Dogs

PD. (6). 1. Edward's, Dark and Discreet from Brackenfield. Tall and shapely 8 month old. Pleasant head and expression. Strong neck. Deep chest. Strong hindquarters. Moved soundly for age. 2. Taylor's, Kilbourne James Dean. Similar type to winner with good reach of neck and bend of stifle but not as good topline. Not as sound in front. 3. Murray's, Moireach Coll. Very shapely with nice head and expression and very collected on the move for a 6 month old. Well presented and handled. Hope he grows on.

JD. (10). 1. Pinks', Romanie Rye at Greyhawks. Well made dog. Good topline. Strong neck. Deep brisket and strong backend. Well let down hocks. Free sound mover. 2. Harrison's, Beardswood Osprey. Similar comments apply but not as steady on the move as winner. 3. Hawkin's, Kwaricott Asclepius. Smaller hound but well balanced. Good head and expression. Strong neck. Moved soundly if not enthusiastically.

YD. (11). 1. Rhodes', Gentom Peacemaker. Tall dark dog. Well made front and rear. Great depth and proper tuck up. Good feet. Sound mover, well presented and handled by a young man who could show some of his elders how to do it. 2. Pinks', Romanie Rye at Greyhawks. 3. Girling's, Pyefleet Rollo. Dark. Good coat. Pleasing head and expression. Good overall shape with depth of brisket. Well muscled. Sound.

SpBEGIN ND (11). 1. Harrison's, Beardswood Osprey. 2. Beckett-Hughes's, Ghiltan Honesty of Mulranny./ Grey. Good coat. Nice head, good overall shape. When standing though tends to flatten on the move, but moved much better than in his previous class. 3. Jenning's, Brylach MacClintock. Similar type to second. Good front and rear with deep brisket. Nice tight feet, but erratic on the move.

SpBEGIN OD (8). 1. Gilhooly and Morrisseys', Lord Seafield of Hartvalley. Tall shapely well balanced hound. Good front, strong neck and correct topline. Well angulated stifles and well let down hocks. Tight feet. Free sound mover. RBDIS. 2. Halls', Canerike Crocodile Cooler. Similar to type as winner with good head and expression. Sound front. Good depth and topline. Moved soundly but not with the drive of winner. 3. Pinks', Romanie Rom. Another tall, well made hound. Good overall shape. Tight feet. Sound front and rear but again not the drive of winner. Close decision between second and third.

UGD. (15). 1. Friedrich's, Lilac Wind Barna B. Well constructed with good strong body. Very nice head and expression. Harsh coat. Well presented. Moved soundly and with drive. 2. Shinkwin's, Ladygrove Phantom. Same comments apply. Very close decision. Just preferred head of winner. 3. Courtney and Aldous', Greyflax the Deerhunter at Zareheid. Pleasing head and expression. Good topline line, depth of brisket and tuck up. Well presented with correct coat. Sound.

PGD. (13). 1. Gilhooly and Morrissey's, Lord Seafield of Hartvalley. 2. Helps', Greyfrairs Gillie of Beardswood. Very dark, harsh coat. Tall and well balanced. Good front and strong rear. Sound, free mover. Close decision. 3. Edwards', Kilbourne Vincent of Brackenland. Smaller hound but well balanced. Powerful hindquarters with good bend of stifle. Nice tight feet. Sound fore and aft.

LD. (8). 1. Brodie's, Wolfscastle Wood Melick. Caught my eye as soon as he came into the ring. Not the tallest but well balanced. Very shapely. Pleasing head. Strong neck. Correct front and strong hindquarters with well let down hocks. Nothing exaggerated, quality hound. Sound free mover. BDIS. 2. Finnett and Heathcotes', Hyndsight Keep the Faith. Another strong and well made, muscular hound who moved soundly with drive. 3. Day's, Demerlay Dorian Grey at Celtic Moon. Similar comments as second but not quite the quality or soundness on the move.

