Lockdown seems like less of a lockdown now and as of tomorrow we will be allowed to have our hair cut.  It is interesting to watch on television to see who has/has not had their hair trimmed.  Michael’s hair has remained relatively tidy as I have used my dog clippers and experience from trimming dogs to his advantage.  I am sure I have not been the only one to do that.  Weather has been unseasonably hot which has encouraged too many people to use the ‘Dominick affect’ and travel to the beaches and lakes.  Let’s hope we do not find ourselves in a second wave of Covid 19 later in the year.  Speaking of that there are still four dog shows that have not been cancelled.  They are Blackpool, Bournemouth, SKC and LKA. 
 
I love the new terms people come up with, we now have “Air bridges’. This is a series of short haul destination we can go to with relatively low risk.  So, from the 4th July you can travel to France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Germany, I assume with your pet.  There has not been any mentioning that the old pet passport scheme is not still functioning.  
 
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Mike Lewis, husband of Anne Redway Lewis.  The Lewis’ moved from their London home a month before the lockdown started, their dream bungalow in Wales.  As Mike had a few ongoing health issues they were requested to self-isolate, which they did.  Mike enjoyed the rural area they had just moved to and was planning his garden.  Unfortunately, last Saturday evening he had a fall which resulted in him being taken to the hospital, where he died two days later.
 
Anne and Mike did not attend dog shows but preferred to help the Saluki community in other ways.  Often, they were asked to pick up a dog for the Welfare or check out potential homes for them.  One of their two dogs is Lollie, a cross collie/saluki they picked up for the Welfare, fostered and has become a permanent resident.  Ann & Mike also attended the Saluki Stand at Discover Dogs in Earls Curt.  When it was moved to the O2, they organized the whole booth.  
 
Mike was a professional drummer, working in many Clubs as a sideman.  He loved to tell of his experiences working in the Ritz, London.  As a drummer he met and played with whose who in the music world.  He was looking forward to some gigs in Wales when the pubs re-opened. 
 
Our thoughts are with Anne and his family at this difficult time.  Cards can be sent to Anne at Ty Maes, Dolau, Llandrindod, LD1 5TE. 
 
 
This is the big week, the Saluki Supplement is included in this newspaper.  Personally, I am so looking forward to reading what everyone has written and seeing the adverts from Salukiphiles.  They are as much about the history and future of our breed as the article.  Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy.   
 
Some judges for 2021 have been announced.  Hound Association of Scotland is Dr. R James, Southern Counties Championship Show is Mr V. Barjot after the cancelled show 2020, he was brought forward, Paignton is Jill Peak.  Three Counties 2022 will be Keith Thornton.
 
The SGHC Newsletter is being compiled and will be sent out to all member of the Club soon.  Within it will be the points trophies winner’s list which is usually published in the Open Show Catalogue.  Carolyn Mc Cormick Smith, secretary of the SGHC has said: “That the AGM was postponed with the agreement of the Kennel Club, it is not yet possible to guess when we might be able to hold it.”  
 
Diana Klein is working on the magazine which should have been published to coincide with the Club’s Championship Show.  Whilst the show is not going to happen the magazine definitely will.  Anyone wanting to take out an advert or write an article for the magazine should contact Diana Klein at email: editorsalukimagazine@gmail.com.
 
There is a new name for the Judges Competency Framework – it will now be called the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows). This format will also be rolled out to the other activity disciplines that the KC caters for. Please see the Press Release by clicking on the following link:https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/…/judges-competency-frame…/
 
Helen Williams.

 
I have received notification of the passing of Dr.Ivor Moss.  For many years he had been living in a care home.  He and his late wife Gloria were very active in the Saluki Club in the late 70s and 80s, they exhibited their dogs under the Negma prefix.  They made up one Saluki, Ch Tahawi Xanthippe of Negma in 1980.  Gloria and Ivor were also members of the Coursing Club.  Ivor was a medical doctor, in that position he was the physician for Crufts while it was still at Earls Court and for Windsor Championship Show.  Ivor was also very active in the Kennel Club up until the point when he needed to go into assisted living.  At the time of his death Ivor must have been well into his 90s.  Rest in Peace Ivor.
 
