Hound Association of Scotland Championship Show 2021

Thank you to the Hound Association for inviting me to judge this lovely breed which I last judged two & a half years ago; most of the fronts were as they should be with only two or three exceptions, similarly ribbing was poor in some and cut up underneath spoiling the outline, and a couple of misplaced teeth. Having said that, the overall entry was one of quality with some very nice types there and I was more than pleased with my main winners and appreciated the good entry. Pre-show preparation and hard work with your dog’s makes all the difference and gives good results in the show-ring. The ring we were allocated was large and spacious but one or two of the exhibits found the hall to be noisy and the white spots on the ground in the ring caused some to hop over these which was a shame, but everyone had the same obstacles in that respect, thank you to my two stewards who made the day go so smoothly.

Puppy – Dog (3) 1st Thorn-Andrews DRAKESLEAT GUD TO GO bl/tan, great personality on this one, head of balance and good length, liked his expression, good jaw, outlined displayed well showing off the good angulation he has, proportionally he fitted the standard, furnishings still to come, moved out well, son of my BOB winner. 2nd Hannah’s HE HAZ IT RUSSTECK bl/tan super youngster of great appeal, nicely proportioned throughout, lovely head shape, good eye, nicely angled front & rear, just preferred the cleaner outline and length of neck of 1. 3rd Corner’s CARCORN FABULOUS FRANK

 Junior – Dog (2) 1st Hannah’s HE HAZ IT RUSSTECK – critique as 2nd in previous class. 2nd Stewart’s MOONBROCH SQUIRE OF GOTHOS brindle/cream equally balanced head with a good eye and expression, moderate length to his body and well angulated rear, although his front was well placed, he wasn’t using this as well as he could have.

Novice – Dog (1) 1st Hannah’s RAVENSBEECH BALLATER RUSSTECK nice proportions on this one although a bit of a fidget and would prefer better layback to shoulder, body nicely covered with good ribbing, well angled rear and nice over the loin/rump, would have preferred more freedom of movement. Graduate – Dog (2) 1abs 1st Hannah’s RAVENSBEECH BALLATER RUSSTECK – critique as previous class.

 Limit – Dog (2) 1st Ergis’s CAPTAIN TOM OF SIOUXLINE brindle impressive and a most lovely dog lovely balance to head, good eye, neck & shoulder placement good, excellent in front good fill-in and oval shape, elbows held neatly, excelled in body, good topline & strong loin slightly arched, good angle to hindquarters, good feet & nails, clearance to ground good, came into his own on the move sailing around the ring with good parallel action showing his pads, nice harsh coat beautifully prepared, delighted to award this dog his second CC. 2nd Russell’s RUSSTECK ROMEO bl/tan nicely presented male with good head & eye, strong arch to neck, preferred front & forechest of 1, slightly shorter in ribbing than preferred, however he was nicely angled & moved freely with forelegs reaching and hind legs driving.

 Open – Dog (4) 1st Thorn-Andrews CH DRAKESLEAT IVOR NOTION, very nicely made bl/brindle displaying good balance to head, lovely neck & shoulder placement, good return, nice depth of brisket & good ribcage, well angled quarters, lacking in furnishings for absolute finish here but moving so well with good ground clearance & nice action. Have judged him before as a youngster and still like him very much. Res. Dog CC 2nd Kay’s KAYTIAN TEMPEST OVER HIATI JW most attractive light red of good overall balance and outline, nicely angled front, elbows sitting in nicely, level across the backline and good underline, sturdy throughout, strong quarters, moved out well. 3rd Kirkwood-Emery’s CH HELYDON LAIRD LOKI JW

Veteran – Dog (2) 1st Black’s CH BASSODON WESTWOOD dog of lovely proportions, very male with good balance to head, dark eye, good length to neck, well filled in front, just about the right length for me, sturdy and strong, great quarters, moving freely here, looked totally fit for function, good contender in the challenge. 2nd Corner’s HOLRIK MISTER MISCHIEF

