BLOODHOUND CLUB OPEN SHOW

Baginton 19^thFebruary 2000

Judge's Report by Mr. Emerson Howard

I was pleasantly surprised and greatly honoured when I was asked to judge this show.  However, as the day approached I begun to question my decision as I could come up with many others whom I thought were better qualified to do the job. 
I would like to thank the Bloodhound Club's committee for having invited me to be their judge, the exhibitors for entering and enduring the reasonably cold weather and their sportsmanship. A mere thank you is inappropriate for the stewards, Jackie Clark and Ellen Shaw, both of whom unflinchingly bore the brunt of the elements and made my task a lot easier.

General impression

Positive aspects:  Temperament was good and none of the hounds objected to my sneaking up on them to go over them, have a look at their eyes (very good except one bitch) and bites which were all correct.
Negative aspects:  The hallmark of the Bloodhound is, in my opinion, its distinctive head and this feature must not be lost.  Most skulls tended to be too broad and leathers too short which result in a rather alien look.  Angulation of the shoulder seems to be too great and as a consequence chests seem not to be there.  Top lines were spoilt in many hounds by the falling away at the croup.

When one reads this it appears as if I did not find much to like but this is not so, as I am sure that my dislikes/observations could easily be seen from the ring side.

I had a super day and must not forget to thank all those who were responsible for providing a great lunch which I was unable to do the justice it deserved. Finally a special thank you to Jo Franks who was kind enough not only to put me up, but also to record my sins of omission and commission on tape.

PUPPY DOG

1 entry

1. Brockbank's Brighton's Ramrod.  Mature 9 month black & tan on which I would have liked to have seen a little bit more length of back.  Strong head low set ears which could ideally have been longer.  Not moving as soundly as I am sure he can.  Best Puppy in Show

JUNIOR DOG

2 entries, 1 absent

1. Corner's Railside Heathen.  1 year old with a nice head , good square lip and good eyes.  Would have preferred a better angulation in front and a bit short in back.  Moved easily.

NOVICE DOG

2 entries, 1 absent
Wright's Staindale Wallace of Kingwater.  2 years old dark black & tan which seemed some what overawed by the occasion.  Good hind quarters; low set stern (croup falling away).  Moved reasonably well.

GRADUATE DOG

3 entries, 1 absent

Grant & Randle's Taliesin Kentucky.  2 year old rich colour red with a good conformation.  Nice level top line with correct stern set. Nice head; here too I would have liked a longer ear.  Moved well but tended to carry his stern gaily. Dixon's Sherlock Corolla.  19 month dark black & tan in good condition.  Nice head with low set ears. Would have liked a better angulation in both front and hindquarters.  Moved well albeit a little wide in front.

LIMIT DOG

6 entries, 1 absent
Powell's Weatheroak Ivanhoe at Trailfinder.  2 year old black & tan in excellent condition.  Nice head which could be a little finer.  Good top line and correct croup.  To be critical I would like to have seen a better shoulder placement.  Very nice movement. Best in Show Mckenzie & Ilett's Weatheroak Huntsman.  2½ year old black & tan rather coarse skull but good in profile; deep chest, good topline.  His movement did not live up to its promise as he seemed to be lame. Grant & Randle's Taleisins Rhode Island.  Nearly 2 years old red hound.  A lot to like about this hound.  Nice profile and good confirmation.  Nice head with good length ears and nice muzzle.  Nice top line but feet need to be strengthened.  Would have liked to have seen a little more weight on him and in a harder condition.  Decided that it was playtime and did not move as he should.
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OPEN DOG

4 entries
O'Keefe's Weatheroak Inspiration of Darleycliffe.  2 years old light liver & tan nice narrow skull with low set long ears. Good top line and good long back.  Good hind angulation but front angulation could be better.  Well knuckled up feet and moved very well. Reserve Best in Show Southwood's Damick Desert Storm of Sullom.  2 years old black & tan good head with low set thick ears.  Good hindquarters but the front angulation could be better, well knuckled up feet.  Could be in harder condition but moved well. Avery's Chasedown Just Reward.  3 years old liver & tan with an exquisitely chiselled head and long soft low set ears.  Adequate length of back, reasonable topline and low set stern.  Well knuckled up feet and moving easily.  A good hound which, head on, is narrow in front.
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