I have spoken to Buzz Faber’s daughter to see how Buzz is doing.  She is in a care-home at the present time and will be there for the foreseeable future.  Her dogs are all being looked after.  If I hear any more information, I will post it here.  Her daughter is still here in the UK sorting out Buzz’s affair so if you would like to send cards to cheer Buzz up, please send to her home address and her daughter will see Buzz receives them.
 
Helen Haywood has sent me information on the on-going competition for the 2021
Calendar.  They are: “There are 142 entries this year.
The slide show will go live on the SGHC website on June 14th which would have been the Open Show date.
Voting will remain open for 2 weeks until June 28th.
It will show a slide show of thumbnail photos, and voters will be asked to vote for their top 12 photos.
By clicking on each thumbnail it will enlarge the photo and give the voter a list of 12 options from Favourite to 12th Favourite. 
The website will collate the votes in the background, not visible to visitors.”
 
The Kennel Club has had an Update regarding Crufts 2021.  To paraphrased their comments, they state: “Qualifications criteria for the show will be announced once the Government guidance is clear on future events, which may not be until the autumn.  It may be that the show will need to be reformatted in a way to comply with the new regulations.  If so, more details, about this will be announced as information becomes available”.  So, besides waiting to hear what the qualifications for next year’s Crufts we also have to wait to see what the restrictions to enter and leave the Country with our dogs, as we are no longer in the Common Market.  At this point to enter Northern Ireland with your hounds you need an up to date Pet Passport.  
 
The influential Stud I am exploring this week is the grandfather of the English Saluki.  He is Ch Sarona Kelb. All information for this article comes from “The Saluki in History, Art and Sport”. By David and Hope Waters 1969.  1st Edition.
After the 1st World War military officers were returning from what we now call ‘the middle east’. While they were stationed there, they became acquainted with the Salukis as they had the opportunity to join their Arab hosts on hunting trips.  Brigadier-General Lance and Florence Lance became interested in the breed from the Brigadiers military travels. Which enabled them to import some hounds from Syria.  At this time the Brigadier and Mrs Lance and the Hon Florence Amherst were drawing up the standard by which the Salukis Club would be recognized by the Kennel Club.  In 1923 The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club was officially recognized and accepted by The Kennel Club.  Ch Saona Kelb was to become the first dog Champion in our breed.  “Brigadier Lance considered that Kelb excelled in soundness, quality and feather and was a wonderful coursing hound.  He was a typical Shami type Saluki from Syria and left his stamp on the breed siring 10 champions.”
 
The Brigadier wrote: “Ch Sarona Kelb was born in Damascus 1919, his sire Selughi was a white and Black and was an exceptionally fast and clever coursing dog.  His dam Baalbek was a small grizzle bitch given to me by the Kaimakam of Baalbek.”  
 
Hope and David Waters in their book state: “He (Kelb) was brought to England in 1921, very soon became a champion after the breed was awarded certificates, and stamped the breed with his type from the first.  At Cruft’s one year, both certificate winners and both reserve certificate winners were himself and his sons and daughters and the following year every first-prize winner was a son or daughter of his. Probably every winning Saluki of any note, either on the bench or in the coursing field, has his blood from several different lines today.  He died at the age of twelve years and was the Champion at Cruft’s the year before his death”
 
From Saluki Achieves I have recorded the following details: Sarona Kelb was bred by Brigadier General F. Frederick Lance, owned by him and Mrs Glady M Lance.*
His sire was Seleugh and dam, Baalbek.  He was born in the Syrian Arab Republic.  Colour was black and tan.  He had 18 mating partners with 111 offsprings.  (51 males and 60 females.  He produced 10 English Champions. The champions are ;
Hassan of Ruritania, Sarona Muzbat, Tarzan of Ruritania, Shem of Iraq, Sarona Gulshere, Orchard Shahin, Orchard Rahma, Ameena of Ayot, Sarona Gemil, Sarona Ghulab.
*The SGHC has two lovely portraits of the Brigadier Lance and Florence donated by the Lance family.  The Club has restored them and reframed them so they can be exhibited at Club events.
 

