Afghan Hound Association 2010
Bitch
Critique - Norma Hitch
Super venue with first class organisation made a very enjoyable day at their 62nd Breed Championship Show.
Since I first judged in bitches at the AHA Championship Show in 1980, the influence of imports has certainly left its mark on the breed. There is a great variance in type and size. Whilst I have nothing against tidying up a part blown saddle, I was surprised to see the number of clippered saddles, necks and tails. Yes – I did penalise where possible. Another worry is the lack of return of upper arm on many exhibits, giving rise to stilted movement, almost goose stepping in front. Handlers are moving these exhibits too fast, trying to give the impression of good reach in front.
However, I was really pleased with my final line up.
Presentation has certainly improved over the years.
Bitches
Veteran (3, 1a)
1.Lewis and Collingwoods - Ch. Nanak Freecloud Firenze
It doesn't seem long ago since I gave this wonderful bitch her first CC in 2002. She is in superb condition and still moving well despite her 10 and a half years. Congratulations to her owners on keeping her in such good shape BVIS.
2.Thomas The Late Mrs JP and Mrs L Grant Thomas – Jatabe Deihadar (imp)
Cream 11 year old, sparsely coated lady who was really enjoying her day out. In good condition and body.
Minor Puppy (8)
1.Mr G and Mrs W Bastow – Karandikar My Serenade
Lovely B/T baby, pleasing head with dark well shaped eye. Lengthy neck into well placed shoulders and good return of upper arm. Matching rear quarters, nice ring to tail. She put a few steps together to show me that she can cover the ground when she puts her mind to it. A very promising baby.
2.Mrs Kirk – Istani Cinderella Rocka Fela
Attractive self masked cream, well bodied and nicely balanced throughout. A true and steady mover for one so young.
3.Mrs Odell – Sukeshi Ghanaati
Puppy (10,1a)
1.Mrs L Newton – Shimalma Mandarin Majic
Self masked red, classic head already showing chiseling in foreface, well shaped eye giving the desired expression. Long neck into well laid shoulders, good ribbing and depth, well angulated rear
quarters. Once settled she can really cover the ground as one would expect with this well balanced
conformation. One for the future – Best Puppy Bitch and Reserve Best Puppy in Show.
2.Mr G and Mrs W Bastow – Karandikar My Serenade
1st in Minor Puppy
3.Meakes and Morris – Andizhan Barikah at Cadmore
Junior (10,1a)
1. Devaney – Saxonmill Midnight Majic
Very Feminine B/T with flowing lines. Lovely head and expression, long neck into good front balanced with rear angulation. Level topline, good fallaway to well set ringed tail. Long striding and effortless movement in profile. Should have a bright future.
2.Hall – Saxonmill Midnight Muse
Red brindle litter sister to above. Long lean head with the desired expression. Excellent body and conformation, well angulated behind. Nicely set on ringed tail. Needs to drop down in front to complete the picture.
3.Barnes – Saxonmill Midnight Dancer
Yearling (9,1a)
1.Devaney – Saxonmill Midnight Magic
1st in Junior
2.J and K Fielder – Ashahni Azanti at Garamond JW
Lovely feminine B/T. Well constructed and balanced throughout, accordingly moves with good extension and drive. Not in tune with her handler today and just lacked that sparkle of one above. First class presentation and condition.
3.Mrs D Milligan-Bott and Mr J Bott – Bichoux Bellita at Thendara
Special Beginners (5,1a)
1.Mrs V Small – Cloudside Glitterstorm JW
Gold brindle with lovely houndy outline. Lean head, lengthly neck, well angulated fore and aft. Good body and condition. Moved well with reach and drive.
2.Mr D and Mrs J Mugfords Finix Tulla
Well presented B/T, pleasing head, nicely balanced throughout. Level topline in good condition. Moved well.
3.Ms A and Miss E Lockett -Davies – Gilari Devil You Know within Rhazmakh.
Novice (6)
1.Barnes – Saxonmill Midnight Dancer
B/M Gold with lovely natural red saddle. Attractive head and dark eye. Balanced angulation front and rear. Third in quality Junior class, more settled in movement here.
2.Mr and Mrs Cross – Gilari Devil Wears Prada
Quality shaded masked red. Very raw but beautifully balanced throughout. Just needs time and confidence.
3.Meakes and Morris – Andizhan Barikah at Cadmore
Graduate (6,1a)
1.Miss P Metcalfe – Cubanba Northern Star JW
Beautifully presented and handled. Shaded masked pale gold. Balanced head with good eye and expression. Well angulated front and rear with good ribbing and depth. Firm topline with well set on ringed tail. Sound mover with ground covering gait. This one will surely gain her title.
2.Stenhouse and Bettridge – Serra Parecis Jet Set (imp)
Heavily coated shaded masked gold. Tall girl who is beautifully balanced throughout. Nice head with well shaped eye giving the desired expression. Well handled and presented. Moved well with reach and drive.
3.Mr and Mrs John – Dragonfly Alantic Crossing to H erat (imp)
Post Graduate (14,2a)
1.Miss A Forrester – Hubblebub Morrigan by Punkly
Houndy B/S with pleasing head and expression. Lengthy neck into well laid shoulders. Good ribbing and depth. Rear angulation in balance with front enabling her to win this class on her excellent ground covering movement.
2.Harris and Day – Khorinya Narooma with Portianja
Very feminine Bridle with lovely head and eye. Long neck into strong level topline with natural saddle. Good fallaway to ringed tail. Well angulated front and rear. When she can relax and settle into her stride she will trouble the best.
3.Andrew and Scott – Andizhan Alexandrinah
Mid Limit (6,1a)
1.Mr and Mrs Floyd – Hubshe Ukemochi
Well presented B/T. Lovely feminine head on lengthy neck. Well laid shoulders with good return of upper arm, matching rear angulation. Good body and condition. Sound on the move with good reach and drive.
2.Mrs S Virgo – Altside In Black Silk at Sumahari JW
Tall arrogant black. Well constructed and balanced throughout. Free striding and stylish mover.
3.Mr and Mrs King – Cubanba Mara with Kinpaja JW
Limit (9,2a)
1.Mr and Mrs Floyd – Hubshe Uzume
Gorgeous B/T with lovely outline standing. Feminine head with dark well shaped eye. Good shoulders and return of upper arm. Well constructed and balanced throughout. Deep chest. In great condition. Free striding movement. Just outreached by her sister in the challenge for RCC.
2.Smart and Greenfield – Birkhall Sophia
Very feminine B/S put down to perfection. Beautifully balanced with good angles front and rear. Covers the ground effortlessly but without any enthusiasm today.
3.Moore, Rogers and Freer – Cloudside Wardance at Montravia
Open (6,1a)
1.Mr C and Mrs G Hughes – Ch Gezancol Dolly Daydream JW
Beautiful shaded/masked gold with the stamp of quality. Lovely head with that true Afghan expression – looking at one and through one. Beautifully balanced throughout, no exaggerations here. Correct coat pattern with natural saddle. Well set on ringed tail. Great construction evident when moving with long easy springly strides, covering the ground effortlessly. CC and Reserve Best In Show.
2.Mr and Mrs Floyd – Hubshe Izanami
Heavily coated B/S sister to my first placings in Limit and Mid Limit. She completed a trio of well constructed houndy bitches that this breeder must be very proud of. Just had that edge on forward extension on the final run round with her two litter sisters. RCC
3.Mrs J Harris – Ch Baltoro Crystal Clear at Portianja
Judge Mrs Norma Hitch