As of this date I will not longer be posting 'Breed Notes' to this site due to certain individuals misusing them. It has been a long time, around 25 years at least, that this site has existed. Sorry to see it go but I can not accept the abuse from certain parties. Breed Notes are posted on "Our Dogs' weekly magazine. For those that wish, on-line copies are available.
Good bye Helen
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HAPPY EASTER, we hope everyone enjoys their long holiday weekend. Very pleased to say that all the spring flowers are out, some even earlier than expected. We have the added bonus of havi ng an evening with Brian Duggan, which I will report on the week after next (early deadline due to Bank Holiday weekend). It is great sadness that I report the passing of Joanne Mahon. Joanne had not been well for a number of years but just the same the news came as a shock, especially just after Crufts where she attended with her beautiful ‘Diamond Dogs’ leatherwork. Her husband, Paul posted: .'lt is with great regret that I have to announce that Joanne passed away last Tuesday. She died peacefully in her sleep. She will be greatly missed by me, her husband and my best friend for 50 years as well as all who knew her. We shall have a complete obituary to include in these notes in the next couple of weeks. RIP Joanne. The Northern Saluki Club will be holding their Championship Show on Sunday 21st April at Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton DE55 7BD. Judging will be Mrs Denise Rogers. Postal entries are now closed but on-line entries are available up and including the 7thApril 2024 through Higham Press. The NSC will be holding a Breed Appreciation Day (BAD) and a Multiple-Choice Examination (MCE) later this year. Presenters with be Dr & Lisa Hudson. This training is a requirement by The Kennel Club for prospective new judges. I will post further information, when available. Another Crufts gone. Thankfully the Salukis are in a quiet corner at the NEC. When you venture out you realize the building is bursting at the seam with activities and vendors. Wondering around after our judging I can truly say it is all too much. Crufts next year? Maybe not. Judging Salukis was Mrs U Lennartz from Germany. Her BCC, BOB went to Graham & Sharon Littlechild’s Ravensett Mehrasa for her first CC. She was born on 19th April 2022 and her breeder was Mrs S Littlechild. Her sire is Ch Classicus Baroque at Ravensett and her dam, Dabka’s Vincenca At Ravensett. RBCC went to our own Ch Luachmhar Jaddira Kasaque. DCC was Ch Jay JP Sea Bird El Panjsher (IMP JPN) JW owned by Linda Aldous and Jeannette Glaister, with RDCC to Miss V Echeveriia’s Multi Ch Persian Dragon Bvlgari. Best Puppy was Mr Darren & Mrs Monique Thomas’ Sincerity Kalimantan Cashar (IMP FIN) . Best Vetern went to A Ternest’s Int/Multi Ch Oman Said Ter Dolenm. Well done all!! I counted 16 people entered from other countries to compete. I think last year there were only one or two so we are working back up to pre covid numbers. Last Weekend UK Sighthound Sport held their Spring Championship. Unfortunately for us, this conflicted with the St Patricks Day CACIB show in Ireland. Rules are if you want to compete in Lure trials outside of GB, you need to be graded at an International Show so we needed to travel. I am pleased we did get the qualification that we need. DCC at the trial went to Darren & Monique Thomas’ Mumtaz Aramis with the BCC going to John & Hilary Davies’ Ch Classicus Alchmy for Charrioak JW. Top Saluki of the year was Natasha Hamilton’s INT/LUX Ch Bel Ch Alishamar Roxane. Highest scoring UKSS Licensed Dog at Crufts was our own Ch Luachmhar Jadira Kasaque. A few judges for next year have been posted. Bath, will be first time judge Ruth Dann, Summer SGHC Chap Show will be Lorraine Fitzgerald and October SGHC Champ will be Ian Veal. Helen Williams 07786936654 Kasaque565@gmail.com By the time you are reading these notes, the dust has settled, the big day is over. However successful or not your day was I hope it was a memorable day for all the right reason. A reminder to all Saluki aficionados: Celebrations for the Centenary Year of The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club are ending. As the world’s first club for the breed, that also defined the first breed standard, the centenary has been a major milestone. But there is still time for one more event, probably the most important Saluki oriented educational event since the seminars in 2007. The Saluki Club are inviting breed enthusiasts, or those who are simply curious to find out more about this unique breed join us for a very special evening at The Chesford Grange Hotel on 30th March. Starting at 6pm, there will be an opportunity to join club members and meet their dogs followed by a three-course meal. Afterwards there will be a rare opportunity to listen to a talk by Brian Patrick Duggan, renowned canine historian, noted Saluki specialist and judge. Brian is the author of the award-winning history of the breed - “Saluki: The Desert Hound and the English Travellers Who Bought It to The West”. The eclectic range of travellers, including