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Strange times during this pandemic, we are now told to stay at home but we can now go shopping in most all stores.  Hairdressers, not yet.  Cafés and restaurants are all take-aways.  Dog activities have not open yet but we can take the dogs to ‘dog parks’ for a good run.  Hopefully the rate of infection will keep going down, the scientist will come up with a vaccine and we will resume our old life.  Hope everyone is staying well and we will get together in better times.  
 
This will be my last reminder about sending in adverts for the Saluki Supplement which will be in this paper on 3rd July.  If you would like to send in a last minute advert you can try and see if there is still room available.  Please ring Pam Coulbert on 01803 712280.  Or email Pam on pamelacoulbert@btinternet.com.   If you would like a copy of the paper which will include this special supplement then please contact Tina Smith on 0161 709575 or subs@ourdogs.co.uk.
 
The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club have posted a few items.  In regards to the SGHC ‘facebook’ page, the administrator as stated;”  This page is for questions from members to the Committee and for notifications from the Committee to members.  Anything posted on this page should be regarded as confidential and not shared with anyone who is not a member of SGHC.”
 
Helena Haywood has posted on the SGHC facebook site that entries for the 2021 Calendar Competition will be open on the SGHC Website on June 14.  Voting is open to everyone.  There will be 141 photos to choose from.
 
Caroline McCormick Smith has posted that “the Committee had a meeting at the weekend via Zoom which was a new experience for several of us.  It was pretty successful thanks to Anna Freegard sorting out the technical side. Anna and Ben Freegard have been co-opted on to the Committee.”  “Karen Fisher has taken on the role of Committee Chairman in addition to being Vice-President.  We hope to continue with our virtual meetings thus avoiding unnecessary travel and the expense of hiring halls”  This has had a warm welcome from comments, I have read, because committee membership will now be available to members living in a larger geographical area.
 
Next week I will carry on with my ‘influential studs’, looking back at the history of the English Saluki.  If anyone has comments on the series please do not hesitate to contact me.  I would especially appreciate any additional information on the studs, which always make their existence and contributions more interesting. 
 
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SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKENDING 5TH JUNE 2020.
 
Yesterday we noticed the local Starbucks is now open for business so I take that as a ‘sign’ lockdown is not so much of a lockdown any more.  With everything opening up we hope it is not just an economic decision and that the dreaded plague will return.  Dog shows, it will probably be a while before they start up again though I did receive notification that dog shows are happening on the Continent.  So, if you get desperate the Dracula Dog Show weekend is open for business in Transylvania (Romania). Norway is another country that is planning to hold shows.  They have come up with the idea of holding the groups at 3 different venues. Exhibitors will be asked to leave after you have been judged.
 
Just received notice that Valerie Best from Ireland passed away suddenly on Sunday.  She and her husband are exhibitors of Saluki and Whippets.  Our condolences to them.
 
Buzz Faber is not well and is in hospital.  She is in the Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 7AN.  Please do not try the ward as staff are unable to give out any information to anyone except the family.  Her Salukis and Whippets are being looked after. 
 
Work is ploughing on for the Saluki Feature, which will be in this paper on the 3rd July.  If you are interested in taking an advert out and would like further information please contact the most helpful Pam Coulbert on 01803 712280 or email pamelacoulbert@btinternet.com.  For any questions on the editorial side please contact Ali Smith the editor of “Our Dogs” on email:alismith@ourdogs.co.uk
If you would like a copy of the paper which will include this special supplement please contact Tina Smith on 0161 709575 or subs@ourdogs.co.uk  From my experience everyone is very helpful.
 
In my study of Influential studs, this week I am going to discuss a contemporary of Burydown Uki.  Controversy in type was the basis of the original1922/1923 Saluki Breed standard which the Kennel Club would adopt and approve.  Someone and something had to give in order for the standard to be compiled and accepted.  This is the very reason we have a great variation in sizes from 23 inches to 28 inches as each group felt they type was correct, i.e. the Amherst type were much smaller, while the Lance type where larger.  
 
Sabbah the Windswift was bred by Amir Mohammed ibn Saud in 1946.  At that time there was no quarantine so he was sent as a gift to the Saudi Ambassador in London.  It was decided by the ambassador that embassy life did not suit him so Sabbah was offered to Vera Watkins.   Vera has stated in “Saluki Heritage” Volume 3 that” Sabbah was a wonderful dog but he wouldn’t have won in the show ring.  He’d got all the Saluki points but they added up to something quite different.  He was much more stocky. He had very fine bone and he wore his tail in a curl unless he wanted something: offer him a tidbit however and it went down into a very nice shape”.  
 
