WHAT IS A PUPPY SHOW?
Traditionally puppy shows are held to thank those who have walked hound puppies and to show their progress since they came back into the kennels after being out at walk.
The puppy walkers have a big responsibility, giving each young hound their initial education following being weaned. This involves introducing them to the sights and smells of the countryside, ensuring they know right from wrong, and most importantly, making certain each individual hound knows its proper kennel name.
WHO GOES TO THE PUPPY SHOW?
Apart from the puppy walkers who really are the guests of honour there tends to be many more on the guest list and these can include, hunt committee members, those who organise functions and fundraising events, farmers, meet hosts, subscribers, joint-masters and members of hunt staff from surrounding packs and hunt supporters. The Braes of Derwent encourage as many people as possible to attend the puppy show.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR?
Being one of the most prestigious events on the summer hunting calendar, an effort is generally made by most guests to look smart. Members of hunt staff tend to be recognisable by their bowler hats and dark suits, it is customary for Masters to wear dark suits and a Panama hat.
Gentlemen usually wear a suit or jacket with shirt and tie, the attire worn by the ladies is usually dependent on the weather with waterproof coats and wellies often disguising even the best-planned summer outfit. With regards to footwear, remember you are likely to be standing on grass so flats, those with a slightly sturdy heel, or wedges, would be more advisable than stilettos. Dress for the weather and remember you will be standing around for much of the time and might need an extra layer.
WHAT ARE THE HOUNDS JUDGED ON AND BY WHO?
There are usually two invited judges who come to assess the young hounds and give their verdict on their conformation and movement. The judges are often a Master of Foxhounds (MFH) or Huntsman, although this can vary. Similar to judging horses, they will look at the overall picture of each hound, check they have good feet, shoulders, backs and also see how freely they move.
HOW OLD ARE THE HOUNDS?
The hounds presented to the judges are those that will start their hunting careers in the autumn and tend to be about one-year-old (usually born sometime between January and July of the previous year). There may be up to six months difference in age between litters born early in January, and some that aren’t born until July. This is something that will be of particular note to the judges.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT FOR THE AFTERNOON?
You will be given a “racecard” which explains the order in which the hounds will be shown. You will also find breeding details of each of the young hounds and details of who walked each one. The doghounds are judged first and are usually shown to the judges by the Huntsman in couples, so there is time for them to assess them properly. After all of the doghounds have been reviewed by the judges, they will all come back into the ring and then the final assessment will take place. Once the judging of the doghounds has been completed the same procedure then happens with the bitches.
WHO TEACHES THE HOUNDS TO SHOW?
There is quite an art to showing hounds and the hunt staff will have spent a lot of time over the weeks and months leading up to the big day to ensure the hounds show themselves off to their best advantage. Don’t be surprised to see the Huntsman using dog biscuits to encourage the hounds to stand properly and to get the most out of their movement.
WHAT IS THE ETIQUETTE DURING JUDGING?
Firstly, always arrive in good time. The puppy show is often a very social occasion where hunting people catch up with familiar faces for the first time since the season ended. However, it must be remembered that it is still a very important day, particularly for the puppy walkers, so do try to pay attention to the hounds and the judging. If you don’t understand something, there is usually somebody around keen to answer questions.
It is a good idea to get involved by trying to judge the hounds for yourself to see if you choose the one that wins.
One word of advice, if you happen to be sitting close to the edge of the judging ring, always pay attention when the doghounds are near the railings, in case they decide to relieve themselves…a wet leg does not appeal to everyone!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PUPPY SHOW?
After the judging has taken place, there are usually speeches and a prize-giving where prizes are awarded to the puppy walkers of the winning hounds. The Braes of Derwent Hunt also gives an engraved gift to the puppy walker of each of the young hounds that went out to walk.
Afternoon tea is served following the puppy show. This tends to take place in a barn at the kennels or perhaps a marquee if one has been laid on and you may well get asked to contribute a plate of sandwiches or bring a cake to add to the feast. Tea is the ideal time and place to catch up with all your hunting friends.