Lichfield Canine Society

Lichfield Canine Society Premier Open Show– Bavarian Mountain Hounds

I would like to thank Lichfield Canine Society for inviting me to judge at their Premier Open Show. I would also like to thank my very efficient stewards for all their work. I had a lovely day, and all the dogs were well turned out, and good condition. I must especially mention the temperaments which were superb. All the exhibits had correct top lines and the breed typical slight rise from withers to hindquarters and a springy gait. One of my concerns was that all but one were not moving parallel, hind action was correct but fronts do need attention.

I was chuffed to bits to see my BOB being short listed in the hound group from a very large and strong group of hounds.

Puppy Dog or Bitch (1 entry)

1st Miss A Hunter’s Sika Shadow; almost 9-month-old Stag Red dog. Very promising young hound of correct proportions and hight. Lovely masculine head, correct eye set and colour, black mask, strong well-developed jaws. Good ear set, of correct length. Good length of neck flowing to correctly laid shoulders. Correct topline with slight rise from withers to hindquarters. Correct length of ribbing, short strong loin. Correct hind angulation. Superb feet and best front assembly of all exhibits. Moved well for a young hound, when he was not giving his handler a hard time. Still needs to develop and mature. Will look forward to seeing him mature. BPIB

Limit Dog or Bitch (no entries)

Open Dog or Bitch (2 entries)

Both hounds were of equal quality, which made my decisions difficult. Placings could have easily changed on another day.

1st Mr D Cockett’s Hugo z Kolbachu; 3-year-old Stag Red dog. Lovely masculine head, correct eye set and shape. Good dark pigmentation, correct black mask for the colour. Strong well-developed jaws. Good ear set, of correct length. Strong neck flowing to correctly laid shoulders. Correct topline with slight rise from withers to hindquarters. Correct body proportions and height for a male. Good length of ribbing and short strong loin. Correct hind angulation. When this hound moves, he really shows his construction and muscle tone out. BOB

2nd Mrs K McLoughlin’s Amenediels Eyes on the Prize with Zantescwtch; 15-month-old Deer Red bitch. Good feminine head, correct eye set and shape. Good dark pigmentation and correct mask for the colour. Correct ear set, I would prefer them slightly shorter. Lovely arched neck flowing to correctly laid shoulders. Good length of ribbing and short loin. Correct topline with slight rise from withers to hindquarters and correct body proportions. Correct hindquarters. She moved beautifully and expertly handled. She just now needs to mature and fill in. Will follow her career with interest. RBOB

Veteran Dog or Bitch (1 entry): 1st Miss H Clymer’s & Mr N Newton’s Cornishtor Woody; 10-year-old stag red hound. Would prefer a more masculine head, muzzle slightly snipy. Correct eye set and colour. Good pigmentation. Correct black mask. Well-muscled body, with good length of ribbing and short loin, correct top line slight rise from withers to hindquarters. On profile, loses underline. Moved with drive and parallel. Very well handled. He is now starting to show his age but still can show the youngsters how it is done. BVIB

Judge Mrs M Borsuk (Follypaws)