Sabbah sired two litters but had only one mating partner producing 13 offspings.  There were 7 males and 6 females.  In his first litter to Windswift Yasmin most of the litter was lost to hardpad.  Vera mentioned that Mrs Skelton-Fortune’s son bought Tabitha and Lady Gardner had Tharmar, Vera kept Turki and Tarfa, from the second litter.  In Saluki Heritage she states” Windswift Tabitha was mated to Hope Waters’ Burydownb Uki and produced Ch Soverign of Daxlore (Daxlore’s first champion, owned by Mary Long).  Windwift Tharmar was mated to Ch Johara Malik and produced Zbigniew Toos who was a really fabulous coursing dog”. In Vera’s book “Saluki Companion of Kings” printed in 1974, Vera wrote that: “of 64 English Champions made up since 1953, no less than 29 carry Sabbah’s blood, besides many American, Scandinavian and other European Champions.”
 
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The lockdown seems to be easing and now we are allowed out.  We must keep two metres away from everyone but that is manageable, maybe not if you are trying to show your dog.  As there probably will not be any shows this year, let us hope that ‘normal really means ‘normal’, next year.
 
Carolyn McCormick Smith has posted that “it is with great regret the Committee has decided to cancel the Championship Show due to take place on 18th October.  We know this will be a disappointment to many of us, but there is too much uncertainty at present to justify going ahead with making arrangements only to have to cancel later.  We hope to have better times next year.”  The only shows that may still happen this year are Bournemouth, Blackpool, SKC and LKA. 
 
Just a reminder that if you need help with an advertisement to go in the Our Dogs Saluki Special, contact Pam Coulbert on 01803 712280.  She is very good at answering any and all questions. The copy needs to be in by the 19th June 2020 and will be published in the paper on 3rd July. 

 
Hope everyone is feeling well during this difficult time.  The days are getting longer and warmer, personally I am missing getting together with friends.  We are missing Bath, Southern Counties and Three Counties shows where we could all get together after the winter break.  There will be a time when normal becomes normal again.  Thank you to all the people that have posted photos of their beautiful gardens, Caroline Pickering and her quizzes.  
 
I have good news, The Saluki Special in Our Dogs is coming up soon.  It is an opportunity to photograph your lovely hound/hounds, then put together an advert.  Your dog need not be a champion, a winner but just a ‘best mate’.  There will be articles by well known Saluki people on various subjects.  This is very important to the breed and will also be helpful in keeping our only newspaper going. Adverts need to be in by the 19th June 2020, publication date 3rd July 2020.  For further help, information, rates please contact Pam Coulbert on 01803 712280 or otherwise contact myself.
 
Back to my study on influential studs.  This week I am going to discuss a much earlier dog, he was born on the 22nd February 1948.  He is Burydown Uki. Much of the information I have on him comes from ‘Saluki Heritage’ Issue 8 Spring 1985 with an interview entitled “The Burydowns Recollections and Reflections. “To quote from Hope Waters and what she said: “I loved Uki.   Although physically he was an absolute wreck of a dog (he hadn’t been well reared in quarantine and had had hardpad there and his front legs weren’t straight) you could see that he came from good stock.  He just screamed quality at you.  We discovered afterwards that he came from one of the best strains in Germany, going back to the Saronas.  As he was a result of a mother/son mating when he was used at stud he passed on his qualities in double dosage.”  Another tidbit I read in the magazine was that Uki was originally named Suki, the KC rejected this name as there was already a Suki so they just dropped the ‘S’ and you now have Uki.
 
As stated above Uki was born in Germany at the time of the German air lift (Russians had cut off Berlin so people, food and supplies had to be air lifted in and out )
His breeder was Mr R Creighton.  He was the result of a mother/ son breeding.  In his life he had 7 mating partners (bred to same bitch more then once) with 45 off- springs. Which were 17 males and 27 females  
He had three Champion children,  Burydown Asphodel, Burydown Freyha and Burydown Barak.  Certainly, he has left his legacy, here in the UK, Scandinavia, United States, Canada and Australia.   He probably is the root of our modern day Saluki.   
 
