First, I want to thank the NorthStar Irish Wolfhound Club (NIWC) for inviting me to judge their 2024 NorthStar Irish Wolfhound Club Sweepstakes. What an honor it is to serve the breed, the breeders, the owners, and the exhibitors. Secondly, I say “job well done” to the NIWC Show Committee for putting on such a wonderful show at such a spectacular site. Next, to the one that actively directs and manages the ring, the Chief Ring Steward, Mr. Jamie Germaine; thank you for setting the exhibitors up and ensuring the everything went smoothly-superb job as usual! The exhibitors entered with patience, willingness, a smile, and showed tremendous sportsmanship. This reflects upon not only the NIWC but also those faithful Irish Wolfhound breeders, owners and exhibitors that are out in front mentoring the newcomers, to whom I say “welcome”. For those that are mentoring, keep up the hard discussions, be true to the breed. To you newcomers, I say learn, study the past, be open to fail, be forgiving, learn some more, be vulnerable, keep an open mind. We are a community for the breed.
When I judge the Irish Wolfhound, I look first and foremost for type. He is the tallest of the hunting dogs, an athlete meant to go over various terrain without fading. When I evaluate puppies, I am looking for dogs capable of performing a full day’s job even though puppies are not expected to go a full day, just that they have the potential. What I do expect is for puppies to be adequately muscled just as much as a yearling. I am more forgiving of a youngster’s mental capacity at six-months than I am at the wanting of muscle. And, on the other side, too heavy a hound brings their fitness into question.
There were individual differences within a class, having good angulation that matched with appropriately grown legs, good bone for their respective size, and most had a harsh coat. I was pleased to find greyhound-like profiles. A few pasterns caught my attention, as did some longer-than-I-prefer loins; and in full transparency, I did not look at bites. Where the reader may interpret any criticism of the dogs in my critique, it is meant to be constructive. Overall, I am very pleased to say that the I found the entries looked like Irish Wolfhounds.
In deciding my Best in Sweepstakes (BiS) and Best of Opposite Sex (BoS) to BiS, I found two hounds that could easily perform their duties. These two have type, presence, cadence, and structure under their harsh coat. Strong neck, deep chest, being well-muscled, fit for function and balance – they were ready to get the job done! With my judge’s book in my hand and the Chief Steward to my right, I told him I needed to pull two and call for one last go-around before making my decision. On this day, Bitch exhibit #38 with her type, presence, and effortless movement won her Best in Sweepstakes. She has type, presence, and cadence of a huntress having a well-proportioned head and a soft expression. Congratulations! Dog exhibit #25 wanted my attention on the morning as he brought Himself in the ring with zeal. This did not go unnoticed. Strong contender for Best in Sweeps! I imagine he will mature very nicely. On another day, my decision could have been different. Both my Best in Sweeps and BoS to Best in Sweeps have the sighthound silhouette and could go all day.
Best in Sweepstakes
#s-038 Rockhart Nightwings Amira on Fire
DOB 5/7/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Nightwings on Fire at Rockhart
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: Another dark gray brindle huntress having a well-proportioned classic head and a soft expression. Her feminine head set off with rosed ears and dark eyes. Length of muzzle and well-proportioned head planes lead to a muscular, well-arched neck. Neck sets nicely into the shoulders with correct lay back and slope. Excellent pasterns. Good angulation front and rear; covered in muscles; well ribbed back. Deep chest, correct underline and topline. Her easy cadence had her covering ground efficiently, the handler just had to keep up. This bitch entered the ring, owning her rightful spot and represented the breed in type, structure, and temperament; she has greyhound shape with flowing lines. Movement is sound coming, going and from the side. Nothing course about this hound - she is “feminine”.
