Think Afghan 2015 ÂŁ7 or complimentary to members.
The Magazine and Catalogue for the Afghan Hound Association and Championship Show
DAVID PATON PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Afghan Hounds at Crufts 2015…
BOB/DCC: Way Up James Bond
DRCC: Int/It/Cr Ch Way Up Mr Grinch
Ch Ashahni Azanti at Garamond JW with her daughters: Garamond Spiceberry JW, Garamond Wineberry at Sochera & Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill JW (BRCC)
BPIB: Palamedees Tallon
BCC: Multi/Int Ch Agha Djari’s Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
A book of Crufts 2015 photos will be published later this year
For beautiful photographs (all breeds welcome)
Temple Barn, Stourton, Nr. Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5HG Tel: 01608 685110 email: davids.paton@virgin.net www.flickr.com/photos/davidpaton
Year in Review
Welcome to Think Afghan 2015... Welcome to the 2015 edition of Think Afghan. I hope you enjoy reading this publication, we have lots of club news, results and great articles. This is your magazine and please submit articles to me through out the year for next years review. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this edition and to all the advertisers for their generous support.
Liz Millward, Editor. liz.millward@ahaonline.co.uk
AHA Champ Show 2014
s
Blue Afghan Hound
Secretary’s Report 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Treasurers’s Report 7 AHA Championship Show 2014 8 AHA Roll of Honour 16 Members Challenge 19 AHA Morning Open Show 2014 20 AHA Afternoon Open Show 2014 23 Spotlight On Sighthound Event 25 Charles Victor Hammon (Hurrum) 28 Afghanites: Fashion, Frivolity and Faux Pas 30 He Understands Every Word I Say 32 Mrs Yoshimoto 35 Where Is Typical Movement Going 37 Description Of The Afghan Hound Standard 42 Blue Afghan Hound 42 The Dog Of The Mystic East 47 Afghan Hound Head Carriage 50 67th Championship Show Catalogue 57 68th Championship Show Judges Inside Back Cover
Afghan Hound Association President Gloria North Vice President Jeff Bunney Hon Overseas Vice President Fukie Yoshimoto Chairman Susan Rhodes Vice Chairman Jeff Bulled Treasurer Christine O’Neill Secretary Ian Fisher “IFMARAF” 22 Mountfield Close Culverstone, Meopham Kent, DA13 0UJ Tel: 01732 823665 ian.fisher@ahaonline.co.uk Committee Heather Bunney Nicole Earnshaw Nikki Humphreys Chris King Liz Millward Maria Niedzwiedz Terry O’Neill Claire Parker Robert Parsons Maurice Ryall
Show Secretary Robert Parsons 10 Markland Way West Park, Uckfield East Sussex, TN22 2DE Tel: 01825 767800 bob.parsons@ahaonline.co.uk Magazine Editor Liz Millward liz.millward@ahaonline.co.uk AHA Online Webmaster & Members Challenge Nicole Earnshaw nicole.earnshaw@ahaonline.co.uk AHA Stock and Shop Nikki Humphreys nikki.humphreys@ahaonline.co.uk
The opinions expressed in Think Afghan articles and reports are not necessarily those of the Editor or the AHA Committee. Whilst every care is taken in compiling Think Afghan, the AHA Committee cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any effects arising therefrom. The print quality of the pictures is totally reliant on the quality of the material supplied.
Year in Review
Secretary’s Report Ian Fisher
Think Afghan 2015
Morrison (Bitches) with our Best in Show Judge Mr C Dann. We had an entry of 147 dogs making 160 entries. The Dog CC was awarded to Gill & Marshall’s Miamarna Masquerade JW and the Bitch CC went to Scott’s Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan. Our BIS Judge then awarded BIS to the dog and went on to award Hall’s Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill, Best Puppy in Show and Moore’s CH. Cloudside Warpaint as Best Veteran in Show. At our July Back to Back Open Shows which were held at Chieveley Village Hall, Berks we had two Breed Specialists judging the two Shows. These were again sponsored by Eukanuba and Plush Puppy and we thank them for their support. Both Shows attracted an entry in excess of 70. Show 1 was judged by Mr Ross Gilbert with Mrs Sue Cronk judging Show 2. The Association would also like to thank everyone who so generously support all of our Shows by donating Specials. The Association’s 2015 AGM will be held on Saturday 4th April 2015 at Chieveley Village Hall, Berkshire, RG20 8TE. Following the AGM we are planning a chance to “SPOT THE DIFFERENCES” - rise to the challenge - our Afghans v all those other hounds - breed qualities and performance - join in the fun!!
Ian Fisher, Secretary
“
The Association
would also like to thank everyone who so generously support all of our Shows by donating Specials
“
During the course of this year the Association lost one of our Life Members in Vic Hammon. A full obituary for Vic will appear in the Association’s magazine ‘Think Afghan’ which will be published in May. The Association’s AGM was again held in April and all Officers and Committee were re-elected. Subsequently Miss Lucy Trethowan had to resign due to pressure of work but we have been fortunate that we have been able to co-opt Miss Claire Parker onto the committee to replace her. At the AGM the results of the Members ballot for the judges at our 2016 and 2017 Championship and 2015 and 2016 Open Shows were announced. For the 2016 Championship Show both judges will be foreign. One from Australia, Mrs Ada Wilcox, and one from the USA, Mr Richard Souza. Both are currently subject to KC confirmation. The decision to invite foreign judges to take part in the ballot was taken by the membership present at the 2013 AGM. Following the AGM Susan Rhodes organised something very different and very exciting called ‘Spotlight on Sighthounds’ This was a presentation from Barbara Hargreaves (Greyhounds); Jean Clare (Borzois); Lesley Busby (Afghan Hounds); Marie Bryce-Smith (Salukis); Jeff Crawford (Irish Wolfhounds) and Pamela Marston-Pollock (Whippets, Sloughis and Ibizan Hounds). Chieveley was packed for this event (it has to be said by mainly non Afghan people!) and it also received very complimentary reviews and letters in the Dog Press. Our Championship Show was again held on the first Monday in May in the Kennel Club Building at Stoneleigh and we would like to thank Royal Canin and Plush Puppy for their sponsorship. Our judges this year were Mrs M Fisher (Dogs) and Mrs M
Year in Review
Chairman’s ReportMark Cocozza were not that of the committee, they were the choice of you, the members, who mostly did not bother to vote. The committee have listened to the criticism and thought long and hard about options. We have decided to propose a rule change for the AGM to allow the committee to select judges in line with most other breed clubs. We will adhere to a strict code of conduct for the selection of judges and feel that we can ensure that the AHA receives a better entry because of a robust committee decision rather than that of a couple of friends getting together to decide “who’s turn it is this year”. I would really like to emphasise this proposal is solely for the benefit of the AHA and I would hope any fair minded member will see it that way and that this proposal will gain your support. Our show report and show results have been covered elsewhere so it leaves me to say a final goodbye and a final thank you to the entire committee. I really hope you join me in thanking them for their combined efforts. They have been a pleasure to work with for many years and I truly thank them all personally for their help and support to myself but more importantly to the AHA. Without them there is no AHA and I am proud to have served alongside them for so long. Wishing everyone continued health and happiness with your beloved Hounds.
Mark Cocozza, Chairman
“
Due to extra work
commitments I have decided that I need to resign most of my Dog related activities as I am finding it increasingly difficult to manage everything
“
Due to extra work commitments I have decided that I need to resign most of my Dog related activities as I am finding it increasingly difficult to manage everything. I do not want to start letting the AHA down as I believe it needs someone who has the time to commit to the position as Chairman so I have unfortunately decided to stand down as Chairman after serving the AHA as committee member and Chairman for around 18 years. It is with regret that I am writing this as my last Chairman’s report. The death of life member Vic Hammon, unknown to many today will be covered in detail in our magazine in a fitting tribute from Heather Bunney. In my absence the 2014 AGM was a very uneventful affair yet again. In keeping with tradition our post AGM event was organised this year by Susan Rhodes and the theme Spotlight on Sighthounds was a tremendous success with vast interest from mostly non-Afghan people, receiving tremendous coverage and praise from all. Throughout the year your committee work very hard for all the members and non-members alike attending up to 5 committee meetings to ensure the success of our Championship and Back-to-Back Open Shows along with the AGM and other regular educational events. Please believe me when I tell you these events do not happen by chance. We don’t have a magic want we wave on the day of the show. It is down to a lot of time effort and planning from your committee. Our selection of Championship Show judges has received considerable criticism in recent years. I would like to initially address this by stating it is a members ballot so some choices that were criticised
Page 5
Year in Review
Treasurers’s Report
Christine O’Neill
Christine O’Neill, Treasurer
Yet again we have had a relatively successful financial year due mainly to having two very profitable shows with both the ‘Back to Back’ Open and the Championship show making a profit
“
“
Yet again we have had a relatively successful financial year due mainly to having two very profitable shows with both the ‘Back to Back’ Open and the Championship shows making a profit (especially the Championship show). And due to the ‘Spotlight on Sighthounds’ organised by Susan Rhodes in conjunction with the AGM, we covered the expenses of the AGM and made a small profit overall on the day. However as I said last year we cannot rely on profits from the shows to keep supporting the basic costs of the association, all we need is a poorly supported Championship Show and the overall annual financial position is very poor . I know we have some quite large reserves due to the legacy from Wendy and Tom Sawyer (more of this later) but I think the association should be self-sufficient at least for normal expenses i.e. stationery, postage, Kennel Club and Accountancy fees and insurance, this is about £1200 pa. Other costs (or losses) can be covered by drawing from our reserves so the club still needs to look at its expenditure. To this end we are reducing postage costs to a minimum by using email where possible and reducing any costs associated with events (shows etc.) to maximise any profits With regard to our reserves, I understand some members are querying the size of the bank account and why it is there and not employed earning more to help support the club, the officers of the club have been investigating various suggestions as to how to get a greater return on our capital. The main problem is as an organisation we are restricted by law as to what we can invest in so we cannot invest in the high interest products that are available to individuals. We have
looked at forming a trust which could invest in certain products but the costs of setting up the trust and the management costs for, in financial terms a very small amount (c£40,000), does not make sense and in-fact make less for the club (and with less security) than the present minimal interest we receive at the moment. Notwithstanding the previous comments the club is in a reasonable financial state progressing forward with no major worries. If any member has any ideas as to how we can increase our income especially on our capital reserves I would be pleased to hear them and will investigate them fully.
Page 7
Show Reports
AHA Championship Show 2014 The AHA Championship show 2014 was held at the Kennel Club building at Stoneleigh Park on Monday May 5th. Best In Show Reserve Best In Show and Best Opposite Sex in Show Best Puppy In Show Best Opposite Sex Puppy In Show Best Veteran In Show Dog CC Bitch CC Res Dog CC Res Bitch CC
Miamarna Masquerade JW Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill Harlextan Bertie Bubbles CH Cloudside Warpaint Miamarna Masquerade JW Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan Karandikar Star Storm Tulak Legally Blond At Calamayor
Dogs Veteran (4, 2 Abs) 1. Ch Cloudside Warpaint 2. Birkhall Secret Agent ShCM Minor Puppy (5, 0 Abs) 1. Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore 2. Andizhan Constantine 3. Gezancol Strike A Light At Zadal Puppy (8, 1 Abs) 1. Harlextan Bertie Bubbles 2. Garamond Loganberry Al Kabira 3. Garamond Tayberry Junior (10, 0 Abs) 1. Istani Hell Raiser On Affiah 2. Maringo Wicked Games With Bichoux 3. Calamus Orient Express (imp) Yearling (7 1 Abs) 1. Zaram Zeroun 2. Drishaun It Ain’t What You Do 3. Sukeshi Olympic Torch Maiden (5, 2 Abs) 1. Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore 2. Andizhan Czardin To Suzapth Novice (6, 1 Abs) 1. Gezancol In The Zone 2. Garamond Loganberry Al Kabira 3. Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore Special Beginners (3, 0 Abs) 1.Maringo Wicked Games With Bichoux 2. Istani Breaking Every Code 3. Garamond Tayberry
Think Afghan 2015
Dog Judge: Mrs. Mary Fisher (Ifmaraf) Bitch Judge: Mrs. Marie Morrison BIS Judge: Mr. Colin Dann Entry:
142 dogs making 175 entries
Bitches Graduate (5, 0 Abs) 1. Sitana Raja jani From Zinzani JW 2. Davashey Move Like Jagger Via Affiah 3. Nightwind True Colours (Imp Deu) Post Graduate (10, 0 Abs) 1. Xenos Art Deco At Jahadi (Imp) 2. Abicas Rhinestone Cowboy (Imp DK) 3. Javidan Bad Boy Boogie Mid Limit (8, 1 Abs) 1. Miamarna Masquerade JW 2. Karandikar Moon Dancer JW 3. Sumahari Tiger Wudz JW Limit (7, 2 Abs) 1. Karandikar Star Storm 2. Sarakhan Sultan Al Kabira JW ShCM 3. Sarakhan Statesman Open (8, 0 Abs) 1.Ch Andizhan Baal At Shirobana JW Shcm 2. Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel 3. Ch Shimalma Mercurial Magic
Veteran (7, 2abs) 1. Ch Zandahar Treacle Tart JW Shcm 2. CH Hubshe Uzume 3. Cloudside War Of Roses ShCM
Graduate (5, 2 Abs) 1. Sitana Nishana At Lakaradream JW 2. Valkor Date Ya To Look 3. Garamond Spiceberry
Minor Puppy (7, 1 Abs) 1. Andizhan Charlottes Noir 2. Gezancol Saving Grace 3. Andizhan Charisma With Zarcar
Post Graduate (7, 0 Abs) 1. Tulak Legally Blond At Calamayor 2. Tulak Ever After For Tazieff 3. Valkor She’s Got The Look of Saksfith
Puppy (6, 0 Abs) 1. Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill 2. Garamond Spiceberry 3. Andizhan Charlottes Noir Junior (7, 0 Abs) 1. Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW 2. Maringo Rumour Has It At Bichoux 3. Maringo Evening In Paris Yearling (5, 0 Abs) 1. Hubshe Funadama 2. Zaram Zaria 3. Agha Djari’s Fast Love At Audigier Maiden (2, 0 Abs) 1. Maringo Evening In Paris 2. Molriq Countess Maritza
Mid Limit (6, 1 Abs) 1. Andizhan Balqis 2. Karandikar My Serenade 3. Sarakhan Signature Limit (5, 1 Abs) 1. Sukeshi Habaayib 2. Affietar Amazing Grace JW 3. Zendushkas Sparkling Rose Open (10, 2 Abs) 1. Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan 2. Ch Azmari Black Onyx At Temenshu 3. Ch Syrdarya Malted Milk At Wilbus JW
Novice (5, 1 Abs) 1. Maringo Evening In Paris 2. Molriq Countess Maritza 3. Jazzmeenah Majyk Mystereez Special Beginners (2. 1 Abs) 1. Gezancol Topsy Turvy
All Photos by Leannah Trethowen (unless stated)
Show Reports
(L-R) BIS Miamarna Masquerade JW, BIS Judge Mr. Dann and RBIS Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan
Photo supplied from Marie Morrison
(L-R) DCC Miamarna Masquerade JW, Judge Mrs. Fisher, RDCC Karandikar Star Storm
(L-R) BCC Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan, Mrs. Morrison, RBCC Tulak Legally Blond At Calamayor
Photo by Lesley Busby
Best Puppy In Show Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill
Best Veteran In Show CH Cloudside Warpaint Page 9
Show Reports
Dog Critique
Mrs. Mary Fisher (Ifmaraf)
Photo by Lesley Busby
It was an honour to judge the dogs at this prestigious event. I feel at a specialty show exhibitors deserve plenty of time to show off their dogs and newcomers made to feel at ease in the ring. Therefore everyone was given ample opportunity to get used to what can be a strange experience. We had a wonderful grass ring and my stewards, Charles Taggart and Francis Hearne kept me and the exhibitors under control! Thank you to the officers and committee of the A.H.A. for the commemorative crystal goblet and the flowers and a day to remember
Veteran Dog
Minor Puppy Dog
Puppy Dog
1. Moore’s Ch.Cloudside Warpaint. An 8 year
1. Morris and Meakes’ Gezancol Twist Of Fate.
1) Abrey’s Harlextan Bertie Bubbles. It was a
old gold brindle of middle size. Refined in
This 7 month black and tan is medium in
close call between the first two in this group, as
head with Eastern expression, reachy neck
size and presents with a balanced picture
they are developing at their own rate and each
leading to sloping shoulder and level back line,
stacked. He has a masculine head with correct
pup has particular qualities that I like. The
correct croup and well set ringed tail. Good
eye shape and colour. Well bodied and firm
winner is a medium sized, 11month black and
length of upper arm in balance to hind
fronted for his age, he has a very good top line
tan, stacked looks a picture without
angulation and when moved the dog’s balance
and continuation to good croup, and ringed tail.
exaggeration. He has an excellent expression
is obvious with correct foot fall. Still maintains
When settled, his movement is light and
with small dark eyes, good skull shape and
a springy gait, with good ground coverage.
coordinated with good head and tail carriage.
strong jaw. Carries his head well on a strong
B.V.I.S.
