It seems to be a very quiet time in the dog-scene right now.  Breaking the silence is the publication of the KC Gazette with some new judges.  Judging Richmond 2023 is Mrs. M. Finney, South Wales will be Mrs J.E. Pain.  For 2024 at Birmingham National is Mr CK Thornton.  Bath is Mr David Cavill, Blackpool is Dr Paiopheimo Segersuen from Finland, Bournemouth is Mr.Espen Engh and South Wales Ms Viv Phillips.

3rd February 2023

 
I am pleased to report that Phyllida Cooke is on her way home, after a long stay in the hospital, resulting from having had a stroke.  It will still be a while before she is on top of things but we wish her the best.  I am sure she would appreciate cards.  Her address is St Frideswide’s Cottage, Knighton, Compton Beachamp, Oxon, SN6 
8NT
 
Hound Assoc. will be holding their Open Show on Sunday 26th March 2023 at the Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3FL.  Salukis will have four classes.  Judging will be Mrs P Steele (Akmar).  Schedules are available on Higham Press. 
 
I have heard from John Owen, Secretary of the Northern Saluki club.  He has stated that the Club will be sponsoring breed classes at four different Open Show.  One of the shows, is Clitheroe and District Kennel Association Open Show which will be held on Saturday 1st April 2023.  Online entries close on the 14th March. Judging will be Elaine Sydney (Shaybani) with 4 classes. Schedules are now available on Fosse Data Web site
 
South West Hound Club will be holding their Open Show (Easter Monday) on the 10th April.  Entries close on the 27th March.  Schedules can be seen on Higham Press’ web site.  Salukis have two classes and the judge is Mr Alex Paisey.
 
Schedules are now available for the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Centennial Open Show at Fosse Data. It will be held on Sunday 23rd April 2023 at the Roade Village Hall, Bailey Brooks Lane, Roade, Northants NN7 2LS.  Judging will be Mr Luke Johnston (Danluke). There will be 31 Classes.  You do not need be a member of the Club to attend this show.  Schedules are available at Fosse Data or by contacting Mrs Anna Freegard, Willow Farm, Trinity Road, Walpole Highway , Wiscech, Norfold PE14 7SR.  The Club’s AGM will follow on after, not before 12.30.
 

​
 
 Manchester Championship Show, was not only the first championship show with CCs for Salukis but it also was the crowning of a new champion.  Judging us on a freezing cold day, both inside and outside was Sue Finnett.  Congratulation to Liana Phillips’s Vidana Amira S Berega Turi (IMP RUS) Sh CM Sh CEx for winner Bitch CC, BOB, qualifying her as a champion.  Incredible, Amira, who was born in Russia, won her 1st CC in Wales, 2nd in Scotland and 3rd in England She was born on 2nd November 2015 and her breeder is Ms Elena Potemkina.  Her sire is Ch Classicus Kgalils Canta and dam Ch Kamila Djaal Lhilal, RBCC went to her daughter Luachmhar Jadira Kasaque., owned by Michael and myself.  DCC went to Cathy Harding & Naomi Cowley’s Ch Classicus Odysseus at Ashahni with RDCC to Adele Haddon’s Badavie Don Peppino At Ilsham  (IMP)AW.  Best Puppy was Nicola Warner & Bernie Hetherington’ Flytesfield Eowyn At Savuka.
 
When the BSFA folded they donated some of their trophies to UK Sighthound Sport.  To preserve the history of BSFA, UKSS are awarding the trophies annually to the top dogs for each breed.   Top Dog 2022 for Salukis is  Natasha Hamilton’s Lux Ch Alishamar Roxanne (IMP) JW, CH LC. Congratulation!
 
The Magazine Team are currently working on the next edition of The Saluki which will be available at SGHC Centennial Championship Show on Friday 2nd June 2023.  It is likely that this edition - covering 100 years of SGHC existence - will become a reference item for the future.  What better way to inform saluki enthusiasts worldwide about Champions made up/CC’s won/Agility/Lure Coursing successes - plus any and all other significant saluki events.  There will also be the opportunity to congratulate the SGHC on 100 years of service to the saluki community.  Whilst content is obviously of major importance for every edition of The Saluki - it is a fact that adverts and features brought together in this way contribute significantly to archival material for enthusiasts in years to come.
All adverts will be very welcome.  Those that are required in the first instance are the ‘Insert Adverts’ on offer for all of those awarded 1st and 2nd places at SGHC Championship Show October 2022. Over the years Insert these photos have formed an integral part of the presentation of critiques, plus a pictorial record of Saluki successes at SGHC Club Shows. It is our hope that as many exhibitors as possible will wish to contribute for Centennial year. However because they form part of the editorial process – in order to ensure your pictures are featured – critique photos are needed as soon as possible.  DEADLINE FOR ALL OTHER ADVERTS: Tuesday - 25th April, 2023.  
ADVERTISING RATES: WHOLE PAGE - £65.  HALF PAGE - £37.  NEW CHAMPION - £60 (Fixed layout). INSERT PHOTOS - £10  (On offer for all of those awarded 1st & 2nd Places at 2022 Championship Show.) The rates include all layout work for the advert. Deadline for Adverts is 25th April 2023.  We would be grateful if anyone with specific advertising requests could contact the Magazine editors as soon as possible as the fairest way forward is on a ‘first come – first served’ basis.   ADVERTS/INFORMATION: Contact: Ann Shimmin cranstal31@manx.net or Kathy Webb kathy.webb99@icloud.com