Howard Carter and T E Lawrence are as important in this as the Salukis themselves. In his talk, Brian will be giving an update on both what happened next, and the development of the 1923 Standard. This will be followed by a Q&A. This is a rare opportunity to hear from the leading Saluki historian – who better to bring everyone up to date on the eventful first 100 years? This will be followed by a showing of “The Smooth Saluki”, a film covering the history of the breed produced by The Classic Saluki. Next there will be an auction of Saluki memorabilia, that includes some rare items. Finally, there will be some light-hearted Saluki awards with both the nominations and winners selected by Saluki Club members. The event promises to be an informative and entertaining way to complete the centenary celebrations for this unique breed. For booking at this prestigious event go to: www.salukiclub.co.uk/uncategorized/celebration-of-the-saluki-30th-march-2024/ or contact Linda Aldous on 01424 217796 after 6 pm Crufts is definitely in the air, love it, or hate it. A reminder that Saluki will be shown at 10.30am, Hall 5 ring 25 on Sunday, 10th Mach at the NEC in Birmingham. If you are planning to attend, remember to obtain your car park ticket from the NEC website, beforehand, or it will cost you a lot more money A couple of days ago we received the following message from David Steel with his thoughts on Crufts. David wrote: “On this day, February 13th, in 1924, a disparate group of Saluki enthusiasts gathered at The Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington for Crufts where Salukis were being recognised as a specific breed for the first time. Before that they had been exhibited – the original term used for showing - as Foreign Dogs. And exhibited was the right term as we shall see. This Crufts was only just over a year since The Saluki Club had been founded in a meeting around the time of same event on the 8th February 1923. It was also only just over seven months since the provisional standard they had drawn up had been approved by The Kennel Club. Salukis were now one of the 53 specific breeds being exhibited, around a quarter of the number of breeds being shown at Crufts in 2024. That milestone 1924 Crufts for the breed had just 17 Salukis (11 dogs and 6 bitches) making an astonishing 67 entries across just 16 classes. By contrast, the number of Salukis that will be at Crufts this year, 100 years later, will be 110 (52 dogs and 58 bitches). 8 of the classes were specifically for Feathered Salukis, 4 of the classes were for Smooths and there were 2 Open classes, Dog and Bitch, for either Feathered or Smooth. The remaining 2 classes were for a Brace, or a Team. Brace is a well-known term, but maybe the term Team is a little more obscure and needs some explanation. According to the class definitions the Team class was “for three or more dogs of any one breed belonging to the same owner either or both sexes”. I suspect exhibiting a Saluki Team required some specialist skills from the handler, perhaps they should have got any awards – not the hounds! Today the inability to leave Crufts before 4:00pm can be an irritant, but in the context of the regulations facing those taking part in the first Saluki classes it is trivial. The 1924 regulations reflected the fact that Crufts was explicitly more than a competition then, it was an exhibition. Even if the dogs entered were judged on the first day, they had to be present on both days, on display. Regulation 24, “Removing Dogs at Night” states that once the show closed on 13th February exhibitors could remove their dogs, but had to leave a deposit of 21 Shillings (around £50 in today’s money). Provided they returned the dog by 10:00am the next day they would get 20 Shillings back – so the organisers retained around £2.50 in today’s money, presumably for “administration”? Perhaps waiting around for the exhibition to close on that second day could also be tiresome for some owners. Fortunately, the regulations came to the rescue. They allowed exhibitors to leave, and have their dogs picked up as soon as the “exhibition” closed on that second day. This involved sending a signed Removal Order (some things don’t change) to the railway company “instructing them to collect”. The exhibitor also had to let them know if the dog was “on chain, in box or hamper”. Without the signed removal order the dog had to wait until the following day to be collected. A key question at this point is probably what happened to dogs that were not removed overnight between the two days? The answer is that “The Dogs will be benched and fed by Spratts Patent Limited, free of expense to the Exhibitor during the Exhibition”. ‘The Saluki’2024 Edition will be on sale at Crufts. Available from, ‘The magazine stand’ located at ring 25. Cost £15.00 purchased at the show. Purchased outside of UK on application. Natasha Hamilton has posted “Crufts!! I’m bringing the collapsible table and some nibbles again to Crufts so after judging we can all celebrate our beautiful hounds and raise a glass in thanks of our judge”. All are welcome to join and please do extend the