2. Bastille’s Andizhan Constantine. Another
neck leading to well angled shoulders to upper
2. Farquhar’s Birkhall Secret Agent Sh.CM.
quality baby, scoring on his great front
arm. He holds his elbows nicely to his chest
Spritely red 8 year old. Heavier boned than
with good fore chest and angulation which
which is deep with good spring of rib. The
winner shown in beautiful coat and body
compliments that of his rear. I find him a little
length of rib cage to loin is good and back
condition. Balanced head with dark eye and
strong in head but he will be a good size male
line is level and strong. He has good body
strong jaw line. Strong neck and well placed
in time. Has good scope when moving with
and muscle tone for his age. He is steady and
shoulder. Deeper chest than winner, and firm
good head and tail carriage. When his handler
true in movement with a light progressive gait
loin. Good croup but lacks ring to tail. Balanced
has confidence to give the pup some lead length
carrying his ringed tail at the required angle.
front and rear angles. Moved with spring and
he will be impressive. His silver brindle coat
2) Harrison’s Garamond Loganberry Al Kabira.
enthusiasm.
has a lovely texture and was well prepared.
Also 11 months, this black and silver is much
Think Afghan 2015
All Photos by Leannah Trethowen (unless stated)
Show Reports rangier and looser in movement just now. His head is long and has well shaped back skull and jaw. He already has a haughty expression. His long neck adds to his impression of height. He also has good shoulder and upper arm balance but is not as full in fore chest yet and is slightly longer in loin. He is more angular than 1) and
2. Gardner’s Drishaun It Ain’t What You Do. This is a much heavier built shaded masked gold. Rather strong in head but I did find his body construction otherwise very sound. He has big raking hind movement, but his front action is a bit lost beneath his dense coat at this stage in his development. Could possibly be moved slightly faster to show his full potential and reach. Great coat condition.
once settled into his stride it is carried correctly. His expression is exotic as his skull is refined. All proportions just right, coat pattern affording me a chance to watch those sloping pasterns. One of those ‘if only’ dogs as he just needed to relax.
has the ability to cover some ground with good length of second thigh. Going away he is not as precise as 1). He has a ringed tail carried well. Another promising boy. Junior Dog
1) Parker-Holden’s Istani Hell Raiser on Affiah. I was immediately attracted to the proportions of this black and cream and he walks into a natural stance with super topline and tail set. Great head qualities and chiselling which is special in our breed. Sensibly angulated front and rear with a well developed chest and loin. His movement is precise and he is in hard muscular condition. 2) Gardner’s Maringo Wicked Games with Bichoux. Powerfully made and again well conditioned black and cream. Equals the balance and angles of winner but is better in use of fore leg and pasterns, which is lovely to watch. Not as tight at the elbow as winner or as strong in back line on the move. Has a good head and tail carriage. Free stands very well.
Maiden Dog 1. Morris and Meakes’ Gezancol Twist Of Fate 2. Kemp’s Andizhan Czardin to Suzaph. This silver brindle is much leggier than the winner and looser throughout. His outline is pleasing and he is well proportioned. He is masculine in head; I liked his neck and shoulder which leads into a firm back line, good croup and tail set. His chest is OK but I would like more fore chest. He was more settled in this class, so his movement could be assessed. It is clear he has scope in his side gait so I’m sure he will come good as he grows up. Novice Dog 1. Goff’s Gezancol In The Zone. Now 2 years old this black and cream has become a most pleasing dog. Excels in expression, so one wants to look further. There is much quality under the heavy coat. Good spring of rib, strong bone and body. Sweeping quarters, well let down with correct tail set. Has now learned to show off his movement, covering lots of ground. 2. Harrison’s Garamond Loganberry Al Kabira
Post Graduate Dog
Special Beginners Dog
Yearling Dog 1. Gardner’s Maringo Wicked Games with Bichoux 2. Stainsby’s Istani Breaking Every Code. He is a heavily boned junior shaded masked gold that I found strong in back skull. He does have excellent shoulder placement and front angles, well ribbed and powerful in loin. He needs more angle of croup which makes him appear up at the rear at present. He has very steady movement.
1. Cheesman’s Zaram Zeroun. Tall, elegant black and brindle with classic head and dark eye. His length of neck and good stature add to his proud attitude. Firm back line, adequate croup and tail set. Fair length of upper arm and depth of chest, but he makes good use of springy pasterns, so his movement is springy and his hind action most pleasing.
2. Parker Holden’s Davashey Move Like Jagger via Affiah. Extrovert red brindle, more angular than 1) who covers a lot of ground holding a firm back line but a bit gay in tail at times. Very well balanced and has good head carriage with a keen expression.
Graduate Dog 1. Finch, Hopper and Scott’s Sitana Raja Jani from Zinzani J.W. I found this black masked silver such a text book image of a real Afghan hound. Top marks in presentation and sensitive handling skills. He has the breed idea of having to weigh up his surroundings, and luckily the large ring gave him time to show his assets. All about him was smooth lines- that is top of head to fall away. His ring tail is correctly set, and
1. James’ Xenos Art Deco at Jahadi. An oyster brindle who headed a strong class of differing blood lines. I was immediately visually attracted by his coat pattern and aloof expression. On examination I found the combination of a head that had oriental structure, dark triangular eyes and a good jaw line and correct bite. Then a strong neck and flowing back line, correct croup and ringed tail. Excellent angulation with low set hocks producing great drive and complimented by good frontal extension. Perfect rib to loin balance and in superb muscular and body condition. An Afghan with a mind of his own, but when he wants to do it he is top notch. A great prospect. 2, Woodward’s Abica’s Rhinestone Cowboy (imp). A very aristocratic black and brindle with a grand head with chiselling and again, perfect eye shape. Holds his topline well and maintains a steady almost lazy gait with his ring tail held at the right angle throughout. Lovely substance, with deep ribbing and good fore chest. Springy pasterns and long second thighs producing those easy light strides. Mid Limit Dog 1. Gill and Marshall’s Miamarna Masquerade J.W..It was a pleasure to judge this black and tan dog and award him his first C.C. His owner was not there to handle him today, so his performance proves how sound he is and also
Page 11
Show Reports their heads in the correct attitude of a hunting
feet. His chest is deep with well sprung ribs and
hound, with the eyes forward and head held
he has a well muscled loin, correct croup and
slightly nose down when in action, yet still
good tail set. Prominent pin bones but with a
able to keep the neck at full length. On the
good hand’s width between. On the move he
final run he didn’t match the ground cover of
has desired light suspended action and carriage
Masquerade, but he is every inch an Afghan.
of ringed tail.
2) Harrison’s Sarakhan Sultan al Kabira. A very impressive black masked gold. His owner must
BIS
be congratulated on the manner in which he presents and manages his dogs. This
Critique
full marks to the lady who took on the lead
lad’s coat gleams and he is in tip top condition.
work. He has everything one should look for in
Being bigger in stature than 1) he needs a big
an Afghan male. His size is right, he has strong
ring to show off his length of stride. Posture
bone, perfect balance of height and length and
good at all times. He has sloping pasterns
of angulation front to rear. To handle he has
used to advantage and has the correct length
a magnificent head with arrogance and good
of back to produce exact foot fall with his big
carriage, his neck being strong and continuing
strides. His tail is ringed and held at the right
to well laid back shoulders and good fore legs
height. Very different type to 1) but still lots to
held exactly below. His chest is deep, back line
appreciate about him.
Privilege to be asked to judge Best in Show. Thanks also for the hospitality shown to Debbie and myself.
Open Dog
Best In Show
Mr. Colin Dann
level and loin strong. Well angled in croup with good tail carriage. He carries correct body weight and quantity of coat so it doesn’t distract
Both the dog and bitch CC winners were of real quality. But I decided on awarding BIS to the dog Gill & Marshalls Miamarna Masquerade, a 4 year old super black/tan , compact and balanced throughout, correct eye placement creating the required expression Well placed shoulders, deep chest, spring of rib, short loin to good rear angulation. All this construction ensured and did not disappoint on the move. Congratulations also on the 1st CC.
from his movement. This is when he comes into his own as he can push the extra inch with no effort at all. His hind action is so true, light and powerful and his front action is as if he is on springs- just watch those front feet, absolute magic. 2. Bastow’s Karandikar Moon Dancer J.W.. Another black and tan that has all the breed characteristics that I would want in a male. Of similar size and substance to 1) and with that same desired expression. He has super front
1. Young and West’s Ch. Andizhan Baal at
assembly, is a little shorter coupled than1), is
Shirobana J.W. Sh.CM. Another exhibit that
less angled at the rear but has equally good
eats up the ground with enormous strides.
lift to his movement. Text book ring tail with
Although I feel he didn’t put his heart and
perfect carriage. I just wish he had given a bit
soul into it today, he still showed what his
more in the challenge.
construction can produce in power. This black
The bitch CC winner Scotts Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan, a lovely feminine type, shaded masked cream, again good constructed front and rear assemblies, well set tail. No hesitation in awarding Reserve Best in Show and of course Best Opposite Sex. Congratulations on winning the 3rd and crowning CC.
masked cream looks amazing stacked with his Limit Dog
masculine countenance and long beard. His
Best Puppy
silken coat is clearly a labour of love- well done.
Good to see two super puppies from established breeding lines.
To go over this dog one finds strong bone and body. Very good lay of shoulder and upper arm producing that front extension. Ribs deep and well sprung and of good length with the square loin. He has a fair angle of croup and well set ring tail and very nicely angulated hind quarters. In an ideal world I would like him
The bitch Halls Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill and the dog Abreys Harlextan Bertie Bubbles. Both 11 month’s old and have quality throughout with correct quarters, moved with ease, on this occasion I just preferred the outline of the bitch. Both with a promising future.
to carry a little less weight and be fractionally taller.
Best Veteran
2. Gray’s Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel. This dark
Always a special class to judge, Adams Ch Zandahar Treacle Tar JW ShCM and the dog Moores Ch Cloudside Warpaint, both worthy Champions and a delight to see them able to show off their qualities. Close decision but
1) King’s Karandikar Star Storm. What a sound
blue dog is very satisfying to judge. I found
dog this is. A very well handled and presented
him so well balanced in body construction,
black and brindle with all the qualities of
of medium size and puts all his attributes to
his litter brother, Moon Dancer. His added
good use when moving. He has a pleasing
enthusiasm took his movement to another
expression, refined head but with good under
level when going for the Res. C.C. over his
jaw. His strong neck leads to good shoulder
brother. Star Storm and Masquerade both held
placement, good return of upper arm and big
Think Afghan 2015
preferred the male on movement.
All Photos by Leannah Trethowen (unless stated)
Arushkhan The Next Generation
We would like to say to all past and present owners of Arushkhan afghans a huge thank you for choosing to be owned by one of our precious puppies. Jackie and Tim Scott
Arushkhan Dancin in my Heart Thor
Arushkhan Sent from Heaven Rubie Page 13
Show Reports
Bitch Critique
Mrs. Marie Morrison
Photo by Lesley Busby
It was a great pleasure to judge at this show. Thank you to the Officers & Committee for a well run show and to my 2 stewards for keeping everything running smoothly. Special Thanks to everyone for bringing their beautiful Hounds.
Veteran Bitch
sister to 1 and very similar just prepared the more compact shape of 1. Junior Bitch
2. Gezancol Saving Grace, 7 mth Black masked Gold baby lovely head full of monkey whiskers, dark eye. Nice shape and outline, balanced angulation, giving her handler a hard time A class of lovely ladies all in beautiful condition
today.
& coat and really enjoying there day out, a great privilege to judge them their owners must be
1. Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW, 13mth Brindle Puppy Bitch
lovely head & eye, nice outline well placed
very proud.
shoulders and good return of upper arm, deep
1. Ch Zandahar Treacle Tart JW Shcm, Dark
chest and level topline, balanced angulation,
Brindle, attractive head and eye, lovely shape
moved well.
and balance. Beautiful coat presented to the last
2. Maringo Rumour Has It At Bichoux, Black
hair. Moved well.
& Tan lovely head with wicked expression well
2. CH Hubshe Uzume, Black/Tan, lovely
constructed, with balanced angulation fore and
head & eye, Nice shape and outline, balanced
aft. Profuse coat beautifully presented.
angulation. Beautiful coat presented to the last hair, just could not match 1on the move.
Yearling Bitch 1. Hubshe Funadama, A compact and balanced
Minor Puppy Bitch
1. Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill, 11mth
Black & Tan young lady. Feminine head
1. Andizhan Charlottes Noir, 7 mth Black
Black & Tan, a very attractive puppy. Good head
with good expression, well constructed, with
masked Cream baby, lovely head & eye, Nice
and eye, long neck flowing into good shoulder
balanced angulation fore and aft. Would benefit
shape and outline, balanced angulation, moved
placement. good depth, good angulation fore
from losing a little weight.
well.
and aft. BPB & BPIS 2. Garamond Spiceberry, Black & Tan litter
Think Afghan 2015
All Photos by Leannah Trethowen (unless stated)
Show Reports moved with drive. Lovely presentation.
Limit Bitch
2. Zaram Zaria, Brindle, taller & rangier than 1 nice head & eye, well constructed, with
2. Valkor Dare Ya To Look, Brindle, classic
balanced angulation fore and aft. Moved well.
head and expression, good outline with a
1. Sukeshi Habaayi, Black masked Gold, classic
correct front assembly and corresponding rear
head and expression, good outline with a
quarters. Moved well.
correct front assembly and corresponding rear
Maiden Bitch
quarters. Moved well when settled. Lovely coat Post Graduate Bitch
presentation. 2. Affietar Amazing Grace JW, Shaded mask Gold feminine & elegant head, nice dark eye, good neck, nice outline, good angulation fore & aft. Beautifully presented. Open Bitch
1. Maringo Evening In Paris, Black & Tan 3 in Junior more settled in this class. Lovely head
1. Tulak Legally Blond At Calamayor, Beautiful
& expression well constructed, with balanced
Shaded mask Cream of lovely type, Excellent
angulation fore and aft.
head & wonderful expression, long neck in to
2. Molriq Countess Maritiza, Silver brindle 4 in
an excellent front assembly, good ribbing and
junior. Nice head & eye nicely balanced outline,
strong loin well angulated strong quarter’s.
good angulation but unfortunately gave her
Moved well. Beautiful coat presentation. Res
handler a hard time.
CC
1. Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan, Shaded
2. Tulak Ever After For Tazieff, Shaded mask
masked Cream, lovely proportions everything
Novice Bitch
Gold, taller & houndier than her sister but with
flowed, from her beautiful head and eye
1. Maringo Evening In Paris
a nice head and expression. Long neck good
through to her long neck and good shoulder
2. Molriq Countess Maritiza
shoulder deep chest firm level topline and
placement,
strong loin. Nice fallaway and tail set. Moved
deep chest and spring of rib, strong loin and
well .
fallaway balanced angulation both back and
Special Beginners Bitch
front well set tail moved with reach & drive. Mid Limit Bitch
Extremely pleased to award her 3rd & Crowning CC today. BB & RBIS 2. Ch Azmari Black Onyx At Temenshu, Black/ Tan. Very feminine, most lovely head shape & good expression, perfectly made all through, moved so well with reach & drive, without doubt, a very worthy champion. Beautifully presented.