DOB 5/7/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Nightwings on Fire at Rockhart
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: Another dark gray brindle huntress having a well-proportioned classic head and a soft expression. Her feminine head set off with rosed ears and dark eyes. Length of muzzle and well-proportioned head planes lead to a muscular, well-arched neck. Neck sets nicely into the shoulders with correct lay back and slope. Excellent pasterns. Good angulation front and rear; covered in muscles; well ribbed back. Deep chest, correct underline and topline. Her easy cadence had her covering ground efficiently, the handler just had to keep up. This bitch entered the ring, owning her rightful spot and represented the breed in type, structure, and temperament; she has greyhound shape with flowing lines. Movement is sound coming, going and from the side. Nothing course about this hound - she is “feminine”.
Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes
#s-025 Castlekeep's Iceman at Boondocks
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Jeanie Pitzenberger & Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: A brindle, well-muscled masculine hound with type presented in fit condition, deep chest! Well-proportioned head; alert expression something I would expect from a thirteen-month-old male. Plenty of bone, muscle, and good length of leg which he used on the move. Good angulation of the humerus. Neck strong and well arched flowing nicely into a set of shoulders. Well-muscled; topline flows into sweeping quarters; well ribbed back, movement sound with ease and reach. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely.
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Jeanie Pitzenberger & Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: A brindle, well-muscled masculine hound with type presented in fit condition, deep chest! Well-proportioned head; alert expression something I would expect from a thirteen-month-old male. Plenty of bone, muscle, and good length of leg which he used on the move. Good angulation of the humerus. Neck strong and well arched flowing nicely into a set of shoulders. Well-muscled; topline flows into sweeping quarters; well ribbed back, movement sound with ease and reach. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely.
Winner Puppy 6-9 Month Sweeps Dog
#s-011 Ianina's Dasher
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / A.I. Gottsch
Judges Comment: A very young brindle puppy boy with plenty bone. A masculine head with good length to the muzzle and pleasing head planes. Dark eye with soft expression. Good angulation and length to the upper arm. Good harsh coat. He has a nice hound outline.
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / A.I. Gottsch
Judges Comment: A very young brindle puppy boy with plenty bone. A masculine head with good length to the muzzle and pleasing head planes. Dark eye with soft expression. Good angulation and length to the upper arm. Good harsh coat. He has a nice hound outline.
2nd PLACE Puppy 6-9 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-013 Winston Wyatt Whitfield
DOB 11/29/2023
By: Rjs Desinpelo Cy -- Rjs Spook
Breeder/Owner Handler: Rene Thyrston / Jimmy and Mike Whitfield
Judges Comment: Very young, rangy, dark brindle, puppy dog. Good length to the muzzle. Sufficient length and angulation to the upper arm, but his shoulder angulation is a little upright than I prefer. He is ribbed back and well-muscled in the hindquarters. To his misfortune he is butt-high right now, as he grows some things may come together. Unfortunately, I find him to be too long in the loin.
DOB 11/29/2023
By: Rjs Desinpelo Cy -- Rjs Spook
Breeder/Owner Handler: Rene Thyrston / Jimmy and Mike Whitfield
Judges Comment: Very young, rangy, dark brindle, puppy dog. Good length to the muzzle. Sufficient length and angulation to the upper arm, but his shoulder angulation is a little upright than I prefer. He is ribbed back and well-muscled in the hindquarters. To his misfortune he is butt-high right now, as he grows some things may come together. Unfortunately, I find him to be too long in the loin.
Winner Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Dog
#s-021 Slaine Shellane Marcato
DOB 6/25/2023
By: Ch. Shellane Braniff -- Ch. Callaid Slaine Merremia Emo'di
Breeder/Owner Handler: C. A. Bernstein, R. Bernstein, Helen Philpott / Christine Bernstein
Judges Comment: Tall, rangy, dark brindle puppy dog. Dark eyes with a kind expression. A hound of substantial size for his age. Well-boned with rosed ears and a harsh coat. Long upper arm sets into a reasonably set shoulder. Strong arched neck into a good front with a good deep chest. Nicely ribbed back. There is breadth through and through; good width and breadth through stifle; moves out well. I would prefer a better set on croup.
