28th December 2017

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
2017 has been a very interesting year in terms of dogs and dog showing.  The biggest change, probably since the ‘Pedigree Foods’ sponsorship stopped abruptly, was the closing down of “Dog World”.  It was vibrant to have two strong opinions, in the form of weekly magazines, regarding our world of dogs. Now we are down to one, it is important to keep that voice going or we will have only the Kennel Club’s opinion as the lonely voice.  Some of the top accolades for 2017 are:  Top Saluki (s) with equal points goes to Classicus Cassander and Fernark Schussboomer.  Top Stud and Veteran was Baghdad Karim.  There was no clear leader for the title of top Brood bitch. Top Puppy is
Canerikie Catalina. 
 
The Kennel Club has agreed to introduce champion classes at breed club championship shows, with effect from 1st January 2018.
These classes, which are not compulsory, have been brought in by the Show Executive Committee (SEC) following a recommendation from the Dog Show Promotion Working Party which recently announced a number of measures designed to improve the dog show scene in Britain.
The winner of the champion class, provided it is unbeaten, will join all other unbeaten dogs or bitches to compete for the relevant Challenge Certificate.
In days gone past we use to have a very popular Champions Class at the SGHC Open Show.  It was deemed very competitively and most fun.  Maybe will be able to do this in the future again.
 
Jimmy Cowie is now out of the hospital after 18 days.  Joan has posted that it will be a learning curve regarding his recovery.  We wish both of them all the best for the future.
 
Lure Coursing UK have announced that the Kennel Club have agreed to support them in sending a team to the European Championships in Denmark 2018. This is a huge step towards the sport being recognized.  The first big trial for this year will be 1st April.  Hopefully the Saluki Club will have organized some meets so our dogs will be able to obtain licenses to compete. Our dogs had a great time at LCUK’s first meeting.  For further information on them please email contact@uksighthoundsport.com
 
Helen Williams
Kasaque565@gmail.com