Los Altos huntsman Matthew Cook and Nicassio / Kimberly Kavish photoNicassio, an un-entered Crossbred dog hound from the Los Altos Hounds (CA), was judged Grand Champion at the Western States Hound Show. The show was held on May 21–22, 2011 at the Santa Ynez Valley Hounds kennels in Santa Barbara.
“It’s not often an un-entered hound can beat an entered hound—fully developed and muscled—but Nicassio moved really well,” recalled huntsman Matthew Cook, who is in his sixth season at Los Altos. “That’s what sold it!”
Nicassio is by Ninja 2006, an un-registered dog hound that Cook obtained from his friend Martyn Blackmore, huntsman at the Loudoun West Hunt (VA). Blackmore? Again? This is the second grand champion hound this season in whose story Martyn Blackmore played a prominent role!
The first was Amwell Valley Heythrop, Grand Champion at Bryn Mawr. Blackmore brought Heythrop’s sire and dam to Loudoun West when he moved there from the Santa Ynez, where he had been hunting hounds.
“[Huntsman] Steve Farrin at Amwell Valley Hounds wanted some nice English pups,” said Blackmore, “so I bred the pair and sent him the litter.” Click for story.
Nicassio’s sire, Ninja, was drafted to Los Altos by Blackmore.
“I picked up Ninja at the Loudoun West kennels as an un-registered hound,” said Cook. “He’s been a really good hound to hunt. He’s recognized with the MFHA now, so Nicassio and his littermates can be registered.”
Cook put Ninja to Farmington Hopeful 2005.
“This is the second time I bred to the dam. She had good litters both times. The first litter entered really well. They have good noses and voice. There’s some Penn-Marydel in Hopeful’s bloodlines, and that’s where the voice comes from.”
Cook is looking forward to Nicassio and his littermates entering well also. The youngster is off to a good start in life!
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Posted June 29, 2011