OD. (7). 1. Helps', Beardswood Marmion. Very tall elegant dog with good head. Strong neck flowing into correct topline and strong hindquarters. Moved soundly with drive. 2. Finnett and Harrington's, Ch. Hyndsight Wind of Chance. Smaller than winner but well balanced. Good dark coat. Good front and rear. Nice tight feet. Presented in good hard condition. Judged him as a youngster and not surprised that he became a Champion. Another close decision. 3. Bonds', Ch. Regalflight Strongbird. Tall, good overall construction. Pleasing head. Deep brisket. Another worthy Champion but not moving with enthusiasm on the day.

VD. (4). 1. Codd's, Gazeawhile Lyric. 7 years old in very good condition. Good overall outline. Sound front. Correct bend of stifle with well let down hocks. Moved with more drive than many younger dogs.

Kenneth Aird

Edited down from Ken's original report – see handwritten copy for full report

Bitches

My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors here and overseas who paid me the honour of presenting their hounds under me at what must be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Deerhound shows. I found some lovely hounds, shown and presented beautifully. The breed is a working breed and needs to have great strength but this does not mean the breed has to be taller. A few hounds for me were too tall and in being so were also upright in shoulder and narrow in the front something we all need to take great care of. Another thing worth a mention is I found quite a few hounds rather nervous and suspicious – some I forgave hoping it was just because it was their first show but we must remember this is written in our standard and is undesirable.

PUPPY BITCH (7 ENTRIES 1 AB)

1ST MORRISEY BLATCHFORD’S HARTVALLEY MAMA MIA A long rangy bitch that moved out well and this gave her the class. . Her coat is pale grey and is a little soft but as a puppy this should change. She also needs to deepen in her chest this also should improve with age. She has a good lay of shoulder, and a nice topline which she keeps on the move Correct strong bone and feet with a sufficient bend in her pastern and correct bend of stifle with good length from hip to hock She was the top end of the age range and moved out with drive and purpose something the rest of the class did not do. BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

2ND – MORGAN’S LADYGROVE CALAMITY JANE AT AMIRO In many ways for type this bitch was more me but she lacked the sparkle needed and did not excel on the move. The handler seemed ill at ease and this was not helping her. She has a beautiful head with lovely ears and a better coat than 1 although it is rather patchy. Lovely strong bone and nice feet with a rear end that was balanced and looked strong and powerful it was a pity she was not co-operating with her owner and showing herself at her best.

3RD – FRITZ & KRUGER’S FRITZENS UNA VIAREGGIANA This hound was a much more workmanlike type with good bone and size. Nice shoulder and strong neck moving into a long back. Her topline was rather flat both standing and on the move but she is nicely angled in the rear and was in a tip top muscled condition. - A very honest hound with much to like. Standing I thought she was my winner but she lost out in the movement and tended to slope away at the rear. Just a baby so as she gets more confident I am sure this will improve. .

1ST MESSRS LONGSTAFF’S NENGIRITH MYSTIQUE None of these Juniors were showing themselves off to their best. I gave the first place to this bitch on size and bone. She was not behaving and hard to assess on the move but I forgave her, if she starts to enjoy showing she will make a very nice hound. At the moment she needs a tad more neck length but I am sure she will improve with age. Lovely dark correct textured coat and nice neat ears which she tucks away, lovely dark eye and excellent expression. Strong in the neck - enough depth and good length in the back with a lovely topline and good strong quarters. She just needs to grow up and be confident.

2ND PARSONNS MACKINNON ‘s CLAONAIGLEN MALLIE Much smaller and lighter made hound but she also did not seem to be enjoying the day and was playing her owner up by pacing but did eventually move true. Nice type with all the right proportions but she needs to grow on and make more size Good straight front and enough depth for her age.

