John Walton Haddon

“I joined the ILSHAM Kennels in 1975, whose main breeds were Saluki, Beagle and Pembroke Corgi. Over the years other breeds have carried the Ilsham affix – Bullmastiff, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

There have been consistent winners in all the breeds campaigned but the main breed has always been the Saluki. There have been 12 Saluki with the Ilsham affix that have made it to CH. Status, including one International and one World. Looking to improve breed bloodlines in the UK, we have imported from Belgium and Sweden, both gaining their UK title. Every Saluki litter bred produced either a Ch, CC or Res CC winner.

About 1979 I was encouraged to enter the world of judging and in the early years at local events I would judge all and any breeds at a very low level. It was an excellent learning curve and allowed me to pick the brains of excellent breed mentors.

I favoured the Hound breeds over other groups and worked towards achieving KC approval for these breeds. I am now approved for most hound breeds and the full Hound Group in the UK.

Overseas appointments have taken me to Australia, Latvia, Sweden and USA.

In order to give back to this sport where I have learnt so much I have taken on various committee duties over the years. I have served on the Northern Saluki Club committee, currently serve on the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club committee, am President of the South Yorkshire Hound Association and on the committee of the Driffield Championship Dog Show Society.

I took on the role of Saluki Breed Education Co-ordinator, nominated by both the Breed Clubs and accepted by the UK Kennel Club.”