invite to our foreign guests. All contributions of food or drink most appreciated “ A reminder from last week regarding the 100th year celebration of the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club. The Club finale has been announced. It is the ‘Celebration of the Saluki’ to be held on the 30th March 2024, 6 pm at Chesford Grange Hotel in Stoneleigh. The evening will start with pre-dinner drinks and a three-course meal, at a cost of £42.50. After dinner, canine historian, author and Saluki specialist Brian Patrick Duggan will be speaking. Brian is a championship show judge, he was formally President of the Saluki Club of Greater San Francisco and the Saluki Club of America. Presently he is Vice-President of Saluki Club of America. He owns both smooth and feathered Salukis. He has had a long career both in showing and open field and lure coursing his dogs. He still lure courses. Following his talk will be questions and answers. There will be a showing of the film entitled ‘The Smooth Saluki’: which was produced by ‘The Classic Saluki’ from the States. Later will be an Auction of Saluki memorabilia including rare items of historical significance donated by Chris Ormsby. Finally, there will be awards and prize giving, with winners nominated and selected by Club members. The Chesford Grange Hotel is a dog friendly hotel which will be holding a block booking for this event for the Club. Rooms can be booked directly with them. Dogs are welcome at no additional charge. To book a space at the dinner please use the form at https://salukiclub.co.uk/celebration-of-the-saluki-booking-form/ to attend or contact Linda Aldous on 01424 217796 after 6pm. here to edit. As the 100th year celebration of the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club is reaching it’s conclusion, the Club finale has been announced. It is the ‘Celebration of the Saluki’ to be held on the 30th March 2024, 6 pm at Chesford Grange Hotel in Stoneleigh. The evening will start with pre-dinner drinks and a three-course meal, at a cost of £42.50. After dinner, canine historian, author and Saluki specialist Brian Patrick Duggan will be speaking. Brian is a championship show judge, he was formally President of the Saluki Club of Greater San Francisco and the Saluki Club of America. Presently he is Vice-President of Saluki Club of America. He owns both smooth and feathered Salukis. He has had a long career both in showing and open field and lure coursing his dogs. He still lure courses. Following his talk will be questions and answers. There will be a showing of the film entitled ‘The Smooth Saluki’: which was produced by ‘The Classic Saluki’ from the States. Later will be an Auction of Saluki memorabilia including rare items of historical significance donated by Chris Ormsby. Finally, there will be awards and prize giving, with winners nominated and selected by Club members. The Chesford Grange Hotel is a dog friendly hotel which will be holding a block booking for this event for the Club. Rooms can be booked directly with them. Dogs are welcome at no additional charge UK Sighthound Sport will be holding a trials day on the 25th February 2024. This will be one of two days during the year, set aside for unlicensed hounds and their owners to see what we are all about. This day is also part of the qualification for a lure coursing licence. In the first test a dog will run singerly to see if it will follow the lure. When and if it does then you can go on to part two which is to run with an experienced licenced dog. This can all be done in the one day. The third part is running again with another licenced dog. Entries are open until the 18th February; meeting day is the 25th February. For further information and an entry form please go the UK Sighthound web site. Cruft’s entries are now available to view. For the first time that I can remember we have an entry larger than the Afghans, though not by much. It is unusual here but not on the Continent to have the Saluki entry exceed the Afghans. Judging Salukis will be Mrs Ute Lennartz from Germany, a breed specialist. The entry is 110 Salukis making 114 entries. Salukis are being judged on Sunday 10th March at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT. Provisional order of judging says we will be in Hall 5 ring 25. It should be a long fun day with all the madness that goes with a show like Crufts. John Owen, Hon Sec of the Northern Saluki Club have sent the following “The entry details for the Northern Saluki Championship Show to be held on Sunday the 21st April 2024 are now available on the Higham Press website. Entries may be made online at www.highampress.co.uk. A copy of the schedule is attached. If you wish to receive a printed copy please send me an email with your name and address, to ensure your details are accurate, or ring me on 01159 305473. These will be sent out to anyone who has requested one when they arrive from the printers. In an effort to limit the cost of posting please only ask if necessary. We have tried to keep the cost of entries low for members for a number of years despite many rising costs. We are introducing a Baby Puppy