 
Sorry about the lack of notes last week.  Because of some technical hitch my notes never arrived.
 
 Crufts’ entries will close on Monday 23rd January.  Hounds will be judged on Saturday 11th March.  Judging us will be Mrs Jennifer Macro.  After judging there will be a get together, lifting a glass to celebrate the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Centennial.  All are welcomed.  
 
This is the time of the year that all membership dues are due.  Please send your subs to the SGHC and the Northern Saluki Club.  Also, a reminder for those that are members of UK Sighthound Sport.  Dates for lure coursing 2023 are 5th March, Spring Trials Day, 26th March Spring Championship, 3rd/4th June, Summer trials day and championship, 8th October National Championships.  I will post venues later. 
 
Breed Records Supplement for Autumn, July to September 2022 has arrived.  There was only one litter registered during this period for 10 puppies.  I am not familiar with the prefix or breeding.  There were two Importation.  Lunar Eclipse Radley Neshama Tova (IMP ISR).  He was born on 25th May 2021.  Breeder is K Mintz and owner is Mrs G Scarth.  Origin Israel
 
The second Importation was Sharwassim Grahim (IMP SWE) He was born on 31st July 2021. His breeder is C Haglund and his owner is Miss A Keckes.  Origin Sweden.  
 
For the third quarter 2022 there were 12 Salukis registered at the KC compared to 35 in 2021. So far this year there have been 74 registered.  Last year there were 94 Salukis registered at this time.  It will be interesting to see how we fare at the end of the year.  Three Salukis have passed ‘Clear’ to NCL.  They are Classicus Baroque At Ravensett, Dibka’s Vincena (IMP SWE) and Jazalle Ava
 
In this week’s OD there was an obituary for one of the American legends, Lee Canalizo.  Her first breed was Afghans which she started breeding in the 1960s, followed by Salukis.  Her Salukis came down from the Jen Araby/Srinigar lines which most Saluki at the time did.  In the 1970s she started her judging career.  At the time of her retirement, she was approved to judge five AKC groups, but never lost her love for the sighthounds. She was also an accomplished artist working as a silversmith.  Recently I have seen some of her work come available.  Her son, Michael has carried on with the Grandeur prefix.  He writes “Her bright light, endless smile and love of her family in dogs and the art world made her complete.”  Our condolences to the family 
 
The first Championship Show of 2023 was held this weekend.  Salukis were classified but not allocated Challenge Certificates.  Judging was Miss E Millward.  BOB was Denise Garratt & Sue Oakey’s Caryna Esperanza.  Best Puppy was Mary Sanders Parker’s Classicus Felicita JW.  This weekend East Of England Agricultural Society announced that July would be there last championship show. It seems that they cannot continue as they can no longer fulfil their charter. So, from 2024 Boston has the opportunity to take over the July show dates, move to Rutland Showground and increase their CC allocation.  It will be interesting to see if the KC reallocates East of England’s Salukis CCs to Boston. 
 
Very sadly, I have just received notification of the sudden passing of Lotta Brun of Caravan Salukis and Afghan Hounds.  Lotta was originally from Norway but had lived in Spain for many years.  She leaves a great legacy in the dog world having bred moderate, functional Salukis.  Many of her dogs have become the foundation of other lines.  She was also a well-respected judge having judged in this country at least twice by my recollection.  The last time was at the Northern Saluki Club Championship Show just prior to the ‘lockdown’.  I will miss her postings of her life in Spain, her gardening and the lovely produce she was producing.  Our condolences to her family and partner, may she RIP.
 
 

 
 

 
 Crufts’ entries will close on Monday 23rd January.  Hounds will be judged on Saturday 11th March.  Judging us will be Mrs Jennifer Macro.  After judging there will be a get together, lifting a glass to celebrate the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Centennial.  All are welcomed.  
 
