Dogs Judge

Midge Martin: Dogs Class

Edna J (Midge) Martin

Full Circle Wire Dachshunds/Kaihorn Afghan Hounds

First of all, let me tell you what a thrill it is to be judging Dogs at the BHCA Nationals. Having married into Basset Hounds in 1990, I have  learned to appreciate them in greater depth than I would have thought possible. I showed Tiara to her Championship and bred a Basset Hound litter, which really enhanced my love for this wonderful breed.

Before coming into Basset Hounds, I have had lots of dog experience. Early on, every stray in the neighborhood found its way to our house. A WWII colleague of my father’s once remarked that I was,”Crazy for dogs”.

In 1961, my first husband, Roy Horn and I bought the first of many pure-bred dogs, a silver miniature Poodle, who destroyed much of the furniture until we learned about crates. I heard about obedience classes close by, and we went. The instructor  raised German Shepherd dogs, our children attended the same kindergarten, and she talked about the wonderful world of dog shows. We attended the 1963 Harrisburg Kennel Club Show, saw an Afghan Hound, and were lost. We bought our first show Afghan Hound in 1964, showed him 25 times…to one Reserve, decided he wasn’t very good, placed him and began showing and breeding Afghan Hounds in earnest. Standard Wire Dachshunds came in 1970. Our daughter, then 7, wanted a dog and the Afghans and Salukis were too big, the English Cockers too needy. We found a lovely show bitch , who became Ch Herthwoods’ Farthing.  I vowed never to be without these wonderful hounds.

Fate had other plans. Divorce and a move to New York to work at AKC intervened and I had to place all the dogs…and cats. During my father’s terminal illness, I decided I really needed a dog and went to Patti Nelson, Solo Wire Dachshunds, who allowed me to have my wonder Bridget  who became my soul mate…until later that year when I became acquainted with  Don Martin, of Basset Hound fame. . We married in June of 1990, I moved to Illinois, showed Bridget, resumed judging and started school  . , then started Full Circle. Don loved the Dachshunds, but was often heard to say,”If I could just have one more  good Basset”. Well, he found her at the Gettysburg Nationals, I purchased her for his Birthday and here we are, knee deep in Basset Hounds..,, And 6 generations down from my wonderful Bridget in top-winning, top-producing Wire Dachshunds..

And now I’m judging the Nationals! WOW!

Thank you so much for giving me this honor. I’ll do my best.