Torquay & District Canine Society

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Torquay & District Canine Society for the kind invitation to judge the Hound breeds. My gratitude also goes to the committee for their warm hospitality, the venue for providing an excellent lunch, and to my efficient steward, Tracey Hill, who ensured the ring ran smoothly throughout the day. I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entries and would like to thank all exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me. While I did not encounter any significant faults, I did feel that the general movement of some Beagles and Dachshunds could have been improved. However, I was generally delighted with the high standard presented.

Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired):

SY (5,1) 1 PATCH’S, BROGANSIAN BARBARIAN, 18-month-old RED BRINDLE D, A good general appearance in this varied class, presenting correct Miniature Smooth type and balance. He has a good head and skull with pleasing expression and correct length of muzzle. Nice neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Good proportions with adequate ground clearance and moderate length of body, maintaining level withers and quarters. Hindquarters were just adequate today, but sufficient to maintain balance. Coat short, dense and well presented. Overall a pleasing exhibit in this class. RBOB. 2 ERGIS’, SIOUXLINE ELSA MARIE JW, 18-month-old BLACK & TAN B, A feminine bitch of correct size and substance. Shorter in muzzle than the winner which slightly affected overall head balance. Forequarters appeared somewhat short which reduced overall reach in profile. Hindquarters adequate but lacking a little strength to complete the picture. Nonetheless she presented a compact outline with acceptable proportions and typical smooth coat. PG (2,0) 1 SMALL’S, GLYNLYTHE’S HEIRLOOM FOR DEVONDAX JW, 2 year old RED B, A good general appearance with correct Miniature Smooth type and balance. Nice head and skull with pleasing expression. Good forequarters with correct lay of shoulder and sufficient bone. Moderately long in proportion to height, with adequate ground clearance and withers and quarters of approximately the same height, giving a balanced outline without exaggeration. Topline held well in profile. Hindquarter movement could have been stronger today, lacking a little drive, but she maintained overall balance and soundness. 2 KENT’S, ZANDERDAX BELLA DONNA, 17-month-old BLACK & TAN B, Correct for size and substance. The standard calls for a courageous character, and today she appeared slightly unsettled which affected overall presentation. Topline tended to rise to the rear, influenced by longer hind limb proportions, detracting from the desired level back. Movement was adequate but lacked strength and coordination from behind. With greater maturity and confidence she should improve. O (3,0) 1 ERGIS’, BROGANSIAN BATTLECRY FOR SIOUXLINE, 18-month-old RED BRINDLE D, Clear winner in this class, presenting correct Miniature Smooth type and overall balance. Good general appearance, moderately long in proportion to height with sufficient ground clearance and a firm, level topline. Head and skull well shaped, though I felt the muzzle slightly more arched than ideal for me. Good forequarters with correct shoulder placement and adequate bone. Body well muscled with withers and quarters of approximately the same height, giving a balanced outline. Hindquarters strong and well developed. Moved with good reach and drive, maintaining his topline and showing free, flowing action. BOB. 2 SMALL’S, BRONIA LUCIEN FOR DEVONDAX, 2 year old FAWN D, A pleasing dog with a nice head and skull and correct expression. Topline held well in profile and body showed good depth and length. Forequarters appeared a little short which slightly affected overall balance in front. At times he did not quite stand as true in front as preferred, which influenced his overall presentation on the day. Movement was sound and free, maintaining a good outline in profile.

Jak Titchener (DRIFTTZU)