This is the time of the year that all membership dues are due.  Please send your subs to the SGHC and the Northern Saluki Club.  Also, a reminder for those that are members of UK Sighthound Sport.  Dates for lure coursing 2023 are 5th March, Spring Trials Day, 26th March Spring Championship, 3rd/4th June, Summer trials day and championship, 8th October National Championships.  I will post venues later. 
 
Breed Records Supplement for Autumn, July to September 2022 has arrived.  There was only one litter registered during this period for 10 puppies.  I am not familiar with the prefix or breeding.  There were two Importation.  Lunar Eclipse Radley Neshama Tova (IMP ISR).  He was born on 25th May 2021.  Breeder is K Mintz and owner is Mrs G Scarth.  Origin Israel
 
The second Importation was Sharwassim Grahim (IMP SWE) He was born on 31st July 2021. His breeder is C Haglund and his owner is Miss A Keckes.  Origin Sweden.  
 
For the third quarter 2022 there were 12 Salukis registered at the KC compared to 35 in 2021. So far this year there have been 74 registered.  Last year there were 94 Salukis registered at this time.  It will be interesting to see how we fare at the end of the year.  Three Salukis have passed ‘Clear’ to NCL.  They are Classicus Baroque At Ravensett, Dibka’s Vincena (IMP SWE) and Jazalle Ava
 
In this week’s OD there was an obituary for one of the American legends, Lee Canalizo.  Her first breed was Afghans which she started breeding in the 1960s, followed by Salukis.  Her Salukis came down from the Jen Araby/Srinigar lines which most Saluki at the time did.  In the 1970s she started her judging career.  At the time of her retirement, she was approved to judge five AKC groups, but never lost her love for the sighthounds. She was also an accomplished artist working as a silversmith.  Recently I have seen some of her work come available.  Her son, Michael has carried on with the Grandeur prefix.  He writes “Her bright light, endless smile and love of her family in dogs and the art world made her complete.”  Our condolences to the family 
 
The first Championship Show of 2023 was held this weekend.  Salukis were classified but not allocated Challenge Certificates.  Judging was Miss E Millward.  BOB was Denise Garratt & Sue Oakey’s Caryna Esperanza.  Best Puppy was Mary Sanders Parker’s Classicus Felicita JW.  This weekend East Of England Agricultural Society announced that July would be there last championship show. It seems that they cannot continue as they can no longer fulfil their charter. So, from 2024 Boston has the opportunity to take over the July show dates, move to Rutland Showground and increase their CC allocation.  It will be interesting to see if the KC reallocates East of England’s Salukis CCs to Boston. 
 
Very sadly, I have just received notification of the sudden passing of Lotta Brun of Caravan Salukis and Afghan Hounds.  Lotta was originally from Norway but had lived in Spain for many years.  She leaves a great legacy in the dog world having bred moderate, functional Salukis.  Many of her dogs have become the foundation of other lines.  She was also a well-respected judge having judged in this country at least twice by my recollection.  The last time was at the Northern Saluki Club Championship Show just prior to the ‘lockdown’.  I will miss her postings of her life in Spain, her gardening and the lovely produce she was producing.  Our condolences to her family and partner, may she RIP.
 
 

 

 
Happy New Year.  Keeping track of closing dates for ‘Our Dogs’ at this time of year is always a challenge for breed writer.  So now we are in the New Year, no holidays for a while, I should be able to keep on top of those closing dates.
  
Before Christmas we were contacted by Nick and Marie Bryce-Smith to tell us of the passing of Frankel (Champion Kasaque Ra Frankel of Saruk) just before his 10th birthday.  Two months prior I had written about him winning Best Veteran in Show at the SGHC Championship Show, which we were all very proud.  All that knew him were enchanted by his friendly outgoing character.   Frankel’s pedigree went back four generations to the Bryce-Smith’s Ch Mumtaz Moon Magic.   Our sympathy to the Bryce-Smiths and thank you for giving Frankel the best of everything.  
 
Congratulations to Mary Sanders Parker of Classicus Salukis on a very successful 2022.  To quote her, “I have swept the board” winning Top Saluki, Top Puppy, Top Breeder and Top Stud.  There may have been more then one bottle of champagne in her house this Christmas.  
 
Congratulations also are due to Chris Ormsby who celebrated her 99th birthday in December.  I should think Chris will be celebrating with champagne or a gin & tonic or two.  Happy Birthday Chris.  
 