Class this year in line with the latest RKC initiative. So, if you have a puppy from 4 months to 6 months old we will be delighted to see you in the class. Please note that puppies under the age of 4 months are still not allowed at the show. Our AGM will be at Shirland Village Hall, Shirland, Nr Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 6BB, on Saturday the 23rd March 2023, starting at 1.00pm. If any member wishes to nominate a member for the vacant positions on the committee or has any proposals for the meeting these should be sent to the northernsalukiclub@gmail.com or sent by post to the hon. secretary. These need to be received by the secretary a minimum of 30 days prior to the meeting. If anyone wishes to join the committee there are 6 additional vacancies for committee members; written nominations with proposer and seconder, and including an agreement to stand from the nominee need to be sent to the Hon. Secretary in writing to be received 30 days prior to the meeting. Committee members need to have been fully paid-up members of the club for three years. Officers of the committee need to have previously served on the committee for a continuous period of two years. The Chairman can take nominations from those present at the meeting, if there are vacancies remaining. If you wish to attend the AGM, we will be pleased to see you, but you will need to be a fully paid-up member before the 23rd March 2024.” Very little news around focused around the Saluki scene, at the moment. My Breed Notes are either a feast or famine. Unfortunately, this week is the latter. 2024 is the turn of the Northern Saluki Club to hold their BAD. This year’s speakers will be Lisa and John Hudson, (Glenoak Salukis) which should make for a very interesting day. For further information and bookings please contact the Hon Secretary, John Owen on 0115 930 5473 or E:Mail northernsalukiclub@gmail.com. The NSC and the SGHC are now share judging lists so, if you are interested in judging our breed, this will give you the opportunity to judge shows sponsored by the clubs. I will post the date as soon as it is available. On Wednesday 29th May, Reading & District Kennel Assoc will be holding their Open show. This is the same week and same location as the Southern Counties Champ Show and the SGHC Champ show so, it you would like a little more practice with your hounds this is the place. Judging Salukis will be Mr D.R. Craig with 3 classes. Mr Craig appears to be an al-rounder judge. here to edit. SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKENDING 2ND FEBRUARY 2024
Helena Haywood has sent the following on behalf of SWF: “Saluki Welfare Fund are sad to announce that our very efficient Secretary Donna Francis, is sadly having to step back from our charity, due to increased pressure of workload form her regular job in June. We are therefore seeking someone to fill the vacancy this will create. We welcome interested parties to contact Donna directly on secretary@salukiwelfare.org.uk , so she can give you an idea of what this voluntary post entails.” Michelle Ulyatt, secretary of the SGHC has written to inform members that the AGM will now take place on Sunday 28 April 2024 at Roade Village Hall, Bailey Brooks Lane, Roade, Northampton, NN7 2LS. In view of the revised date, there is an have extended date for members to send Items for the Agenda. These should reach the Secretary no later than 29 February 2024. If any member would like to join the meeting via Zoom, please let the Secretary know and we will provide this facility. More on this can be found on the Club’s fb site or in the post for those that have request items arrive that way., John Davies, on behalf of the SGHC has posted the following: “2024 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGES. There is an error on the SGHC calendar: The judge for our championship show on 31st May is Mrs P Mottershaw, and for 20th October is Mrs E Hudson (subject to RKC confirmation). Show details are correct on our website:https://salukiclub.co.uk/activities/general-championship-shows-2024/ We apologise for this error which was caused by a miscommunication at handover to new committee person Manchester ‘The Classic’ the first Championship Show for 2024 and the last time to qualify, for Salukis, at Crufts 2024 was held last Friday. I understand the Saluki were shown in the ‘Pavilion’ which seemed to please all the competitors. After the Saluki judging, there was a club show for Basset Hound. All the Saluki exhibitors were invited to partake in the Basset Club’s lunch. Looking at photos it must have been a wonderful party, such an array of food. Judging us was Mr Frank Kane. BCC, BOB went to Mary Sanders Parker’s Ch Classicus Felicitas JW with the RCC to Natasha Hamilton’s Lux Ch Int Ch Alishamar Roxane (IMP BEL) JW. DCC went to Tricia & Michelle Ulyatt’s Ch Fernlark Legend of Cornhaze JW. RDCC went to Linda Aldous & Jeannette Glaister’s Ch Jay JP Sea Bird El Panjsher (IMP) JW. Best Puppy was Hilary & John Davies’s Zafaraniyeh Dashte Kavir and Best Veteran went to Denise Garratt & Sharon Oakey’s Ch Caryna Neferti JW Sh CM. David Hartley, Chairman of