Shirkhan Of Grandeur Westminster (report) 1957
(Mr. Arthur F. Jones/Beartrice Godsol)
Shirkhan with trophies
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The following is a summary compilation report on comments made by Mr. Arthur F. Jones who, for many years was Editor and Editor in Chief of Pure-Bred Dogs, American Kennel Gazette, author and editor of many books on dogs, well-known television and radio commentator on dogs, and Mrs Beartrice H Godsol came from Woodland Hills, California, the Judge that awarded Shirkhan BIS at Westminster.
A 2 -1/2 year old Afghan, Ch. Shirkhan Of Grandeur was the first hound to take Westminsters top aware. Co-owned by Sunny Shay and Dorothy Chenade, he brought special distinction to Mrs Shay who was also his breeder and handler.
The decision was well received, though he was a true "dark horse" It was his first Best In Show. He had accomplished less and was probably the least known of the finalists.
Arthur Frederick Jones in the Gazette said there was no question but that "the 65-pound bundle of longhaired animation" outshowe his competition. When gaiting, Shirkhan seemed to smile. But he did not win on showmanship alone. He was put together right from muzzle to tail, including coat color, said Jones. He was a striking color that Mrs Shay described as silver-blue.
Shirkhan with Judge Mrs Beartrice Godsol
Sunny Shay - Breeder/Handler
and William A Rockefeller, President
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Judge Beartrice Godsol said afterwards "He is a beautifully balanced hound. He has a good oriental Afghan expression, the correct type of lean Afghan Head. He was the soundest moving of the six, a very good showman. I think he is a great hound."
A bystander would later recall the the breed standard describes the eyes of the Afghan as "gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past." The bystander said that in 2057, she had come face to face witgh Shirkhan just as he was about to enter the ring for Best In Show. "I saw that look she said."
Shirkhan the third generation of Mrs Shay's breeding, was automatically Best American-Bred-In-Show. He lived with her as a house pet and got along famously with her Siamese cat.
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