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AHA August Open Show

The schedule and entry form are now available on the 2024 Shows and Events page. Our judge is Russell Mosedale (Knightsbay), and this show is being held in conjunction with Driffield Championship Dog Show Society at Wetherby. Postal entries close on the 7th August and Online entries close on the 14th. There will also be special classes after the main judging, please check the schedule for further details.

AHA Open Show July 2024

The results and photos from the July Open Shows are now on the website on the 2024 Shows & Events page. Thanks to all who supported the day.

AHA – AGM 2024 updates

Following the AGM today the following positions have been filled;

Susan Rhodes has been appointed as President
Jeff Bulled has been appointed as Vice President
John Garrad has joined the committee

After the AGM we held a confirmation and movement seminar with Hector Heathcote as the speaker, giving a detailed and insightful view on canine construction, which was well received by all in attendance.

Mark Cocozza

The AHA is saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden & untimely death of Mark Cocozza. Mark was a lifelong supporter and friend of this Association and was its Chairman for several years, and he continued to be a loyal friend thereafter. Mark lived his life to the full achieving success in many spheres.  He began his career in Afghans as a boy with his uncle’s hounds in Scotland. He never lost his love of the Afghan, and had a long and successful career making up champions across 6 breeds. His interest widened and he enjoyed great success in other breeds. His judging developed and he opinions were appreciated worldwide, in the UK giving CC’s in every group, and becoming qualified to judge 4 groups and BIS, as well as completing many prestigious international appointments. His enthusiasm for the dog world more recently saw him as  actively supporting and participating as a mentor to aspiring judges, and he was often seen at ringside sharing his knowledge and expertise. We are proud to have had a long association with Mark and will not forget his friendship and wisdom. Our condolences are extended to his family & all his many friends at this sad time.

Diary dates for 2024

The 2024 shows and events page is now live with up to date details for this years calendar. The AHA is also sponsoring the following Open Shows this year;
Sat 20th April : Humberside Hound CS Open Show
Judge : Karen Powney (Knotdogs)

 Sat 27th July Tunbridge Wells & DCS 140th Anniversary Open Show
Judge : Lianne O’Donnell (Javidan)

Sat 28th Sept. Stafford & DCS Open Show
Judge : Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)

July Open Shows

The schedules and entry forms are now available for download and printing on the 2023 Shows & Events page. Judges are Richard Bott & Luke Johnson. Entries can also be made online through Fosse Data.

May Championship Show

The full results and photos from today are on the website now. Thanks from the committee to all who came today, and took part in celebrating Jeff’s life. The show had a vibrant and warm atmosphere, doubtless helped by the fizz ! 2023 Shows & Events

A toast to Jeff

Preparations are well underway for our 74th Championship show tomorrow, where we’ll also be remembering our late President Jeff Bunney. To celebrate his life, there will be a toast to Jeff before the lunch break, with plenty of fizz and soft drinks kindly donated by Ross Gilbert.

There will also be some packets of wild flower seeds on the main table, for people to take with them as and when they walk their dogs, scattering them to leave something beautiful growing where there wasn’t anything before.

“There is poetry amongst the wildflowers”

Jeff Bunney (Zadal)

Jeff’s family have sent the following message.

As Jeff’s family we would like to thank you all for your kind messages, posts, cards and flowers. We have been over whelmed by your support and sympathy and Jeff would have been amazed that so many cared.

Jeff was a lover of all dogs, hounds in particular, and since our marriage in 1966 our lives have been enriched by the company of our own Afghans and B.G.V.s and The Afghan Hound Association was to became our second family. Lasting friendships and memories have been forged across many breeds through our shared passion of the dog world. You will understand that there are too many of you who are true friends to name here today but do we give special thanks to Ross who has been there for us during the past few weeks.

Jeff’s passing on 7th April caused by Acute Myeloid Leukaemia was sudden and peaceful. He fell asleep in the loving care of the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. We are so grateful to the wonderful Doctors and Nurses who looked after him in his last hours.

As many of you will know Jeff was not a fan of fuss and attention and was adamant that he did not want a funeral service. His wishes were that his ashes be scattered in some of his favourite places. If you want to remember him just brighten up your favourite walk with some wild flower seeds or plant a sunflower – his favourite flower – and smile as you watch it grow. Any donations you may care to make can be made to The Afghan Hound Association which was so close to Jeff’s heart and who will be celebrating their 75th Championship Show next year.

Please don’t grieve. In his name continue to research, promote and safe guard our unique breed, cherish your own hound(s) and be kind to each other.

Our love to you all.

Heather, Jane, John, Jak, Suki, Quinn and Baz the cat.