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Afghan Hound World Congress 2000
Report by Mary Pascoe (Sarakhan Afghans.UK)
Email: sarakhan@lineone.net


The 4th Afghan Hound World Congress was held at Panthers Resort, Penrith, Sydney, Australia on 15th & 16th April 2000. Two dozen delegates from the United Kingdom and Ireland made the long journey to join over 180 + delegates from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Jersey, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Japan, Kazakstan and Malaysia to talk Afghans.

The congress followed the 12th Australian Afghan Hound National Specialty and preceeded the Afghan Hound Club of NSW 72nd Specialty Show, so there was plenty of chance to see Australia's ' finest ' Afghans. It is always interesting to compare not only the dogs themselves but also the differences in handling and presentation, and ring procedure and exhibition methods. We even had the chance to vote for our own chosen winners and the top dozen or so were invited back on the afternoon of the 2nd day of the congress to participate in group discussion. These owners, handlers and the dogs themselves should be commended on their sportsmanlike behaviour and perseverance.

Like most big events the congress had had its teething problems and hiccoughs. most problems were resolved and everyone enjoyed the topics discussed and the chance to exchange opinions. Throughout the pavillion, on both days were;


Day One:
The welcome and introductions were given by Paul Britza, the chairman of the congress committee.

The first speaker, and its never easy to be first, was Patricia Egan, President of the Afghan Hound Club of NSW who gave an interesting talk discussing the early Australian Afghans and how they have evolved and changed since the first Australian imports in 1935. The use of AI, its benefits and possible problems and the limits of the gene pool.

Patricia was followed by Ian Cookesley who gave a talk on 'Pedigree Plus', a CD-ROM presentation. This provides a data -base of information on dogs, kennels, pedigrees, breeding lines within Australia. There were illustrated photographs with pedigrees, showing genetic connections. His 'vision for the future' was to have a global data-base

Lynette Schelling-Watson, Vice president of Victoria Canine Association. then spoke about 'the dog faced monkey or monkey faced dog'? She discussed the primitive and domestic changes in our breed, using the 'Dingo' to illustrate comparisons, suggesting the possible lineage to the jackal as well as the wolf. Discussing how breeding cycles being more variable in domestic than wild dogs. She warned us to preserve the 'Essence of the Breed'.

After morning tea-
A panel comprising- Susan Rhodes - UK, Gill Ullam - USA and William Hansen - New Zealand, reviewed the breed in their countries. Susan talked of the changes over the last 10 years to the UK afghan and the influence imports and AI has brought to bear. Gill spoke of the importance of embracing newcomers to the breed and the nurturing of the same. The need for learning and education. William discussed the small committed community of afghan enthusiasts in NZ and the importance of such commitment. That within the global perspective we must keep national awareness.

They left time for a question and answer session and views were sought on the good and bad influences of imports and the potential problems that may occur from using AI from long deceased afghans.

There then followed a seminar on movement. 'The Forgotten Aspects of Movement'. The two speakers being Barb Bornstein and Dr Dennis Eschbach, both from USA. These two very interesting, excellent speakers discussed how movement occurs.

  • The importance and influence of good health to movement.
  • How poor health or infection can affect movement and balance.
  • How bones are rigid objects and that movement occurs from the joints.
  • Good muscular condition affects how the joints work, absorbs the shock of movement and can affect the amount of 'synovial fluid' within the joint..
  • Poor muscular condition can cause damage to the joints and therefore impair movement.
After lunch;
Duane and Connie Butherus followed by Paul Hewitt gave further talks on movement. Duane and Connie spoke of Spring, Bounce and Elasticity on the move. They spoke of vertical components of the dogs gait using video analysis of vertical motion to illustrate - Flat motion, Bounce and Float. Examples were shown along with their analysis. They concluded that;

1. " the gait that is unique to Afghan Hounds is best described as a 'smoothed-bounce' or 'float' and is a gait type that can be identified by eye and also measured analytically."

2. " 'Smoothed-bounce' or 'float' is a unique Afghan trait and is an attribute that should be factored into our breeding decisions in order to preserve the trait or it will be lost."

Paul discussed side-gait and his view of the essentials needed for good afghan side-gait. He felt that some differences of opinion occurred as to the ideal shoulder angulation. His own opinion was that the angle should be 30o. He named essential points for good side-gait - front extention, rear drive, cross over; back feet going into holes made by front feet, head up and forward, back level and tail up.

