Ken Murray: When I received the invitation to judge the Hound Group at Morris & Essex, I was both thrilled and deeply honored.
Ken Murray: The Group had tremendous depth of quality, making it an exceptionally strong and competitive lineup. Judges were asked not to make an initial cut—a wise decision, because I would have reluctantly had to excuse more than half the Group, and that would have been a shame given the overall excellence in the ring.
Ken Murray: My first-place winner was a dog I have admired since he was a puppy—the American Foxhound. He possesses a beautiful head and soft, noble expression. His structure is correct coming and going, with strong bone, excellent substance, and beautiful feet. His topline and depth of chest are exactly what the breed calls for, and he maintains that stunning outline effortlessly as he moves around the ring.
The Saluki—I cannot say enough good things about this bitch. She was exceptionally correct and beautifully presented. I especially appreciated her moderate angles, ideal size, and effortless, ground-covering movement that exemplifies the breed’s elegance and purpose.
The Scottish Deerhound presented outstanding breed type, moving correctly at both ends with balance and purpose. On the go-around, she displayed impressive reach and drive while maintaining her correct outline and that unmistakable Deerhound presence.
The Bloodhound bitch possessed beautiful breed type, combining powerful movement with the characteristic loose skin—never overdone. She had tremendous bone and substance, strong feet, and a clean, noble expression. Her back and tail set were both solid and true, completing an overall picture of strength and balance.
It was extremely difficult to narrow the Group down to just four dogs—so many were truly deserving of recognition. It was a privilege to judge such quality.
Ken Murray: Morris & Essex is a show like no other, and the committee deserves great credit for presenting an event of such distinction and tradition.