1. Gezancol Topsy Turvy, Black/Silver, feminine & elegant head, nice dark eye, well constructed,
1. Andizhan Balqis, Brindle lovely head and eye
with balanced angulation fore and aft. Moved
good neck and shoulder with a correct front
well
assembly, and corresponding rear quarters. Moved well. Lovely coat presentation
Graduate Bitch
2. Karandikar My Serenade, Very feminine
1. Sitana Nishana At Lakenadream JW, Shaded
Black/Silver, dark triangular eye, good neck and
mask Gold Nice head & dark eye, long neck,
shoulder, correct angles, in excellent condition,
balanced outline with a correct front assembly
good mover, beautifully handled and presented.
and corresponding rear quarters. In good body,
Page 15
AHA Roll of Honour
AHA Roll Of Honour Date
Judge
Dog CC
Bitch CC
1946
Brig Gen L.F.F Lance
Taj of Chaman*
Taj Avia Chaman
1947
Mrs. E. E. Drinkwater
Kohistan Shahudin
Mitzou of Acklam*
1947
Mr. T.M.C Toepel
Zhuba of Acklam
Bletchingley Silphe
1947
Mr. W.J Polson
Ravelly Patrols Ali Bey*
Netheroyd Chaya
1952
Mr. E. Abson
Jabari Tango*
Ch. Bletchingley Zara
1953 Mrs. E.E Drinkwater Ch. Jabari Tango
Ch. Carloway Sharmain if Virendale
1954
Mr. L.H.H Glover
Ch. Yussef of Carloway*
Bletchingley Tolo Na Kha
1955
Mrs. F.C Riley
Ch. Yussef of Carloway
Ch. Cleopatra of Khorrassan*
1956
Mrs. M Sharpe
Ch. Rifka’s Tarquim of Carloway*
Baluch Ranee Ashraf
1957
Miss E.M Niblock
Taj Akmed of Chaman
Bahia of Khorrassan*
1958
Miss E. Snelling
Sarraz of Musagala*
Khanabad Aztrajid
1959
Mme. M. Deckers
Krishna of Barbourne
Ch. Muphytt of Carloway*
1960
Mrs. M.M Dods
Ch. Khanabad Azravi of Vishnu*
Rothang Karina El Kabul
1961
Mme N de Leemans
Jali of Vishnu*
Jahzah of Jasarat
1962
Miss E.M Niblock
Ch. Horningsea Khanabad Suvaraj*
Badakshan Rani
1963
Mr. C.H Harrison
Ch. Conygar Janze of Carloway*
Azura of Carloway
1964
Mrs. M.M Dods
Kalbikhan Ravi
Patchouli Khanabad Surasu*
1965
Mrs. M. Harrison
Horingsea Aramis*
Ch. Patchouli Khanabad Surasu
1966
Mrx C. Race
Ali Bey of Carloway*
Ch. Ueda of Carloway
1967
Dr B. Poter (D) Mrs. B McClarke (B)
Moonraker of Moonswift
Rifka’s Musqat D’Rar*
1968
Mrs. D Bowler–Townsend
Ch. Horingsea Tiger’s Eye*
Xzari of Carloway
1969
Mrs. C.H Harrison (D) Miss E.M Niblock (B)
Moonraker of Moonswift*
Ophirah of Davlen
1970
Mr. C.V Hammon (D) Mr. A. Brooks (B)
Masquerade of Moonswift*
Tzara of Pooghan
1971
Mrs. M.M Dods (D) Mrs. D.M Gie (B)
Ch. Khinjan Lorcah*
Vishnu Sitara of Jagai
1972
Mrs. E.R Hughes (D) Mrs. M. Harrison
Ch. Khinjan Lorcah
Bletchingley Marquerite*
1973
Mrs. A. Paton (D) Mrs. A. Adams (B)
Ch. Koolaba Horingsea Eboni Earl*
Ch. Bondor Barbarella
1974
Mrs. B. Taylor (D) Mrs. D. Bowdler–Townsend(B)Ch. Masquerade of Moonswift
Amudarya Shimla*
1975
Mrs. J. Wonnacott (D) Mr. C.H Harrison (B)
Ch. Sacheverell Zukwala*
Ch. Amudarya Khala
1976
Mr. A. Brooks (D) Miss E.M Niblock (B)
Zendushkas Dazravi*
Ch. Khanabad Honeydue
1977
Mr. W.Kelly (D) Mr. R.J Adams (B)
Ch. Koolaba Horingsea Eboni Earl
Badakshan Pink Pearl*
1978
Mr. G. Masters (D) Miss M Booth (B)
Tuttlebees Stargazer
Khaskarak Khubara*
1979
Mrs. J Purdue (D) Mrs. A Adams (B)
Kehilan Salamanca
Badakshan Pink Pearl*
1980
Mrs. G.D North (D) Mrs. N Hitch (B)
Karnak Bay
Ch. Sacheverell Madam Zinnia*
1981
Mrs. M Baster (D) Mr. C.V Hammon (B)
Montravia Dun–Dun V Bornia State
Kharakhan Lorah Rose*
1982
Miss E.M Niblock (D) Miss J Dove (B)
Barnesmore The Baron of Landhavi*
Harlextan’s The Mad Nun
1983
Mr. W. Eccles (D) Mr. R.J Adams (B)
Ch. Montravia Dun–Dun V Bornia State*
Ch. Sharazah Blackberry Silk
1984
Miss E.E Smith (D) Mr. D.T James (B)
Ch. Kaskarak Gigolo
Melleck Extravaganza*
1985
Mrs. W.J Bunce (D) Mrs. A.R Allan (B)
Ch. Sharazah Star Shooter
Landhavi Love Bug of Dalparva*
1986
Mrs. A Adams (D) Mr. J.M Bunney (B)
Tuvah Freebooter*
Amudarya Shh Y’Know Who
1987
Mrs. G.D Noth (D) Mrs. J Wonnacott (B)
Gilzye Talikhan
Sacheverell Alexis*
1988
Mrs. S Furlong (D) Mrs. C Heal (B)
Ch. Solomons Seal from Karnak
Wilbus Hanukah*
1989
Mrs. C.M Crowther (D) Mrs. D Waterman (B)
Ch. Ellistine A Star Is Born*
Calamayor Isis
1990
Miss S Evans (D) Miss E.M Niblock (B)
Isfahan Hurree Babu
Isfahan Zardalu Maleke*
1991
Mr. L Hitch (D) Mrs. J Holden–Ereira (B)
Khorinyas Quartz*
Palamedees Kallista
1992
Mrs. M Fisher (D) Mrs. M.F.J Pascoe (B)
Jahadi Bosch at Wilbus
Ch. Sharazah Shannon*
Think Afghan 2015
AHA Roll of Honour
Date
Judge
Dog CC
Bitch CC
1993
Mr. N Crowther (D) Mr. J M Bunney (B)
Am Ch. Pahlavi Pandemonium
Birkhall the Infidel at Kirghiz*
1994
Mrs. L.A James (D) Mrs. J Knight–Messenger (B) Karaburan Be Be King
Sade Regina at Ifmaraf*
1995
Mrs. V.H Arris (D) Mrs. C.M Crowther (B)
Melleck Impreario
Kajaki Flash Hannah*
1996
Mr. R Jamrozik (D) Mrs. A Paton (B)
Bellapais Touche Turtle*
Sashkhan Georgie Girl
1997 Mrs. P.A Latimer (D) Mrs. L.I.M Busby (B)
Zelzah’s Parisenne Charmer of Kharandani
Saxonmill Jennyanydots*
1998
Ch. Sashkhan Incognito*
Tulak Indecent Proposal
Mr. L Hitch (D) Mrs. M.F.J Pascoe (B)
1999 Mr. B Fogerty (D) Mr. R Savage (B) Cloudside Black Marauder*
Saqlawi Secret Passion at Wendell
2000 Mrs. J Rital (D) Mrs. S Frei (B)
Boxadan Give Me A Break at Benatonr (Imp)*
Izmar Danish Design at Benatone
2001
Mrs. V McCormack (D) Mr. C Pascoe (B)
Mashaalah Rishta–Dari of Isfahan
Ch. Saxonmill Jellicle Jett*
2002
Mrs. R Boyd–Coates (D) Mrs. N Hitch (B)
Ch. Wilbus Libretto*
Nanak Freecloud Firenze
2003
Mr. J.M Bunney (D) Mr. C.S Winters (B)
Firos Jazz
Cloudside Livin It Up*
2004
Mr. R.P Link (D) Mrs. L.I.M Busby (B)
Harlextan Makes Majik
Ch. Metewant Zante*
2005 Mrs. J Severn (D) Mr. R Kirkham (B) Tulak The Patriot at Dargai ShCM
Miamarna Mandolin at Asahni JW*
2007
Mr. A.P Busby (D) Mr. J.M Astle (B)
Metewand Kalamkari*
Miamarna I’ll Fly For You
2008
Miss J Dove (D) Mrs. A Paton (B)
Int/Multi Ch. Shake Down at Night (ATC)* Ch. Saxonmill Star Struck
2009 Mrs. L Bishop–Saunders (D) Mr. M Cocozza (B) Alouann Fame N Fortune
UK, Int, Sp, Port Ch. Saxonmill Star Style*
2010 Mrs. S Kemp (D) Mrs. N Hitch (B) Cloudside Warstike*
Ch. Gezancol Dolly Daydream JW Sh CM
2011
Cubanba Northern Star JW*
Mr.D.Evans (D) Mrs G Link (B)
Wilbus Mithras At Kinpaja
Mrs. H Furber (D) Mrs. J Harnett (B) Ashahni Aniq At Julam* 2013 Mrs M Morton (D) Mrs V McCormack (B) FR/IR Ch Agha Djaris World Is Not Enough (imp Deu) 2014 Mrs M Fisher (D) Mrs M Morrison (B) Miamarna Masquerade JW* 2012
Affietar Amazing Grace Andizhan Bakhtuu* Arushkhan Andizhan Bakhtuu Arushkhan
Think Afghan 2016 Adverts Think Afghan 2016 £5 or complimentary to members.
Advertise in next year’s magazine. If you would like to reserve a page, please send a rough sketch of how you would like your advert to look and your photograph. Alternatively please email your details and a high resolution photograph to the Editor, Liz Millward. liz.millward@ahaonline.co.uk
Design and artwork is included in the price. But if you are thinking of supplying your own, or a digital photograph for an advertisement, PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST. We can ONLY accept artwork as either a High Resolution PDF with fonts embedded or a 300DPI Jpeg – both supplied to the correct size (210 x 297mm) and including 3mm bleed. Digital photographs must be high resolution - 300DPI at the size that they need to be output
The Magazine and Catalogue for the Afghan Hound Association and Championship Show
Page 17
JUNIOR WARRANT at 10 months and 1 week
Ch Guillaume du Menuel Galopin JW imp x Ch Gezancol Dolly Day Dream JW
City of Birmingham Ch Show - Aug BPIB - Karen Rice and Puppy Hound Group 4 - Albert Wight EEAC Open Show AM – June BPIS – Sharon Marshall
Proudly owned and loved by
AHA Open Show 1 – July BPIS – Ross Gilbert
Gina Morris & Karen Meakes
Thank you to all the judges who have thought so highly of Tulsa
01494 639085
Year in Review
Members Challenge Winners 2014
Criteria Effective from 1st January 2013 Rules 1. This competition is open to AHA members and payment of AHA membership by March 31st will automatically enter the member’s dog(s) into the Points Challenge. If a dog is owned in partnership all partners must be members of the AHA. 2. The Points Challenge runs from 1st January to 31st December each year and awards are presented at the following AGM.
Photo by Tony Cheesman
Points will be gained only at UK Breed Club Open and Championship Shows as follows: First Place – 5 points Second Place – 4 points Third Place – 3 points Fourth Place – 2 points Fifth Place – 1 point NOTE THAT: at AHA Shows these points will be doubled. E.g. First Place – 10 points 3. Points will be awarded for all classes entered including any scheduled after Best in Show. 4. Members’ dog(s) will be registered in just one challenge
Youngster Section Winners
category for the whole of the 12 months dependent on the dog’s
Winner: Small’s Garamond Spiceberry Runner Up: Adam’s Zandarhar Just Tiger Lily JW-
age on 1st January of that year as set out below:
Intermediate Section Winners
YOUNGSTER – dogs of less than 12 months on 1st January of the qualifying year.
Winner: Coombe’s Gezancol Topsy Turvy
INTERMEDIATE – dogs of 12 months or more but less than 2
Runner Up: Parson’s Sydarya Hazelnut Hobnob at Shukriya JW
years on 1st January of the qualifying year. ADULT – dogs of 2 years or more but less than 4 years on 1st January of the qualifying year. SENIOR – dogs of 4 years or more but less than 7 years on 1st January of the qualifying year. VINTAGE – dogs of 7 years or more on 1st January of the qualifying year. A5. Points accumulated by dogs during the qualifying year will be calculated by the POINTS CHALLENGE SECRETARY. In the event of a tie the dog with the most First Prizes will be declared the winner. If a tie is still produced the dog with the most Second Prizes will be declared the winner and so on. If a tie cannot be avoided by this means, a joint winner
Senior Section Winners
will be declared. The decision of the POINTS CHALLENGE
Winner: Dare’s Sitana Nishana at Lakarnadream JW Runner Up: Harrison and Hunn’s Sarakhan Shah-Bashir JW ShCM
SECRETARY will be final.6. CHALLENGE WINNERS and RESERVES in each category will receive a Rosette and a
Adult Section Winners Winner: Small’s Cloudside Glitterstorm JW ShCM Runner Up: Coombe’s Gilari Devil Woman
Vintage Winners Winner: Small’s Cloudside War of Roses ShCM Runner Up: Small’s Metewand Mamabula
All Photos by Melinda Hitch (unless stated)
Diploma. Winners will be featured in the AHA Annual Magazine on the POINTS CHALLENGE page. 7. PLEASE NOTE: A member’s dog accumulates points in any class they are entered in where dogs are judged singly (i.e. not brace etc.)
