. Straight forelegs, strong pasterns and well knuckled tight feet. Level topline, carried on the move, stern carried merrily when moving. Moved true for and aft and excelled in profile movement with a free and easy motion. Happily awarded him BOB and HG3.

2nd Oak’s Michelroy Boston Tea Party By Floridgebay. 14mth Tricoloured Bitch with dark saddle. Pretty bitch of good size. Different in type to 1. Lovely expression and well set ears, neck flowing onto well set shoulders, good return of upper arm and deep brisket. Moved with purpose and true up and down. 

3rd Barrow’s Redcap Pretty Woman At Meganjin

Limit (4)

1st Breeze’s Dufosee Honestly Of Parkebreeway. 5yo Tricoloured Bitch. Strong girl yet nicely made. Nicely proportioned head with correct bite, long neck into well laid shoulders. Well balanced. This was the first class to struggle slightly with the slope of the ring but when moved across the level, she moved soundly with ease and free, long reaching stride. Best mover in the class.

2nd Adey’s Boskenna Enchanted At Rubeusbay. 17mth Tricoloured Bitch. A very smart looking girl, sturdily constructed. Lovely smooth shoulders and level topline. Deep brisket and good infill to front. Straight foreleg with short pasterns. Stern carried well on the move. Moved soundly on the level fore and aft with plenty of drive from behind.

Open (6/1abs)

1st Quantick’s Parkebreeway Rumour JW. 2yo Tricoloured Dog. A quality young male who excelled in movement and type. Strong, masculine head with correct bite, well set ears and long neck. Smooth to go over, well constructed front and rear which could be seen when he moved. Powerful hind quarters and level topline which he carried on the move. Free flowing easy movement from all directions RBOB & RBOB Stakes Winner.

2nd Murphy’s Felinoak Gossip At Rhosyndu (AI). 2yo Tricoloured Bitch. Pretty, well put together girl shown in fit and hard condition. Lovely head with pleasing expression and correct bite. Clean neck onto super shoulders. Good return of upper arm, short pasterns and neat feet. Another who did not struggle with the slope of the ring, showing very balanced action without being flashy. Moved true up and down, effortless profile movement. BOS.

BORZOI

Limit (2/1abs)

1st Umfreville’s Barnesmore Betelgeuse At Voyshka. 5yo Self Gold Dog. Elegant male in good coat. Dark eyes and roman nose. Teeth could have been a little cleaner. Well frilled neck and good lay of shoulder. Correct feet and sloping pasterns. Deep brisket and curve topline. Moved very well with good spring to his stride. RBOB

Open (1)

1st Pinkerton, Novotny & Cattoni-Sarman’s Menigma Rey’s Infatuation JW. 2yo White & Gold Dog. Very handsome, yet elegant male in fantastic coat. Strong head and jaw with visible veining and occiput. Well frilled neck leading to excellent shoulders and front assembly. Very deep brisket with plenty of heart room. Hind angulation balanced to front. Moved foot perfectly, wider behind than in front with a good spring. BOB

IBIZAN HOUND

Open Dog (3/2abs)

1st Carter’s CH L-Wynd’s Where The Shadow Ends (IMP USA) JW. 23mth Chestnut & White Dog. A quality male of excellent breed type. Balanced head with the most expressive ears. Long arched neck, steep shoulders, good length of pastern. Moderately angulated hind quarters. Moved well in profile with distinct hover to gait. Struggled slightly with the slope of the ring making front movement harder to assess away and back. Coped impeccably with the heat as this breed should. BOB

Open Bitch (2/1abs)

1st Carter’s CH Afilador Room On The Broom ShCM ShCEx VW. 10.5yo Chestnut & White Bitch. Loved her. Stunning head and the most wonderful expression, still loving her time in the ring with her handler. Feminine head with strong jaw. Long neck. Excellent shoulders and prominent breast bone. Pasterns slightly slacker but ok for age. Lovely length of ribbing and loin. Moved well, however was a little unsound in front, again this could have been down to the slope of the ring. RBOB.

