Sighthound Festival Donaueschingen 2010
More than 1100 Sighthounds entered both days in Donaueschingen - celebrating the largest Irish Wolfhound Party we have ever seen on the continent. A breathtaking moment when 150 IW entered the big ring during an impressing opening ceremony. Immaculate show grounds, huge rings, perfect organization and the international flair on the whole campus made this weekend an unforgettable one.
With this years' show Donaueschingen will have to be considered as the most prestigeous Sighthound show in Europe.The organizers can be more than proud of this event.
Afghan Hounds were judged by Björn Fritz/D on Saturday and by Bo Bengtson/USA on Sunday. Both days had a total entry of 128 Afghans.
On Saturday Best of Breed went to the Danish dog Abica's Marquis de Sade, Best of Opposite was lovely Esme - flying through the main ring, where the Best of Breed competition took place.
Here is what the American judge Bo Bengtson wrote in his critique about Esme on Sunday:
Wonderful type and quality, very feminine and elegant, good head and expression, excellent neck, body, legs and feet. Beautiful coat and tail. Moves with style and drive.
Results of all breeds and of both days can be found at http://www.windhundtage.com/index.htm
Irish music, wonderful costumes, well behaving giants......
She has been fighting for the existence of the Donaueschingen shows for many years, and can now be proud as an eagle about her work and the reputation this show has achieved internationally - Angelika Heydrich, and with her many others like Marion vom Lehn and all those behind the scene that cannot be seen, but who are indispensible members of the organizing committee.
Esme entering the ring.....
Dog shows should be fun - for both dog and handler....
Sunday, August 8, the second day at Donaueschingen
We are most thankful that our idea to make a Parade of Rescues part of the Donaueschingen Show has been realized by the organizers. This year several Afghans who got a second chance with our associaton "Afghan Hounds in Need" www.afghanen-in-not.de were there with their proud new owners, who brought them into the ring. A big thank you to Werner Löhr who is commenting their sad stories to the spectators.
These dogs never ever will forget the person who pulled them out of their misery.
Photo copyright: Chris v.Vietinghoff
Photo copyright: Chris v.Vietinghoff
And this is for all those who went home with unexpected critiques and even disqualifications for their dogs: taste may vary amazingly ......