DOB 6/25/2023
By: Ch. Shellane Braniff -- Ch. Callaid Slaine Merremia Emo'di
Breeder/Owner Handler: C. A. Bernstein, R. Bernstein, Helen Philpott / Christine Bernstein
Judges Comment: Tall, rangy, dark brindle puppy dog. Dark eyes with a kind expression. A hound of substantial size for his age. Well-boned with rosed ears and a harsh coat. Long upper arm sets into a reasonably set shoulder. Strong arched neck into a good front with a good deep chest. Nicely ribbed back. There is breadth through and through; good width and breadth through stifle; moves out well. I would prefer a better set on croup.
2nd PLACE Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-017 Custail Eamonn at Rosach Ridge
DOB 7/10/2023
By: Cluain Ard Fergus Mac Roich -- Custail Carmenere
Breeder/Owner Handler: Brian Heide / Kathleen & John Rose
Judges Comment: A red rangy puppy dog with a dark eye and dark pigmentation. Pleasing head planes shown with furnishings. Ears rosed. With regards to the humerus, there is adequate length but lack proper angulation as they come into a shoulder that is set a little upright. Sadly, I find him moving wide in the front. Harsh coat.
DOB 7/10/2023
By: Cluain Ard Fergus Mac Roich -- Custail Carmenere
Breeder/Owner Handler: Brian Heide / Kathleen & John Rose
Judges Comment: A red rangy puppy dog with a dark eye and dark pigmentation. Pleasing head planes shown with furnishings. Ears rosed. With regards to the humerus, there is adequate length but lack proper angulation as they come into a shoulder that is set a little upright. Sadly, I find him moving wide in the front. Harsh coat.
3rd PLACE Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-023 Xerxes Roan Inish
DOB 6/26/2023
By: Glenfels The Boy From OZ -- Quebradita Roan Inish
Breeder/Owner Handler: Petra Tomasovicova / Michelle Prescott-Guderian
Judges Comment: A brindle puppy dog possessing type. Masculine head with nice planes, a lot of muzzle in front of dark eyes. Ears are rosed. Good angulation of the humerus with a good fore chest. He was presented in good condition. Standing he appeared in greyhound silhouette but on the on the move. On this day he tends to have some pastern issues when standing, which may be impacting his elasticity on the move.
DOB 6/26/2023
By: Glenfels The Boy From OZ -- Quebradita Roan Inish
Breeder/Owner Handler: Petra Tomasovicova / Michelle Prescott-Guderian
Judges Comment: A brindle puppy dog possessing type. Masculine head with nice planes, a lot of muzzle in front of dark eyes. Ears are rosed. Good angulation of the humerus with a good fore chest. He was presented in good condition. Standing he appeared in greyhound silhouette but on the on the move. On this day he tends to have some pastern issues when standing, which may be impacting his elasticity on the move.
Winner Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Dog
#s-025 Castlekeep's Iceman at Boondocks
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Jeanie Pitzenberger & Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: A brindle, well-muscled masculine hound with type presented in fit condition, deep chest! Well-proportioned head; alert expression something I would expect from a thirteen-month-old male. Plenty of bone, muscle, and good length of leg which he used on the move. Good angulation of the humerus. Neck strong and well arched flowing nicely into a set of shoulders. Well-muscled; topline flows into sweeping quarters; well ribbed back, movement sound with ease and reach. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely.
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Jeanie Pitzenberger & Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: A brindle, well-muscled masculine hound with type presented in fit condition, deep chest! Well-proportioned head; alert expression something I would expect from a thirteen-month-old male. Plenty of bone, muscle, and good length of leg which he used on the move. Good angulation of the humerus. Neck strong and well arched flowing nicely into a set of shoulders. Well-muscled; topline flows into sweeping quarters; well ribbed back, movement sound with ease and reach. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely. Strong contender for BIS! I imagine he will mature very nicely.
2nd PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-029 Rockhart Resolution
DOB 3/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Rockhart Mawingo
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: A mature, strong, confident dark brindle male with pleasing head planes, plenty of muzzle in front of dark eyes which were topped with nicely rosed ears. Strong, well arched neck flowed into well laid-back shoulders. Good angulation of the humerus; balanced front and rear assemblies. Depth of chest and spring of rib. Lovely topline with correct arched loin. Very pleasant hound that was eager to please. On another day could easily have placed first.