Show Reports
AHA Morning Open Show 2014 The AHA back to back open shows 2014 were held at Chieveley Village Hall, Chieveley on Saturday 12th July. Best In Show Reserve Best In Show and Best Opposite Sex in Show Best Puppy In Show Best Veteran In Show Best Dog Best Bitch Res Best Dog Res Best Bitch
Karandikar Star Storm Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill
Dogs
Bitches Minor Puppy (2)
Puppy (2, 0 Abs)
1. Sumakhandi In To The Light At Khanari
2. Andizhan Constantine Junior (7, 1 Abs) 1. Harlextan Bertie Bubbles 2. Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore 3. Istani Breaking Every Code Yearling (7, 1 Abs) 1. Drishaun It Ain’t What You Do 2. Alouann Steal N’ The Show 3. Istani Breaking Every Cod Veteran (2, 2 Abs) Novice (3,1 Abs) 1. Andishan Constantine 2. Garamond Tayberry Graduate (5, 0 Abs) 1. Sitana Raja Jani From Zinzani JW 2. Gezancol In The Zone 3. Istani Breaking Every Code Post Graduate (2, 0 Abs) 1. Calamus Mediator (IMP) 2. Javidan Bad Boy Boggie Limit (3, 0 Abs) 1. Karandikar Start Storm) 2. Pashtari The Gamekeeper 3. Sukeshi Perfect Crime Open (1, 0 Abs) 1. Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel Special Racing (1, 0 Abs) 1. Drishaun It Ain’t What You Do
Think Afghan 2015
Mr. Ross Gilbert
Entry:
61 Entries
Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore Ch/IR CH Alouann Hot N Spicy At Orashan JW ShCM Karandikar Star Storm Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel Zendushkas Sparkling Rose
Minor Puppy (0) 1. Gezancol Twist Of Fate At Cadmore
Judge:
2. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim Puppy (6, 2 Abs) 1. Gezancol Sweetness N’Light 2. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim 3. Gezancol Saving Grace Junior (6, 2 Abs) 1. Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill 2. Garamond Wineberry At Sochera 3. Garamond Spiceberry Yearling (1) 1. Garamond Spiceberry Veteran (3, 1 Abs) 1. Ch/IR CH Alouann Hot N Spicy At Orashan JW ShCM 2. Cloudside War Of Roses Novice (6,2 Abs) 1. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim 2. Gezancol Saving Grace 3. Molriq Countess Maritiza Graduate (6, 2 Abs) 1. Gezancol Smoke And Mirrors At Gothika 2. Pahlevi Disco Diva At Orashan JW
Best In Show
Open (2) 1. Clouside Glitterstorm JW ShCM 2. Andizhan Barikah At Cadmore JW Special Racing (2) 1. Gezancol Good As Gold 2. Molriq Countess Maritiza
Post Graduate (3) 1. Khatira Thetis 2. Sitana Nishana At Lakanadream 3. Gezancol Good As Gold Limit (2) 1. Zendushkas Sparkling Rose 2. Sukeshi Chanaati JW
All Photos by Bob Parsons (unless stated)
Show Reports
Critique AM Show
Mr. Ross Gilbert (Affietar)
My thanks to the committee for their invitation to judge and their hospitality on the day. Thanks to my efficient stewards Tania Ryall and Annalise Grey. We had wonderful weather and a fantastic sized outside ring. It was a pleasure to judge some really good dogs at this well organised show. Puppy Dog Morris & Meakes’s Gezancol Twist of Fate at Cadmore. Black & Tan with mature head for his age. Good front with deep chest and desired spring of rib. Level top line and correct fall away, ring tail. Well angulated rear quarters producing impressive side gait. Well presented. Best Puppy in Show. 2. Bastille’s Andizhan Constantine. Silver brindle. Heavier all through than 1st. Masculine head, not always carried to his advantage. Balanced front & rear. Movement erratic, but once settled could cover the ground. I would like to see this puppy being given his head and allowed to be a puppy. Junior Dog 1.Abrey’s Harlextan Bertie Bubbles. Black & Tan of lovely type. Dark eye, good length to foreface with the start of chiselling. Compact body, balanced throughout with correct angulation fore and aft. Level top line, correct fall away. Steady and precise mover. Well presented. 2. Morris & Meakes’s Gezancol Twist of Fate at Cadmore. Yearling Dog 1. Gardner’s Drishaun It A’int What You Do. Pale red in good coat which was well presented. Well up to size. Head typical of his breeding. Well balanced and with level top line. Deep chest. Good fall away. Took time to settle. 2. King & Millward’s Alouann Steal N’ The Show. White. Long foreface with chiselling. Balanced back skull. Long neck. Unfortunately the heat of the day was to his determent and he did not want to perform. Novice Dog 1. Andizhan Constatine. 2. McLay’s Garamond Tayberry. Black & Silver. Personally would prefer a more masculine head. Balanced throughout with level top line and ring tail. Graduate Dog 1. Finch. Hopper & Scott’s Sitana Rajajani from Zinzani. JW. Cream with contrasting natural saddle. His head is long, lean and well chiselled. Good neck leading to correct front
assembly. Well ribbed back, level top line, correct fall away. He had a long stride but was reluctant to lift his tail. Well presented. 2. Goff’s Gezancol In The Zone. Black and Tan. His head is maturing and he has an excellent dark eye.Compact and balanced fore and aft. Level top line and ring tail. At times tended to be a touch erratic on the move but enjoyed his day. Post Graduate Dog 1. Cannon’s Calamus Mediator ( imp). Black. His head is not what I am used to but I can appreciate it. Long neck. Showy on the move with level top line. Profuse coat well presented. Would prefer more balanced angulation. 2. Gardner’s Javidan Bad Boy Boogie. Brindle. Well grown. Powerful head. Good neck & level top line. Correct fall away and ring tail. Big feet. Limit Dog 1. King’s Karandikar Star Storm. Black and Silver. Arrogant male with masculine head with dark eye and correct chiselling. Good neck into correct front assembly. Well ribbed back. His back end balances his front. Ring tail. Big feet. Moved effortlessly and with drive keeping his top line. Perfect presentation. Best in Show. 2. Bloor’s Pashtari The Game Keeper. Black masked gold. Probably the best male head of the day. Correct neck. Good angulation to shoulder. Well ribbed. Level top line. Shorter in back than 1st. Did not show off his qualities on the move. Open Dog 1. Gray’s Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel. Mature slate blue. Balanced foreface & back skull. Stands proud showing off correct neck into well layed shoulder. Good ribs, correct fall away. Large feet. Steady on the move. Good muscle condition and well presented. Reserve Best Dog. Special Racing 1. Drishaun It Ain’t What You Do. Minor Puppy Bitch 1. Gilchrist & Maclennan’s Sumakandi Into The Light at Khawari. Black masked gold. Lovely dark eye. Balanced youngster with level top line. Correct fall away leading to desired tail carriage. Large feet, well muscled and steady on the move. 2. Peek- Matar’s Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim. Imp. Brindle. Lean head carried on good length of neck. Taller & finer all through than 1st. Not so positive on the move as 1st.
Puppy Bitch 1. Smart’s Gezancol Sweetness N’ Light. Black masked gold with feminine head and dark eye. Low set ears. Clean neck and natural saddle. Layed back shoulder. Good depth of chest for one so young. Level top line to correct fall away. Rear assembly correct for puppy bitch. Moved at correct speed to produce desired movement. Best Opposite Sex Puppy. 2. Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim. imp. Junior Bitch 1. Hall’s Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill. Black and Tan. Balanced head, dark eye. Strong neck producing correct head carriage both on the move and on the stack. Good lay back to shoulder & with balanced upper arm. Well ribbed back with strong loin. Well muscled, probably due to free running. Good bend of stifle with short hock. Comes into her own on the move. Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show. 2. Green, Barley & Powell’s Garamond Wineberry at Sochera. Black and Tan. Litter sister to 1st with many of the same attributes applying and in my opinion has the best head in the litter. More houndy in out line and given free rein these places could alter. Yearling Bitch 1. Garamond Spiceberry. Black and Tan, heavily marked. Strong neck, balanced for and aft angulation. Well muscled. Abundance of coat. Moved better in this class. Veteran Bitch 1. Link’s Ch. Ir. Ch. Alouann Hot N Spicy at Orashan. JW. ShCM. Black masked gold. Nice to see this mature lady enjoying her day. With her muscle tone, natural coat pattern and her ring presence she could teach some of the youngsters a thing or two. Best Veteran in Show. 2. Smart’s Cloudside War of Roses. Black. Enjoying her day too, though feeling the heat. A houndy bitch. Novice Bitch 1. Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim. Imp. 2. Hughes’s Gezancol Saving Grace. Black masked gold. Feminine head, dark eye. Muscular neck. Good lay of shoulder, level top line. Steady on the move.
Page 21
Show Reports
Critique AM Cont. Graduate Bitch 1. Thompson’s Gezancol Smoke and Mirrors at Gothika. Black masked gold. This is a bitch I have always admired. Dark eye, low ear set. Balanced angulation fore & aft. Level top line with correct fall away and good tail set. Saddled and in full coat which was well presented. Can be her own worse enemy on the move. 2. Link’s Pahlevi Disco Diva at Orashan. JW. Black. Young lady with her own mind. Dark mischievous eye. Strong neck. Good front assembly. Longer in back than 1st. Well muscled hind quarters. When she settles she has an impressive side gait. Post Graduate Bitch 1. Parker’s Khatira Thetis. Black and Tan. Feminine head with dark eye. Lean neck into well layed shoulder. Balanced fore and aft angulation. Level top line. Ring tail. Impressive side gait when she settles.
2. Dare’s Sitana Nishana at Lakarnadream. JW. Black masked cream with contrasting natural saddle. Stronger all through than 1st. Good neck. Corresponding angulation fore and aft. Coat well presented.
2. Meakes & Morris’s Andizhan Barikah at Cadmore. JW. Shaded masked cream. Slender feminine head. Level top line. Steady on the move. Heavy coat detracted from the overall picture
Limit Bitch 1. Hitch’s Zendushkas Sparkling Rose. Shaded black, blue and cream. Balanced foreface & back skull. Proud head carriage on strong neck into well layed shoulder. Correctly angled front assembly. Deep chest, well ribbed back. Level top line and muscled loin. Ring tail. Reserve best bitch. 2. Odell & Parson’s Sukeshi Chanaati. JW. Black masked gold. Functional hound, nothing exaggerated. Natural coat pattern. Shown in hard condition.
Special Racing Bitch 1. Adams’s Gezancol Good as Gold. Gold with natural red saddle. What a difference with a different handler, almost didn’t recognise her from her previous classes. Feminine head, lean neck, level top line. Steady on the move and now not pacing. Severely lacking in weight. 2. Mort’s Molriq Countess Maritiza. Brindle. Head heavier than I prefer. Not as houndy as 1st. Steady on the move.
Open Bitch 1. Small’s Cloudside Glitterstorm. JW. ShCM. Brindle. Honest functional hound. From nose to tail fit for purpose. Steady mover.
Critique PM Show Thank you to the officers and committee for such a warm welcome. To my stewards for being so efficient and looking after me so well keeping everything moving along and of course for the lovely entry and having the honour of judging your hounds who coped very well in the heat (and handlers) but by the end of the day the weather was beginning to take the edge off some performances which is understandable but could make a difference to placing on another day. Being the second show as well didn’t help but well done to you all. One disappointment was finding some bad mouths which need to be watched. Puppy Dog 1. Gezancol Strike a Light at Zadal. Shd Maskd Gold dog good head and length to foreface moderate angles fore and aft level topline already showing a lovely saddle nice to see pin bones well set ringed tail stood out and moved well. 2. Andizhan Constantine. Brindle boy of good proportions level topline and ringed tail moved out well Junior Dog 1.Harlextan Bertie Bubbles RES BEST DOG Blk/Tan Lovely young lad to go over Nice type full of quality lovely head with good dark eye correct shape and good expression lovely reach of neck into good front nice deep chest good body and spring of rib well angled quarters good topline with well set ringed tail moved and
Think Afghan 2015
handled well using the whole ring to advantage covering the ground with nice easy stride 2. Garamond Tayberry. Blk/silver lovely head good length to foreface correct shaped dark eye good angles fore and aft in good body and depth of chest level topline and well set ringed tail sloping pasterns large feet when moved has such scope that sometime needs to get it together a bit more which was the case in this class but time on his side just a youngster at present moved much better in later class using all that scope to cover the ground effortlessly and move forward. With a bit of age on his side and maturity I am sure will trouble the best. Brother to BB and sure he must have a very bright future. Lovely litter breeder must be very proud. Yearling Dog 1.Alouann Steal N’ the Show. Well known cream dog lovely make and shape well balanced lovely chiselling to foreface of good length good depth of chest and feet well under well angled quarters lovely saddle and prominent hip bones ringed tail in lovely coat and condition covers the ground well won on maturity. A few months can make a lot of difference at these ages. 2. Garamond Tayberry Veteran Dog 1.Ifmaraf Go In Pinstripes at Ambela Dog I have done well for before and at nearly ten year old still enjoying his day out huge coat presented in lovely condition masculine well
Mrs. S Cronk (Kajaki) balanced dog with good bone and substance strode out really well enjoying his day 2.Sarakhan Sherdan. Another lovely veteran unfortunately not enjoying his day out so think the heat got to him and didn’t want to show his tail but nice lad of quality well balanced and nice saddle and ringed tail to complete the picture. Novice Dog 1. Garamond Tayberry 2. Andizhan Constantine Graduate Dog 1. Sitana Rajajani from Zinzani JW Very handsome blk mskd silver lovely dark foreface with correct shaped dark eye good angles fore and aft in wonderful coat and condition wonderful lovely deep saddle level topline and prominent pinbones and a well set ringed tail quality dog would just perhaps like a little more of him. 2. Gezancol in the Zone Nice boy with a huge coat well presented nice overall shape and condition would prefer a better return to upper arm settling down now and moved out well correctly ringed tail Post Graduate Dog 1. Javidan Bad Boy Boogie BEST DOG &RBIS New one to me stood alone but really liked the whole picture masculine dog correct size and proportions all through. Not flashy or overdone in anyway just a good honest hound. Moved extremely well covering the ground and very
Show Reports
AHA Afternoon Open Show 2014 Best In Show Reserve Best In Show and Best Opposite Sex in Show Best Puppy In Show Best Veteran In Show Best Dog Best Bitch Res Best Dog Res Best Bitch
Dogs
Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill Javidan Bad Boy Boogie Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim Metewand Mambula Javidan Bad Boy Boogie Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill Harlextan Bertie Bubbles Zendushkas Sparkling Rose
Judge: Sue
Mrs. Sue Cronk
Entry:
67 Entries
Special Racing (1, 0 Abs) 1. Javidan Bad Boy Boogie
Minor Puppy (0) Puppy (3 0 Abs) 1. Gezancol Strike A Light At Zadal
Bitches
2. Andizhan Constantine
Minor Puppy (2)
3. Andizhan Czardin To Suzaph
1. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim
Junior (6, 1 Abs)
2. Sumakhandi In To The Light At Khanari
1. Harlextan Bertie Bubbles 2. Garmond Tayberry 3. Istani Breaking Every Code Yearling (7, 1 Abs) 1. Alouann Steal N’ The Show 2. Garmond Tayberry 3. Istani Breaking Every Cod Veteran (3, 1 Abs) 1. Ifmaraf Go In Pinstripes At Ambela
Puppy (6, 2 Abs) 1. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim 2. Andizhan Charisma with Zarcar 3. Gezancol Saving Grace Junior (6, 1 Abs) 1. Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill 2. Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW 3. Garamond Spiceberry
2. Sarakhan Sherdan
Yearling (3, 1 Abs) 1. Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW 2. Garamond Spiceberry
Novice (4,1 Abs) 1. Garmond Tayberry 2. Andizhan Constantine 3. Andizhan Czardin To Suzaph
Veteran (3, 1 Abs) 1. Metewand Mambula 2. Ch/IR CH Alouann Hot N Spicy At Orashan JW ShCM
Graduate (5, 0 Abs)
Novice (7,1 Abs) 1. Sleepy Hollow At Yansukhim 2. Gezancol Saving Grace 3. Molriq Countess Maritza
1. Sitana Rajajani From Zinzani JW 2. Gezancol In The Zone 3. Istani Breaking Every Code Post Graduate (1) 1. Javidan Bad Boy Boggie Limit (3, 0 Abs) 1. Pashtari The Gamekeeper 2. Karandikar Start Storm) 3. Khatira Odysseus From Zinzani Karianca Open (1, 0 Abs) 1. Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel 2. Andizhan Balzac Of Cadmore
All Photos by Bob Parsons(unless stated)
Best In Show, Best Puppy In Show & Reserve Best In Show Open (2) 1. Andzhan Balqis 2. Cloudside Glitterstorm JW 3. Zendushkas Whiskey Galore JW Special Racing (2) 1. Molriq Countess Maritiza 2. Gezancol Good As Gold
Graduate (6, 2 Abs) 1. Pahlevi Disco Daiva At Orashan JW 2. Garamond Spiceberry 3. Gezancol Good As Gold Post Graduate (3, 1 Abs) 1. Sitana Nishana At Lakedream 2. Gezancol Good As Gold Limit (1) 1. Zendushkas Sparkling Rose
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Show Reports
PM Critique Cont light on his large feet. Ringed tail. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work hope he goes on to get his title. Didn’t give up when being asked to move and couldn’t deny him BD & RBIS Limit Dog 1. Pashtari The Gamekeeper. Classic Blk mskd Gold dog great balance size and shape. Good head dark eye good length to well chiselled foreface lovely mandarin beard good angles level topline ringed tail raised on move on great form today to win this class but didn’t feel he put best foot forward in challenge for BD in ovely coat and condition 2. Karandikar Star Storm. Well known Blk and tan dog of quality. Good size shape and angles in wonderful coat and condition moved out well but preferred the topline of winner. Open Dog 1.Ayoubkhan Fleur De Noel. Blue Masculine dog good bone and substance nice overall shape and angles good head dark eye and pigment in good body and condition although moved with good reach and drive felt he could have put a bit more into it another perhaps the heat getting to nice saddle and ringed tail. 2. Andizhan Balzac of Cadmore Special Racing Dog 1.Javidan Bad Boy Boggie Minor Puppy Bitch 1.. Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim (Imp). Gold Brindle bitch Really taken with this young feminine bitch lovely dark correctly shaped eye nice overall shape and balance good angles and turn of stifle already sporting a lovely saddle comes into her own on the move with lovely springy movement ringed tail raised covering the ground and great showmanship for such a baby BPB & BPIS 2. Sumakandi in to the Light at Khawari Puppy Bitch 1.Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim (Imp) 2. Andizhan Charisma with Zarcar. Blue Brindle Good overall balance and shape femine head nice angles level top line moved well ringed tail Junior Bitch 1. Garamond Juniperberry Saxonmill, Blk /Tan what a beautiful bitch from a lovely litter her two sisters at different stages in development Houndy bitch with good bone and substance but remaining feminine loved her overall balance shape and angles stood so naturally four square loved it all from her lovely head and dark eye to her well set ringed tail in
Think Afghan 2015
wonderful coat and condition moved out well covering the ground using all the ring with great reach and drive as you would expect from this exhibitor just beating another beautiful bitch to top spot did everything I asked of her and couldn’t deny her BB & BIS 2. Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW Beautiful femine brindle bitch of quality and much of the above applies covers the ground really well but didn’t think today she quite matched firsts performance I’m sure will change places many time and has a great future I’m sure Yearling Bitch 1.t Zandahar Just Tiger Lily JW 2. Garamond Spiceberry Another lovely bitch and close up to her litter sister who took BB and much of the same comments apply just feel she’s a bit behind her sister and dropping her top line at times but definitely one to watch Veteran Bitch 1. Metewand Mambula. Lovely feminine bitch good size and shape dark eye good pigment sporting a lovely saddle in wonderful coat and condition good angles,moved well in good hard condition enjoying her day out 2. CH/IR CH Alouann Hot N Spicy at Orashan JW ShCm. Well known beautifully presented bitch in lovely coat and condition moved well Novice Bitch 1.Sleepy Hollow at Yansukhim (Imp) 2. Gezancol Saving Grace. Blk mskd gold lovely femine bitch good size with a natural saddle and ringed tail in lovely coat and condition and moved well Graduate Bitch 1.Pahlevi Disco Diva at Orashan JW All blk femine bitch nice size good pigment lovely dark correct shaped eye good reach of neck into good shoulder and upper arm good turn of stifle and beginning to show a lovely saddle ringed tail and covered the ground well on the move. 2. Garamond Spiceberry Post Graduate Bitch 1. Sitana Nishana at Lakarnadream. Blk maskd gold bitch what a lovely girl thought she might be there at the end but seemed a bit detached from her handler at times and feel that the heat got to her at the challenge. Beautiful feminine balanced bitch of quality good size lovely head and expression dark eye mandarin beard good bone and substance correct angles deep chest
lovely natural saddle in wonderful coat and condition put down to perfection level top line and ringed tail must surely gain her title 2. Gezancol Good As Gold. Lovely feminine bitch good size lovely head and eye good shape and balance but not moving well today Limit Bitch 1. Zendushkas Sparkling Rose. Lovely shape and balance in good coat and condition good bone and substance slightly bigger bitch but feminine level top line good angles nice to see pin bones and another well set ringed tail. Did everything I asked of her and didn’t stop showing covering the ground well with reach and drive seemed to go better the more she went. Couldn’t deny her RBB Open Bitch 1.Andizhan Balqis. Favourite of mine love this wonderful feminine quality bitch good size nice bone and substance beautiful head and expression dark eye well balanced good angles level top line well set loose ringed tail covered the ground well on the move but feel she was tiring at the end 2. Cloudside Glitterstorm JW. Another lovely bitch with good angles level top line and ringed tail taller than one but a nice bitch to be proud of Special Racing Bitch 1. Molriq Countess Maritiza. Feminine bitch nice size deep saddle bare pasterns lovely to see good body with level top line and ringed tail sound mover well muscled
Year In Review
Spotlight on Sighthound Event Susan Rhodes
In Chieveley on Saturday 5th April the Afghan Hound Association broke new ground by holding a day for Sighthound enthusiasts to explore the essential characteristics of their breed and to discover the unique differences between them. A panel of experienced guest speakers gave an insight into eight sighthound breeds, Irish Wolfhounds, Borzois, Sloughis, Whippets, Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds, Salukis and Ibizan Hounds with a guest appearance from a veteran Cirneco Dell’Etna having a day out. The support surpassed all expectations with over 70 people attending from just about all over the country.
