• KENNEL:

  Karnak

• ANKC:

  Terrier, Hound

Mel became involved with showing dogs when he was 21 and has continued for the last 40 years. His first dog was an Afghan Hound that he wanted for a pet but the only way he could buy him from the breeder was for the show ring. He acquired several more Afghans over the next few years and showed Afghans for several people as he gained more experience. In that time he titled 5 Afghans and in recent times has helped to title several for friends including one Afghan (imported from Denmark) to his Grand Championship. His next breed was American Cocker Spaniels followed by Airedale Terriers and for the last 20 years he has been owned by a large number of Pharaoh Hounds, one of which he and his wife imported from Sweden in partnership with several other people. She was a wonderful bitch (Sw Fnl and Aust. Ch Antefas Descheret). Dessi soon became an Australian Champion and had two litters. In total Mel and his wife Mandy have titled some 15 Pharaohs of their own and at least 5 for other people. During this time he has also owned several Lakeland terriers, a Whippet, several Jack Russell Terriers and has been showing Smooth Fox Terriers. Mel and Mandy, in conjunction with some very good friends have imported 2 puppy Pharaohs, a dog and a bitch, from Sweden and the bitch became Australia's Top Pharaoh Hound for 2007. Over the years he has had a great deal of pleasure from teaching Junior Handlers Classes, most recently with Junior Handlers competing in the Pedigree Junior Handler competition, several of whom have won the State Final and have gone on to compete in the National finals. Mel is currently the President of the Controlling Body (the North Australian Canine Association) of his State. At this time he is licensed to judge Group Four (Hounds) and Group 2 (Terriers) at Championship level, and able to award Challenge Certificates to all breeds in the Hound and Terrier Groups. He is also entitled to judge Toys at Open Show level and will sit his final exam for this group soon. Mel judged the Hound Club of the A.C.T. Specialty in February 2008, Beagle Fancier's Club (Manila) Specialty March 2008, Beagle Fancier's Club (Manila) Group 4 and Group specials March 2008, Gawler Kennel Club (South Australia) Group 4 and Group Specials May 2008. Judged in South Africa in 2009.