After tea;
A panel comprising; Dennis Eschbach and Barb Bornstein - USA, Helen Furber - Auz, Lynda Race - UK and Age Gjetnes - Norway fielded a question and answer session on movement.

Day Two:
Started with an excellent talk on 'Temperament and Dog Behaviour' expertly given by Robert Holmes - lecturer in animal behaviour. He asked whether behaviour was genetic or learnt, then proceeded to explain what both were and what influences behaviour. He discussed the predisposing factors affecting behaviour, the signs and symptoms to look for, how to treat and improve behaviour. He discussed the ethics of treatment and the problems of breeding from dogs with behaviour problems. His was a thought provoking talk, given by a man who knows his subject intimately. His presentation and use of IT systems was first class.

A hard act to follow but expertly done by Craig Murray - an internationally certified specialist dog trainer. His talk was ' Raising Optimum Show Ring Candidates'. Craig discussed how dogs read humans; character categonists. Gave productive puppy picking ideas and considerations, Discussed when to pick a puppy, when to separate a puppy from a litter, correct socialisation, utilising limited exposure techniques and how to motivate, re-inforce and reward.

After tea;
Espen Engh talked about 'The Eastern Tazi, Khalag and Taigon' the last cousins of the afghan hound. He gave an informative talk about the origins of theses breeds and comparisons to the afghan. He showed some super slides of these dogs.

Barb Bornstein and Julie Roche - USA then spoke about 'does coat hide the dog'. Comparing slides of dogs, coated then clipped, to compare the difference to shape, also showing how

grooming can alter / improve the shape of the dog. A panel of; Barbara Skilton - Auz, Peter Machen - Canada, Mary Pascoe - UK and Espen Engh - Norway each spoke on the training scheme undertaken by aspiring judges in their countries.

After lunch;
Some attended a talk on colour genetics given by Adrian Elsworth - NZ, Gary Sinck - USA and Terry Wilcox and Marilyn Tonks - Auz. While others went outside to participate in 'World Breed Extension Workshop' This workshop was attended by the afghans, owners/handlers voted for at the National Specialty. A specialist panel comprising Lynda Race and Susan Rhodes - UK and Dennis Eschbach and Barb Bornstein - USA were to comment on their findings on various aspects of the group in general ie; shape, heads, movement at differing speeds etc. There was open group discussion where the audience could offer opinions and observations. This was a very vocal and interesting session.

After tea;
The appointed panel fed back to the congress what had taken place and their findings on the afghans, in general.

Pamela Bennett - Auz then talked on 'World Congresses - mechaniisms for choice: desirability of the formation of ' International Confederation of Afghan Hound Fanciers' She had based her presentation on an organisation. discussed possible funding needed to maintain a Secretariat which would be passed from one congress organisers to another in turn. After this discussion there was a motion proposed and seconded that Pamela run with this issue and that her presentation slides be put on the Internet for every breed club worldwide to view, discuss and add their point of view. This to go forward to the next Congress. This motion was passed.

Paul Britza called on Audrie Van Steelant-Benoit to outline the next Afghan Hound World Congress to be held in Belgium on (th May 2002. He then invited propositions for hosts of the following congress for 2005 which was offered and accepted by South Africa.

Paul commended the congress, thanked all the delegates for attending and closed the 4th Afghan hound World Congress.

Well there we are, another congress over and the next one to look forward to. All in all, we were given plenty of 'food for thought'.

We started the proceedings with a welcome party. Had a two day dog show Attended an after show dinner and presentation Some attended the PAL/Ozdog Dog of the Year competition to support the afghan representative After the congress we attended an Aussie BBQ everyone was treated to some great entertainment by - " The Bushfire Bush Band" from The Hunter Valley.

For those who may like to know:-
The 12th National Speciality Best in Show winner was; Am. & Aust.Ch. Naziras Cold Days Night (Imp. USA) owned by the Jacosta Kennels.

The 72nd NSW Speciality Best in Show winner was, Gr. Ch. Gengala Supertramp owned by Day/Hickie/Sinclair.

The afghan who represented the breed at the PAL/Ozdog Dog of the Year was, Gr. Ch. Kjavu Air Jordan owned by Colin & Helen Hamilton.

Fun, Sun and Renewing old friendships and making new ones. Hope we all meet again in Belgium in 2002.

Watch this space? !

Mary Pascoe:
Sarakhan Afghans.
UK
Email: sarakhan@lineone.net

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