The day was packed with speakers managing to cover the essentials before lunch and the audience very kindly holding their questions for the afternoon. Most of the speakers touched on the vexing question of exaggeration in conformation, resulting in a separation between working and show specimens of their breed, both in appearance, structure
and ability to function correctly. The use of scent as well as sight when hunting was also explored by Pam Marston-Pollock with her Ibizan Hound.
Coleman, Lesley Busby, Barbara Hargreaves and Marie Bryce-Smith, to all the AHA Committee not least the staff of the very popular AHA Bistro, for their hard work and to all the people who turned up with their hounds to add to the day. I was grateful to everyone for their kind comments as they left.
After an excellent lunch the speakers and their hounds moved outside and everyone was able to look at distinctive movements, compare outlines, and get close up to all the hounds. A measure of the success of the day was that despite the rather ‘soft’ weather and after thanks had been given to the speakers it was at least another hour before most people decided to depart.
My personal thanks go to our guest speakers, Pamela Marston-Pollock, Jean Clare, Jeff Crawford with Cathy Page 25
Andizhan
BALQIS
Pe p p e r w i s h e s h e r b a b i e s , o u r ‘ C ’ l i t t e r continued success in the coming year. And congratulations to sister C H . A N D I Z H A N B A K H TU U A R U S H K H A N AHA BIS 2013 & RBIS 2014
Pe p p e r i s m u c h l o v e d a n d r e s i d e s w i t h S TU A RT A N D R E W.
Year In Review
Charles Victor Hammon (Hurrum)
Heather Bunney
Vic Hammon who was a Life Member of the AHA sadly passed away in his 96th year in May 2014. Vic was involved with the AHA on many levels over a period of years and we have much to thank him for. Always the perfect gentleman he was highly respected by all who knew him. Vic came into the breed with his first wife Doris in the early 60’s and was soon drafted onto the AHA committee. He became Secretary in 1968 and combined the role with that of Treasurer during 69, 70 and 71. These were not easy years but he brought to the roles a much needed degree of professionalism - be it Minute keeping, book keeping or committee protocol. Vic was a man of few words, verbally or written, but what he said, or wrote, counted. He didn’t suffer fools but was never rude- abrupt at times – yes. However he had an old fashioned charm which could defuse any potentially difficult situation and which would then make him the ideal Championship Show Manager at a time when our numbers were spiralling up and our shows needed careful planning and structure. This Think Afghan 2015
stint lasted from 1977 until 1985 added to which the AHA created a new position of Vice Chairman and in 1980 Vic held that role too. We looked up to Vic for his wise counselling and quiet guidance. His qualities lay in his humour and sense of fairness. As a school teacher I guess at times he treated us all as wayward school kids who just happened to be out of the classroom. Vic stayed at our home for a weekend year in and out. We would pick him up from the train station at Stafford on the afternoon prior to our Championship Shows and he would doff his hat as he scrambled into our loaded car which was always packed to the rafters with young kids and the countless boxes of show essentials and then, without fail, he would pass round a bag of assorted boiled sweets, old fashioned hum bugs, liquorice laces and fizz bombs. Having set up the show he would return home with us. And here he had no peace as he slept in our (then) 7 - 12 yrs. old son’s bedroom. Not sufficient that John shared his room with vivariums containing a host of lizards and toads we also had a bitch who’s evening routine was to sleep alternative nights in Jane or John’s room. And so Vic very sportingly shared his bed and lost most of the bedding to Tiggi. Our children thought that Vic was “great” - their words. If only their teachers were like him. I always thought that he was a bit like a naughty school boy in ’long’ short trousers as he had an infectious laugh and would giggle at the daftest thingsso far removed from the reserved quietly spoken person in authority who most exhibitors knew. He was an easy guest and would happily tuck into fish’n’chips in their newspaper wrappings, burnt shepherds pie and endless baked potatoes. Such a warm
and endearing man he became an extra Uncle to our kids and a very dear friend to Jeff and myself, and I will always treasure his own First edition of The Afghan Handbook by Clifford Hubbard which he gave me on his last visit. Vic judged the AHA Championship Show twice, awarding C.C.s in dogs in 1970 and taking a year off from his Show Managing duties, and having helped set up the show as usual, awarding C.C.s in bitches in 1981. On both occasions his Best of Sex went Best in Show. Vic lived a full and active life with wide ranging interests. Having retired from teaching he married his second wife Barbara and although over-time he withdrew from actively being involved in the afghan scene and began showing his beloved papillons his interest in the AHA remained and he was still on our mailing list for ‘Think Afghan’. A gentle - man in the truest sense Vic served the AHA well and we should never under- estimate nor forget his valuable contribution. Our sympathies go to his wife Barbara and to his five children and their families.
Article
Afghanites;Fashion Frivolity Heather Bunney and Faux Pas When we arrived on the afghan scene in the mid sixties we Brits were seemingly still stuck in the post war era and fashion was not a priority. We wore what we could find and afford – and boy, were we bland, old fashioned and clue- less. Enter the new breed of Afghanites; Exhibitors in Gun -dogs were still wearing moss green & tweeds, the Toy breed owners favoured twin sets, pearls and fitted suits, - baggy trousers and jumpers were worn by those in the Working group and the Terrier fraternity favoured white ‘hospital coats’ and flat caps or trilbies - each to their own but our lot had entered into the spirit of the times. We were the flower children, free spirits, ’Peace Man’ being our motto - and with hindsight that was a tad ironic as when has Afghanistan ever been truly at peace.
We wafted into the shows in a confetti shower of long flowing hair, multi coloured muslin tops and billowing skirts and flared and faded jeans. We wore ‘Jesus’ sandals or no shoes at all. There were beads in our hair, around our necks, our wrists and our ankles and we carried the essentials of the show, a water bowl and a brush in a hand knitted Think Afghan 2015
‘carry all bag’. At the time there was a craze for suede/goat skin afghan coats- natural coloured, embroidered with a rainbow of flowers, birds and butterflies and edged in goat wool. Very apt – except when they got wet as they invariably did they gave off the terrible odour of a damp Billy goat in the rutting season. I was rummaging through the racks at TK Max a couple of years ago and there were the self same coats- fashion gone full circle. I know that a certain respected pillar of our community has a photo of me in this gear and I fully expect it to now go viral. We all make mistakes. Over time the flower power era evolved into a more casual look. It was hip to look as if you had just tumbled out of bed (some had). Tattered jeans tucked into towering high heeled boots, wide floppy hats, - a uni sex approach. My own personal favourite outfit was comprised of the obligatory jeans tucked into knee high boots, worn in summer with a belted man’s shirt and at all other times worn with a belted 3/4 length fur coat (I know. Sorry folks!) The coat held a fascination for afghans of all ages. Our pups and youngsters hung from the hem and non family afghans tended to think it was a sport from a dim and distant past. It became battered and torn long before it became non P.C. and as a result it was finally and tearfully consigned to the bin. But I digress. Then came the long ankle length belted fur and leather coats, Russian hats and military style ensembles. Adam Faith arrived with his courtiers in such attire and though, perhaps, somewhat vertically challenged, he looked like a God. He was craggy good looking with the most beautiful smile and piercing eyes, and talking of pop stars whilst everyone was going
to their local hairdressers for the ‘in’ Afro and with most failing miserably up popped Chris Amoo with a head start (pardon the pun). He also of the long ankle length coats and fedora hats. Some time back a lady we knew heard that we showed afghans. “Do you ever see Chris Amoo?”. She cooed.“Yes, we see him and his wife Julie all the time”. Swoon. So, naming names here are a few more to throw into the fashion melting pot. Who will ever forget Carole Sturgeon- Walkden and her wonderful off the wall multi coloured out fits and hair. Never the same colour twice. If it clashed so much the better. In tribute I painted my finger and toe nails purple/ pink when I went to her funeral. (And talking of funerals you always know who the dog folk are. We get out of our cars and as one start brushing the hairs off our outfits. Its a pre ordained ritual. At such times having a gold or cream afghan is a positive disadvantage). The ever popular chirpy John Nicholls always looked smart and dapper and he would proudly announce that second hand clothing shops and in particular charity shops were a blessing as all his outfits came from their rails. Bettie McClark loves leopard and big cat print. She had been ill and away from the show scene but one day we walked past a line up of cages covered in leopard print blankets. I immediately knew that Bettie was back ‘up and running’. Then there is the lady who always wore the same pair of lucky knickers whilst campaigning her afghan to his title of Champion. To save her blushes I won’t mention her name but she and her husband Dave are so lucky to live in Herefordshire. Ann Adams, the eternal Bohemian, also had a flair for all things Eastern and she judged Page 30
Article Crufts in an ethnic patterned blouse and terracotta coloured pantaloons. Had she managed to find a hawk and team it with a brace of afghan exhibits she could well have been back at home with her fellow tribesmen hunting on the Hindu Kush. Joyce Purdue never failed to deliver. Tall, statuesque, deep voiced and with big hair, her outfits matched her personality. At one AGM the double doors burst open and in swept Joyce – a tsunami of black leather, wild blond hair and bright red lipstick. “Hello, Jeffrey”.” I’ll find my own chair’” she growled. Taking a deep drag on her sharoot and flinging her black cape around her she sailed majestically on. A visibly shaken Wendy Sawyer, pop eyed and open mouthed, squeaked “Who – or what- was that”. I could write a whole book about Christian Gardner and his outfits which are legendary. I’ll pick just one. En route for Paignton Championship Show we stopped at the Exeter services. There I spotted Christian looking very smart in a pale cream shirt and toning trousers. I noted to Jeff that Christian was looking ultra conservative for his judging appointment. To our total surprise he then arrived in the ring resplendent in a Japanese kimono and plastic see through sandals. An official asked Jeff if he considered Christian’s outfit to be suitable. Jeff queried if anyone had complained about the judging. “No.” “Then there’s your answer”. The official shuffled away. Christian later admitted that the plastic sandals had been hell.