2023 is the start of the Centennial Year of The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club.  The first official event will be held on 8th February at the Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London.  We have been asked to arrive at the KC for 12.00 (drinks?) with lunch being served at 12.30 followed by a tour of the KC library, with an opportunity to view their Saluki collection.  Ticket availability are limited so if you would like to attend, please contact the secretary of the SGHC, Michelle Ulyatt at email secretary@ salukiclub.co.uk.  Price for the visit is £33.00 payable to the Cub treasurer.  For further information please contact Michael Williams on 01635 268269. 
 
here to edit.

 
I have received the following from John Owen, Hon. Sec of the Northern Saluki Club:
 
“We are looking for a Saluki enthusiast and member of the NSC who would be interested in organising the NSC presence at the Crufts Discover Dogs exhibit. The previous organiser is no longer available.
 
This would involve organising the Saluki Breed booth on the Wednesday, or first thing Thursday, before the show starts in earnest, and timetabling people and their Salukis to cover the booth for the four days of the show. There are expenses available for people who want to be involved and free parking tickets for the duration of the event. It also provides passes for dogs which allows access in and out of the show at any time. Finally, the booth needs to be packed up at the end of the show which would need to be organised.
 
If you are interested, please could you let the committee know by sending an email to this address. Then we will be able to provide you with the full details and contact information for the Crufts Discover Dogs organiser. We need a fairly quick response. We have been asked to confirm our involvement by the 5th January 2023.
 
If you are interested in being involved, but not the organiser, but are willing to take your Salukis to cover the Discover Dogs booth for one of the periods over the course of Crufts, please also reply to this email and that information can be passed on to the person who agrees to organise the event.
Best wishes, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
John can be contacted on email: northernsalukiclub@gmail.com or telephone 0115 930 5473
 
Pat Duffey, Secretary of the East of England Championship Show has posted that the East Of England Agricultural Society Championship Show 2023 will be moving to the RUTLAND SHOWGROUND POST CODE LE15 7TW
Camping will be available but no electric hook ups.  Hounds will be on the 9th July.
 
Happy Holidays from Michael, Helen and the Kasaques

 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.  This may appear to be slightly premature but with the postal and everything strikes there is no telling when the paper may arrive.  As much of the news is not dated, the article and information will remain 
relevant and informative.  
 
I was reading a very sad article regarding the death of two whippets.  The owner had, what she thought was a harmless snow globe.  The ones that you shake and the show falls.  I have always been enchanted with them and nearly bought one as a Christmas gift for a friend.  Anyway, they had this globe on a windowsill where the dogs accidently jumped and knocked it down.  The globe fell and broke releasing it’s liquid contents which one would have thought would be water, but it was not, it was highly toxic anti-freeze (ethylene glycol).   The owner took immediate action, contacted the Pet Poisoning Helpline which told her to go to the vets immediately. It seems that anti-freeze is quite sweet to the taste.  The long and short of the story, both dogs died within hours of each other.  I am writing this as a precautionary note if you have one, maybe on the bottom of the globe they will have the contents or even a warning if it is toxic.  I shall check next time I see one. 
 
Yesterday was the end of an era for the Ladies Kennel Association.  It was the last show they will be holding at the NEC.  I have often heard people complaining about the walk into the venue, from the car park.  With the car park they now use it was a very short walk into the building.  The weather was another story as it was extremely cold (it is December after all) foggy with light snow.  Nothing that was accumulating on the ground.  That aside it was lovely to be there celebrating with like-minded folks with a festive feel in the air.  At the benches, celebrations were taken place in the case of Salukis it was for two new champions, litter sisters.  Champagne all round plus a beautiful cake made by Caroline Pickering.  Happy times!  
 
Judging Salukis was Mrs Jill Cross.  BCC, BOB went to Mary Sanders Parker’s Ch Classicus Olympia with the RBCC to our own Luachmhar Jadira Kasaque.  DCC went to Debbie Coppethwaite’s Ch Al Caliphs Anjal Bey with the RDCC to Cathy Hardings & Naomi Cowley’s Ch Classicus Odysseus at Ashahni.  Best Puppy was Mary Sanders Parker’s Classicus Felicitas who I understand qualified for her Junior Warrant with that win.  Best Veteran was Denise Garratt & Sharon Oakey’s Ch Caryna Neferti JW ShCM.  Well done all!
 
Michael and myself wish everyone a safe, happy holiday and a very Happy New Year.  

 
Mike strong has decided it would be prudent to cancel the Saluki lure practice which was to be held on the 10thDecember.  This makes good sense as many of us will be attending LKA on the next day.  Crazy as it may seem it takes us nearly a day to prepare for attending a show.  Even with just one little dog to take.  We will be posting dates early next year for future practices.  As I previously wrote I am sure Mike would like all the help he can in running the event. 
 
