Saluki Gazelle Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange (SALUKI INTERNATIONAL (ISSUE #13) |
Saluki International
Issue #13 is now available
Welcome to another issue of Saluki International.
Issue #13 is one of our best so far:.
§ tallahamra salukis - an interview with Herb Wells
§ first aid for dogs - university of melbourne
§ the untitled - june applebee-burt
§ lure coursing in a growth spurt - jack helder phd.
§ the grevels - salukis and wolfhounds
§ The (U.K.) Revised Standard
§ And of course our breed correspondents continue to keep us up to date on all the latest show wins and new developments in our Saluki world.
Welcome to another issue of Saluki International. Yet another year has passed. Some of us will remember it with fond memories: our first CC, our first best of breed, our first best in group or our first best in show. Perhaps the fondest memory of all will be of the new exhibitor to the show scene who has won their first placement in a class. I can still remember the first time I ever won a card in the show ring, how proud I was, nothing could take away the joy of that moment when the judge awarded me the card - it didn't matter what colour it was - all that mattered was that someone (the judge) thought highly enough to give my treasure a seal of approval. The years roll by, the innocence of those early days has departed - however- every now and then I reflect upon how simple life was in our formative years. Some of us have now inherited the mantle of breeders, breeding to our own interpretation of the breed standard and perception of perfection. Of course, this is very necessary and our breed depends upon committed breeders to maintain the functional hound that we have inherited from our ancestors. Our standard allows for a variety of different types within the overall framework of breed type. but we must resist the allure of breeding exclusively for what may be currently fashionable in the show ring. We are the custodians of the breed and as breeders we must resist the temptation of producing a generic show hound that captivates all, but is far removed from the Saluki that we have been entrusted to preserve. It is all too easy to throw away what we inherited in our quest for glory in the show ring and, as a result, do irreparable damage. Certainty the biggest compliment I can be paid is when I am told I have an "old type" Saluki.
..... Ken.