We also had an affie gentleman who judged another breed on a very hot day in full safari outfit which included
knee length shorts. I though the outfit looked eminently suitable and very manly as the safari colouring showed off his tan. The officials thought otherwise. Now we all know how smart Anna Paton is. Elegant as she was at the shows, when it came to glamour her mother could knock her into a cocked hat. The first time I saw Anna’s mother it was a boiling hot day at WKC and she sat there all cool and serene in shaded cream and pale green. Not a hair out of place, not a flush to her cheeks, not a crumple to her outfit – in comparison the rest of us looked as if we had all just tumbled out of the back of a cattle wagon. And what about exhibitors in other breeds.? Years ago we would see a slim ’lady,’ who had a penchant for lacy blouses teamed with pastel coloured slacks and ballerina pumps. Her blonde bob was held firmly in place by a wide Alice band. Sadly the Adams apple gave the game away. However to add balance there was a stout ‘gentleman’ resplendent in tweed jacket, plus fours, gaiters and polished boots who would disappear into the Ladies when the pints of local brew took their toll. Hound exhibitors have realised that if you show a sleek and elegant hunting hound as a handler you should look equally elegant –even if you can’t always manage the sleek. However sadly the American themed ‘over dress’ seems to be catching on. Nothing looks more ridiculous than an exhibitor tottering about in sky scraper high heeled shoes wearing a strapless, bosom exposing, long satin dress and with chunky accessories clattering around their exhibit’s ears. Why? For Heaven’s sake chuck it all back in the wardrobe and close the door. Forever. And we now have the ‘essential’ show gear for ladies of waist pinching jacket and pencil slim skirt with long slit up the back. Fine if you are young and slim with good legs and are savvy enough to know how to move and squat with dignity. If not – forget it. Back in the early years a very large lady showed a small breed. She wore a marquee of a skirt which sailed wildly in the wind. As she bent down
to stack her exhibit her skirt would act as a back cloth to her charges showing off their good points, unfortunately the same could not be said for her exposed rear. Passers by were treated to the sight of a pair of the most enormous sized off- white bloomers, faded pink suspenders and crumpled stockings exposing a dash of purple thigh. Poor soul. Why did no one ever tell her! And talking about well built ladies why don’t they take a trip to M&S and invest in a good sports bra and hold ‘em up, pull ‘em in pair of support pants. Some time ago I watched in disbelief as a well built lady padded round the ring in a pair of flesh coloured skin tight ski leggings. Her buttocks and surrounding areas all had a life of their own. I glanced at a gay friend who was standing next to me and who, whilst shielding his eyes from the horrors unfolding before him, was whispering “ It shouldn’t be allowed”. “In the name of the good Lord and all that He created it should never be allowed”. He carries the scarring to this day. The men have their failings too. The David Beckham advert has a lot to answer for. Nothing wrong in lusting after that fine figure of a man in his kegs, however some exhibitors seem to think they can emulate him. Not so. Their tight non crease trousers just look as if they, and all contained within, have shrunk or become misshaped in the wash. Then there was the lovely gent with the ginger syrup, it matched his outfit but it had the un- nerving habit of slanting sideways and lifting upwards My heart was always in my mouth when he judged. What would happen if a strong gust of wind snatched it and blew it away like a magic carpet. Talking about ginger there was a local exhibitor who showed golden retrievers. His dogs matched his cord trousers – a sort of reddish, ginger-brown. On catalogue sales duty one day I noticed that his two dogs positioned themselves either side of him and that in unison they both peed up his cords with the overflow seeping into his brogues. Continues on Page 35
Article
He Understands Every Word I Say Jeff Bulled
We Afghan owners sometimes claim that our hounds understand their every word, other people might “pooh-pooh” the notion but at last science has lent us some support. Dogs and people have lived together for somewhere between 15,000 and 30, 000 years. During that time we have got used to the sounds we each make. The first scientific study to compare the way brains of dogs and people react in an MRI scanner has shown that our brains behave in similar ways, and helps explain our special relationship with our hounds. In August 2013, a study looking at dogs and humans in Japan concluded that owners’ yawns are contagious to dogs, and that the response was most likely to be empathic. This new study shows that, like humans, dogs appear to have brain systems devoted to understanding vocal sounds, and that they are sensitive to the emotion, happiness sadness etc in those sounds. Dr Attila Andics and his colleagues at the Hungarian Academy of Science’s Eotvos Lorand University Comparative Ethology Research Group, in Budapest, reported some fascinating findings in the journal Current Biology. Dr Andics said: “We think dogs and humans have a very similar mechanism to process emotional information.” Dr Andics and his colleagues trained 11 pet dogs, six golden retrievers and five border collies, to lie still in an MRI scanner, and then played them various sounds. They also looked at how the brains of 22 human volunteers behaved in the same MRI scanners. The scans measure changes in blood flow in certain parts of the brain, which is an indicator of neural activity, in response to each noise. The team played both people and dogs nearly 200 different sounds. Everything from car noises and Think Afghan 2015
whistles, to human and dog sounds, but they did not play words. They also tried emotional sounds like cries and laughter. It was no surprise that each species responds most strongly to noises made by its own kind, but they found that a similar region of the dog’s and human brains are activated when either hears human voices which could explain why dogs are sensitive to our emotions. Emotionally charged sounds, whimpering versus playful barking in dogs, for instance, and crying versus laughing human voices caused a similar reaction in both dogs and humans. They found, however, that the people and dogs’ brains reacted differently to the mechanical noises. Dog owners will not be surprised by the results; we all know the reaction our pets give to strong emotion, reacting to our feelings so effectively, but for the first time there is scientific evidence to back us up. Dr Andics said: “We know very well that dogs are very good at tuning into the feelings of their owners, and we know a good dog owner can detect emotional changes in his dog - but we now begin to understand why this can be.” Scientists already knew that there are parts of the human brain that respond more strongly to human sounds than other sounds. “The location (of the activity) in the dog brain is very similar to where we found it in the human brain. The fact that we found these areas exist … in the dog brain at all is a surprise - it is the first time we have seen this in a non-primate.” Dr Andics explained. The scientists suspect that these similarities developed in our last common ancestor 100 million years ago. In case you are worried, our best friend was not harmed in the study, Andics emphasized that only dogs
who wanted to go inside the scanner took part in the study. “Dogs that didn’t like the procedure stopped coming,” he said. In his next set of experiments Dr Andics plans to test sensitivity to words, asking the question what do dogs hear when humans speak? He hopes to find out more about what gives rise to human language and understanding. I certainly look forward to that. Sources Attila Andics Eötvös Loránd University Current Biology 20th February 2014 Brandon Klein – Wired “Brain Scans Show Striking Similarities Between Dogs and Humans” 20th February 2012 Rebecca Morelle - Science reporter, BBC World Service 21st February 2014
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Afghanites Cont. He ambled away with not a care in the world. We also witnessed a gent dressed up in a mauve velvet dinner jacket and matching velvet trousers, spotted dickie bow and black patent leather dancing shoes. It was an outdoor show – in the middle of a field -the wind was playing havoc with his Brillcreamed hair and he was up to his knees in mud. He looked a complete goon but in total innocence he imagined his outfit suited the occasion. And finally we have the Affie ladies who would look good in a black plastic dustbin bag. The likes of Jenny Dove, Dianna Greenfield, Melinda Hitch, Nadine Thompson, Anita Doe-Ledger. Oh, how I hate them! However for sheer elegance and poetry in motion I will never ever forget Mrs. Woolley. This beautiful lady was of Indian origin and always wore her country’s traditional dress. I can still hear the soft swish, swish, of her silk sari, the
melodious tinkle of her arm and ankle bangles and the gentle plip, plop of her bejewelled sandals as she glided around the ring, head held high, black hair braided in gold and silver and with her Davlen bitches moving in harmony beside her. Someone, somewhere, must surely have a video. She, I believe was, and still is, the epithet of Afghanite fashion.
ZENSU
Lyn Clark -Ellis, Sapphire Ryan and Henry McDonald Telephone : +27 72 177 9377
Mrs. Yoshimoto Letter from Patricia on an update on Mrs. Yoshimoto
Thank you very much for always caring about Mrs. Yoshimoto. Mrs. Yoshimoto is doing very well. She can walk slowly but alone, but she is using a cane just in case. It is a bit hard for her to retain some recent memories, but she still likes to talk, so she enjoys people’s company. On October 18th, Mrs. Yoshimoto, 3 of Mrs. Yoshimoto’s whippet friends and I went to visit another Mrs. Yoshimoto’s friend who is taking care of the last 2 dogs she had at home before being hospitalized. This person lives in a different city (one hour by car using the highway) but she has a big kennel with a large playground and she is taking good care of Mrs. Yoshimoto’s dogs. The weather was nice, so Mrs. Yoshimoto could enjoy a pleasant autumn day, together with her dogs, some of the dogs that she bred and their owners and friends. I might be seeing her again at the end of this month, to help her clean up her house a little bit, so I will keep you informed about her situation. She sends you all her best regards.
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Palamedees Tallon aka Mr B
Son of Mr G, has had a great first year.
Ch Guillaume Du Menuel Galopin JW x Palamedees Shahmilah
My first year in the ring for years and the little man has done well and made us proud. Mr B and I could not have done this without Anouska whom has worked hard in the background, bathing and grooming him and making me work hard on the handling. At play.
Photograph: David Paton
BPIB Crufts 2015 Multi BPIS Shortlisted Boston Ch Show Hound Puppy Group
Good luck to his litter brothers and sister in the ring, at home and on the beach. Palamedees Tallisman, Tamarisk, Taboo & Tait.
Proudly owned by: Joseph Lee-Brown, Anouska Simpson and Angela Lee-Brown (breeder).
At work.
Article
Where is Typical Movement Going Hans Lehtinen & Chris Lummelampi First published in Dog World in 1996 When we look at dog shows in general and competition at group level in particular, we are often struck by an all too frequent trend towards a convergence of breed characteristics especially when it comes to movement. The question is: are we looking for an all-round show dog, flashy and sound enough, but not exactly epitomizing its breed type? Are we, as breeders and judges, tempted to ask for the same attributes on all show dogs, regardless of the breed? Movement is a measure of a dog’s conformation. If we accept what might be today’s barely perceptible changes in a dog’s movement, we may gradually allow an alteration in the breed type. We may, in fact, contribute to a situation where an Afghan Hound moves like a Poodle and a Poodle moves like an Afghan. If this is the case, then we need a serious discussion on typical movement in today’s show rings. The original functions of many of our breeds have become obsolete as our societies have changed from agrarian into urban societies. Add to this the pressures to alter breed standards in order to breed “sounder” dogs -- as if the existing breed standards were an impediment to sound dogs -- and the emerging “green values” depreciating purebred dogs, and we may be distancing ourselves from true breed type. When we look at the Poodle today, we hardly ever stop to think what the function of its long coat was as it performed its retrieving function in icy cold water: when the hair ends froze, the coat underneath formed an insulating layer keeping the dog warm; or that the Poodle clip with the hindquarters clipped short was part
of maintaining the breed’s ability to function just as a colourful ribbon was tied to the dog’s topknot and tail to help the hunter see his dog out in the field. The Poodle’s movement also contributed to its usefulness as a retrieving dog: it was expected to move with the light, effortless gait which continues -- or should continue -- to be part of the Poodle’s breed type today. No one expects the Brussels Griffon or the Yorkshire Terrier to catch rats in today’s urban environment, but surely this should not be a justification to change their original breed type. Neither do we expect the Shar Pei to function as a fighting dog, but this is no reason why it should not have enough fold of skin on its shoulders to enable it to turn, if gripped by an attacker. In some breeds, function dictates movement. In others, there does not seem much logical explanation why a breed should move in a certain way -- except when the movement is part of the breed’s heritage and deserves recognition. If the Fox Terrier heritage -- or its standard, as the American one does in the case of the Smooth Fox Terrier -- calls for the dog to move its front legs like a pendulum of a clock, there is no reason why we should not appreciate this movement when we see it, however rare it might be today. In the case of the “decorative” toy and utility breeds, the consideration of typical movement should not be any less important. We think of the Japanese Chin as a dainty dog who is expected to move with a graceful gait, lifting its feet high... or the Miniature Pinscher and Italian Greyhounds with their high-stepping Hackney gait, as required by the British and American standards. For Italian Greyhounds, the continental countries of the FCI
used to have the same requirement, until the breed standard was abruptly changed by its country of origin to ask for “normal” movement. You are, of course, entitled to ask how this can be accomplished without changing the front assembly of the breed -- many of us do, especially as we wonder about some of the changes in the breed standards to accommodate the whims of the “country of origin.” Although some of the breed standards drawn up by countries where the breeding of pure-bred livestock has not been a long tradition may leave a lot to be desired, in some cases comparing the British, U.S. and FCI standards is a useful exercise. Take the Maltese standard. The British standard simply calls for free movement, whereas the original Italian standard describes what we have come to expect of a typical Maltese in motion: quick, short steps giving the impression of the dog sliding forward with its feet barely skimming the ground. Or compare the Poodle standards: the French one warns against the dog covering too much ground when it moves, but the American one calls for springy action -- just as the Afghan standard does, although the movement of the two breeds could not be more different, with the Poodle waltzing around the ring in true “Poodley” fashion and the Afghan moving as if it had springs under its feet. Variations in breed type in different continents also seem to play a role in our expectations of how a typical example of a breed should move. We see Shih Tzus in some parts of the world who would be much more at home in the Lhasa Apso ring, and vice versa. We hear a lot about the controversy surrounding their movement -- flick-up or no flick-up Page 37
Zharook Introducing our latest addition
JEREMIAH DE KOULANGAR AT ZHAROOK Bred by Helene Bourcey who has the oldest Afghan Hound Kennel in France. He has a very old pedigree combing some of the ‘greats’ in our breed including THE LEGENDS Gamer and Polo. He is half brother to the Zharook ‘Dream’ babies. Good luck to his sister Just For You De Koulangar at Clenagh owned by Barbara Waggett ( UK )
Photos at just 6 months
Loved and proudly owned by
Pat & Robert Latimer Zharook @btopenworld.com
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for Lhasa , showing full pads for Shih Tzu -- and lots of special expertise seem to be called for when assessing Lhasa’s “jaunty movement” when, in fact, it is a very moderate, normally constructed dog who should move with light feet, effortlessly like a trotting horse. Not so the lower-tothe-ground, heavier bodied Shih Tzu whose conformation (if correct) alone dictates that it cannot move with the same style as the higher-legged and differently shaped Lhasa. Ideal Dog All too often, we seem to be using the same yardstick to measure the quality of a dog, and we are too easily impressed with flashy showmanship and clever presentation. Someone once observed that, all too often, we believe a dog is a good mover if it covers the ground like a German Shepherd, comes and goes like a Beagle, and, to top it all, has the Setter topline, the animation of a Cocker Spaniel and the general attitude of a Poodle. Never mind if it is a typical example of its breed, epitomizing its written and unwritten breed standard. Never mind if its attitude is that of a composite, outgoing, animated show dog of no particular breed type, as long as it meets the generally accepted criteria for soundness... It will, no doubt, keep the Council of Europe happy and avoid scare headlines of “unhealthy” or “unsound” breeds of dogs. But it should raise alarm bells among us who work to maintain true breed type and who are convinced that we do not need take the Council’s at times misguided recommendations on “sound breeding principles” at face value -- and we certainly do not need to take precipitated action to change our breeds standards to the extreme where a Brussels Griffon might suddenly be transformed into a reddish rough-coated Border Terrier. (Isn’t it rather that there is nothing much wrong with our breed standards from the soundness or health point of
view -- but there could be something wrong with our interpretation of these breed standards if we err on the side of exaggeration?) It might be useful to look at the Pekingese standard which states: “Slow, dignified rolling gait in front. Typical movement not to be confused with a roll caused by slackness of shoulders. Close action behind. Absolute soundness essential.” A Basset Hound with a sound, crooked front will move soundly - for its breed. Straighten the front legs, and you will get an unsound dog with a heavy body hanging between the front legs instead of being wrapped by them. A well-constructed but typical Chow Chow hindquarter, strong enough not to knuckle over, will allow the dog to move with its typical stilted gait, just as a typical, but sound construction will allow the Puli to move with a stride that is “not far-reaching. Gallop short. Typical movement shortstepping, very quick, in harmony with lively disposition. Movement never heavy, lethargic or lumbering.” The gait requirements of quite a number of breeds do not conform to the general conception of “sound dogs”, well angulated in front and rear, moving with a ground-covering gait. There is no reason why they should, unless our aim is the identikit show dog. The Faster the Better It does not seem to be enough that most of our dogs move, and are often expected to move, in the same manner. They are also expected to move with the same speed regardless of the breed. Would a Rottweiler be a better, more invincible defender of its master and his property if it were to move with the same agility as an Australian Kelpie, a shepherd, running on the backs of the sheep in tight spots if needed to perform its function? Or would the St. Bernard be a better rescue dog in the Alps if it raced around the ring with the same
effortlessness as a Saluki? In fact, many of the so-called “rolling” breeds are moved around the ring so fast that they never have the opportunity to display their characteristic gait. Again, it might be useful to take a look at some of the breed standards. The Bulldog standard states: “ Peculiarly heavy and constrained (gait), appearing to skim the ground, running with one or other shoulder rather advanced.” Or the Clumber Spaniel: “Rolling gait attributable to long body and short legs. “ Or the Old English Sheepdog: “When walking, exhibits a bear-like roll from the rear...” To mention a few more examples of typical gait: take a look at Cocker Spaniels and ask how often they display the typical bustling movement, or at Irish Water Spaniels whose typical movement is often described as that of a drunken sailor. Some Poodles and Spaniels are, it is alleged, moved so fast that their hind feet never touch the ground (not to mention that, nowadays, you hardly ever see the old-fashioned Cocker Spaniel movement...) In fairness, you could say that quite a few Terriers -- and others, for that matter -- are moved on such a tight lead that their front feet never touch the ground! “Hanging” dogs on tight leads may be appropriate when there is something wrong in the dog’s front and you want to reduce the weight on it, hopefully improving movement. This practice may not cause any major harm since it will certainly draw the judge’s attention to the problem. But it is unfortunate when dogs with excellent front movement are never allowed to show it to their advantage. It is also unfortunate that many breeds shown on tight leads show an unnatural or an untypical head carriage as handlers forget that the Deerhound or the Borzoi does not have the same outline in profile movement as the Afghan does. Not all breeds of dogs were developed to be fast moving dogs. Note the American standard for the Page 39
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Alaskan Malamute which states: “In judging Malamutes, their function as a sledge dog for heavy freighting must be given consideration above all else... He isn’t intended as a racing sled dog designed to compete in speed trials with the smaller Northern breeds.” Contrast this with the Siberian Husky whose required gait is quick and light on its feet. The Basset Hound, for its part, was originally bred to be a slow hunting dog to enable the hunter to follow him on foot without difficulty; therefore, a Basset with its true and deliberate movement should not be expected to compete in speed with the Sighthounds in the same group whose original function and style of working are entirely different. Again, compare it with the smaller French hound, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, whose movement differs from the heavier, low-to-the-ground Basset Hound because it was created to work on a different terrain, in the thick undercover in Brittany. Conditioning All show dogs need exercise and conditioning beyond the few rounds around the show ring to keep them in top form and peak condition, and to enable them to present their typical movement to advantage. But the right exercise and proper muscle tone will never mask basic structural weaknesses or shortcomings in breed type. They will only enhance good, typical movement. With coated breeds we, as breeders, exhibitors and judges often struggle to balance the show ring requirements of keeping the coat in top condition with the requirement to maintaining the dog underneath in peak physical condition with proper exercise. Often we end up with a flabby dogs with flowing coats, or well-muscled dogs with broken coats when we, in fact, should be looking for a happy medium. (One of the ironies of life is that some of the coated dogs who are kept in wire crates and exercise pens, as they often do in America, have
wonderful muscles -- could it be that they spend their days bouncing up and down in their crates?) The same applies to other forms of technology which are being introduced into the world of show dogs. We need a happy medium between exercise machines, or treadmills, and other forms of exercise. Some blame poor front movement on the excessive use of treadmills, others tend to think that treadmill exercise, if used excessively, may constrict the dog’s movement by shortening its stride, resulting in a peculiar gait behind. Instead of condemning treadmills outright, it might be useful to see them as excellent aids in exercising dogs in adverse weather conditions when outside exercise is impossible, to be supplemented by other forms of exercise -- walking, bicycling or letting the dogs gallop in the fields. Not many of us can go as far as a famous Afghan Hound kennel in the U.S. where the dog runs include an L-shaped ring going up and down the hill, forcing the dogs to turn and stretch when they gallop. Nevertheless, versatility in exercise will ensure that the dog uses all its muscles to the full and is in peak condition. But, to return to the point of this article, a dog, however well muscled and however well moving, is not a typical example of its breed if it does not have typical movement. And if we accept small changes in the movement of a breed, we accept small changes in conformation, proportions and overall breed type until we end up with an identikit show dog. (And talking about proportions -- have you noticed how many of today’s show dogs are losing the length of leg?) Understanding sound movement is important, but understanding typical movement is essential if we are to preserve breed type. Learning to quote the breed standard may not be enough, because, to paraphrase the late Tom Horner, any child can learn to recite the Lord’s Prayer, but understanding it will take years.