Puppy – Bitch (5) 1abs 1st Dance’s EMEM LETTY BEE SUNSHINE what a little cracker this one was, pale red brindle, such a lovely shape with great balance to head & body, well filled in front, good feet, depth & ribbing all in place for such a youngster, strong well angled quarters, lovely temperament, moved freely and evenly, lovely coat and good presentation; one to watch. Best Puppy 2nd Russell’s EYEZ THE ONE RUSSTECK very smart with good overall outline, similar remarks apply but preferred the shoulder placement of 1, moved out well with good hind action. 3rd Corner’s CARCORN VIOLET VALENTINE

 Junior – Bitch (3) 1st Russell’s SHEEZ GOT IT RUSSTECK nicely shaped youngster, good conical head shape, strong jaw, super front nicely filled, good depth to brisket, ribbing well back, strong angled quarters, stood out in this class, used all her assets well on the move 2nd Canty’s BARGEMON PLANET EARTH balanced head, reasonable neck length, was that bit lighter in bone and body and preferred keel of winner, good backline & moderate in length, moved out quite well which won her the place over the 3rd here. 3rd Gilroy’s RUSSTECK TAKE A CHANCE ON ME CUM CLAYCHALK

Novice – Bitch (1) 1st Russell’s EYEZ THE ONE RUSSTECK litter sister to previous class winner, brindle of good hardy condition, well balanced, feminine in head, good eye, strong neck, firm front & good depth to brisket, well filled front, good ribbing & strong over loin, nicely angled quarters, harsh coat, two nice youngsters. Graduate – Bitch (1) 1st Russell’s SHEEZ GOT IT RUSSTECK – critique as Junior class winner.

Post Graduate – Bitch (3) 1st Stephenson’s MOLLONEY WINNIE TERGAMES AT WISTEX this was a tricky class headed by this red brindle of good type and overall structure, would prefer better fill to her front however she had a lovely head, good eye, nicely covered ribs to short, strong loin, well angled hindquarters which gave very good propulsion with style on the move, extremely well handled. 2nd Fulton’s BOTHLYN PENNY FROM HEAVEN of nice type and unfortunately threw this class as she was unsettled today with the noise and bustle of the hall, liked her type, overall shape and soundness, not too happy moving which was a shame. 3rd Corner’s GRAGARETH GIRL AT CARCORN

 Limit – Bitch (4) 1st Kirkwood-Emery’s HELYDON NIFTY NAIRN of very nice type and overall shape, long head good balance to muzzle, nice eye giving good expression, strong arched neckline, well laid shoulder, good topline, muscled quarters of good angles, harshly coated and carried herself beautifully showing good ground clearance. 2nd Black’s BASSODON DODECAHEDRON JW feminine and lovely shape to this one giving good outline to show off her length of neck and good topline, not quite the furnishings of the winner or quite as clean in underline, movement sound but not as positive as 1. 3rd Canty’s BARRATINI READY TO REBEL AT BARGEMON

Open – Bitch (3) 1st Thorn-Andrews CH DRAKESLEAT TOO GUD TO BE TRUE top quality bitch I have done well previously, displaying a superb outline and so nicely balanced throughout, feminine head of good length & nice expression, front construction well angled and elbows fitting nicely against the ribcage, lovely well sprung ribbing of good length, rear well angled, tail set well, super personality moving out freely with even strides, harsh coat, lovely type and was pleased to award her Bitch CC with BOB. 2nd Dance’s CH EMEM CONSTANCE SUNSHINE JW lovely condition on this beautifully shaped bitch, overall construction very good and clear to see when she moved using her good front & rear angles to advantage, just my preference of head and clean outline of the winner, but a really lovely bitch, Res.CC and see she is Dam of my Best Puppy winner. 3rd Kirkwood’s HELYDON MAGICAL MIKA

Veteran – Bitch (1) Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 1st Stephenson’s BOTHLYN INDIGO BLUE AT WISTEX good head & feminine expression, dark well shaped eye, slightly arched long neck, good coat, well laid shoulders & tight feet, moved okay but loose behind, had a very soft coat, in great shape for 10 years old. Jill Cross