Thank you to the Board and members of the Richmond Afghan Hound Club for inviting me to judge your specialty. It was a great honor. It's always fun to be part of a first anything and that was certainly the case here, with the three breed clubs joining forces to put on the First Colony Cluster, and a different breeder-judge flying in each day to do the honors. Exhibitors supported the event with an impressive entry, and many quality hounds to choose from, representing a variety of styles.

The club has asked me to provide comments on my top placements:

Winners Dog came from the 9 to 12 Puppy class, Jubilan's Amaretto. This oyster brindle boy has a beautiful make and shape, from his masculine, refined head to his correct croup and tail. Balanced, nice size, easy mover. I was pleased to reward his many virtues.

Reserve Winners Dog came from the Open class, Cyan Atlas, a mature, 5-year-old blue dog of great type and character. Beautiful carriage, correct size. He floated around the ring, embodying the words of our standard, "moving with head and tail high, the whole appearance of the Afghan Hound is one of great style and beauty."

My Open bitch, Calamus Coffeina, led the pack to take Winners. She is a classic black-masked red, feminine, with a gorgeous almond eye and exotic expression. Beautiful detailing. Nice size, good mover. Her patterning was icing on the cake. I found out later she is an import from Poland. She was my surprise of the day. At picture-taking time, I learned that with this win, she finished her title. Most deserving.

Reserve Winners Bitch went to the domino 9 to 12 Puppy, Jubilan's Amaranthine. Feminine, typey, correct size, beautiful dark almond eye and good mover. A litter sister to the WD.

The specials were a thrilling sight as they entered the big ring one by one. My congratulations to their devoted breeders, owners and handlers.

Best of Breed went to the black/silver bitch, GCH Victorias JP Pallasathena M-TopOne. She is a jewel of an Afghan, with beautiful breed type, light on her feet, and in exquisite condition. I could watch her move forever.

I found my BOS in the powerful blue brindle stallion, GCH Agha Djari's Fifth Dimension of Sura. He is a masculine, balanced, strong-moving dog, shown to perfection.

The Winners Dog captured Best of Winners and Best Puppy.

Select Dog went to the blue CH Kasban Wizard of Oz, shapely, athletic, with nice angles to him.

Select Bitch was awarded to GCHB Exquisite Sign of the Mermaid SC. Another classic black-masked red, feminine, moving well, and at 4 years of age, in full bloom.

I was permitted two Awards of Merit and they went to GCH Jorogz' Embers 'N Ashes At Liebran and CH Just A Dream of Meadow Valley, both worthy, typey Afghan Hounds and I was pleased to have them in my ring.

A few final words. As breeders, let's get size under control (a gazelle is slightly larger than a jackrabbit, not the size of an antelope or a moose; some of the bitches were taller than the males, and the boys weren't small); guard against the round eyes that spoil expression; and we must never lose the prominent hip bones and characteristic croup that are such trademarks of the breed and contribute so much to the Afghan Hound's unique outline.

Thank you again for the privilege of judging your specialty.
Allan Reznik, Oriana