Therefore, we should not be in too much of a hurry. About the authors: Mr. Hans Lehtinen is an international all-breed judge who has been judging for more than 50 years. His assignments have included all the prestigious shows in the world, with the exception of the Westminster Show, from Crufts in Britain to the Royal Shows in Australia and the FCI World Shows. He is an honorary member of the Finnish Kennel Club and has served on several K.C. committees, including its show and judges’ committee and breed standard committee. He continues to be involved in judges’ examinations for several breed clubs. He has bred English Cocker Spaniels and is now owned by Norwich Terriers. Ms. Chris (Kirsti) Lummelampi judges Hound, Terrier, Nonsporting and Toy breeds and has had assignments in several European countries as well as the U.S. and Australia. She has been a contributor to several canine publications and mentions writing as one of her hobbies. She is a longtime member of the Finnish Kennel Club Council, its highest decision-making body. She is past President of the Finnish Basset Breeds Club and current President of the Finnish Toy Dog Association, and judges’ education coordinator for both clubs. She has owned, exhibited and bred Basset Hounds, and, most recently, Lhasa Apsos.
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SUZAPH
ANDIZHAN CZARDIN TO SUZAPH JW
Photo Garamond
Thomas managed to keep all four feet on the ground long enough to gain his Junior warrant in style! Many thanks to all the judges who Appreciated his many qualities. Thomas shares his home with his stunning uncle‌
CH ANDIZHAN BANJALUCAH TO SUZAPH JW
Much loved and owned by
Sue & Nigel Kemp Tel: 01895 621758 Email: suzaphafghans@hotmail.co.uk
Article
Description Of The Afghan Hound The Kennel Club, 1926 Sufficient Afghan Hounds having been registered at the Kennel Club to warrant separate classification and the granting of challenge certificates, considerably accelerated progress is to be expected. Of the many foreign breeds that have enriched our domestic canida, they are probably the most singular in appearance. The longish coats, which extend to the foot of all four legs, the top-knot of long silky hair, the well-feathered ears (pendelous in shape), the smooth face and brow, and the thin tail curving at the tip, are all striking features. The body is of the greyhound type, but somewhat heavier and not so prominently arched at the loins. The brisket is deep, the belly tucked up, loins muscular. Neck arched, long and graceful, and well let into the sloping shoulders. The tail is set low, giving a rounded appearance to the rump. Legs long with hocks placed very low. Head long, and with scarcely any stop. Eyes dark. Feet longish and well protected with hair. The usual colour is fawn, sometimes lightish, and others nearly red, and brindles are occasionally seen. Afghan Hounds, having good house manners, make excellent companions. They are of great antiquity, and it is obvious that they have been carefully bred in their own country, where they are highly prized for the sport they show
Think Afghan 2015
Blue Afghan Hounds Connie Miller The following content was published in three parts - Jan/Feb/Mch editions of Dog World in 1965 In recent British and Australian breed columns there have been some puzzling items about “blue Afghans”, with some contributors actually inferring that this is an illegitimate color, unknown in Afghanistan, and probably developed through a sneaky modern cross with Greyhounds or Whippets. I could not restrain myself from diving into the fray, as I feel that this accusation is preposterous and a most unnecessary explanation of its occurrence in America. Perhaps I should explain to some readers that both “blue” and “brindle” Afghans are most uncommon in the United Kingdom. “Blue” has always been extremely rare (some say “unheard of”) and the acknowledged brindle genes, common in the 30’s, became completely extinct in the severe British breeding curtailment during World War II. Just recently a few brindles, and Afghans carrying “blue genes” were re-introduced into England from American sources. The new “colors” were given a charitable, if curious, welcome by most of the English fancy, and from there spread to Australia. It now appears that some of the American imports were not accepted completely without question. In Australia, one fellow who claims intimate knowledge of Mary Amp’s Ghazni hounds, has insisted that there were no “blues” among them, and that he had been unsuccessful in locating anyone who ever saw a “blue Afghan” in Afghanistan. As he does not believe that the early English stock included blue factors, and evidently does believe that all American Afghans stemmed from the same pioneer imports, he seriously questions the existence of this color from legitimate sources. This has stirred up quite a tempest. In
researching my Afghan Hound book I have much incidental material on Afghan color, and while “blue” is the rarest color of the Afghan spectrum and not of specific interest too much of the fancy, some of the historical transportation facts may be of general value. The evidence clearly show that “blue genes” were imported into America directly from Afghanistan and India and, contrary to dissenting opinions, from some of the early imported British stock to come into America. Before mentioning individual dogs we would like to suggest that the word “blue” generates its own confusion. The term is a romantic price-upper catch-all for any Afghan of conceivable gray shading, whether solid-colored, indistinctly mottled, or clearly brindled. In hue, these dogs range from dusty black to a dove gray approaching white. The darkest ones are clearly blacks, and hopefully called “blue” to increase their cash value by optimistic owners who hope they will lighten with age, as some have done. Many “blues” contain tan shadings and tend to change color gradually in unsuccessful efforts to “clear” to some more definite shade. The many various so-called “blues” are of decidedly different genetic type, a high percentage of them being “blue-brindles” rather than solid clear grays. Some of these “blue brindles” do not even contain true “blue” genes, with the gray effects caused by the diffusion of intermingled light and dark hairs from the brindle pattern in the long coat. Laurence Peters Saki of Paghman was the only actual visible clear gray import of her time, but she was not alone in producing gray or blue Afghans. In 1936, Fatima, a bitch imported directly from India and owned by Caroline Richmond Hall, in California
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Ghazni hounds and cropped up in America from the earliest Prides Hill litters of Westmill Omar and Asra Of Ghazni imports in the 20’s, there was not a single black English Afghan Champion until 1948 (the bitch Ch Netheroyd Turkuman Camelthorn). This would indicate very little breeding of black Afghans and good reason why “blues” had such little chance to crop up in Britain.
was bred to Ch Tufan of Ainsdart, owned by Amelia White in New Mexico. This ancient litter produced three early champions, including Ch Fatima’s daughter Peri, who was described as a “blue bitch”. Chances are that she was a blue-brindle rather than a clear gray, as her sire Tufan, was known to be a light gray and cream brindle. It is this Tufan of the early English imports, that had to be a conveyor of “blue genes” from England to America. The knowledge that he was “gray and cream brindle” indicates this, and his pale-cream colored son Ch Yusseff, plays a notable role in the background of
Tufan Of Ainsdart
various transmitters of “blues” the most notable being the great sire, Ch Taejon Of Crown Crest. Under Kay Finch the “blue genes” coming from “Johnnie” and those from Thief were merged, but Tufan also produced blue-factored pups with outside bitches (many, frequently, stemming back to Tufan). As the “blue-factored”
The black Ch Turkuman Nissim’s Laurel, imported from England and stemming directly from the lone British black champion of the era, became immediately involved in the production of blue-grays for the Grandeur kennel of Sunny Shay, again suggesting that it was the greater occurrence of blacks and brindles in America that preserved more visibly blue-gray dogs. By the way, it might also be well to remind readers that “blues” have turned up in several continental countries, not just in America. They are reported from Germany, Italy and elsewhere, sometimes as solid blues, other times as “blue and tans”, or as the unusual “blue-domino”. These continental “blues” in no way stemmed from America, but do share the same British roots of Ghazni hounds that we have here. We might finish by going back to refute the original point of the man who insisted that “blue” was alien to the “Ghazni” strain for our final argument. We need only use the words of Mary Amps herself, for in a book printed in the 20’s she tells of “...a pack of chinchilla hounds, grey with black points, kept by a Governor of a district near the Oxus. If hounds
of any other color are born, they are thrown out of the pack....” Khan of Ghazni, a fine honey-fawncoloured hound came from this pack. I had one perfect chinchilla bitch sired by him, and I understand that a son of his Mustavi Of Ghazni... also sired a number of chinchilla hounds.” Assuming that “chinchilla grey” is within the range of what we call “blue” today, and “gray with black eye-rims and nose leather, we have Amp’s proof that “grey”, rare as it is and always was, is a legitimate color from the time of the first sighting of Afghan hounds. As a final word, I must say thatI hope that these last few columns will not serve as an incentive for American breeders to go wild suddenly in attempts at breeding for “blues”. These color factors still are rare, extremely difficult to control, often resulting in such unfortunate byproducts as poorly pigmented creams with light noses, or gray-masked, washed-out fawn hounds that look old before their time. Of course, we do not mean to discourage those who do get “blues” as natural by-products of the color factors they have in hand, so long as their other prime concern is the production of superior conformation, temperament and type in Afghan color-breeding should always be a low second consideration under conformation requirements: This advice is as pertinent to those who deliberately breed only for “black-masked silvers” whose bright flash may bring price premiums (particularly among the novices).
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since 1972 43 years for Palamedees and the 2014 Litter are 1year old... Our next generation. Palamedees Tallisman, Tallon, Taboo,Tamarisk & Tait. Ch. Guillaume du Menuel Galopin JW x Palamedees Shahmilah.
Tallon
Taboo
Photo: David Paton
Tallon & Tallisman – 1st & 2nd LKA 2015
Photo: David Paton
Photograph: Tony Cheesman
Photograph: David Paton
Crufts 2015 Best Puppy in Breed ‘Palamedees Tallon’ handled by Joseph
Angela C. Lee-Brown t: +44 (0)1454 632378 e: angela@palamedees.com afghanhoundacademy
palamedeesphoto
w: palamedees.com
Article
The Dog of the Mystic East Published in American Kennel Gazette, June 1, 1929 by Miss Jean C. Manson (Cove Afghan Hounds).
Bell Murray Afghan Hounds
To guess as to the time and method of origin of any particular breed of dog is a dangerous proceeding, almost every devotee of a particular breed claims that its breed is the original dog, that it originated very much B.C. and that it is the taproot of every other breed. Certainly the Afghan Hound enthusiast has a great deal of support where he makes such claims. In the hound’s native home - where he rules supreme in Balkh, the most northern province of Afghanistan - there can be found in caves very ancient rock carvings, representing dogs of exactly similar type. In those far-off days, the Afghan was known as the Barukhzy hound because it was chiefly used by the sporting sirdars of the royal family. Later on, when they were introduced to England, they were called Afghan Hounds. I think it was their extraordinary graceful movements and wonderful expression which attracted me to the breed when I first saw an Afghan Hound. Though I had lived on the borders of Baluchistan for some time, I had never seen one, and it was one day while out riding about twenty miles from Quetta, that I first saw one of those beautiful animals. Her owner was riding also, and what held me spellbound was the beautiful movement and grace of the dog. I followed and eventually caught up with them. After a great deal of
persuasion and talk, I got her native owner to understand that I wanted his dog. But he did not want to part with her. However, after many promises, at last he said he would bring her to m y bungalow the following day. And so I got my first Afghan Hound. I named her Begum, which means Queen. No other name could have suited her. She certainly was the most beautiful animal I had ever seen - white in color, with large brown eyes, a perfect body and carriage. She took possession of our home we all felt we had to wait on her. Cat-like, she did not like getting her feet wet and she always insisted on the most comfortable chair and a cushion. In spite of these indoor manners, when out with us, there was nothing she would not jump or swim. Her courage was marvelous, and nothing gave her greater pleasure than to be with us. If she knew we were going riding then Begum took up her position in front of the horses, and enjoyed every moment of a hard gallop, coming back fresher than either horse or rider. It was the same when going out driving, and it was on one of these occasions while driving in the native bazaar, after I had owned Begum for more than two years, that she saw her original master amongst the natives. She jumped out of the trap and greeted him with many whines of joy. During this long time I had been making every endeavor to get a suitable mate for Begum. It was nearly four years before I was successful. Finally, through one of the many natives I had engaged to search for typical specimens, I got what I wanted. The dog I called Rajah. These two were my original Afghans. Eventually a family of young Afghans arrived, and Begum was a most wonderful mother. For days before her family was born she collected
Jean Manson
food and hid it in a cave or little dell in the garden, where she intended to have her puppies. When they were old enough to run about and, in fact, when they were quite big she carried food to them. Also she washed and took care of them long after they were weaned. The puppies also greeted her with great joy. From about three months of age the Afghan puppy is a most wonderful youngster, all legs and the most lovely soft fur, more like down, and all eyes, just like teddy bears. From babyhood they are most wonderfully gentle, never snatching food, and in every way they are most lovable. They make charming pets and are so distinguished looking, stately and graceful that the most fastidious fancier would consider them an ornamental asset. There is something so foreign about his appearance - something perhaps a little outlandish - that the dog brings to mind the splendor of the mysterious East. Instinctively one associates him with Eastern magnificence, stately palaces, gardens and courtyards, and native attendants to grant their wishes. In spite of this aristocratic appearance and look of reserve, these dogs are the very reverse of unapproachable, and are, indeed more docile and affectionate. And a kind word and pat is never forgotten. But a rebuff will be taken to heart with great distress. An Afghan does not know what a whip is. Their courage and staying powers are wonderful They invariably hunt in couples, the bitch taking the hinder part and the dog the throat. They have been known to kill a leopard and I myself, have seen a couple give chase to a pack of jackals and have seen Rajah, my own Afghan, kill a fox and a deer in the mountains at Quetta. In fact, so famous was Rajah that he was Page 47
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repeatedly stolen from me by the natives. Once he returned home, after an absence of two months, painted red and hanging in chains and ropes. No doubt, his captor thought if he were painted I should not recognize him. But Rajah came home himself. In 1921 I sailed for England bringing with me twelve of these hounds, unrelated and with these I founded the first English Afghan Hound kennel, although in 1906 Mr. Barff brought and Afghan Hound to England that caused such a sensation that the King and Queen expressed a desire to see it. It was dispatched to Buckingham Palace under the charge of Mr. Sewell, M.R.C.V.S. The Afghan to-day is in great demand in the British Isles. At Crufts and all the other big shows in England the general cry is “where are the Afghans benched?” His trousered legs and topknot seem to cause a sensation wherever he goes. At the Cove Kennels, Kirkpatrick, Fleming Scotland, there can be seen Afghans of all ages, from graceful, full-grown to wooly babies, and along our quiet roads in Scotland, where they are seen walking every day, they still cause excitement. Buckmall, a very typical hound at the Cove kennels, seems to understand everything, and watches very quietly what is going on around him. If he is tired of being in the paddock, he just opens the gate with his nose, walks to the kennel, opens the big kennel door with his teeth and paw, then finds his own house, opens the doors and goes in. At feeding time, after he has eaten his food, if he feels he could eat more, he hides his plate under his bed and, naturally at first, when he saw no plate, he was fed again, until the next morning the plates were discovered, and after that all were told to look under his bed before feeding. Some people say the Afghan is more bizarre than beautiful, but in either category can be found the key to popularity. Not with the masses, for so scarce is this wonderful dog that one instantly places him among the Think Afghan 2015
museum curiosities and art objects. Not a made dog but one of the oldest and purest of breeds. Faithful and intelligent and most remarkable for their memory of faces and voices. A club has been formed to guard the interests of this breed, and Mr. Barff’s famous dog, Zardin has been fixed as our standard. He was the dog which made his bow at Buckingham Palace in 1906. Some time ago, Evelyn Denyer, honorable secretary of our club, wrote some interesting lines about the breed. These lines are worth reprinting, they follow: I know it is a sin For me to sit and grin At him here: But the old three-cornered hat And the breeches and all that Are so queer!” It is a great pity that there is this conviction, that because they are Orientals they are delicate. Few people realize that in Afghanistan they experience far more extremes of heat and cold than either England or America has. On the other hand, however, the climate is dry. In England, no more precautions against our really deplorable climate are necessary than making sure that their kennels and bedding are not damp; not allowing them to be shut up with wet coats, if they have been out in the rain; and on wet days keeping them under cover. In fact, one should do no less than this for any dog. “Puppies are born and reared in outside kennels with no special heating, even in the depth of winter, and when old enough they spend the day out-of-doors in an open run, no matter how low the thermometer. When puppies are growing up, say from eight weeks to five months and perhaps more, their knee joints are very prominent and this is so noticeable that many people have insisted that they have rheumatism. This condition is normal; desirable, in fact. “One American recently asked whether they would be successful
as coon dogs, and as an English owner I must admit ignorance as to what is require of a coon dog. The Afghan hunts almost entirely by sight and his powers in this direction are marvelous. His nose is quite useful, too, on occasion. The most attractive feature of the Afghan Hound seems to be his trousers and his topcoat, chiefly because they are distinctive. This extract from one of the English papers is rather amusing; “The Afghan Hounds are whimsical fellows when in full coat with their Oxford bags, top-knot, and tufts. They recall the lines of Oliver Wendell Holmes: Another thing “outsiders” do not realize, and that is the Afghan’s enormous strength and power. This is due to their graceful outline and rather chiseled appearance and elegance. A hound which is well developed should possess hard muscle and a great deal of it should be in the hindquarters; but should slope well into the long, strong neck. Bone should be heavy and the feet as large as possible, all joints, very flexible, and the greater depth of brisket the better, with a neat tuck-up under the loins.exceedingly popular on the other side of the Atlantic. When I recently visited America the animals were exceedingly well received. People would stand and stare and say, “Isn’t he cute” Just why an Afghan should be called “cute” I do not know. But I do know that the breed is here to stay.
