MANCHESTER CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Judges Critiques

Miss Sue Finnett

Judging: Hound Group

        It was a pleasure to judge my first Hound Group appointment at this friendly and well organised show. My thanks to the committee and the stewards for the smooth running of the ring. Only one breed was absent - the Portuguese Podengo.

        I short listed the Basenji, Beagle, the PBGV, Wire Haired Dachshund, the Miniature Wire Haired Dachshund, Deerhound, Norwegian Elkhound,  Otterhound and the Irish Wolfhound which sadly went lame.

        My winner was the Basenji, Nash’s Ch Tokaji Moon Over Miami With Mutoko JW. This beautiful, mature 5 year old bitch must be a night owl. Where many others were flagging after a long day she was showing at her best from standing on the table to trotting round the ring not putting a foot wrong. She has a lovely head, good conformation and super breed type. Shown very fit she has a smooth, precise action and is a pleasure to watch.

        The runner-up was the Beagle, Davies’ Annavah Nocturne at Barrvale. I was very taken by this young bitch, not yet two years old. She has a lovely head and such an appealing expression . She is very well made and moved soundly and true with no exaggeration. She did everything asked of her perfectly with her stern carried gaily.

        3rd was the Deerhound, Taylor’s Ch Ormanstar Dark Shadow, one I have seen before. He has very good conformation, a lovely temperament, shown in super coat  and his movement was sound as a pound both coming and going and in profile. He showed all the time giving of his best and his easy movement suggested he could do this all night.

        4th in the group was the Norwegian Elkhound, Maun’s Ch Bowerhinton Bassanio,  another dog with tremendous ring presence. He has a super outline, nice head and ear carriage, good body and a lovely coat suited to the weather. He stands proudly four square and moves around the ring positively expecting to be noticed. A lovely dog.

        Sue Finnett.