Now we’re in the thick of the puppy show season, here’s how to look as though you know what you are talking about (and learn something at the same time)

• Dress with intent: suits and flat cap or panama for the men, summer dress and if you’re really going for it, a hat for the ladies. But think demure straw, not Royal Ascot.
• Sit at the edge of the ring where you have a good view of what’s going on and don’t take your eyes off the hounds throughout the judging. Laughing and talking at the back with only an occasional glimpse at the ring is not an option.
• Earwig on a conversation with one of the aficionados at the ringside and nod sagely if they deign to share an opinion on anything going on in the ring.
• You may have never looked at a hound critically before but looking at their symmetry — feet, elbow, shoulder and from behind — is a good starting point.
• Have a few stock phrases on hound conformation that you can repeat at random — “not so sure about that one’s shoulder, that big dog is slightly weak behind, I like the way the lemon bitch moves,” — that sort of thing. Most people won’t actually know that you’re bluffing.
• Instead of using your puppy show card, which lists the young hounds and their breeding, as a fan or a sun shade/umbrella, keep referring to it throughout the judging. When the final results are called, make a note of the winning order which you can use as a reference later in the day.
• Scones with cream and jam may beckon after the judging but if you’re really eager to impress, forget the tea and try and collar one of the judges to talk you through his decisions.

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• Chat to one of the masters or the huntsman/kennel-huntsman and ask him if the judges’ choices were in line with his own. Sometimes the winners, are obvious but in a big kennel with a large and quality entry it can be more difficult for a novice to spot the best.
• After the tea, don’t flee the premises — hang around the ring where the cognoscenti will be viewing the older hounds. You will look keen and probably learn something at the same time.

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Everybody who is invited to their hunt’s puppy show is there for a reason — be it in their capacity as a puppy walker or perhaps as somebody who hosts a meet or organises a fundraising event.

On the day though, aside from the hosting hunt staff, masters and visiting judges, it’s usually possible to identify several different groups of people sitting around the railings.

We take a look at some of those that can be identified during proceedings — it might come as a surprise to know what is really going through their minds as hounds are put before them…

1. Puppy walkers

The most-treasured of all guests on puppy show day, they tend to position themselves in the front row of seats around the edge of the ring so they can get a good view of the hounds that they walked in action (and perhaps try to lip-read what the judges are saying about the opposition). Although of course they don’t want to distract their former charges when they enter the ring, they are secretly delighted to be greeted by their beloved hounds, knowing that they still remember where they spent much of their early months of their lives.

2. Visiting hunt staff

The bowler hatted and dark suit-clad members of hunt staff automatically head to a certain place around the puppy show ring where they assemble to form their opinion on the hounds and catch up on hunting news — or gossip — from other packs.

3. The older generation

For those who aren’t perhaps as agile as they once were, whose hunting days are perhaps confined to following in a car or whose involvement is limited to sponsoring a hound, these much-valued members of the hunt can still be a part of the day and remained involved. If the truth be told, their experience means they are better judges of hounds than many of those who are still actively hunting, although they tend to sit quietly, observing rather than making too much noise, while getting slightly frustrated at those who continue to talk all throughout the judging.

4. The budding photographer

These can be seen in all sorts of places trying to get unique images for the hunt’s website or calendar: crouching down low to get a hounds-eye view or even climbing on high to get an overhead shot like nobody else’s — their efforts know no bounds!

5. The gossipers

The last day of hunting — which is quite often the last time hunt supporters saw each other — is usually a distant memory by the time the puppy show comes around. As a result there is a lot to catch up on with people you spend many long days with throughout the season but rarely see over the summer months. The gossipers don’t usually bother to sit down, they stand at the back keeping half an eye on proceedings but making up for lost time catching up with friends. Some can even make it back into tea afterwards barely noticing that the judging has taken place!

6. The once-a-season judges

A good number on the guest list will attend just the one puppy show per season and ensure they get involved from the onset. Some will have a natural eye for conformation and come up with the same result as the judges while others — a bit like racegoers who back horses on names or on the colours of the jockey’s silks — will purely go for what takes their fancy. This is especially true where a particular hound shows real character in the ring or is easily identifiable such as being the only hairy one among a litter of smooth-coated siblings.

7. Regular hound judges

These are the back-seat drivers of any puppy show and tour all over the country to look at hounds, hoping to spot the next Peterborough champion before anybody else has realised its’ potential. Can be seen studying pedigrees and will monitor every move a hound makes, often commenting to those around them and pointing their pen at anything they think the judges should be seeing. Although they are never slow to point out something they have an opinion on, they are also quick to praise and know that “the judge is always right”!