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Another week of lockdown has passed.  The jobs around the house are pretty much finished.  Garden looks great all ready for the ‘bee club’ to come and have a meeting here.  Of course, that is not going to happen. We shall be hearing soon the new plans for getting back to a new normality.  
 
There have been a couple of judges announced in the KC publication for 2021.  Gavin Robertson will be judging at Driffield.  Kathy Webb will be judging at Midland Counties.  In 2022 Mr A Foss will be judging at City of Birmingham.  He is from Norway and this will be his first time giving CCs in Salukis in this country.  I would classify him as a ‘all rounder’.  Closer to the date I will ask him for a CV.  
 
Two dogs have qualified for their Junior Warrants, they are Natasha Hamilton’s Alishamar Roxane (imp).  She was bred by Jessica Cabo & Jeanne de Mey Marie
The second dog is Linda Aldous & Jeannette Glaister’s Jay JP Sea Bird El Panjsher (imp JPN). Bred by Jay Oto.  
 
 In my recent notes regarding ‘influential’ Stud dogs I accidentally omitted one of Kafiat’s progeny.  John Walton Haddon sent a message saying “ In your recent breed notes I think you will find that Payne & Beeley’s Ch Ilsham Simeon was a son of Kafiat.  He was the image of Kafiat and quite often went head to head with him as he matured.  He won his 3rdCC at age 11”. 
 
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of a Saluki legend, Marilyn LaBrache Brown of Dadaelis Salukis.  Her Salukis are well known world wide for their grace and elegance which was paramount in her breeding, not only in her dogs but her beautiful Bengal cats.  In the end she chose to specialize in smooths.  For many years Marilyn was the publisher of the elegant magazine “The Classic Saluki”. She worked with the Editor-in Chief Sue Ann Pietros and Graphic designer Vicky Clarke to create a glossy publication with sophisticated articles. A real connoisseur’s paradise.
 
Marilyn started photographing Salukis, Whippets and other breeds in the late 70s.  She had an interesting eye for design often contrasting whatever dog she was photographing with the background.  She would end up with a stunning photo. That is not to say she took wonderful photos often ringside which were often used in publications 
 
Marilyn was proud of her association with English Salukis. Besides loving smooths she loved chocolates, so she was delighted when she had the opportunity to have a chocolate male which she obtained from Pauline Spilstead.  His name was Jeshins Arabis.  He was a son of Roubayr Of Barakhel and Tamla Salom.  He was born in 1986.   Marilyn often posted photos of the handsome male.  Marilyn was unable to obtain a judge’s licence in the States because she produced a magazine.  Professional handlers, magazine producers are banned from judging as they deem they make their livelihood through dogs and there could be a conflict of interest. That did not stop Marilyn judging here, she thoroughly enjoyed herself judging at South Eastern Hound.
 
 
 
Marilyn continued with her involvement and enthusiasm right to the end.  I could go on and on telling you stories about her and involvement in the breed. Unfortunately, the big C took her in the end.  Far too early.  We send our condolences to her son Damon, his wife and Marilyn’s two grandchildren. Rest in Peace, Marilyn.
 
Next week I will continue my series on Influential stud dogs. 
 
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Another week has passed while we are still in lock down.  In time we will be asked what we did to wile away the time when we could go nowhere. I can say that Michael and myself have remained busy, painting our house, weeding the garden and other chores that needed attention.  We hope everyone has stayed well and we look forward to seeing everyone in better times. 
 
