February 2001

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS, cont.

This column continues the discussion from the November issue of some common problems with how Salukis are viewed.

Small = elegant; large = strong. In a standard which allows five inches variation in height for a dog, with the provision bitches may be considerably smaller, size should have no bearing on decisions concerning quality. Salukis do not need large bones to have substance; often they "hide" their strength in deep solid muscling and dense bones so a tiny bitch could weigh the same as a much larger dog. By the same token, a larger Saluki can still be elegant, since this description should apply to carriage and way of going rather than actual size. Dogs can be as small as 23 inches; bitches can be as large as 28 inches. Though these would be extremes in size variation, the Salukis should be evaluated according to individual adherence to the standard. I have not personally seen a healthy Saluki that was too small, though I’ve seen several which could be considered too large to function. A barrel ribbed, heavy gaited, or slab sided, Saluki of any size is contrary to the standard.

Tail carriage. The Saluki standard asks for a tail to be SET low, and carried naturally in a curve. The requirement for a low carried tail is erroneously added because it suits the eye of some observers. A low set, gaily carried tail has more to do with temperament than structure, and has no effect whatsoever on the Saluki’s abilities

Movement. Early records of Salukis in Great Britain speak of their gait as "neat, dainty and prancing." Later imports had a more level way of moving, familiar to those versed in judging other breeds, and found great favor with these judges. A gallop is the Saluki’s working gait; a trot is for going from one area to another, or for showing off. Salukis can bend their knees when they move, showing "lift." As long as the Saluki moves lightly forward, the amount of lift is not important, and only becomes "hackneyed" when lacking forward impulsion.

Condition. Those who open field course often mention no Saluki in the ring is "in good condition." Those who have only seen Salukis in the show ring often point out a Saluki in hard condition seems "rough" in some areas, particularly across the shoulders and other places where muscle and bone lie close to the surface. Like training or grooming, conditioning has more to do with the owner’s time and inclination than the genetic quality of the Saluki, and should only be one part of a judge’s decision.

THE Correct Saluki. No matter what style of Saluki may dominate in the show ring or the coursing field this season, our breed is not, and I hope will never be, confined to only one "correct" type. Because of this, it is difficult if not impossible to direct prospective judges who wish easy guidelines to judging Salukis. We can demonstrate those features which would prevent a Saluki from correctly functioning in the field but variations in what is correct still abound.

American Saluki breeders jealously guard their "open" standard because they feel it is the best way to maintain the breed as it exists in the regions of origin. Misinterpretation can result in caricatures becoming successful from time to time but the pendulum always swings back. Those who have been with Salukis long enough know, given only an iota of opportunity, Salukis will always save themselves.

Monica Henderson Stoner
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