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8. The hounds

Talk of puppy show characters wouldn’t be complete without mention of the hounds. Outside of those being judged, the favourites of the day — for children in particular — are often the latest litters of whelps that sit cutely watching proceedings from the grass yard. Those being judged however all display a variety of characteristics too, just like the people watching. There is usually the odd shy one that needs gentle encouragement to face the crowds. In addition each pack tends to have at least one over-enthusiastic member of the young entry that charges around the puppy show ring from one end to the other, barely stopping on the flags to show themself off fully to the judges. However on the whole the majority will be well settled in the ring having been given plenty of practice ahead of the big day so will know what’s expected of them, rightly making the hunt staff and puppy walkers proud while giving hope for the future of hunting.

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Now is the season for packs of hounds to hold their annual puppy show.

For those who haven’t been to one before, the name perhaps conjures up an image of cute, fluffy hound puppies being lead around a ring for all to see. The reality however is quite different but for those who attend, it is one of the highlights of the summer and is not to be missed.

For anyone who has been invited for the first time, those who are just curious about what goes on or people who have perhaps been before but might even have been slightly confused at the goings-on, H&H answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this special event in each pack’s summer calendar.

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, the guest list can be made up of any number of people, depending on each pack’s own criteria.

There tends to be many more than just the puppy walkers on the guest list and these can include — although each pack varies — hunt committee members, those who organise functions and fundraising events, farmers, meet hosts, subscribers, joint-masters and members of hunt staff from surrounding packs, hunt supporters, members of the press and perhaps the local MP.

It is seen as an honour to be invited to attend the puppy show although quite often packs have theirs as part of their annual kennel open day where everybody is welcome.

If you haven’t been invited and wish to attend, it may be worth putting in a quick call to your local master.

What do you wear if you’ve been invited?

Being one of the most prestigious events on the summer hunting calendar, an effort is generally made by most guests to look smart.

Gentlemen generally wear a suit or jacket and tie with panama hats often worn if the weather is suitably mild. Members of hunt staff tend to be recognisable by their bowler hats and dark suits.

The attire worn by the ladies is usually dependant on the weather with waterproof coats and wellies often disguising even the best-planned summer outfit. Hats are encouraged, although on occasions those worn by some are perhaps more suitable on racegoers at Royal Ascot and would be better left at home.

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) and a professional 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 sometimes 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 and the results announced, 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!

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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. Most packs also give an engraved spoon to the puppy walker of each of the young hounds that went out to walk.

In addition, many packs lay on a generous spread of afternoon tea 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.

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It was the turn of the Fell hounds to take centre stage at Rydal Hound Show near Ambleside in Cumbria on 13 August.

Often described as “having a real holiday atmosphere,” this is one of the most popular and looked-forward to hound shows of the summer, with many visitors then going on to Lowther Hound Show a few days later.

A large crowd of hunting enthusiasts gathered at Rydal’s scenic venue where there were three rings of judging to enjoy. The day commences with the show of the Coniston hounds in the foxhounds ring, then the Fell hounds begin the open classes, where all seven registered packs put hounds forward.

Unlike the showing of the modern foxhound, Fell hounds are shown on their lead by their huntsman or their walker.

Repeating his success of last year was Blencathra Sergent, who took the Fell hound championship title before winning the supreme show championship ahead of the winners of the beagles, harriers and terriers championships. Holcombe Barrister 12 who had earlier landed the harrier championship took the reserve champion overall.

In the beagles classes, the Palmer Marlborough enjoyed a very successful day with Dancer 14 winning the entered doghound class and standing champion.

In addition to the hound show, as well as browsing the many trade stands, visitors to the show could also enjoy the associated sheep dog trials, stick show and hound trailing.

The Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire Beagles enjoy success with Wagtail, winner of the entered bitch hound class

Eskdale and Ennerdale Rascal claims the unentered bitch hound title

The Holcombe’s successful doghound Barrister 12 takes the harrier championship

Blencathra Matcham secures the unentered doghound class

Judging of the Fell hounds

Rydal Hound Show takes place in the scenic Cumbrian countryside

Members of a large crowd view the judging from the ringside

Supreme show champion, Blencathra Sergent with huntsman Barry Todhunter

For the full report and results, please see this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 27 August 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (p98, 14 May, 2015) former master and huntsman Mark Hankinson explains why while electing to walk hound puppies may not be as easy as it initially sounds, it is vital that hardy souls step up for this important task if we are all to continue to enjoy many more great days following hounds in the future.

In the feature he quotes the famous poem by Will H Ogilvie, which is provided in full below.

Will you walk a puppy? by Will H Ogilvie

Will H. Ogilvie

A challenging breeding year due to problems getting bitches in whelp lead to a mixed young entry of 10 couple being shown by kennel-huntsman Matthew Puffer to judges Mr Alistair Jackson and Paul Larby, huntsman of the Grove and Rufford.

The doghound Bengate (by Fizwilliam Benwick 12) — walked by local farmer Charlotte Wilkinson — took the championship.