3RD GERMAIN’S AGHNADARRAGH GREINE - SWISS Stronger bitch than 2 but flattens on her topline both standing and moving. She has a lovely head and strong crisp coat, good bone and nice angles. The length is in the loin which tends to make the topline slightly flat. Overall a nice hound

CLASS 13 YEARLING BITCH - (12 TO 24 MONTHS OF AGE) - 15 ENTERED (2 ABSENT 1 WITHDRAWN)

1ST MARANDIKE EBONY'S CHOICE TO WOLFSCASTLE Very close between 1 and 2 but This hound won this class on strength and overall shape. She has a slightly better shoulder spring of rib and return of upper arm but no 2 does have the better topline. Both bitches are in the peak of condition and they will change places on many occasions I am sure of that, No 1 was the more workmanlike hound and no 2 the glamour girl

2ND JANSONS’ NIXOPHEL CRYSTAL AMETHYST JW This hound has the most beautiful head and expression with dark eyes, neat ears and a expression to melt your heart. She did not, for me, have quite the length in her back and on the move she did not extend and drive out quite as well as the first hound. However this was a difficult decision and it could have gone either way. She can only improve and I am sure she will continue her winning ways.

3RD CAFFERATA’S READWALD CAILLEACH this is a lovely hound but her owner needs to get her under control to get the best out of her. Very unfortunate to meet 1 and 2 who were both handled to perfection and looked the business on the day. This is a very correct well put together hound with lovely depth of chest and a correct coat for her age. She has a lovely strong neck falling into good shoulders and a good strong rear end with no exaggerations. She is a tad narrow between her front legs but with time and when the chest drops this could change, a very promising hound

CLASS 14 SPECIAL BEGINNERS NOVICE BITCH 14 ENTERED 5 ABSENT 1 WITHDRAWN

(OWNER, HANDLER AND EXHIBIT NEVER HAVING WON A CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE OR THREE OR MORE FIRST PRIZES AT OPEN OR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS) (PUPPY CLASSED EXCEPTED)

1ST MORGAN’S LADYGROVE CALAMITY JANE AT AMIRO

2ND BUNCE’S LEALLA KINTRA AT PANTAWICK A really pretty hound who in profile looks very nice, with good angles and a nice topline, she is rather narrow but hopefully this will develop as she matures. She has a lovely head and expression and moved very nicely covering the ground well but I would like more bone and substance.

3RD LONGSTAFF’S LEOCH MEIG AT NENGIRITH This hound was obviously rather distressed as handlers had to change and she was with someone she did not know - this is a big bitch with lots of potential - very deep in chest and a lovely head with a dark eye and all the correct angles. Good strong straight bone and a nice ragged coat - her feet could be smaller and a little more drive in the rear movement but she was difficult to assess on the day.

CLASS 15 SPECIAL BEGINNERS OPEN BITCH -

(OWNER,HANDLER AND EXHIBIT NEVER HAVING WON A CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE)

1ST JANSONS’ NIXOPHEL CRYSTAL AMETHYST JW

2ND SEYMOUR-JACKSON’S GHILTAN TIERCEL More workmanlike bitch than 1 and is much more mature. She has strong bone and shape, rather strong in the head but with dark eyes and excellent pigmentation, she carries a nice harsh coat of the correct length and has a good topline and strong quarters. I would prefer more bend in her pastern as she has a slight tendancy to knuckle over and her feet could be better.

3RD MORRISSEY/BLATCHFORD’S BEARDSWOOD MINNA AT HARTVALLEY This is another quite strong and workmanlike hound she has a lovely head and expression good shape and did enough to win a 3rd place

CLASS 16 UNDERGRADUATE BITCH - 13 ENTERED (4 ABSENT 2 WITHDRAWN)

FOR DOGS WHICH HAVE NOT WON A CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE IN THE BREED OR THREE OR MORE FIRST PRIZES AT CHANPIONSHIP SHOWS (PUPPY CLASSED EXCEPTED)

1ST – FINNETT’S HYNDSIGHT IRRESISTABLE 4 years old smaller hound who was handled well by a delightful young junior handler this bitch did enough to win this class. She is a little overweight and carries a very mature coat. She has a nice head with neat ears and a strong neck with a 'not seen often' main. Very nice spring of rib and shoulder placement but a tad weak on the rear end.

2nd CARTMELL’S DREAM DANCE FOR CUSIDH Not dissimilar to one in size and substance, rather wide in her front with a slightly loaded shoulder but this bitch also has a lovely coat, dark eye the neatest of ears, correct topline dropping into excellent quarters.

