Robert E. Booth: Bitches Class
My first wife, Mary Jane, (now deceased) and I, started our Hiflite Kennel, Reg., in 1964. Due to the restrictions imposed by a 26 year Air Force career, our kennel was always limited in terms of numbers of dogs maintained. Other than at whelping time, seldom did we have more than about 4 bassets in residence. Despite the limited numbers of dogs, and with stringent selection of breeding stock over these years, we were fortunate to be able to produce some good dogs. It has been a source of pride to have been awarded BOB, WD, WB and BW during National Specialty competition. Perhaps our proudest accomplishment was being the breeder of the top producing stud dog in the history of the breed, Ch. Hiflite Briarcrest Extra Man, aka "Butch".
I have been an AKC approved judge of the Basset Hound since 1971 and am currently approved to judge the Hound Group as well as all but four breeds in the Non Sporting Group. It has been my pleasure to serve BHCA as Vice-President and as a Director over the years. I was also asked by the BHCA to author the book, The Official Book of the Basset Hound, in 1977. It was also my honor to be selected as the chairman of the video committee for the filming of the AKC breed tape on the Basset Hound. Having been to selected to judge our Nationals for the fifth time is a distinct honor and I thank all of you that made it possible. The many friends and acquaintances that I've made as a result of my BHCA membership are a constant source of pleasure and I thank your for your friendship.