UK Afghan Hound JUDGES
Jahera Afghans
Nikki Deen
I could probably talk ‘Afghan Hound’ before I could talk ‘Human’ as I was surrounded by this beautiful breed from my birth and have never been able to shake free from the fascination I have for them, nor in fact do I want to escape it!
After a space of some 6 years with no Afghan in my life I knew something was missing. So in 1992 I bought Tasha, who became Champion Tejas Sahuara, a special girl who showed me what this breed really is all about, she always gave me 110% and we adored each other, she restarted my love affair with these spectacular, contrary, dignified clowns.
I love showing and have been honoured to been entrusted with some spectacular hounds to handle as well as my own and thoroughly enjoy this, however some years ago now, I (or possibly my friends and family!) decided it was time to turn my hand to judging this glorious breed and so this journey commenced in 2003 when I took my first lecture, I then passed my exam in 2004.
As for what ‘type’ of Afghan Hound I like, well I have long admired many different lines of Afghan Hounds and enjoy researching pedigrees and looking at the mating of genotypical and / or phenotypical dogs, seeing the outcomes of these clever breeders who bring the best together is a good way to learn in my opinion. Personally I have owned pure American bloodlines, pure English and blendings of those with European thrown in. I also love the fact that this breed comes in a myriad of colours and have owned, golds, blacks, red, brindle and even a Domino, a colour that is hard to get right on a good hound but spectacular when it is.
However what it all comes down to is not where the dog is from, who it’s parents are or what colour it is, an Afghan Hound is an Afghan Hound is an Afghan Hound. It is a unique balance of characteristics and features that make it able to do precisely what it was bred to do, this is what is important to me in the show ring. An Afghan must move, not flat out speed, but real Afghan Hound movement, explosive power tamed for that brief moment, that unique unforgettable float, the movement that gives you chills.
I hope to look forward to more judging appointments in the future and am very grateful for all those people who bring their dogs to me for my opinion. Of course every one of you, no matter what I decide, takes the best dogs home.
Updated 22/12/2008 09:11
© Nikki Deen-2006 - all rights reserved