Orange County Hounds might still be celebrating two brilliant days in late spring when they won the American Foxhound Championship at the Virginia Hound Show and one week later that same hound earned bragging rights for being top dog, literally, at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show where Orange County "Kermit" won both the American Foxhound title and the Grand Championship or Best In Show.

What makes that accomplishment even more significant is the fact that another Orange County hound claimed the Reserve Championship, following in Kermit's footsteps, so to speak, at both Virginia and Bryn Mawr.

What many might not realize unless they happen to be crazy about bloodlines (it's actually quite fascinating, but you have to pay attention) is that Orange County "Juicy", the Unentered Bitch (gender term: foxhounds are either dogs or bitches) happens to be one of the "get" that showed in the Stallion Hound class that Kermit won at Virginia en route to the breed title. That "Shown With 3 Get" makes for a competitive class and a fun one to watch. Juicy is by Kermit out of Orange County "Justice" — the success of sire and progeny has to be a most soul-satisfying reward for the many years Reg Spreadborough, OCH Huntsman, has dedicated to the breeding program.

Back in 2017 when Kermit earned his Grand Championship at Virginia, John Coles, MFH Orange County, said, "Kermit's one of the most correct and athletic hounds we've ever had. We couldn't be prouder."

Nothing has changed on how they feel about Kermit, who has muscled out and matured; he's in the prime of his life. He hunts well. In fact, Reg said, "I'm thrilled with Kermit. He's a great hound, all business in the middle of the pack, and I thoroughly enjoy working with him. Kermit's first crop of offspring successfully hit the show ring this year, and Kermit's daughter Juicy stood reserve in the American Champion Hound classes at Virginia and Bryn Mawr. I'm excited to enter them this season."

Enter, as in be part of the pack in the hunting field. Juicy is already a champion, a young one and she shows every sign of proving that apples don't fall far from the tree.