This Site Chosen By Microsoft As THE Afghan Web Link for Encarta Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange (Afghan Hound Denmark World Congress Report)

DENMARK 1997
3rd World Afghan Congress Report #4
Rene Fairlie (UK) Page3

COPENHAGEN 1997
REFLECTIONS OF THE THIRD WORLD CONGRESS OF
AFGHAN HOUND CLUBS

It was good to switch to the able expert, Wendye Slatyer explaining detais of A.I. In Australia she bred the first litter sired by an English dog in '76. So many renowned Calahorra Chs. go to prove her expertise as a breeder and here she was most lucid in going through the technical points, pros, cons, costs and liabilities plus import permits etc. It's all no easy option.

Over to Dr. Dennis Echstrach of America, a Chiropractitioner, who treats animals as well as humans. With his clear diagrams he pointed out skeletal, spinal and muscular trouble spots which were treatable. Faulty movement could often be corrected by spinal manipulation and painful ailments relieved. Most interesting. Next the Dutch speaker, Gerard Jipping spoke on "What is the Correct Type?" We learned that currently in Holland around 60 puppies are bred p.a. as compared with 100 in the 70s.Some years ago Hans Jungeling and Mme. Pauptit with the Oranje Manege Afghans held sway but now they had a mixture of Dutch, German and French bloodlines etc. with the aim of one atandard type.

We were coming to the close of the afternoon as Pauline Hewitt of Australia took up the theme that everything changes in time, even Afghans, which is part of natural evolution. The main thing is to have a good relationship with your dogs, give them freedom, space and encouragement. She thanked her many fellow breeders for all their friendship and support and ended "'The dogs are great, there should be more of them" Donna Boucek, USA, stood in for Sandy Frei and exhorted us all to attend many functions, read dog literature, LISTEN and think about what we hear. Select a mentor for guidance. Develop ideas on the unique individuality of Afghans.

Look for balance - more is needed. As for presentation, you can't always have the best dog in the show but you CAN have the best conditioned one. Never forget honesty and integrity or close your mind to other opinions.

This was all great advice from Donna and gave us ideal targets to carry away with us as Ulf, on behalf of the Danish Club, made the final speech to close the Third World Congress. The Danes had done a super job of organisation bringing together so much worldwide talent. We had all spent a fascinating two days and thanks go out to them for all their hard work. That last evening was spent at a Barbecue Supper, held indoors due to the doubtful weather, but it was a chance for lots more conviviality all round.

The following morning we were off to the Club Specialty Ch. Show nearby where we were able to study the real thing - so many lAvely Afghans in the flesh - and of course, carry on talking. Our tour still not over, on the next day we were off to the third and final day of the general Euro Ch. show in Copenhagen where we watched Lotte Jorgansen judging the Afghans and some of the groups before we had to taxi off to the Airport for home sweet home.

I'm surprised more breeds don't try and set up World Congresses. They can be such an education in one's chosen breed internationally and so many friendships await as a result. Now for Congress No.4, which will be in Sydney in 2000 at Easter. Start a piggy bank now. Even further ahead in 2002, Belgium won a vote to host the 5th. meeting to coincide with the 100th., I think, anniversary of their Sight Hound Club. Yorkshire had hoped to host a ten years later event, but on a vote Belgium won the day, so that is the plan for the next few years. And that is just about everything about the Copenhagen Conference.

Rene Fairlie July 97
Copyright(c) 1997
AHDBIE

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