UK Sighthound Sport has announced their schedule for 2023. The first will be 5th March for spring trials day.  This is the first step in starting training your dog for obtaining their ‘coursing licence’ One cannot run in an official coursing meeting without this licence.  Next dates are 5th March for Spring Championships, 3rd/4th June Summer trials day and Championship.  8th October for National Championships, Stratford Racecourse. Other venues will be announced.  I will post information on UKSS and SGHC lure coursing as it becomes available.  
 
Phyllida Cooke is in the hospital.  She had an accident in her house which culminated in her having a stroke. From what I understand a fire alarm was going off, the fire brigade came to see what was going and found her.  I assume they rang for an ambulance.  She is in the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, where thankfully she is making progress for her recovery.  We will take a card to LKA for people to sign wishing her the best.  
 
Anyone wanting calendars? Michelle Ulyatt will be at LKA selling them.  They are a special Centennial edition, a one off.  After next year’s special edition, the Club’s calendar will revert to its usual format.   Also, anyone wanting to attend the SGHC luncheon on the 8th February with a tour to see Saluki related items held by the Kennel Club, please contact Michael Williams on 01635 268269 or email: mr.cmichaelwilliams@gmail.com or let Michelle know.  Cost for attending is £33.00 which includes a two-course lunch and the tour.  The limit of attendees is 20.
 
Is it the end of ‘Saluki bench parties?  The KC has announced:” that following it’s recent Board meeting it has been agreed that the requirement for benching for General and Group Championship dog shows will be relaxed for a two-year trial period commencing the 1st January 2023”. In my opinion for ‘outdoor’ shows this will make little difference but for indoor shows this is another matter.  Where are people going to park their dogs?  Those that use crates will need trollies to take them into the show area, three dogs for example, three crates.  Soft crates are more portable but not safe.  The one time we used the soft crates our dogs were out of them in two minutes flat.  Dogs cannot be left unattended in them, for a moment, as I previously stated, they are unsafe.  I would think that indoor shows would be more inclined to retain the benching because of the space limitation and safely for dogs and people. The KC have stated that Crufts will remain benched.  Any comments/

 
The last championship show of 2022, LKA, will be held on Sunday 11th December at the NEC in Birmingham. We are in Ring 13, judging to commence at 9am.  There is an excellent entry for judge Jill Cross of 51.  This appears to be the last show for LKA to be holding at this venue.  Jackie Kitchener on behalf of LKA has posted the following: “We wish to make the following statement. Having only just received approval of our 2023 show dates we are now in a maelstrom of social media fever and wish to apologise in not being able to contact our judges and all relevant persons this may affect ahead of the news going viral.  We hope you will understand we did not anticipate this occurring, particularly in the very busy period preparing for this year’s show.
1.  We confirm this year our show remains at the NEC on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December  
2.  Our move is to a four-day event NEXT YEAR as publicised on the KC sites:  these are Dec 7th (Th) - Utility & Toys; 8th (Fri)- Hounds & Terriers; 9th (Sat) Working & Pastoral; 10th (Sun) Gundogs).   These days will rotate annually.
3.  The venue will be Stafford
4.  Docked dogs will be able to be shown, car parking will be free and camping available.
We hope this clarifies the situation for all and look forward to welcoming you all to this year’s show.”
 
Reading the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen notes of Linda Winchester Skerritt I was reminded that 2022 has marked the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of the Tutankhamun’s tomb.  The leader of the expedition was Howard Carter working on behalf and benefitted by Lord Carnarvon the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.  Howard Carter was from a generation of family of artists who worked around Swaffam in Norfolk.  His father used to paint portraits for, among others, the wealthy Amherst family at Didlington Hall.  Howard used to accompany his father to Didlington Hall where he became intoxicated in the family’s enthusiasm for antiquities and artistic ephemera from Egypt. This is where Howard Carter received his first knowledge of Egyptology which was a start of life long endeavour.  Hon. Florence Amhurst was the daughter of Lord Amhurst of Hackney.  Florence had a life time relationship with Howard Carter.  Her knowledge of Egyptian antiquities and the dogs she loved along with the efforts of Brigadier and Mrs Lance established official recognition of Salukis.  Not only was Florence familiar with Howard Carter, there are letters between Florence and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) asking him to keep on the look-out in the markets and with his contact Bedouin tribesmen for a special Saluki Collar. 
 
Entries for Crufts 2023 are now open.  Salukis will be judged on Saturday 11th May 2023.  Judging will be Jenny Macro.  After the judging there will be a toast for the SGHC’s 100th anniversary.  Entries can be made up until midnight on Monday 23rd January 2023.