TWO Hampshire hounds are on their way to compete at the world’s leading dog show next year following their success at the Hound Association Championship Show in Stafford.
The Hampshire Hunt, a trail hunting pack based in Ropley, near Alresford, has high hopes for two of its hounds, Saddle and Warrior, who will now go on to compete at Crufts 2025 for the first time.
Saddle, a three-year-old female, and Warrior, an 18-month-old male, both won best of sex in the foxhound class at the County Showground on Saturday, July 20. Warrior was also awarded best of breed.
Simon Dunn, huntsman at the Hampshire Hunt, who showed both hounds, said: “We are absolutely delighted that two of our foxhounds will be represented at the world’s most recognised dog show. They did so well this weekend at the hound show.
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“Foxhounds are a wonderful breed, very intelligent, gentle, and obedient. Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world, so to qualify alone is a huge achievement and I am so proud of them.”
This follows the success of Sparkle, a working foxhound from the Percy Hunt, owned by The Duke of Northumberland, who also qualified for Crufts 2025 in June.
At Crufts 2024, two Studbook Harriers from the Holcombe Harriers, Anglezarke and President, became the first working hounds from a registered pack to compete at the dog show. Anglezarke was named overall best in breed while President was awarded the best opposite sex accolade. Both hounds are now qualified to return in 2025.
The Hampshire Hunt traces its origins back to 1745, making it one of the oldest hunting packs in England. It is a member of the British Hound Sports Association, which aims to preserve, protect, and promote the future of hunting with hounds.
The BHSA supports trail hunting, in full compliance with the Hunting Act, and promotes the welfare and conservation of all hound breeds. No live animal is pursued during a trail hunt.
Every year the trail hunting community raises tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes. In a recent six-month period 92 different charities benefited to the tune of £460,000 raised by members of BHSA-registered hunts.
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