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SALUKI (GAZELLE HOUND) BREED NOTES

Saluki Breed Notes 25/4/97

Tracy Larkin telephoned this week to give us the sad news that Mr and Mrs Hamilton’s champion dog, Ch. Kamsun Tiercel, has died. Tiercel was born on the 19th March 1987 and bred by his owners. The highlight of his show career was winning the Hound Group at Border Union in 1991, with Mrs. M Boggia-Black judging and going on to win Best in Show, judged by Mr R Flavel. Tracy also informed us that Rob Hamilton was in the hospital recently with a broken pelvis. I am pleased to let everyone know that now he is on the mend.

Last week was the South East Hound Show with their usual good entry of about 60 dogs. The judge was Mrs. Val Seitlinger from Germany. Her BOB was Mrs M Parker’s Classicus Zehara, BOS was Ms D Duckenfield’s Mabrooka Kajahl. Best Puppy was Mr & Mrs Spooner’s Manzemar Anastasija. Well done all.

We have, in the last few days, been discussing Open Shows such that in our area the entries have been diminishing although at Championship level numbers have increased since the recession. As the whole system is based upon both judges and exhibitors learning at Open Shows we wonder what effect, if any, this situation will have upon future dog show participants. The move towards training through seminars and other methods is indeed positive but Open Shows have a definite role in providing qualified judges capable of judging large classes at the top level. It is also fun way of bringing puppies or inexperienced dogs into the show scene without the pressure of Championship Shows. Finding new judges is also a problem for those organising Open Shows as many people feel reviled or simply do not wish to suffer the negativity that sometimes comes with liking a person but having to be objectively critical of their dog or dogs. I was pleasantly surprised in Scandinavia when dictating ones critique in front of the exhibitor to find that a positive dialogue ensued rather then a defensive approach. It is retaining the fun element of shows that we want to retain. Taking part in a competitive but predominantly social hobby, where friendship and knowledge overcomes all other factors, might take us forward and enable confidence to grow within those not wishing to play war games.

Michael Williams (101547.503@compuserve.com)

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