3rd BARRETT’S STRANWITH MORAG A smaller bitch lighter framed with a lovely head and expression. Very correct in structure but lacked size, coat and condition and this let her down. .

CLASS 17 POSTGRADUATE BITCH - 11 ENTERED (2 ABSENT)

FOR DOGS THAT HAVE NOT WON A CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE OR FIVE OR MORE FIRST PRIZES AT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS (PUPPY CLASSED EXCEPTED)

1ST CHURCHILL’S LEALLA KENTRA A different type to no 2 but she won her place on her overall shape and type. Nice head and expression although I thought no 2 had the edge, Good shoulders falling into a correct topline with a good rise over the loin, her back was not too long and there was a nice fallaway over the hips down to the tail with a good tuck up. More curves down to the tail and nice length from hip to well let down hocks.

2ND GREYFLAX MILLY MOLLY MANDY This younger bitch was unfortunate to meet the winner as she moved with great drive and presence. She is slightly longer in the back that 1 and needs to deepen in her chest but she shows great promise. Her movement and head is her fortune and on this I preferred her to my winner but she had to give way to the more mature hound. Handled and presented well.

3RD GLEWLWYD LIANA A much heavier workmanlike hound with a lot of merit. Much of the above applies to this hound but she insisted on pacing which is a habit she needs to get out of.

CLASS 18 LIMIT BITCH - 23 ENTERED (9 ABSENT)

FOR DOGS THAT HAVE NOT WON THREE CHALLENGE CERTICIATES OR SEVEN OR MORE FIRST PRIZES (PUPPY CLASSED EXCEPTED)

1ST – FINNETT/HEATHCOTES’S HYNDSIGHT A BOX OF DREAMS A lovely hound that fits the standard well. A very distinctive head with dark eyes, neat ears held well, a strong nape on the neck with a good lay of shoulder and excellent forechest. While we do not want to see anything remotely like a keel in the front assembly we do need our hounds to have a forechest and good heart room. This hound has a good spring of rib with a nice topline and nice rise over the loin dropping into strong quarters. The decision between this bitch and the next class winners was close but she lost out today on movement. She moved well but just did not quite flow as well as the other two exhibits in the challenge.

2ND FRIEDRICH’S LILAC WIND UNGAREHI - FRANCE Another nice hound , slightly heavy on the coat and a tad over weight nevertheless she was quite correct in structure and was lovely on the move.

3RD – MACBEAN’S KILLOETER LEYLA This hound moves out with great drive and presence. She has a good structure and nice coat she is correct in her topline and uses her rear end well on the move but for me is rather heavy in her head. She was not co-operating with her owner today but many of the hounds were not happy standing out in such cold weather.

CLASS 19 OPEN BITCH - FOR ALL DOGS - 16 ENTERED (1 ABSENT)

1ST – BAILEY’S CH.GREYFLAX WATERLOO SUNSET The last time I judged this hound I was disappointed but certainly today she fulfilled the promise and looked every bit the top dog on the day. Her structure and angles are correct and most that I have written for No 2 also applies to this bitch but with the added correct coat and superb condition I was happy to award her Best Bitch. The referee was called for the decision between the dog and the bitch and I was delighted when this hound was chosen as BEST IN SHOW

2ND – MAKINNON/PARSON’S CH.CLAONAIGLEN ORRIN This is another bitch I have judged before and like 1 has improved she pushed very hard for the top slot but lost out on the day to the better condition and coated hound. Nevertheless it was a difficult decision. She has no exaggerations and is correct, balanced in structure and sound in movement with a delightful head and expression. A really lovely hound.

3RD – BUSWELL’S GHYLLADARE KINGLAS OF GLENMORLICH A much more workmanlike hound bigger than 1 and 2 but a bitch I have judged and liked before. She is a dog that you know could do the job on the hill and deserved her place in a very lovely line up of bitches.

GLENIS PEACH

Sunday judging

My thanks to organisers for offering me such a prestigious appointment and to exhibitors for their wonderful entry, allowing me to go over a very large number of high quality hounds. My weekend was a pleasure in the truest sense of the word, and in every way. The warm and remarkable atmosphere of a Deerhound Club Breed Show has to be experienced to be believed. Thank you all.