Rosebud, the winning bitch hound, was drafted as a whelp from the joint-mastership of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase.

By Bicester Poacher 10 who has produced lovely litters countrywide, she will present an exciting new female line within the kennel. Litter sisters Rowdy and Rosebud were walked by Miss Stefanie Golding who was a first-time puppy walker.

The best working hounds of the prior season went to a brother and sister; Rooster and Rosie (by Heythrop Rodeo 10), one of very few litters he produced before sadly passing away.

They are unique as the pedigree shows a Dumfriesshire-cross in the sixth generation, drafted to my predecessor in 2002. The prodigy suits the low-scenting deep plough country of East Anglia and as a result take some keeping up with in the field.

Nigel Peel, joint-master and huntsman of the North Cotswold, and Michael Stokes — huntsman of the Berkeley — judged the ten couple entry, praising their quality and condition.

Afterwards a large-scale reception was held in honour of Toby Hill who has retired after 25 years as the Fernie’s honorary secretary.

Senior joint-master Joe Cowen paid tribute to Toby’s immense contribution to the hunt, and presented him with a painting by Robin Furness of Toby riding across the Saddington Vale on his favourite hunter Clancy.

Results

Doghounds.— 1, Brampton (by North Cotswold Brigand 11 out of Watchful 08) walked by Mr and Mrs M. Andrews; 2, Brigstock (North Cotswold Brigand 11-Watchful 08), Mr and Mrs M. Andrews; 3, Brandish North Cotswold Brigand 11-Watchful 08Mr and Mrs R. Gilbert.

Bitches.— 1, and champion, Greeting (North Cotswold Grimsby-Pity 08) Mrs J. Clarke; 2, Gaiety (N. Cotswold Grimsby 10-Breezy 09) Mr and Mrs M. Hudson; 3, Gracious, (North Cotswold Grimsby-Pity 08) Mr and Mrs P. Ikin.

With the puppy show and hound show season in full swing, renowned hound breeder and respected judge Martin Scott gives some advice on what the judges are looking for on the flags

When attending a puppy show or a hound show, it can be fun to see if you can pick the winner, and first impressions are often correct. However, the judge will take time checking on other important conformation details to ensure his first opinion is right.

Movement, balance and stamina

A hound should be balanced, it must move well and be able to last, which means the judges are looking for one that has good pace and stamina points.

Pace is vital for the whole pack to ensure they can hunt with speed and a good shoulder allows them to turn when the trail turns like a fox. Stamina enables the pack to drive on all day.

A hound may look fine stationary, but it is vital to check that it can move correctly. The front and back must combine in a balanced way to ensure it can cover the ground effortlessly day in, day out.

It must not wear out too soon, for one attribute that is invaluable in a hound is longevity. Sometimes a hound may look balanced when stationary, but when it comes to move, it is two halves.

Back and loins

Having ensured that the pace points are good and that there is room for heart and lungs — by having depth of chest to enable maximum lung capacity rather than a barrel or narrow chest — then a strong back and loin will help with the stamina.

Good, strong hindlegs with powerful thighs and second thighs will allow the hindlegs to pass the forelegs easily. They will help drive the hound uphill and jump any obstacles along the way.

A hound that falls away behind the loin lacks power. Cow or sickle hocks are also conformation faults to look out for. A well let-down hock is better than a straight hock.

Shoulder

For a hound to have good pace, its shoulder must be angled back rather than being straight or upright. An upright shoulder will reduce the length of the stride, whereas the laid back shoulder will allow the humerus — the bone between the elbow and the bottom of the shoulder — to move forward straight. The longer the humerus, the better.

Stride

Looking from the side, it is possible to see a hound with a good stride. Watching a hound coming towards you, you can tell if the stride is straight and not a round arm action that is often caused by a barrel chest.

Feet

A hound with bad feet does not last as long as one with good feet. Bad feet do not put the weight evenly on each toe. These can be identified by uneven wear of the toenails — not easy to see from outside the ring.

Not only do poor feet denote a bad shoulder, but they reduce the lifespan. Like a tyre that is inflated incorrectly, a bad-shouldered hound will wear out the outer toes and won’t last.

Hounds with too much weight on their heels do not last, but worse are those that knuckle over at the knee, as they will not complete many seasons.

And finally…

Quality is that little extra that helps hounds achieve their aim and a good, well-set head is important.

Forthcoming hound shows 2014

➤ 26 June Wales and Border Counties at Builth Wells, Powys

➤ 29 June Blaston hound show, near Market Harborough, Leics

➤ 9 July Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, Yorks

➤ 16 July Festival of Hunting at Peterborough, Cambs

➤ 30 July Dunster hound show at Dunster, West Somerset

➤ 7 August West of England hound show at Honiton, Devon

➤ 9-10 August Lowther hound show, Lowther, Cumbria

➤ 15 August Rydal hound show near Ambleside, Cumbria

➤ 16 August Scottish Hound Show

This feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (12 June, 2014)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Any young huntsman taking a new position on 1 May — the beginning of the new hunting year — will be fortunate indeed, should he inherit a list of good puppy walkers.

