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SALUKI (GAZELLE HOUND) BREED NOTES

Saluki Breed Notes 29/11/96

A seminar on judging was held at the Sports Connexion, Coventry on Saturday November 16th organised by the SGHC. We attended in the guise of dog handlers bringing two of the six exhibits for the judging instructors to use for outlining their opinions, explanations and discriptions. I counted around 60 people in attendance. The morning session started with coffee and mingling followed by two presentations provided by Terry Thorn and Jill Knight- Messenger respectively. Terry spoke of judging all breeds not specifically Salukis. He did however explain about type in that Salukis are pure and true to type and the perfect type is that which is near to the breed standard. He spoke of the progression from owner to handler to breeder and judge. A detailed explanation of procedures when judging was outlined with a very big emphasis on concentration being a major factor for good judging. Some dialogue regarding sportsmanship, ego and judging dogs not handlers was well put and at times amusing. It was good to hear Terry talk about mental as well as physical soundness and that quality should be judged through soundness and harmony An addendum of important points included keeping good records of judging appointments (on computer if possible), being polite at all times when judging and the rule regarding dismissal of dogs from the ring such that only aggression is permissable and that the steward and show secretary must be involved in any such decision..

Jill Knight- Messenger immediately followed with a presentation about stewarding. This extremely detailed and informative talk was sometimes serious and other times light hearted. While outlining the important factors of stewarding in terms of procedures Jill also provided tips such as being timely, dressing correctly, not huddling or chatting, being aware of the judges needs at all times, speaking clearly to the exhibitors and probably most importantly, being discreet throughout. Jill exchanged several useful anecdotes by way of explaining the stewards role and concluded by suggesting that any first appointment to steward would be best in a breed other than the one you own.

After lunch the participants arranged themselves into three groups and with six judging instructors and six Salukis ( two for each group) an informative and lively dialogue ensued sometimes with instruction from the experts and at other times with an exchange of opinions. The three groups rotated until all three had seen each pair of dogs and instructors. The six judges who later sat on a panel for questions were Tessa Abbott, Deborah Copperthwaite, Rosemary Lewis, Christine Ormsby (replacing Doreen Stansfield who could not attend due to a sick animal), Zola Rawson and Terry Thorn.

Anthea Ackroyd- Hunt called to advise that her dog Glenoak Gisak went BIS at the Dumfries Open Show. I seem to remember that he has done this before at another show and Anthea was adament that it couldn't ever happen again... Oh really!!

Helen Graham sent a card to remind me that Christmas Greetings can be placed in the NSC Newsletter for a minimum donation to Saluki Welfare of £1.00. All copy must reach Helen no later than 2nd December.

On Thursday 21st November Kasaque Fanuch ( Isaac) died. Isaac was six year of age. A post mortem was undertaken and no cause of death could be found. The veterinarian actually stated that he was in excellent physical condition and had no obvious defects. Tissue has been sent on for further research, as requested by the sudden death committee. Notwithstanding the circumstances of his death Isaac was a wonderful Saluki with the manners of a true gentleman and we will miss him. Due to the evidence we have now seen with the sudden death of Isaac as well as his son Salu we will be seeking an alternative direction in our breeding plans, as was the case with our last litter. In the mean time we look for more information being provided to those involved with sudden death to enable the discovery of the cause of these untimely deaths.

Michael Williams (101547.503@compuserve.com)

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