10th National Beagle Championship Show
Mr Lajos Holovitz
Thank you once again for inviting me to judge at the10th National Show – it was a great honour. I would like to summarise a few thoughts about what I experienced.
Both Baby classes were very strong. There is a big difference between a 3 month old and 6 month old dog and this difference does not in fact necessarily mean that older is better.
Minor Puppy and Puppy – are possibly the two most difficult classes, from the exhibitors’ and judge’s point of view. These dogs are at the most difficult age, both physically and emotionally. We have to survive this period!
The two Junior classes were far more well-balanced. I was able to judge outstanding dogs. There were very strong competitors from which I had to make a decision – I enjoyed this very much.
Almost every dog behaved well on the table, they showed themselves nicely. Well- groomed dogs, well prepared exhibitors. As the more mature classes came along, tension grew stronger, posture became better, backs became tighter, in movement too. And what made certain dogs really stand out from the rest, was their motivation, an extra momentum and their true Beagle-character which was revealed the moment they felt they didn’t have to behave in a disciplined way. This behaviour is an added extra.
We can not go past weaknesses without mentioning them.
Let’s begin with the head:
The proportions are important, the most common being a shorter muzzle and wider skull. Andwidely placed eyes which spoil the expression, as well as an unfilled region under the eyes. A high setting of the ears was luckily not typical at this show.
A book could be written about the Beagle front! A short upper arm, straight shoulder and shorter and shorter bones are a problem worldwide, here too. Luckily, due to the high number of competitors, I was always able to find dogs with a good front. In my opinion, the most important thing is the balance between front and rear. Possible problems are revealed though movement. If there is no balance between front and rear, the length of step is shorter. In order to make a longer journey with the least amount of invested energy, ideally, the backline moves forward only, not up and down, especially not from side to side. Any movement which differs from the desired forward movement is a waste of energy.
So that I can finish off with something positive, let me continue with the Veterans. ( I don’t like this word – it brings tears to my eyes.)I cannot remember if I have ever seen Veteran classes like these before. World class dogs in top condition. I hope they bring lots of happiness to their owners. I am very grateful that you showed these dogs to me.
Thank you for letting me be among you for a few days and for all the love that you surrounded us with.
Lajos Holovitz
P.S. I found five dogs, for which I would have even given money to simply be able to touch, - miraculous.