“CAN it really be that time of year again?”

The puppy show season is in full swing and with it can hunting be far behind. For starters the term puppy show is something of a misnomer as the puppies on show are in reality young adult hounds about to join the pack proper and, as the term has it, ‘be entered’.

This oblique term whose origins are shrouded in the mists of history refers to the young hound being introduced to hunting. When a litter is born or whelped, once weaned at approximately six weeks they are sent for the next phase of their young lives to hunting farmers or local families who will raise the pups for the next six months or so. Their hosts are known as puppy walkers though there may not be much walking involved, rather headlong rushing as the young hounds dash around their newfound home.

While national hound shows are held both in the UK the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough and the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association equivalent event in Stradbally early in July. Both of these events showcase all that is best in hunting and hounds. Puppy shows could be looked on as local versions of these national events.

Local showcase

Of all the out of season events run by hunt clubs such as point-to-points, hunter trials etc. For me at least what stands head and shoulders above all others is the annual puppy show. There can be few more pleasant ways to spend a summer’s afternoon than at your local or neighbouring puppy show.

Weather permitting, straw hats and summer dresses are the order of the day for those who have not met since March when hunting stopped. They can meet up and exchange gossip while hounds are being judged.

The judges are usually two neighbouring masters or huntsmen. Tradition dictates that regardless of weather judges come dressed for the occasion bowler hats being de rigueur. Visitors peruse the entry list showing the name and pedigree of each young hound as judging continues.

Puppy walkers are especially honoured guests on the day and take a keen interest in their hounds. Keen observers will take note of how many of the litters were sired by visiting stallion hounds and from what pack they were drawn. Dogs and bitches are judged separately and trophies for first, second and third are awarded to the puppy walkers accordingly.

Usually, but not always, puppy shows are held at kennels, and these afford an opportunity for the huntsman to showcase his newest crop of hounds. Numbers may vary from three or four couple right up 20 couple for the larger packs like Limerick or Duhallow or Meath.

The Scarteen Hunt puppies (Kerry Beagles) resting before one of the annual Scarteen Puppy Shows

Tradition

Each hunt has its own tradition and practice as to how they organise their event. Only last weekend we were privileged to be invited to two puppy shows which exemplify these differences. First was our local Scarteen event, run as always at the kennel. The judges were Frank Houghton-Brown, hunting correspondent of the Horse & Hound and former huntsman of the Middleton in Yorkshire. Judging with him, and with no less hunting lineage, was GAA supremo Ger Loughnane who hunts a private pack in his native Feakle.

The judges were presented with eight couple of young entry, beautifully produced by huntsman Raymond O’Halloran and his amateur whipper-in Frisk Jones. As always, a running commentary was given by senior master Chris Ryan who is no stranger to this role as he commentates at international and national events all over the world.

There can be few house anywhere that have such a long and distinguished hunting pedigree as Scarteen House and that was our venue for tea and refreshments. Our hosts, as always, were Chris and Sue Ryan. What has become part of the Scarteen tradition an ad hoc barbecue was laid on Tom and Hazel Russell.

Gluttons for punishment only the following day we were off to the Muskerry puppy show near Blarney in the rebel county. Their lovely pack of Old English looked a picture under the eagle eye of their master and huntsman Ken Grandon.

There were eight and a half couple of young entry for judges David Burke of the Grallagh Harriers in Galway and Dave Dineen of the Dungarvan Foxhounds. Rather than at kennels the venue was the home of senior master Robert Harkin and his wife Kay.

A temporary kennels was established for the day with a show ring on his lawn. Guests were entertained to lunch afterwards by ever hospitable Kay Harkin. All in all a most enjoyable weekend! If invited be sure and attend your local hunt’s puppy show. You won’t regret it!