Jeannette Cotterill has contacted me regarding the passing of Barry Cotterill.  Barry was part of the original group that was to become The Northern Saluki Club.  He was for many years a partner in the ‘Miskanda’ affix.  He owned Caryna Concord of Miskanda which he made up into a champion in 1985. The last time I saw Barry was when he judged Crufts in 2005.  He has been unwell for many years, and I believe latterly he has been living in a home.  His partner Jannette said that “his time had come.”  RIP Barry
 
Following on from my explorations of influential stud dogs I have heard from one of my readers that remembers Kafiat and Alyfeh.  They have said that even though they had the same sire and were out of litter sisters, they were of entirely different types and each of them produced offsprings true to their own type.  I think you can still see those two different types today.  Going back, looking through “The Saluki Book of British Champions’, the 9 Champion get of Kafiat were: Seafleet Kings Rhapsody( bred & owned by Mr & Mrs Shellard)  Rachel of Chandav (bred & owned by B. Chanter &V.  Davies), Seafleet Kismet (bred & owned by Mr & Mrs Shellard), Geldara Carlotta (bred & owned by Miss S Lambrinudi), Amena Morning Glory (bred & owned by Miss M Long), Geldara Corin,( bred by Miss S Lambrinudi, owned by Miss A McIntosh) Mabrooka Beth-Shan (bred & owned by Mrs A Macdonald, Miskanda Madalainah (bred & owned by Mrs J Cotterill), Janrosa Pretty Polly (bred & owned by Mrs J Hay)
 
Al Caliphs Alyfeh had 4 UK Champions to his name.  They are Windswift Al Caliph JW (bred by Miss V Watkins, owned by Mrs D Copperthwaite), Timotheus of Chandav (owned & bred by V Davis & B Chanter), Burydown Iphigenia (bred by Mrs Waters owned by Mrs Jaques), Rhazias Khyra (bred & owned  by Reena Clark)
 
The next important dog that I am going to discuss is Knightellington Esmail.  He was born in 1962 a little earlier than the previously discussed dogs.  He was definitely a legend in is own time not so much in the ‘show ring’ but on the coursing field.  His
progeny also carried on this show/coursing tradition and were highly sought after around the world.  Blanco, as he was more fondly known, was bred by Helen Baker though he lived with her son Rodney who was in the military living near the Salisbury plains. There, Rodney and Blanco had a great time coursing the strong hares which were to be found on the downs.  He had 12 mating partners producing 64 offsprings which were 26 males and 37 bitches.  He produced 4 champions in the show ring,
they are Geldara Burydown Yanina (bred by Mrs H Waters, owned by Miss S Lambrinudi), Knightelling, Knightellington Almanza Anita (bred by Mr E Tebbs, owned by Mrs H Baker), Yazid Burydown Yehudi (bred by Mrs H Waters, owned by Mrs C Ormsby), Almanza Aleesha (bred & owned by Mr E Tebbs).  In the Book of Champions the statement about Aleesha which is applicable to all of Esmail’s progeny “she is another ‘white’ coloured hound whose famous coursing blood goes back generation after generation for nearly forty years.” 
 

 
The lockdown continues, I hope everyone is staying well and safe. Lately there has been talk about how we will proceed from lockdown to a functioning nation again.  Solutions seem to be mimicking the discussions for Brexit. Every party,and/or politician have a different idea.  What will happen this year with the dog show scene, who knows.  I read today that the grounds which are used by Paignton Championship Show will not now be used as a Nightingale style hospital.  Paignton committee like other show societies are crossing their fingers that they might hold their shows.  Unfortunately, The Hound Association have had to announce that they are cancelling their show for this year which was to be held on Saturday July 18th2020.
 
Paul Singleton has written that the “Hound Show does fall just outside the current recommended date of June 30thto cancel events or mass gathering but preparation for our show starts many weeks before the actual show date and we are currently in a situation where we are unable to guarantee that the necessary support services including medical cover, will be in place.  However, it is the health and welfare of our exhibitors, judges, stewards, committee and suppliers that has been right at the forefront of our thinking and has led us to make this sad but inevitable decision.”
 
Lisa Croft-Elliott, dog breeder/exhibitor & world renown photographer has sent a link for a longterm plan for all dog/pet owners who live alone or who knows that their families may not be aware of what to do with their dogs/pets should something happen to them. It is also for owners, exhibitors, for any dogs on special diets, Lisa has put together a form.           
 