the Northern Saluki Club has sent the following: “ I need to share the sad news that our Patron, Mrs Judith White died at home just before Christmas. Her funeral is on the 23rd January 2024 at 11.15am. It will be held at Overdale Crematorium, Overdale Drive, Bolton, BL1 5BU. If you wish to join the family on the day, to pay your last respects, but are unable to be there in person the service will be streamed live from the Crematorium. Please contact Judith's nephew, Simon Langford, by email at silang73@icloud.com He will send you the required link and the password. Judith gave long and devoted service to our NSC Committee over many years. She was always generous to us, both with her time and money and was glad to chat to everyone and anyone at our shows. These chats were often around the tea urn whilst making the refreshments for the exhibitors, from the provisions she herself had provided. Starting with Afghan hounds Judith became a firm devotee of the Saluki breed and, of course, particularly of her own Salukis which she enjoyed showing and taking them to her Lake District cottage. She was supported in all that she did for the NSC by her late husband Trevor and they were a sociable and delightful couple. I enjoyed talking to her on the phone. Judith was always well informed about what was current in the Saluki world, and you did need at least an hour per call! Personally, I was very fond of her and regretted that our increasing age and worsening health meant we saw her less often” What a shock it was on Sunday evening receiving a message that Mark Cocozza had passed away. Like, probably everyone else I had to check and recheck that this was not a hoax. Unfortunately, it was not. Mark was always a larger than life character. He loved and lived for the dog scene, I cannot remember being at any dog show and not seeing Mark there. His first love was Afghans but he very much liked Salukis. On different occasions he exhibited our Salukis for us. When we would have a litter of puppies, he enjoyed visiting with them, giving us his opinion. He will be very much missed. Rest in Peace Mark. In last week’s notes I mentioned about the national concern of the dog world regarding the RKC jerry picking which breeds they will continue to support regarding DNA testing. John Davies, Health Co-ordinator for the two clubs, attended a meeting, held by the RKC, regarding this decision. This is the report John has written subsequent to that meeting: “For the past 2 decades the Kennel Club (now Royal Kennel Club (RKC)) and their Charitable Trust (KCCT) have provided considerable (majority) funding and support for the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and, latterly, the Kennel Club Genetics Centre(KCGC) ( based at Cambridge University). In that time the genetics team have identified 9% of globally traced genetic mutations linked to known diseases. As a result of this research (globally) we now have 40 breeds with DNA tests available for heritable conditions. Salukis are one of the beneficiaries (NCL testing). The costs of whole genome sequencing have dropped considerably from tens of thousands of pounds per sequence several years ago to less than £2000 now. It is therefore likely that the pace of DNA mutation discovery, causing heritable diseases, should accelerate in future due to these reduced costs so long as the research teams around the world are maintained. Sadly, last month, the KCCT decided not to provide further funding for the KCGC, but to apply project focussed funding to specific health conditions instead. Their present focus is on BOAS ( Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) and IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease). So breeds such as pugs, French Bulldogs and dachshunds appear now to be receiving the lion's share of the KCCT health funding. As a result the KCGC have reached out for what they term stakeholder funding, where a stakeholder may be a breed club or individual for example. I am sure that many breed clubs and individuals will be happy to provide such support. But there is the problem of future certainty of funding; The KCGC would, if the funding is successful, be living on a knife edge of uncertainty. Breed clubs would most likely be unwilling to provide specific project funding due to the danger of imminent financial failure of the KCGC, leading to the funds provided producing no result. (This is exactly what happened to some breed clubs on the demise of the AHT). There is also the problem of the attitude developing of “What is the point of supporting the KCCT when they are doing little for our breed?” So, the policy of project led funding from the KCCT could well result in a reduction of income from breeds not supported. In my time as saluki Breed Health Coordinator, we have introduced our voluntary code of breeding across our 2 breed clubs and succeeded in adding NCL DNA testing to the Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme. Without the help and advice that I have received from the KCGC (and previously AHT) the tests and controls on NCL and Autoimmune Hypothyroidism would not be in place. Salukis also benefit