It would behove him to make certain that the seasoned walkers know how much their efforts are appreciated and to nurture with care the new ones.

Puppy walkers are second only to farmers as the lifeblood of the hunt. Their value is above the price of diamonds. A good start for young hounds is an essential ingredient to a happy working life and a good walk ensures a good start.

The kennels van has been clocking up the miles in recent weeks, delivering hound puppies to their various “walks”.

In days past, they were frequently delivered on horseback carried in hessian sacks slung either side of the saddle. An unenviable chore, usually delegated to the first whipper-in, whose task it was to hawk them around.

The lack of telephones made arrangements difficult — they just had to turn up and hope for a good reception. Sometimes the local ale house proved a good bet, in the hope of catching a farmer in a relaxed frame of mind before offloading a couple.

Modern antibiotics and inoculations mean the survival rate of whelps through to maturity is virtually 100%, barring accident. Consequently, the Belvoir send out around 20 couple to walk, all of which return to kennels in rude health.

Prior to the Great War, the hunt would send out over 100 couple to combat the high mortality rate, largely due to distemper. They were delivered with a bottle of “tonic” and a spoon. I assume the tradition of gifting puppy walkers with a silver teaspoon engraved with a hound’s name arose from this practice.

For the hoi polloi, not fortunate enough to be invited to the puppy show, many hunts hold an open day. The Belvoir are to hold theirs on the first day of June. This provides ample opportunity to access Belvoir Park in all its springtime splendour.

It is a good time to catch up with old friends in the environs of the historic kennel and hounds. Any dyed-in-the-wool foxhunter could not fail to be moved by a visit to the Belvoir kennel.

To quote Wordsworth: “Dull would he be of soul who could pass by a sight so touching in its majesty.”

There will also be much scope for being parted with some hard-earned moolah but, be assured, all in the best of causes.

Hot on the heels of the open day comes the puppy show and the kennels are currently receiving the annual assault from paint pot and brush.

Many kennel visits and hound parades loom on the horizon, as well as a number of judging engagements — always a pleasure no matter how often I get it wrong. It all goes to substantiate that adage “there is no peace for the wicked”.

When comes to exercise, I never let hounds down completely after the hunting season; within a few weeks we dust off the kennel bikes.

Following generations of old bone-shakers with no gears, missing spokes, wonky handlebars and non-existent brakes, two years ago I invested in a new bicycle. As good as it gets without an engine, it has an odometer that so far has registered just short of 900 miles to date and no puncture. Can I claim this as a record?

I read with a heavy heart recently that Jeremy Paxman is to retire from presenting Newsnight. Paxman — once tipped as a Countryside Alliance board member — never sat quite right with the BBC metro left. They in turn couldn’t quite bring themselves to give him the heave-ho because of his immense popularity.

I recall with pleasure that he put the last nail in the coffin of an early attempt at a hunting ban in 2002. With his characteristic disdain for the establishment, he challenged Kevin McNamara MP to tell the difference between a hare — illegal to hunt under the proposed act — and a rabbit (legal). Needless to say he could not.

If I had a good reason to pay the licence fee, he was probably it.

This article was first published in the 15 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine

The North Cotswold hunt raised £1,086 for the forces charity Help for Heroes at its puppy show on 20 July.

Hunt supporters dug deep for the charity, which funds the rehabilitation of seriously injured servicemen and women, in support of hunt member and soldier Guy Disney, who lost the lower part of his right leg in Afghanistan on 4 July

Keen point-to-pointer Guy, 27, who rides out for Kim Bailey, was released from Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham on 25 July.

He is due to go to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court, near Epsom, Surrey, next month where he will be fitted with a prosthetic leg so he can get back into the saddle.

“It’s absolutely brilliant. This is the sort of courage and resourcefulness we expect from our armed forces,” said North Cotswold master and H&H columnist Nigel Peel.

“Guy and his family are terribly popular within the hunt. His father is the senior doctor at Cheltenham racecourse and our point-to-point and his mother was secretary of our Pony Club branch.”

Guy is a lieutenant with the Light Dragoons and left in April for his first tour. He has ridden in the last two Royal Artillery Cups at Sandown and is a keen rider in races under rules for military servicemen.

Guy’s mother, Fiona, is organising a fund-raising evening for Help for Heroes on 9 August at Barton near Guiting Power.

Anyone who would like to donate should contact: Mrs Fiona Disney H4H, c/o Mrs V.S.A. Dunn, Cobweb Cottage, Bould, Nr Idbury, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 6RT.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (30 July, ’09)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now