DOB 3/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Rockhart Mawingo
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: A mature, strong, confident dark brindle male with pleasing head planes, plenty of muzzle in front of dark eyes which were topped with nicely rosed ears. Strong, well arched neck flowed into well laid-back shoulders. Good angulation of the humerus; balanced front and rear assemblies. Depth of chest and spring of rib. Lovely topline with correct arched loin. Very pleasant hound that was eager to please. On another day could easily have placed first.
3rd PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-031 Windseeker Farrell
DOB 4/26/2023
By: Lonnkyle Phlyer -- Lonnkyle Foinaven Solace
Breeder/Owner Handler: Ann Brockett / Ann Brockett
Judges Comment: A rangy red athlete of a hound. Strong level head planes. Could use a smaller ear-but his are rosed! Very good angulation of humerus; strong arched neck flowing into a well-set shoulders; his balance is good due to matching angulations front and rear. He is in good harsh condition and moved out well. I would like to see more light under him. Harsh coat.
DOB 4/26/2023
By: Lonnkyle Phlyer -- Lonnkyle Foinaven Solace
Breeder/Owner Handler: Ann Brockett / Ann Brockett
Judges Comment: A rangy red athlete of a hound. Strong level head planes. Could use a smaller ear-but his are rosed! Very good angulation of humerus; strong arched neck flowing into a well-set shoulders; his balance is good due to matching angulations front and rear. He is in good harsh condition and moved out well. I would like to see more light under him. Harsh coat.
4th PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-027 Rockhart Rampage
DOB 5/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolve at Nightwings -- Rockhart Mafia
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr. Lynn Simon / Patrick Roche
Judges Comment: A rangy brindle yearling on long legs. Feet are a tad easty-westy - He has a greyhound silhouette and covered ground uncontrollably. A pleasing temperament, with a soulful expression with dark eyes. Strong topline. Front and rear do not match in angulation therefore he did not come together on the move.
DOB 5/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolve at Nightwings -- Rockhart Mafia
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr. Lynn Simon / Patrick Roche
Judges Comment: A rangy brindle yearling on long legs. Feet are a tad easty-westy - He has a greyhound silhouette and covered ground uncontrollably. A pleasing temperament, with a soulful expression with dark eyes. Strong topline. Front and rear do not match in angulation therefore he did not come together on the move.
Winner Senior 15-18 Month Sweeps Dog
#s-051 Wyvern's Toast To Odin
DOB 12/21/2022
By: Pinehurst Hendrix -- Caraglen Wyvern Sprezzatura
Breeder/Owner Handler: Melanie Mercer / Melanie Mercer & Greg Mercer
Judges Comment: Long legs on this substantial mature looking, brindle dog. Well boned seventeen month old with good head planes and lots of muzzle. Soft expression. He could use a finer ear. A strong neck. Adequate length of upper arm - could use better angulation. Shoulders are well angulated and sloped. Nice depth of chest; would prefer more forechest. Balanced hound with a good tuck up and adequate angulation of hindquarters. Good croup
DOB 12/21/2022
By: Pinehurst Hendrix -- Caraglen Wyvern Sprezzatura
Breeder/Owner Handler: Melanie Mercer / Melanie Mercer & Greg Mercer
Judges Comment: Long legs on this substantial mature looking, brindle dog. Well boned seventeen month old with good head planes and lots of muzzle. Soft expression. He could use a finer ear. A strong neck. Adequate length of upper arm - could use better angulation. Shoulders are well angulated and sloped. Nice depth of chest; would prefer more forechest. Balanced hound with a good tuck up and adequate angulation of hindquarters. Good croup
2nd PLACE Senior 15-18 Month Sweeps Dog
NO PICTURE
#s-037 Wyvern's Thorfinn
DOB 12/21/2022
By: Pinehurst Hendrix -- Caraglen Wyvern Sprezzatura
Breeder/Owner Handler: Melanie Mercer / Margaret Nemeth & Melanie Mercer
Judges Comment: Littermate to the first place. Brindle dog of substantial leg length. Soft expression; could use a finer ear. A strong neck. Adequate length of upper arm - could use better angulation. Shoulders are well angulated and sloped. Nice depth of chest; would prefer more forechest. A balanced hound with a good tuck up and adequate angulation of hindquarters. Good croup. To be critical, his loin was too long for my liking.