from the availability of the Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADHD) DNA test. Or to put it another way; Most of the professional support that I receive will be lost if the KCGC were to fail. The RKC’s stated ethos is “We are the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Our objective is to make a positive difference to dogs and their owners.” To turn their back on funding of the KCGC does not seem to support their idealogy where there is so much potential to improve future dog health. Dr Cathryn Mellersh (who has brilliantly led the KCGC, and AHT before it) made the point in her funding presentation on 16th January, that an annual contribution of £1500 from each breed, or a contribution of just £1 from each puppy registration ( in addition to other funding which Cathryn has successfully secured) , would be enough to support the KCGC team . It is also worthy of note that Cambridge University accommodates the KCGC with building space and services free of charge. I believe that the RKC should take the lead here and adopt the £1 registration surcharge proposal and ring fence this money for the KCGC. Breed clubs and individuals would then be encouraged to add their financial support,, and have more confidence in the assured future success of the KCGC, to be confident that their funds might not ultimately go to waste. A couple of judges to add on the calendar for this year. Debbie Copperthwaite will be judging at Windsor and Colin Ashmore at City of Brmingham(August). We still await to hear from Hound Association. Jaqui Bloomfield has kindly sent me the following: “We have received confirmation from The Kennel Club that our Glenoak Laquan (Caryna Kephri x Ch Glenoak Kamala, bred by John and Lisa Hudson) has qualified for his Veteran Warrant. He achieved this at only 8 shows. Laquan has a super temperament and loves going to shows, so he will continue to accompany his young nephew Minstrel (Caryna Hyperion) to shows and compete in a few classes.” UK Sighthound Sports will be holding a Webinar on Sunday 18th February 2024 Entitled ‘Animal First Aid. This will be held on Zoom with Kerry Stubbs talking about animal first aid, sporting injuries and how to mitigate them. The cost is £2.00 per person. You can sign up for the talk on the UKSS facebook page or on their web site. .
In ‘Our Dogs’ week on 5th January 2024 was the write-up by Cecilia Andersson of the October Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Championship Show. What a fantastic write-up! In her introduction she generalized on the exhibits then in the class write ups she clearly explained her placements, the strengths and weakness of the exhibits. If you have not read the write-up I suggest contact ‘Our Dogs’ to see if you can obtain a copy of the paper. She really has set a high standard for others to follow. Congratulation to Natasha Hamilton and Artemis. For the third consecutive year they have won ‘Top Lure Coursing Saluki’ She is BIS, CIB, BE Ch Lux Ch UK LC Ch Alishamar Roxane (IMP BEL) JW. A reminder dues are due. Time to renew your SGHC membership, your NSC membership and UKSS membership. Our Clubs need your support. For many years Saluki Welfare, SGHC and NSC have encouraged Saluki owners to send samples of their dog’s DNA to first the Animal Health Trust, which in a surprise move closed their doors. The KC were our heroes, quickly funding a team at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge. In today’s paper it states that the Kennel Club will or has pulled out of the Genetic Centre. I contacted John Davies, health co-ordinator for the Breed Clubs for an update on what is happening and an explanation of how the RKC, the guardians of pure-bred dogs, intends to function in a world that relies on DNA. Thankfully, John has come back to me with notification the KC General Committee are holding an explication and funding seminar on Tuesday pm. He will report back when he learns more. Needless to say, all the Breed Health co-ordinators are up in arms regarding the announcement. I will publish findings I next week’s Breed Notes. SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKEND 5TH JANUARY 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR As we are starting the new year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on what had happened Saluki-wise in 2023. This was the first year that we truly opened up after the years of the pandemic. Plus, we had the celebrations of the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Centennial. In January we had the first show of the year which was Manchester. A long cold snowy day, our judge was late arriving because of being caught up in the snow but it was well worth it as we had our first new champion of the year, Liana Phillips’ Vidana Amira S Berega Turi (IMP RUS) Sh CM ShCEx. This was a year that saw a record number of new Saluki Champions. (I promise I will not discuss each individual show, as there were many). Sadly, on the 2nd February Daphne Parnham, passed away. Daphne was the ‘rock’ of the Saluki Club. For as long as I can remember she kept Saluki records. The Club relied on her for recording the