"There are Special Shows and there are Shows that are Special. The 'Easter Event' of the Potomac Irish Wolfhound Club has the distinction of being both! In order to earn this hallmark every detail has to flow from the very beginning to the very end without a ripple along the way. The club provided me with good clear correspondence, without being copious. They took advantage of having Annapolis in close proximity in which to house their judges in a wonderful Bed & Breakfast. They found the perfect escort in 'Christy,' who was in charge of getting me everywhere I needed to be, which she did with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats while bouncing back and forth. My stewards were very accommodating to my quirky requests in trying to avoid getting wet on the first day or sunburned on the second. But then the club has the good fortune to have Peter van Brunt as Chief Steward, a man who knows something about how to run a ring! The luncheon on Sunday was delicious! Dee Van Nest and Jeanette Luther are a good team as Show Chairs and they should be very proud of their committee's ability in staging such a good event.

"Before I get into the actual critiquing I would like to share my overall impression of the entry. The Irish Wolfhound is such a unique breed. Hounds seen at the Specialty level confirm that the keepers of the breed seem successful in maintaining the classic shape, coupled with the desired function of the breed over the years. When my winners classes were assembled I was taken aback by the beautiful lines of the contenders, especially in the bitch competition. I was pleased that the exhibitors showed their entries without racing them or over stacking them. I used to hear complaints from some of my friends/breeders who questioned my asking the exhibit to 'Free Stack' at a certain point of the evaluation process. They didn't think a breed of their size made the right impression under those circumstances. For those in attendance it was most evident that those built correctly held the correct shape of the breed. A well made dog with the desired length, great size and powerful musculature made a commanding impression. Those who blended those virtues with sound action were easy to reward.

"I love the obvious affection the dogs shared with their owners. Temperaments were excellent for the size of the entry. Most were presented in good condition with only a few over trimmed or not 'clean'...and I'm not referring to some mud on the day!...Mud has no odor!

"I was excited when asked to pass judgement at this Specialty. For many years it has been an event where good breeders came together. This year was no exception. I left the weekend knowing the Irish Wolfhound is in good hands.

"Please keep in mind that the accompanying pictures might not always match what one see's during the actual evaluation. My placements reflect my impression of the exhibit at a certain moment in time. Small details that could be 'fleeting' will/might influence my decision at any given moment. I look to reward traits that one needs to preserve in the breed. These details keep the 'Irish in the Wolfhound.'

"I dictated my critique in Reverse Placement Order as each dog was placed for their positive qualities and decisions made when the all the good virtues carried the entrant to a higher placement."