
It's a pity you are not in touch with whoever bred your hound (? - same breed as your avatar) because before bothering with the show scene, it would really help to have an honest evaluation of your hound. Showing these days is expensive and add to that, muh as some may find show people friendly, that's not always the case, especially with a newcomer (and even more if they have a decent dog!!). You have to develop a thick skin, remembering always that the best dog is the one you go home with!
I recommend joining the Breed Club where you should be able to mix with like-minded people and perhaps get an honest assessment of your hound from them. Crufts is coming up - go, Hound Day and sit ringside, soaking it all up. Take some photos of your dog with you and see what their reaction is - AFTER they've been in the ring!! Things can get tense, especially at Crufts.
She does come from a well known kennel and even if you haven't been in touch with them recently, or didn't buy her directly from them, if you are planning to go into the ring with your hound, I'm sure they will want to know, help and advise. They probably love to know where she is now too.
http://www.champdogs.co.uk/breeder/30518 Even if she's registered in your partner's name although I think he should probably sign the entry form, even if you should be able to do that as his agent there should be no probably entering her and showing her yourself. Just make sure the information is correct.
You do need to find a good Ringcraft Class - at the least it will put her in a 'show environment' although if she's been shown before, as a puppy, that should help.
ps Re stacking, use a full length mirror to stack your hound in front of so you can see what the judge sees.