Our picks for Whom to Watch at Westminster in the Hound Group include two Hounds that set breed records in 2011 and two standouts at last month’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC).
GCH CH Starline’s Chanel
(Photo by Carol Beuchat)
Last year’s Number One Hound, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, is the winningest Whippet of all time with 69 all breed BIS, 35 of which came in 2011. She is also the winner of the 2010 WKC Hound Group. However, as we have written here, Chanel will have to get past last year’s Number Two Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, before she can contend for the Group win. Chanel was bred and is owned by Carey & Lori Lawrence and handled by Lori Wilson.
GCH CH Northgate’s AS You Like It
(Photo by Infocusbymiguel)
Another breed record holder is the Pharaoh Hound, GCH Northgate’s As You Like It, who finished last year as the Number Eight Dog All Breeds, just behind Chanel. Qing and handler Brian Livingston picked up 35 BIS in 2011, bringing Qing’s career total to 50. Qing was bred by Hanna Ukura, is owned by Jenny Hall & Annika Lundqvist-Hemstrom.
GCH CH Downhome Hi-Tech Innovator
(Photo Courtesy of AKC)
We think that one of AKC’s rarest breeds, the Harrier, GCH CH Downhome Hi-Tech Innovator, may be among the final four. Chet is the son of the breed record holder, CH Downhome Family Tradition. Although Chet entered the race late in last season, he still managed five Bests In Show and 17 Hound Groups, most notably, the AENC Hound Group in December. Chet was bred by Susan Lowder, Ken and Miriam Nell, is owned by Carla & Joe Sanchez, and handled by Jorge & Suzie Olivera.
(GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli)
(Photo Courtesy of AKC)
Rounding out our Hound choices is the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli. Last year breeder/owner/handler Jay Hafford led Mowgli to seven all breed BIS, 26 Hound Groups, BISS at the Afghan Hound Club of America’s 2011 National Specialty by, & Best Bred By Exhibitor In Show at the 2011 AENC. Mowgli is owned by Jay, co-breeder James P Blanchard, A Sterner, and D Rogers.
Next up, the Working Group.
Oh my goodness, love the whippets, love the Afghan, this could be very exciting! Thanks Billy for starting this thread.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the hound group is always one of the closest races! Every year I have a difficult time discerning which dog I believe will take the win! I love all of these dogs and feel each is worthy to be seen in the final seven!
ReplyDeleteI thought the Pharaoh Hound retired after the Eukanuba National. Does anyone know whether that was true?
ReplyDelete