DOB 12/21/2022
By: Pinehurst Hendrix -- Caraglen Wyvern Sprezzatura
Breeder/Owner Handler: Melanie Mercer / Margaret Nemeth & Melanie Mercer
Judges Comment: Littermate to the first place. Brindle dog of substantial leg length. Soft expression; could use a finer ear. A strong neck. Adequate length of upper arm - could use better angulation. Shoulders are well angulated and sloped. Nice depth of chest; would prefer more forechest. A balanced hound with a good tuck up and adequate angulation of hindquarters. Good croup. To be critical, his loin was too long for my liking.
Winner Puppy 6-9 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-014 Ianina's Vixen At Odd Duck Farm
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / Kim Oliver & A.l. Gottsch & Michael Cherry
Judges Comment: A happy youngster with dark eyes suited to her coat. Soft expression. I see she is just turned six months and is adapting well to getting out. Sufficient substance for age, sufficient angulation in front and hindquarters, good length of leg, good feet, good movement which was clean on the move. She was having fun.
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / Kim Oliver & A.l. Gottsch & Michael Cherry
Judges Comment: A happy youngster with dark eyes suited to her coat. Soft expression. I see she is just turned six months and is adapting well to getting out. Sufficient substance for age, sufficient angulation in front and hindquarters, good length of leg, good feet, good movement which was clean on the move. She was having fun.
2nd PLACE Puppy 6-9 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-012 Ianina's Comet at Thornberry
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / Glenna Rice
Judges Comment: I see these two are littermates. This brindle puppy bitch has nicely rosed ears on a pleasing head. Looked good standing but was lost on the move going, coming and on the side. I would like to feel more conditioning.
DOB 12/9/2023
By: CH Magh Itha's Stratus -- CH Rysheron's We'll Always Have Paris
Breeder/Owner Handler: A.I. Gottsch & Cheryl Riggs / Glenna Rice
Judges Comment: I see these two are littermates. This brindle puppy bitch has nicely rosed ears on a pleasing head. Looked good standing but was lost on the move going, coming and on the side. I would like to feel more conditioning.
Winner Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-020 Northern Lights Prairecreeks Crimson CloverPnumbra
DOB 7/31/2023
By: Penumbra Got My Mojo Working BCAT CGC -- CH Prairie Creek Queen Clarisse
Breeder/Owner Handler: Jodie Kistner, Magie Wolfe, Constance C. Smalley / Jody Kistner
Judges Comment: A tall, rangy dark brindle puppy bitch full of substantial bone and muscle. Dark eye. She carried her head alertly on a strong, well-arched neck than flows into well set shoulders. Pasterns are excellent. Not overdone front or aft. Long upper arm that could use better angulation. A very sound mover that held on the go. Harsh coat. A sighthound in outline.
DOB 7/31/2023
By: Penumbra Got My Mojo Working BCAT CGC -- CH Prairie Creek Queen Clarisse
Breeder/Owner Handler: Jodie Kistner, Magie Wolfe, Constance C. Smalley / Jody Kistner
Judges Comment: A tall, rangy dark brindle puppy bitch full of substantial bone and muscle. Dark eye. She carried her head alertly on a strong, well-arched neck than flows into well set shoulders. Pasterns are excellent. Not overdone front or aft. Long upper arm that could use better angulation. A very sound mover that held on the go. Harsh coat. A sighthound in outline.