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Afghan Hound Head Carriage Terry Wilcox I want to discuss an important aspect for correct Afghan Hound gait, being “Natural Head Carriage” Any breed can be taught to carry their heads in an artificial manner, many show dogs do. Afghan head carriage is derived from a totally different origin and purpose, head carriage is inherent and should not need to be held up by a lead. The first Afghan standard was written in Colonial India, modelled on Zardin, circa 1906. Photographs of Zardin demonstrate his natural head carriage. Anglicised breed standards are all based on Zardin: all of which mention the characteristic “Proud Head Carriage”. It was American author, breed enthusiast and owner, Connie Miller, who originally coined the term “reconnaissance trot”, and provided a superior explanation of this unique characteristic and significant survival trait. She provided a plausible reason for what has evolved naturally, positing it as an “ over the horizon surveillance” technique for spotting potential prey. Considerable emphasis needs to be placed on “Head Carriage”. This unique and “Breed Hallmark” characteristic is intrinsically tied to the breed`s evolution, structure and demeanour, and is essential for the correct execution of the “Classic smooth, springy gait”, another “Breed Hallmark” Few if any, Breed Specialist Judges currently test for “natural head carriage”. Sadly many judges accept the dictates of handlers/exhibitors. Many exhibits, are “strung up” to such an extent they take on the appearance of some breed where the front feet are no longer instrumental in the guidance of the gait. Ask these exhibitors to show on a true loose Think Afghan 2015
lead, and then observe the response. By loose, I define that the lead must be placed low on the neck or wither. This requires a mutual respect and trust, understanding and training, between the exhibitor and their charge. In stark contrast, many handlers locate a choker flush and tight under the chin, on the opposite side to the handler. (This is also termed the double choke effect) Any neck lead control is itself a contradiction in terms, for the King of dogs. After all this is the breed where its natural demeanour, attitude and proud head carriage is what sets the breed apart from all other canine species. Lead control is best explained by observing the action of the tail. The tail response is a straight forward matter when an exhibit is shown on a loose lead. What should be observed is the following: The tail should unfurl with each and every stride. This unfurling is a natural consequence of the (load) impact of the front limb as it makes contact with the ground, and as the forequarter assembly absorbs the load (shock) and transmits this impact along the torso and spine, finally terminating in the coccygeal (tail) vertebrae. This unfurling is absent when exhibits are strung up. In fact the exhibit which is strung up is denied the opportunity to correctly negotiate ground impact in a normal manner. This is particularly the case when exhibits are gaited inappropriatly fast, whereby the exhibit needs to over step, with the full load bearing joints absorbing the impact in an asymmetric (and oblique) manner. This obviates unbalanced wear
on the forequarter joints, notably afflicting the elbows and shoulders. Serious, irreversable damage is commonly observed in young exhibits. The result is most likely permanent orthopaedic damage and inevitable chronic lameness in later life Dogs do not over step naturally, unless they are grossly unbalanced When an Afghan gallops, its tail actually recoils at the full extension stage. In contrast, it unfurls in the trotting gait. The tail tells much about the dog`s demeanour, especially when their tails are “bolt upright”, with little or no movement. It is normal for the tail to sway slightly to the opposite side to the reaching front limbs. The tail’s ring should still be seen to slightly unfurl. The dogs whose tails fail this test, requires your critical appraisal. Take the time to observe the tail carriage of Afghans at some large events this will help develop a more considered critical appreciation of this important indicator for balanced locomotion. Head Carriage. Correct head carriage is a “Primary Hallmark” of the breed. I propose that a maximium of 10% of Afghan exhibits still present natural head carriage. There is no doubt that many dogs given half a chance or encouraged early in lead training would be able to gait, expressing natural head carriage. Unfortunately many Afghan Hound pups are not afforded this opportunity. (Being strung up like toy poodles from the start) Many of today’s show/conformation Afghans have been sadly reduced to
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being presented like any other show dog. Is this truly what judges with a moral imperative really admire? What has happened to this breed over the last few decades? Digital technology allows us to compare exhibits of yesteryear with those of today. The elevation in popularity, and exponential rise in numbers during the nineteen sixties and seventies facilitated the breed`s burgeoning, gene pool, this giving rise to the full potential of the enormous genetic diversity within the breed. This explosion in numbers produced some amazing individuals. Film and video from yesteryear, whilst lacking the clarity of contemporary media, remain an invaluable resource for comparison. (A small sample has been provided). Note how these dogs didn’t need to be strung up. Head and Neck Carriage Structure There are no discernable differences from other Sight Hound structure regarding the head carriage, other than that observed with the best exponents of this breed. These individuals have well developed cervical musculature with well arched necks. The uncanny ability of the Afghan to provide high head carriage, whilst promulgating the full flying trot still remains an enigma. Natural Head carriage and the Flying Trot. Definition of the Flying trot : “An accelerated, four step trot where all feet are off ground momentarily”. All canine breeds can execute this gait to some to degree or other. In the case of the Afghan Hound, the elevated or air borne segment of each stride can vary from 30% to 50% of each cycle.The greater the air borne duration, the faster the speed, the greater the degree of synchronicity, and coordination required by the individual, however often increased
speed leads to the detriment to the smooth springy effect. The Afghan`s square/compact conformation and long limbed angular structure renders this gait all the more remarkable, and defies conventional gait orthodoxy. Correct high head carriage is essential for the effective execution. This trot form can vary from the slow trot to the highly energetic flying trot On a comparative basis the Afghan Hound’s gait is unique and very different from all the other sight hound cousins. The Afghan’s gait could be deemed flamboyant even exaggerated due to it’s compact body and leggy angular structure. Nature has evolved this distinct gait which is in its self, efficient for its own specifications, though compensational when compared to the ultra efficient orthodox gaits. The breed’s unusually large front feet may also provide a further function to the gait. These large, weighty feet and pasterns might be employed, not only in providing a broad footprint for traversing snow or sandy terrain, but also permits the dog to extend the reach stroke through momentum. As the weight of the forearm (ante brachium) is thrusted forward. This throwing forward anterior action can engender an impression of a floating gait. Now compare the unusually large feet and the refined skull with other Sight Hound breeds (another interesting “Hallmark” of the Afghan). How do we tell if an Afghan Hound has good movement? The human eye can discern movement at around one tenth of a second, or 100 milliseconds. The Afghan pastern lift generates the smooth springy impression, and takes around 5 milli-seconds to occurr. Consequently, this fine detail is only detectable and accurately measured with high speed video cameras The pastern lift ranges in height and distance, with its degree and measurement determined by gait
velocity. Even when the individual is over stepping or crabbing, pastern lift is still achieved, though not to the same degree nor as smoothly. Visual Assessment for Correct Gait. Observe the footage provided and in particular: the interchange pattern of the front and hind feet as they traverse. The fore foot must lift whilst the hind foot must extend directly under the fore foot. Over stepping occurs when the hind foot obscures the fore foot. If such over stepping occurs on the opposite side to the fore foot, the opposite hind foot will slide behind the front foot whilst still on the ground. Next, the front reach and rear drive should terminate their actions simultaneously, and should achieve a similar reach height. If the forequarter has fully extended and commences its return to the ground whilst the rear drive continues in the drive swing, the dogs gait is unbalanced. Some judges mistakenly refer to this imbalance as a powerful rear kick action. This accentuated pendulous action should be termed “Wind Kicking”. This is wasteful and unbalanced gait, this results from a lack of inherent synchronicity and co ordination often seen when exhibits are being dragged along at velocities the exhibit is unable to achieve naturally. Furthermore the exhibit will be seen to be crabbing badly, the head will need to be held up. The tail will show the exhibit to be distressed. Judges whom reward such action lack the basics in Afghan locomotion. The topline ought to remain level whilst the exhibit is trotting, with the topline rising and falling smoothly and rhythmically, with each and every stride. This rise ultimately reaches its highest point midway during each reach stride. The topline is at its lowest position when either fore limb is in the vertical position.
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Head Position during the Trot Another feature of head carriage is that the head remains relatively static through the trot cycle.The top of the muzzle is, ideally, horizontal. The neck can be carried from a 65 degree to a 90 degree angle from the ground. This depends largely on the demeanor, interaction and engagement of the Hound. Interestingly, high speed, slow motion cameras, fail to detect any head movement during the trot. The head remains horizontal, even as the velocity increases, although the neck may lower slightly. Afghans that are ‘strung up’ may well direct their heads downwards (colloquially known as “ground seekers”) this carriage will have the effect of shortening the forequarter reach. I contend that an Afghan Hound that carries it’s head high naturally, has a smooth springy gait, stands balanced and evenly on it’s large fore and hind feet, confronts the world with its natural demeanor, is a sight of awe, the antithesis and envy of any other show breeds. The Afghan’s very nature makes it the ultimate show dog.
Afghan Hound Breed Hallmark Features
unusually large feet are seldom checked.
1 : Coat Pattern. 2 : Ringed Tail, Low Tail Set and Flat Croup. 3 : Smooth Springy Gait. 4 : High or Proud Head Carriage. 5 : Unusually Large Feet / Refined Sculpted Skull/Punishing Jaw. 6 : Eastern / Oriental Expression/ Certain Keen Fierceness 7 : Agility and Dexterity 8 : Stamina and Endurance. 9 : Oriental Scented Hound. All purebred dogs are in a constant state of evolutionary flux However, no other breed has evolved as many different unique physical breed characteristics as the Afghan Hound. The World’s fascination with the Afghan’s continuously growing silky coat, has been well exploited and developed to where the coat is now a groomer`s delight. The evolutionary purpose of breed`s ringed tail is not understood and often difficult to breed predictively. The smooth springy gait is seldom appreciated as is the high head carriage which is so essential for correct Afghan gait. The Afghan’s
Cherish the differences: Alfred Mendel Terrence R Wilcox Alaqadar Afghans Primary author and contact. Dr. Rebbecca S Wilcox BVSc.(Hons1) Bac.Sci. Alaqadar Afghans, editor. Copyright : Terrence R Wilcox 2009.
Publications from the AHA “So You Are Thinking of Owning an Afghan Hound” – designed for anyone embarking on ownership of their first Afghan and also as a brief reference for all owners. Lavishly illustrated and very readable this booklet contains further reading and contact references. It draws on the original AHA advice leaflets and owes a debt of thanks to the AHCA for the inclusion of some of their excellent material. Cost £2.00 “The Illustrated Afghan Hound Breed Standard” – has been produced with the help of the Breed Council and is now the most up-to-date version of the UK standard with some additional new and improved illustrations. Cost £1.00 Both booklets are available on request from the AHA to individual owners, breeders, clubs and associations and indeed to anyone with an interest in this outstanding breed. Prices are £2.00 for “So You Are Thinking Page 54 Think Afghan Afghan 2014 2012 Think
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Forthcoming Events
68th Championship Show Judges We are pleased to announce that Mr. Richard Souza and Mrs. Ada Wilcox will be judging at our 68th Championship show next year.
Mrs. Ada Wilcox Dog Judge Terry and I have been exhibiting Afghan Hounds under the Alaqadar kennel prefix since 1970. In 1973 we mated our heavily line bred Horningsea Majid/Waliwog grandaughter to Ch.Coastwind Holyman and were fortunate to produce a litter which was not only
extremely successful in the show ring but had an impact on many of the successful kennels in Australia today. From this litter Ch. Alaqadar De Fauves, Chiaroscuro and Arabesque were multiple All Breeds BIS winners and dominated our Afghan Hound point score for a decade. Our primary interest in the Afghan has been the unique and remarkable gait. De Fauves was renowned for his movement and attitude and this is the basis of our breeding program. I have judged extensively in
Australia and have been delighted with past appointments in New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Germany. I will be honoured to judge at the Afghan Hound Association Championship Show in May 2016.
Mr. Richard Souza Dog Judge Richard Souza has been active in purebred dogs since 1965. Under the Coastwind Kennel prefix he, along with Mike Dunham, has bred over 80 Afghan Hound champions including two National Specialty B.I.S. winners, 15 Specialty B.I.S.
winners, the first of which was Ch. Coastwind Gazebo, the top Afghan in the country for 1969-1970. The second National Specialty winner, B.I.S. Ch. Coastwind Abraxas, also broke the longstanding record for top producing sire held for many years by the great Ch Shirkhan of Grandeur and held that title for twenty years. Many kennels worldwide reflect the influence of Coastwind.
Mr. Souza continues to judge major shows in his own country and sight hounds since the l980’s in Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Australia, South Africa and Canada.
Looking Into The Past
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