numbers for the traditional ‘points trophies’, which were awarded annually at the Open Show in June. She was a long serving Committee member for the Saluki Welfare. Our condolences, Daphne will be missed and remembered The festivities began on 8th February with all members of the SGHC being invited to a Saluki orientated tour of items held by the KC, then a fabulous lunch. There was a small but enthusiastic group that attended. Those attending were most impressed by the archivist and the librarians in regards to how importantly they viewed the history of our breed, wanting to keep it secure for future generations. The next important event on our calendar was “Crufts”. Judging for the Saluki’s special year was breed enthusiast and specialist Jenny Macro. She had an excellent entry of both UK Salukis and dogs from abroad. In the end the Best of Breed went to Linda Aldous and Jeannette Glaister’s Ch Jay NJP Sea Bird El Panjsher JW (IMP JPN). The next Saluki event was the Northern Saluki Club Championship Show. Our judge for that show was Marie Bryce-Smith. Marie had kindly come out of retirement as the original judge had withdrawn. Best of Breed at that show was Christine Campling’s Ch Classicus Octavius. A lovely friendly show in a new venue which all the exhibitors agreed worked out well. During the lunch break the NSC toasted the SGHC on it’s special year with a glass of fizz and a piece of cake which was beautifully decorated. It was a shame to cut into it, in the end it was as delicious as it was beautiful. Usually, the SGHC Open Show was held in the summer but this year it was decided that it should be held earlier along with the AGM. So, a week after the NSC, the Open Show was held with Luke Johnston judging. I think we all agreed that the village hall where it was held was really too small so hopefully, we will not be returning there. Luke had a good entry to judge. The reward for winning at this show is taking home the coveted silver spoon. Clare Knowles’ Ch Micattura All I Breathe of Mahziba, was the lucky lady. On a sad note, at this time the Saluki World lost a dear friend with the passing of Phyllida Cooke. She was the past secretary for the very successful Coursing section. On a happier note Masha Sheverneva with her special agility dog Altai (Qazal Serbaz Har Kala Rachi AW was second in the Lurcher & Sighthound Agility league table going from strength to strength. Natasha Hamilton’s Alishamar Roxane JW, LC had qualified for her International title. Sadly, the Club had to say goodbye to another long-term Club member, Sue Oakley. Sue and her husband bred the last Champion Smooth Bitch, Ch Caspian L’Aliq Avec Kasaque. It the prefix is familiar they were well known for their Irish Setters. One, namely Caspian’s Intrepid went Best in Show at Crufts. Not long after Sue’s passing, we heard of the sudden passing of Peggy Postma’s husband. The long awaiting mid-summer extravaganza started in the beginning of June. First show was the Southern Counties Championship Show with Karin Hedberg. Again, BOB went to Linda Aldous and Jeannette Glaisters’ Ch Jay NJP Sea Bird El Panjsher JW (IMP JPN). We were all looking forward to the next day which was the SGHC Summer Championship Show, Parade of Champions, Launching of the “Centennial” issue of “The Saluki” and our middle eastern banquet. Part 2, The Year 2023 in review The day we had all been waiting for, thanks to a very hard-working Committee. I shall use my previous notes; Friday, the day after SCCS, the long-awaited mid-summer gathering for the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club Centennial celebration. A few hiccups along the way like a cool wind, to start. That soon died down, Managers of Hermitage Village Hall opened a gate giving us permission to drive our cars nearly ringside. The ring was decorated in centennial bunting added to the festive feeling. Around the ring were exhibitors, Club officials, Welfare Stand and my own stand with Saluki orientated ceramics. Kathy Webb was single handed looking after the stand with the Centennial issue of “The Saluki”. Everyone attending was offered a glass of fizzy and a danish pastry thanks to the magazine. Unfortunately, Ann Shimmin, who co-edited the magazine was stuck on the Isle of Man, where she lives. Hopefully she will have better luck and will be able to attend the Club’s October show. The KC representative arrived inspected all, was very pleased giving the Club an Excellent Grade. Congratulation to Anna Freegard for compiling all the necessary information. What really impressed the KC rep was the main hall in the Hermitage site. Tables were all laid out with black tablecloth, serviettes all had 1923 to 2023. At the end of the hall, overlooking all the elegantly dressed table was the Portrait of Brigadier General Lance with another portrait of his wife, the lovely Gladys. This area was tastefully decorated with memorabilia. The Kennel Club Rep looked, measured and commenting on how beautiful it all looked. Photos of the day both formally and informally were taken by Lorraine Fitzgerald. Judging the special championship show was Denise Garratt (Caryna