Jo Beckett-Hughes (Mulranny Hounds)

I have owned my own dogs since I left home in 1980. I was given my first whippet in 1987, a half sister to the current UK breed record holder, Nutshell of Nevedith and my first Deerhound came to me in 2007. I have been actively showing since 2004 with my whippet, High Havoc at Hutaka, her progeny, and then Ch Collooney Ravishing Rita of Mulranny JW who gained her title in 2013 and was top CC winning bitch in that year. Ravishing Rita’s daughters did well in the showring with one daughter gaining a Reserve CC at Crufts at the tender age of 15 months. My first Deerhound Ghiltan Honesty of Mulranny did very well for me too, but suffered some health problems so didn’t have a long career. Fortunately did have a long life though.

Both my mother (Jan Beckett – Phinjani) and sister (Ann Beckett-Bradshaw – Hutaka) have given CCs in Afghan Hounds and Whippets. I have been judging since 2006, awarding my first set of tickets in whippets in 2017. As you can imagine the discussions in the Beckett household have, over the years, been very canine focused!

I currently own predominantly brindle whippets. However, when judging, irrespective of colour, I look for power and strength, classically balanced with elegance and grace. Sighthounds are running dogs and the trot that we judge in the showring should reflect that fundamental nature, being free, easy and effortless, sound and typical of its breed.

I am very much looking forward to judging at the Finish Sighthound Association, meeting all your wonderful dogs.