Midland Afghan Hound Club

It was a pleasure and privilege to judge at Midland Afghan Hound, and my sincere thanks to the committee for the invitation. I am also very grateful to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs.

The hospitality was exceptional, and I have never come away from a show with so many thoughtful and personalised gifts, which was very much appreciated. The atmosphere around the ring was warm and supportive throughout.

I was particularly pleased with the overall quality of the exhibits, which made for some lovely classes. A great deal of effort had clearly gone into both the preparation of the dogs and the smooth running of the show.

Thank you to everyone involved for making it such an enjoyable appointment.

SAP 2,0

Two beautiful puppies who could well change places with time and maturity.

1st 21 – Kirk-Vickers & Hughes’ Istani Liza Minnelli with Finkime

Bitch, 9 months. Slightly more advanced at this stage, showing a little more finish. Feminine head with a soft, typical expression. Well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm, giving her freer reach. Held a good topline both standing and on the move. Moved with an easy, flowing stride and was the tidier of the two coming and going.

2nd 22 – Kirk-Vickers & Mottershaw’s Istani Robert De Niro with Elagance

Dog, 9 months. Litter brother to 1 and very much of the same type. Preferred his overall angulation, particularly behind, which should stand him in good stead as he matures. Masculine head and expression. Still a little loose coming and going, as expected at this age, but improved in profile once settled and showed a balanced, ground-covering action.

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SAPG 3,1

1st 28 – Moore’s Cloudside Black Hawk

Dog, 12 months. Pleasing youngster with good overall balance and proportions. Well angulated throughout, allowing for good forward reach and a light, springy action. Covered the ground easily in profile and maintained his outline. In nice hard condition for his age, with developing muscle tone. Ring tail correctly carried.

2nd 20 – James’ Katanga’s Captain America

Dog, 3 years. Balanced dog with good proportions. Moved with a typical light, springy gait and covered the ground steadily. A touch wide behind today. Would benefit from a little more depth of chest to complete the picture. Ring tail carried.

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SAO 2,0

1st 37 – Winters’ Ch Pashtari Lord Tennyson Tokando JW

Dog, almost 10 years. A pleasure to judge. In excellent muscled condition for his age and so well preserved. Balanced throughout with correct proportions. Masculine head with that all-important air of dignity and nobility. Good feet. Excelled in profile, moving with a steady, effortless, ground-covering stride.

2nd 18 – Hughes’ Istani Bob Dylan at Finkime JW

Dog, 2½ years. Not quite the reach of 1 but still moved well, covering the ground with a light, springy action. Attractive head and expression. Maintained his outline on the move.