HAMILTONSTOVARE

Post Graduate (1)

1st Adey’s The Huntress From Sufayre. 3yo Tricoloured Bitch. A very nicely made bitch of correct type. Strong yet feminine head, well-muscled and good bone and substance. Lovely front angulation, mirrored behind. Moved well, excelled in side profile gait. BOB

BASSET HOUND

Post Graduate (2)

1st Beckett’s Beckshounds Bronco Billy. 2yo Tricoloured Dog. Masculine hound with good depth and substance, yet not losing his functionality. Loved his gentle and kind expression. Good ground clearance, front assembly and ribbing. Ability to power through behind without effort which ultimately won him best of breed. Stern carried up and sabred. For a heavy dog, he coped very well with the heat of the day, not struggling whatsoever on the move. A fit for function hound. BOB

2nd Beckett’s Beckshounds Kelly’s Hero. 2yo Dark Lemon & White Dog. Lots to like about this boy. Longer in back and neck than his litter brother. Once again super ground clearance and easy movement. Preferred the head and substance of 1.

Open (3)

1st Turner’s Ch Devonhound Who’s That Girl JW ShCEx OSW. 3.5yo Lemon & White Bitch. A super quality girl who I have admired from the ringside previously. Well made throughout. Feminine head with beautiful eyes and expression. Strong forequarters. Clean short coat without excessive wrinkling. Adequate ground clearance. I have seen this girl move exquisitely although today was just struggling more with the heat than the ultimate BOB winner. It was a very hard decision. RBOB.

2nd Wilding & Nixon’s Nelgus Crunchy Nut At Brackenacre. 3yo Tricoloured Bitch. Another quality girl with a lovely expression and head. Lovely long ears, neat and curling well inwards. Not quite the body substance of 1. Good balance of body and angulation. Moved well.

3rd Mackall’s Clanwillow Future Voyager

BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN (PETIT)

Post Graduate (1)

1st Fordham’s Soletrader Field Marshal. 7mth Tricolour Dog. The first line of my notes say ‘what a happy puppy’ and that he was! Super head with ears set on low. Clean shoulders with elbows close to body. Deep chest and level topline held on the move. He was a bit of a fidget but when still, could see his lovely outline. Harsh coat. Moved well with his tail proudly carried. BPIB, HPG3

Open (1)

1st Fordham’s Elsfie Monsieur Oakley. 6.5yo Tricolour Dog. Masculine head with dark eye and well set on ears, leading to a good lay of shoulder. Good length of back with firm topline. Harsh coat. Stern set on correctly and carried well on the move. A powerful mover. Moved well in profile although a little loose in elbows which could have been due to the slope of the ring. BOB

BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE

Post Graduate (2)

1st Horn’s Mochras Mahqueen. 10mth Gold Wheaten Bitch. I really liked this cheeky youngster. The most wonderful expression. Lovely strong jaw, dark eyes and black nose. Good length of neck for breed and lovely front assembly. Good depth of chest for age and prominent prosternum. She moved quickly with good reach and drive. Although a little bit of a fidget when stacked she easily won the class. BPIB

2nd Horn’s Mochras Marta. 6yo Red Wheaten Bitch. Feminine head with expressive eyes. Strong in muscular tone and in fit condition. Neck short and coat of excellent texture. Held top line on the move. Just preferred the front of 1.

Open (2)

1st Carter’s Gouvier Espresso Martini JW ShCEx OSW. 4.5yo Red Wheaten Dog. A compact male who clearly enjoyed his lively and busy time in the ring. Excellent head and well set on ears. When still, could see his lovely balance in height to length ratio. Moved quick and fast around the ring, not bothered by the increase in temperature. Just lost out on a group placing as carrying a tad too much condition. BOB

2nd Horn & Betty’s Mochras Mahjesty 4yo (bar 2 days) Red Wheaten Bitch. Pleasing overall shape. A little taller on the leg to 1. Good feminine expression and excellent harsh coat. Moved well although a little lacklustre which may have been due to the heat. It was a class of 2 completely different hounds. 

NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND

Post Graduate (2)

1st McMahon’s Frigg Pride Of North Via Seasara (imp POL). 1.5yo Grey Bitch. Super head and ear set. Strong medium length neck, excellent front assembly mirrored behind. Pleasing outline and in excellent coat. Tail carried curled over back at all times. Moved effortlessly with natural cadence and balance. BOB

2nd McMahon’s Seasara Kerfuffle. 8mth Grey Bitch. Lovely, very active puppy. Square in shape and pleasing to go over. Feminine head with correct ear set. More compact throughout than 1. Again in excellent coat. Tail carried curled over back. Just needs to settle on the move. BPIB

Open (1)

1st McMahon’s Seasara Fire Cracker. Nearly 8yo Grey Bitch. Lovely girl with super head free from wrinkles and really dark eyes. Strong neck with impressive ruff. Square and balanced throughout. In good coat, Moved well just didn’t have the ease and freedom of the BOB winner. RBOB

IRISH WOLFHOUND

Open (1)

1st Spry’s Killoughery Touchstone. 3yo Brindle Dog. A substantial male who not only impressed me with his ability to cope well with the day’s climate but also in his easy and effortless movement. For a big hound this was quite remarkable. Correct head and ear set with scissor bite. Gentle expression. Smooth neck into shoulder. Elbows could be a little more under him but this did not hinder his movement in any way. A very fit for function hound. Powerful hindquarters. BOB, HG4

AVNSC HOUND

Open (1)

1st Carter’s Ir CH Aabidah De Polvo Magico (imp AUT) 3.5yo Sand with Black Mask Bitch. A very pretty bitch with the most exquisite expression, dark eyes and black mask. Correctly set and shaped ears inline with eye. Well balanced front and back giving a square, athletic outline. In excellent condition with fine short coat. Fantastic tuck up. Another I have seen move better in front on other occasions which maybe down to the slope of the ring. BOB

AV IMPORTED BREED REGISTER HOUND

Open (2)

1st Gombas-Juhasz’s BEL Ch Vegas Des Vallees Longeronnaises (Imp FRA) HUN/ROM/CH/NLD/INT JCH.(Basset Bleu de Gascoigne) 2yo Blue Black & Tan Dog. Two similar examples of the breed and a pleasure to judge. Strong athletic male, certainly showing his masculinity. Domed skull with strong jaw and correct black lips. Long in neck than 2. Well muscled front with half crook front, not being overdone. Longer on back than 2, yet not losing his topline on the move. Preferred his athletic structure to 2. BOB

2nd Gombas-Juhasz’s ROM/BEL Ch Venise Des Vallees Longeronnaises HUN/INT Jch (Basset Bleu de Gascoigne) 2yo Blue Black & Tan Bitch. Pretty bitch with a gentle expression. Ears set on low. Lovely smooth topline mirrored by deep chest and slight tuck up. Was picking hairs between the two. Just preferred the less crook front of 1. RBOB.

AV HOUND

Puppy (10/6 abs)

1st Breeze’s Parkebreeway Buckle Bunny (Beagle) - see breed critique

2nd Gray’s Palmik Rainstorm. 9mth Brindle Dog (Whippet). A lovely boy, very much my type! Elegant and curvy. Super head and bite, long arched neck onto smooth shoulders. Good return of upper arm, just needs to drop into himself a little more in front. Just the right amount of angulation behind, would not want any more. Was just pipped to first by the Beagle puppy as he does tend to crab on the move. With more practice this young lad will have a bright future in the show ring.

Open (11/8 abs)

1st Adey’s Boskenna Enchanted At Rubeusbay (Beagle) – See breed critique

2nd 2nd – Oak’s Michelroy Boston Tea Party By Floridgebay (Beagle) – See breed critique

3rd Turton’s Cornwalldaxs Midnight Star At Damoradaxies (Dachshund Miniature Long Haired)

AV VETERAN 7-9 years (10/5 absent)

1st Woodward’s Bryntreia Whispered Love At Palmik JW ShCEx OSW. 7yo Fawn Parti Bitch. I have judged this girl before in 2022 and she has matured beautifully. Of classic type, not overdone in any way, shape or form. Beautiful head with correct ears and long flowing neck. She stands like a painting, perfectly balanced in the perfect picture. Still so sound on the move which has not changed with age. Pleased to award her BVIG.

