March 29th, 2020

SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKENDING 20THMARCH 2020.
 
It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to sit down and write these notes.  Simply the reason for not writing has been the death of my computer.  We had hope it would be a simple repair but unfortunately not, I have been introduced to the new world of ‘main frames’ and ‘motherboards’.  Neither which were working properly so I shall be picking up a new, very expensive piece of equipment in a day or two.  I have been informed in the computer store that they have their own problems because all the components are made in China.
The Northern Saluki Club will be holding their Championship Show on 19thApril 2020 at their usual venue of Sharley Park Leisure Centre, Clay Cross, Near Chesterfield, Derby S45 9LX. Judging will be Dr John Hudson (Glenoak Salukis).  Postal entries close on Saturday 21stMarch 2020 or online entries close on Thursday 2ndApril 2020.  On-line entries can be made at www.dogbiz.  Like all events at this time there is a certain amount of uncertainty whether this event will go on. 
Cecilia Andersson has taken advice regarding the Corona Virus and decided, regrettably to cancel the SGHC lure trial that was to be held on 21stMarch 2020.  I have also been told, unofficially that the SGHC Limited Show is cancelled and the AGM postponed. I will hopefully be able to confirm this next week, in these notes.
A grizzle bitch was spotted in The Daily Mail Weekend with A.J. Pritchard (Strickly Come Dancing) and his brother Curtis.  I have been informed that the Saluki is Alishamar Roxane owned by Natasha Hamilton.                                      
Last Sunday Crufts was held. This year, for the first time, we had a vast amount of coverage on both Channel 4 and More 4 filmed as they were happening.  The lovely Clair Boulding was on our screen most of the afternoon.   Also the Groups could be viewed the world over on’ you tube.’ Members of Friends of The Northern Saluki Club, on facebook, were able to view the catalogue and placement thanks to the efforts of Caroline Pickering.  
We arrived at the show very early because we also were showing a Parson Russell Terrier.  Their judging was commencing at 8.30 while the Salukis were probably not in the ring until around 11am.  The difference showing the two dogs is immense. Now we have the Parsons we have acquired a cage and a trolley.  The 13 ½ inch dog needs so much more baggage then 25 inch Saluki.  
Judging Salukis this year was breed specialist Clair Chryssolor, like last year making her farewell judging assignment.  In spite of the problems arising from Corona virus and the question would Crufts go on, Clair had a good entry on 106.  I am not sure of how many absentees she had.  Clair had 26 dogs that were being exhibited with ATC numbers which makes 24% of her entry were from abroad.  It was a great day for Michael and myself as she chose our Ch Al Zubeyda Lena At Kasaque (IMP FRA) JW as Best of Breed.  She was also shortlisted by judge, Mark Cocozza in the Hound Group.  RBCC went to Denise Garratt & Sue Oakey’s Caryna Remeny. DCC was Jeanette Glaister’s Ch Vanechka Otis S Berega Turi (IMP RUS) JW, Sh CM with the RDCC went to the Smooth Dog, Int/Ro Pedrogarcia Del Borghino Jr Ch MLT owned by Mr K & Mrs C Galea of Malta.  Best Puppy was Alexander Cole & Steven Bruynder’s Yaweh’s Gift and Best Veteran was Diane Layton Smith’s Ch Anasha Al Noushafarin (IMP AUT) Sh CM.  After the judging there was a lovely get- together with cake and champagne to celebrate Clair’s fair well assignment.  Caroline Pickering made Clair a stunning cake with a silhouette of a Saluki on top which she presented to Clair with a most beautiful card which we had all signed.  To make sure Clair did not misplace the card, this happened last year to Paul Shimmin, there was a tracking devise installed.
 
Regarding Discover Dogs at Crufts. I have heard the following from Christine Harrison the Breed Stand Co-ordinator: “Unfortunately, Discover Dogs Saluki Breed Stand was not fully covered nor decorated this year as a number of the volunteers decided not to cover as they fell into the Corvid19 ‘at risk’ category.  Many thanks as to be given to Mr & Mrs Snape and their three Salukis who gainfully covered the Stand for two days.  On the whole the attendance of spectators was noticeably depleted and many other Breed Stands were empty and unattended for the four day period. 
here to edit.