2nd PLACE Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Bitch
NO PICTURE
#s-018 Gemini's Don't Feed After Midnight
DOB 9/13/2023
By: Castlekeep's Mr Marvelous At Wolfhaven -- Gemini's Big Girls Need Big Diamonds
Breeder/Owner Handler: Marian Levin / Marian Levin
Judges Comment: Gray brindle puppy bitch of type. Feminine head having gentle expression adorned with nicely rosing ears. Dark eyes. Well boned with good angulations front and rear, body has sufficient substance for her age. Good length and depth of ribcage, good turn of stifle. To be critical, she is a bit long in loin for me.
DOB 9/13/2023
By: Castlekeep's Mr Marvelous At Wolfhaven -- Gemini's Big Girls Need Big Diamonds
Breeder/Owner Handler: Marian Levin / Marian Levin
Judges Comment: Gray brindle puppy bitch of type. Feminine head having gentle expression adorned with nicely rosing ears. Dark eyes. Well boned with good angulations front and rear, body has sufficient substance for her age. Good length and depth of ribcage, good turn of stifle. To be critical, she is a bit long in loin for me.
3rd PLACE Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Bitch
NO PICTURE
#s-016 Brimstone Tylomar Honey Mead
DOB 8/6/2023
By: Brimstone Rebel Souls at Boondocks -- Brimstone Devine
Breeder/Owner Handler: Laurie Morris / Laurie Morris
Judges Comment: A young huntress having a classic head that look feminine. Dark gray brindle with dark eyes, well-muscled up and of excellent type. Sighthound outline of soft curves. Good angulations fore and aft. Strong arched neck flows into good shoulders. Her overall balance is very good due to matching angulation in front and rear. Presented in excellent condition, she moved well and carried herself with purpose. On this day she was giving her handler a difficult time as the she was searching for her owner – and this I forgive.
DOB 8/6/2023
By: Brimstone Rebel Souls at Boondocks -- Brimstone Devine
Breeder/Owner Handler: Laurie Morris / Laurie Morris
Judges Comment: A young huntress having a classic head that look feminine. Dark gray brindle with dark eyes, well-muscled up and of excellent type. Sighthound outline of soft curves. Good angulations fore and aft. Strong arched neck flows into good shoulders. Her overall balance is very good due to matching angulation in front and rear. Presented in excellent condition, she moved well and carried herself with purpose. On this day she was giving her handler a difficult time as the she was searching for her owner – and this I forgive.
4th PLACE Puppy 9-12 Month Sweeps Bitch
NO PICTURE
#s-022 Slaine Shellane Dorian
DOB 6/25/2023
By: Ch. Shellane Braniff -- Ch. Callaid Slaine Merremia Emo'di
Breeder/Owner Handler: C. A. Bernstein, R. Bernstein, Helen Philpott / Christine Bernstein
Judges Comment: Tall, rangy, brindle bitch with long legs and a pleasing head assembly. Agreeable length of muzzle below a set of dark eyes topped with rosed ears. Substantial bone and good neck but could do with more arch and muscle, would prefer more angulation and inward slope of shoulder. Regrettably, I prefer a little less in the loin.
DOB 6/25/2023
By: Ch. Shellane Braniff -- Ch. Callaid Slaine Merremia Emo'di
Breeder/Owner Handler: C. A. Bernstein, R. Bernstein, Helen Philpott / Christine Bernstein
Judges Comment: Tall, rangy, brindle bitch with long legs and a pleasing head assembly. Agreeable length of muzzle below a set of dark eyes topped with rosed ears. Substantial bone and good neck but could do with more arch and muscle, would prefer more angulation and inward slope of shoulder. Regrettably, I prefer a little less in the loin.
Winner Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-038 Rockhart Nightwings Amira on Fire
DOB 5/7/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Nightwings on Fire at Rockhart
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: Another dark gray brindle huntress having a well-proportioned classic head and a soft expression. Her feminine head set off with rosed ears and dark eyes. Length of muzzle and well-proportioned head planes lead to a muscular, well-arched neck. Neck sets nicely into the shoulders with correct lay back and slope. Excellent pasterns. Good angulation front and rear; covered in muscles; well ribbed back. Deep chest, correct underline and topline. Her easy cadence had her covering ground efficiently, the handler just had to keep up. This bitch entered the ring, owning her rightful spot and represented the breed in type, structure, and temperament; she has greyhound shape with flowing lines. Movement is sound coming, going and from the side. Nothing course about this hound - she is “feminine”.