2nd Breeze’s Davricard Hummingbird Of Parkebreeway ShCM VW 9.5yo Tricoloured Bitch. Outstanding condition for her age and unlucky to meet 1 today. She is a classic hound of quality type and could have held her own in the breed class amongst the younger hounds. The most endearing expression and feminine head. Good bone and topline, which she carried on the move with her stern gaily aloft. 

3rd Hoopers Torbers Rare Magic (Whippet)

AV VETERAN 10+ YEARS

1st Adey & Nash’s Timamso Suraya At Rubeusbay. 12yo Tricoloured Bitch. Excellent for age, still loving her time in the ring. Foot perfect movement, not showing any signs of stiffness. Straight front with short pasterns and nice tight feet. Shown in perfect condition for a veteran.

2nd Carter’s CH Afilador Room On The Broom ShCM ShCEx VW – See breed critique.

AV HOUND CHAMPION STAKES

I really would have liked to award more places in this stakes class, however I was informed there was only one card for first. That said, I have given my placings below. 

1st Pinkerton, Cattoni-Sarman & Allenby’s CH Ryazan Viceroy Of Radost At Menigma ShCEx. 6.5yo White & Gold Dog. Just WOW! Firstly I would like to thank the exhibitor for bringing him under me, it was an honour. A hound of excellent breed type, exquisite long and lean head with correct veining. Curly frill to neck. Correct bite with full dentition. Deep chest with plenty of heart room. Athletic and muscular. His coat was immaculate and so silky, in the very best of condition. Moved freely and effortlessly not putting a foot wrong. 

2nd Carter’s CH L-Wynd’s Where The Shadow Ends (IMP USA) JW – See breed critique

3rd Carter’s Ir CH Aabidah De Polvo Magico (imp AUT)

CHARITY STAKES

1st – Quantick’s Parkebreeway Rumour JW – See breed critique

HOUND GROUP

HG1 – Dachshund (Smooth Haired) Rycroft’s Jacksondax Hornet Hurrah At Trisensara JW ShCEx OSW. Black & Tan 4yo Dog. What a presence this boy has. He entered the group ring like he owned it, and today he did! Masculine head with good proportions and excellent strong jaw. Well muscled body without being overdone or too big. An immaculate gleaming black coat. Fantastic ground clearance. Moved like a dream round the huge ring with excellent foot placement. Thrilled to see him go onto BIS.  

HG2 – Woodward’s Tervanty Magic Dragon JW. 1.5yo Fawn Bitch. Daughter of my Best Veteran in Group. Same quality of type as her mother. Very pretty head with dark eye and alert expression. Moved well fore and aft and in profile. Perfect picture when stacked, unlucky to have met 1 today. 

HG3 – Beagle Murphy’s Bayard Seal Of Approval At Rhosyndu – See breed critique

HG4 – Irish Wolfhound Spry’s Killoughery Touchstone – See breed critique

HOUND PUPPY GROUP

HPG1 – Beagle Breeze’s Parkebreeway Buckle Bunny – See breed critique

HPG2 – Dachshund (Long Haired) Cooper & Hendren’s Bronia Leonardo. 10mth Shaded Red Dog. Super head with dark almond shaped eyes. Strong in body for age and very together. An amazing, well feathered coat. Front and back angulation mirrored making his movement easy and true. Level back held on the move with no dip in topline. A really lovely puppy.

HPG3 – Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) Fordham’s Soletrader Field Marshal – See breed critique

HPG4 – Whippet Urmston’s Graigwith Maydream 8mth Black Bitch. Lots to like about this young girl. Although immature in body she gives a pleasing curvy outline and moved well considering it had become very hot. Shown in athletic condition. Her gleaming coat and easy, sound movement made it easy to give her HPG4.