Salukis). Stewarding was Sharon Oakey and Clair Cryssolor, a long-time member of the club who now resides in Texas. The Club was most fortunate that Clair was available to help out. We were delighted that she could fit the celebration into her schedule. Also, a special thanks to Clair for the special rosettes which she brought over from the States. BCC, BOB was Claire Knowles’ Ch Micattura All I Breathe of Mahziba with the RBCC to Liana Phillips’ Luachmhar Jala. DCC, RBIS went to the brother of the BCC J-m Stenson’s Ch Micattua All for me with RDCC to Mrs G Scarth’s Lunar Eclipse Radley Neshana Tova (IMP ISR). The BOB winner was given a Saluki tea pot created and designed my myself. Reserve BOB was given a beautiful scarf donated by Jayne Pyatt. I do regret that `I missed the photos in the end with the presentations. Best Puppy was Jeannette Glaister’s Jorjenjo Rafiq Al Khas and Best Veteran was Sivendra Tahmas Altaya owned by John & Caroline Owen & Elaine Stanmore. Following Best in Show was the ‘Parade of Champion’. President of the SGHC, Michael Williams with our grandson AJ Williams carried the official club Centennial banner around the ring with all the UK champion Salukis that were present on the day. Each dog proudly adorned a silk sash saying “SGHC 1923-2023 Champion Parade”. Tessa Abbott wrote:” “What a lovely venue we really enjoyed the parade of champions and took some photos” The finally coupe de jour was the banquet. A sit-down Lebanese meal for 65 people in the handsomely decorated hall. Unfortunately, I am unable to post a picture as it was. We all toasted the Club on it’s big day. The food was delicious, everyone had plenty to eat and drink. September, was another busy month, show wise. The Northern Saluki Club held their Open Show. Judging was John Owen. Best in Show went to Caryna Manantena At Bactor owned by Lynda Ward. Unfortunately, SGHC had become quorate, due to resignation of Committee members, so the Club members banned together, held a Zoom SGM with the results being a new Committee. There was only one more special event for the Centennial celebrations in 2023. This was the traditional Championship Show held in the middle of October and the Kennel Club Building. Judging was Cecelia Andersson whom had a good entry of 78 dogs, only second to the entry at Crufts. It was a special show on all accounts; the entry was well supported by the Saluki community, there were stands for Saluki orientated items. From all reports, people had a lovely day. The Club supported the entry with coffee and tea available all day. During the lunch break there was a finger buffet organized and supported by the Club. Cakes were provided by Monique Thomas on behalf of the Club, Kathy Webb provided a cake on behalf of the magazine and Caroline Pickering made two cakes, one for Mary Parker to celebrate her new champion and the other to Liana Phillips to celebrate her two new champions. Portraits of Commander Lance and his wife Gladys attended along with other interesting historical Items. All in all, a very busy day. The judge was Cecilia Andersson and the stewards were Toni Agnew and Cath Davis. BCC, BOB and BIS went to Andrea Ireson, Ruth Dann, Terry Farris and Mike Cosentini’s Ch Jazalle Aneeqa with the RBCC and RBIS to Liana Phillips’ Luachmhar Jamilah. DCC, BOS went to Cathy Harding and Naomi Cowley’s Ch Classicus Odysseus at Ashahni with RDCC to Adele Walton Haddon’s Ch Badavie Don Peppino at Ilsham (IMP SWE). Best Puppy in Show was John & Hilary Davies’s Zafaraniyeh Dashte Kavir and Best Veteran was Jeannette Glaister’s Ch Vanechka Otis S Berega Turi (IMP RUS) JW ShCM. Best Smooth was Masha Shaverneva & Susan Rhodes Qazal Sarbaz Har Kala Rachi AW (B) AW(S) (IMP Bel). October saw the passing of another long-time member of the Saluki world, Nick Bryce-Smith. He was most importantly involved with The Kennel Club, both as a member and a committee person. For years he was the steward at Crufts we saw on television ushering in the prospective Best in Show dogs. He had a long-standing association where, for many years was the Chairman of Richmond Championship Show. Recently he resigned from that position to become President. Nick was a dog/Saluki person. I remember going to one of his talks he gave to Clubs as a KC trainer, it was most interesting and enlightening. For the Saluki Clubs he was the representative on the KC ‘Breed Council’. Both Marie and Nick were KC approved judges for all the hound Group. They judged here and abroad on many occasions. 2023 will be remembered for many things, one being that there are 8 new show champions, here in the UK. They are, starting with the males: Fernlark Legend of Cornhaze JW, Badavie Don Peppino of Ilsham, and Classicus Alron with Malenkhai Girls, Vidana Amira S Berega Turi (IMP RUS) Sh CM, Sh Cex, Classicus Felicitas, Velourias Dee Dee Vine, Caryna Esperanza, and Luachmhar Jadira Kasaque. Top Dog was Linda Aldous and Jeannette Glaisters’ Ch Jay NJP Sea Bird El Panjser JW (IMP JPN), Top Puppy was Mark Cannon & Freya Wickstead’s Caryna Stephano To Abayomi and Top Breeder was Mary Sanders Parker. |
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