DOB 5/7/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Nightwings on Fire at Rockhart
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson / Dr Lynn Simon & Joel Mattson
Judges Comment: Another dark gray brindle huntress having a well-proportioned classic head and a soft expression. Her feminine head set off with rosed ears and dark eyes. Length of muzzle and well-proportioned head planes lead to a muscular, well-arched neck. Neck sets nicely into the shoulders with correct lay back and slope. Excellent pasterns. Good angulation front and rear; covered in muscles; well ribbed back. Deep chest, correct underline and topline. Her easy cadence had her covering ground efficiently, the handler just had to keep up. This bitch entered the ring, owning her rightful spot and represented the breed in type, structure, and temperament; she has greyhound shape with flowing lines. Movement is sound coming, going and from the side. Nothing course about this hound - she is “feminine”.
2nd PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-028 Castlekeep's Imogen
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: Another fine specimen of a huntress, she was pushing to win this class. This brindle bitch has pleasing head planes, long muzzle, adorned with rosed ears and a soft expression. Strong well arched neck flowing into well laid-back shoulder. A correct front and rear assembly balanced in both length and angle. Well ribbed back. Good depth of chest and moved well on long legs having the breadth and width across the thighs. On another day, 1st place and 2d place could easily have had a different outcome.
DOB 5/27/2023
By: CH Castlekeep's Integrity -- GCH Castlekeep's Scarlet Magnolia NC
Breeder/Owner Handler: Donna Tomson / Donna Tomson
Judges Comment: Another fine specimen of a huntress, she was pushing to win this class. This brindle bitch has pleasing head planes, long muzzle, adorned with rosed ears and a soft expression. Strong well arched neck flowing into well laid-back shoulder. A correct front and rear assembly balanced in both length and angle. Well ribbed back. Good depth of chest and moved well on long legs having the breadth and width across the thighs. On another day, 1st place and 2d place could easily have had a different outcome.
3rd PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-044 Rockhart Raphaella
DOB 4/16/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Rockhart Rapture
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon
Judges Comment: Another solid huntress. A typical, tall rangy brindle bitch in hard condition with good return of upper arm. Strong powerful neck flows into well laid back shoulders. Deep chest. Harsh coat. Sweeping stifles - she is in harsh condition having breadth across well‐muscled upper and lower thighs.
DOB 4/16/2023
By: Rockhart Resolute -- Rockhart Rapture
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon
Judges Comment: Another solid huntress. A typical, tall rangy brindle bitch in hard condition with good return of upper arm. Strong powerful neck flows into well laid back shoulders. Deep chest. Harsh coat. Sweeping stifles - she is in harsh condition having breadth across well‐muscled upper and lower thighs.
4th PLACE Junior 12-15 Month Sweeps Bitch
#s-036 Rockhart Medora
DOB 5/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolve at Nightwings -- Rockhart Mafia
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon
Judges Comment: Another strong huntress. A dark brindle classic head with dark eyes and good length of muzzle. Neck strong and well arched flowing into shoulders that are properly angulated and correctly sloped. Well ribbed back. Her overall balance is very good due to matching angulation in front and rear. Harsh coat. On another day she may have taken first place but today I think she wanted to be hunting.
DOB 5/19/2023
By: Rockhart Resolve at Nightwings -- Rockhart Mafia
Breeder/Owner Handler: Dr Lynn Simon / Dr Lynn Simon
Judges Comment: Another strong huntress. A dark brindle classic head with dark eyes and good length of muzzle. Neck strong and well arched flowing into shoulders that are properly angulated and correctly sloped. Well ribbed back. Her overall balance is very good due to matching angulation in front and rear. Harsh coat. On another day she may have taken first place but today I think she wanted to be hunting.