On Thursday 26 June 2025, the Wales and Border Counties Hound Show will once again take place at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. The event will draw crowds of hound enthusiasts from all over the UK and indeed from abroad, with the Americans favouring this show as a “must visit” for followers of hounds. It is a major fixture in the hunting and rural calendar, attracting packs from across Wales and neighbouring English counties to compete for the titles. With a friendly rivalry and keen competition, spectator’s ringside can often feel the tension of making decisions before the judge tips his bowler hat to the winner.

The show has its roots in the Welsh Hound Association, which was founded in 1922, with the aim of preserving the Welsh Foxhound. The show travelled in its early years, and we know from records that Wrexham played host in 1922, followed by Welshpool in 1923, Bridgend in 1924 and Carmarthen in 1925. The show evolved to become the Wales and Border Counties Hound Show, forming what is now a world name in hunting circles.

The Wales and Border Counties Hound Show has flourished into a key annual event. It is now held each June in the famous “cattle ring” at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells; it brings together some of the finest hounds in the UK. With numerous classes, distinguished judges, and a strong social atmosphere, the show remains a proud showcase of tradition, hound breeding, and rural life. An event with such longevity is truly remarkable today. 

A wide range of hounds are exhibited and judged, including Welsh foxhounds, English foxhounds, fell hounds, hill hounds and beagles. Judging is conducted in breed-specific rings, and hounds are shown accordingly, the Welsh being shown differently from the English and so on. Classes are typically divided between “entered” (working) and “unentered” (young) hounds. Judges have included notable international figures such as Daphne Wood MFH, who travelled from Florida, USA, and the UK judges have always been incredibly proud to have been asked to judge at the Welsh.

The show plays a crucial role in the conservation and promotion of traditional hound breeds, especially the Welsh foxhound. It remains the premier show for the Welsh. It also serves as a celebration of countryside heritage, reflecting the deep ties between rural communities, their hounds, and the world of hunting. There are a significant number of trade stands attending this year, and the committee has worked incredibly hard to pull this off. The show will of course be missing one of its most faithful members, former secretary for over fifty years and subsequently the committee Chairman, Mr Jonnie Andrews, who sadly passed away in 2024. His wife, Mrs Sarah Andrews, is aptly this year’s President and we wish her well for this very special occasion. The Countryside Alliance will be there with our stand, do come along to say hello.

The Wales and Border Counties Hound Show has stood the test of time, and long may it continue.