On the Saturday I officiated as Referee and was called in to make the final decision for BIS, BPIS and Best Special Yearling. All six of the competitors for these awards had much to commend them, but BIS I awarded to Bailey’s bitch, Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset, a splendid hound, brimming with quality all through. BPIS went also to the bitch, Morrisey and Blackford’s very typical Hartvalley Mama Mia, whilst it was Mr and Mrs Rhodes’ dog, Gentom Peacemaker, who went home with the well-deserved Special Yearling award.

Sunday brought with it the Special classes, in each of which I had plenty of lovely hounds from which to select my winners.

ROTHERWOOD STAKES D/B (17) (6 abs)

1st Finnett/Heathcote’s Hyndsight Keep The Faith (d) Lovely outline when settled, with correct topline. Excellent coat. Sufficient bone. Pleasing, well-knuckled feet. Good head and expression. Not overdone in any way.

2nd Helps’ Beardswood Morwenna (b) Good ear and well proportioned skull. Pleasing bodily lines, with good chest and ribbing. Well-laid shoulder and correctly set tail.

3rd Helps’ Beardswood Marmion (d) Well made all through with masculine qualities. Correct bone. Pleasing ribbing and loin. Sound forehand construction. Powerful hips. Well-set tail.

SPECIAL COURSING/LURE CHASING D/B (25) (7 abs)

1st Beardswood Marmion

2nd Faircloth/Helps’ Beardswood Niamh Beautiful outline on this elegant lady, who has lovely curves in all the right places. Well-shaped rib. Good topline. Correctly set tail. Good head and expression. Well set ear. Strong neck.

3rd Jansons’ Greyflax Lady of the Lake to Nixophel Another quality bitch with good lines all through. Pleasing topline and nice depth of chest. Good ear. Well set tail.

BRACE (20) (7 abs)

1st Sally, Lady Guise’s Moved completely in unison. Similar in so many ways with the same gaze and expression. Matching colouring and coat texture.

2nd Churchill’s Another well-matched pair, showing many similarities, especially when moving fore and aft. Both hounds seemed to have the very same thought in their heads.

3rd Murray’s These two 6 month and 5 day old litter sisters made a lovely picture from the very start of the class. Much to like about them both, and equal in so many ways. I hope they continue to develop well, and suspect they have a bright future ahead.

TEAM (8) (1 abs)

1st Cartmell’s So similar in every way, especially in coat, colour and head.

2nd Friedrich’s Although these hounds were of different heights, they were presented such that they made a remarkable picture, especially seeing all four heads together. All four had similarly sound quarters.

3rd Lucas & Dargonne’s A very pleasingly balanced trio.

SPECIAL BREEDERS’ GROUP (9) 5 abs)

1st Helps’ Quality showed all though the ages. Lovely heads, coats and bone.

2nd Bailey’s Again an impressive group, with quality coming through so well, especially in head.

3rd Churchill’s Head qualities especially impressive in this group.

SPECIAL NOT BRED BY EXHIBTOR (22) (8 abs)

1st Friedrich’s Int/Lux Ch R’Ihafia of Muma (ATC AE00627FRA) (b) 8 yrs old but such a magnificent hound, and so sound all through. Excellent ribbing with super chest and good bone. Pleasing skull and ear. Excellent feet. Her long stride allowed her to move like a dream.

2nd Beardswood Niamh

3rd Greyflax Lady of the Lake to Nixophel

SPECAIL BRED BY EXHIBITOR (35) (13 abs)

1st Parsons/McKinnon’s Ch Claonaiglen Orrin Beautiful lines and just the right amount of substance for a bitch. Excellent topline. Well made all through with good ribbing, chest and loin. Compact, well-knuckled feet. Lovely head, expression and eye. Moved true fore and aft.

2nd Beardswood Morwena

3rd Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Kind Of Magic JW Another high quality exhibit. Well made all through with correct ribbing and firm loin. Good skull shape. Moved well.

Juliet Cunliffe