EMERGNCY PLAN FOR MY ANINALS: “Sitting here on my own I was thinking about what would happen with my dogs if I were to become ill-not with the virus but in any situation.  I had seen a document on another page that made sense to me and then I started tweaking it.  Feel free to share if you feel as though this would be of use.  Please no negative comments.  This is something that might be useful to someone who is in the same position as I am sometime in the future” She says “I have now made the form” so you can fill it out online and print it-it is a PDF if you just want to download it. “http://www.eyefordogs.com/EMERGENCYPLANform1.pdf
 
We have received a new communication from our vets.  They have stated that whilst not allowing clients into the building they are still able to see your pets.  They go on to say that some of the preventative healthcare services have resumed which include vaccinations for puppies and adult animals that are identified at higher risk of infectious diseases.  They also say they will now be resuming neutering.  I assume the reinstating of these procedures will all have been done under the guidance of DEFRA.    Not mentioned by our vets but I now understand that puppies can now be delivered to their new homes by the ‘breeders’ or an approved agent.  Purchasers of puppies are not allowed to pick them up. 
 
This week I am exploring two more very influential stud dogs from the near past.  
The first dog is Ch Almanza Kafiat.  He was born on the 27thJune 1969.  His breeder was Ernie Tebbs.  Both the dogs I am discussing were sired by Ch Bedouin Caliph and their dams were sisters.  In Kafiat’s case the mother was Ch Asphodel Almanza.
In his life time he accrued 24 CCs, 20 RCCs and was a Multi Best in Show and a Best in Specialty show winner.  As was all of Ernes’ dog he was an excellent coursing hound. In 1970/71 he was the Top Show/Coursing Saluki winning the Sandpiper Trophy (The Sandpiper was for the Saluki winning most points in all breed classes during the year and conditional on their winning or being runner-up in an official coursing stake). Kafiat was Top Show Saluki in the 1971/72 season. Danny, as he was more familiarly known had 15 mating partners producing 60 off springs which were 24 males and 36 bitches. He produced 9 champions off springs.  
 
The second dog, born a year later was Ch. Al Caliphs Alyfeh JW. His sire was Ch Bedouin Caliph as was Kafiat, but his dam was Ch Burydown Asphodel Alanya, as said above a sister to Almanza. His breeder was Hope Waters, whilst his owner was Deborah Copperthwaite.  From 1977- 1980 he was runner-up to the Stud Dog Trophy.  He accrued 3 CCs with BOB and 4 RCCS.  Alyfeh had 9 mating partners producing 23 off springs 10 males and 13 females.  He produced 4 champion off springs.  
 

 
I hope everyone is fairing ok during this difficult time. As someone said to me today, during the war they suffered but at least they could meet up with their friends and get together.  Well, there is a glimmer of hope that in the next couple of weeks the country will have seen the worst and maybe we will be allowed to move about more freely.  
 
Caroline Pickering (Sydney Kasaque) is organizing a game to keep the Saluki Community amused.  It is called ‘Toilet Roll Challenge’.  One is supposed to take a video clip of you and/or your hound with the toilet roll coming from the right and leaving from the left.  When you have completed the video please send the results of John Davies who will compiling all the clips then posting them.  John’s E:mail address is: forcemotors@gmail or you can find him on facebook. 
 
As a matter of interest, I thought I would look at an influential Saluki from the near past.  The dog is Ch Hekla Royal Brigadier of Fargaze. He was born on the 3rdMay 1979.  His sire was Ch Wildspray of Daxlore Of Hekla and dam, Sedeki Idi of Hekla.  His breeders were Brian & Rosemay Hill. Raffi as he was better known was owned by Jenny and Norman Ziman who campaigned him to his title.  He won his first CC when he was just over 12 months. The judge was the well respected hound specialist Judy de Casembroot. His second CC was awarded by Hope Waters, who needs no introduction and his third was by Harry Jordan, another well known judge. So all in all he attained his title at a young age in a very competitive period of time.  Most importantly Rafi was a positive influence in the breed producing very beautiful sound stock both physically and mentally.  If you look back in the pedigrees of English Salukis you will often see him there.  Rafi sired 8 litters and at that point Jenny said, not more.  
 
His champion off springs were: Ch Kasaque Dharmas, Ch Cranstal Chance,  Ch Cranstal Chaos, Ch Mumtaz Fantasia of Fargaze, Ch Mumtaz Nocturne of Minsha and Ch Mumtaz Mazurka at Malenkhai.  Many more of his off springs did well in the showring but did not attain championship status.  
 
here to edit.