AKC Gazette Articles
November 2001
Comments from SCOA Judge Education
At the end of every SCOA Judge Education Seminar, forms are handed out with
the request they be filled out and returned to the JEC committee. These evaluations
concern the seminar content, suggestions for improvements, and requests for
other information.
A comment comes up from time to time, asking for a clearer definition of Saluki
type. Recently, an attendee took me to one side to discuss this in detail.
He felt his request would be simple to fulfill. As an engineer, he wanted a
clear-cut image of what a correct Saluki looks like; he would be satisfied
with an outline drawing.
On the surface, fulfilling his request wouldn=t be all that difficult. An
approach of this nature could make our job a lot easier. We could show pictures
of Salukis approved by a majority of the Judge Education Committee, which would
probably represent two, perhaps three types of Salukis. My personal preference
is for a short bodied Saluki, longer in ribbing than loin, with upright carriage;
high on leg with a low hock, tribal rear, and light high movement. Another
member of the committee prefers the same short body but with equal lengths
of ribbing and loin, and a more level gait. A third member prefers a heavier
bodied Saluki with a denser coat, longer than tall in outline.
Displaying these few types as THE correct Saluki would provide an easy to
choose blueprint for a Acorrect@ Saluki. This approach has been taken in some
other countries, where a Acorrect@ outline has been chosen by committee and
now illustrates the breed. The Saluki standards in these countries have become
easier to interpret since they show a much more rigid guideline to what makes
a correct Saluki. These standards also clearly define a single movement style
as correct.
In the long run, would a seminar of this sort make the job of judging Salukis
any easier for those attending? Maybe. I honestly don=t think so. Showing judges
only a few types of Salukis, would not prepare them for all the other types
they could encounter. Worse, this sort of seminar would be a betrayal of everything
Saluki breeders through the ages have struggled to protect.
At this moment, only a few countries have guarded the standard framed by
the British Saluki fanciers, early in the 20th century. The intent of that
standard was to encompass all available Salukis of quality, many of which were
descendants of tribal hunting dogs. The American standard has remained unchanged
since its adoption by the American Kennel Club in 1927. Called vague and unreliable
by some, ours is not the easiest standard to interpret, but given time and
effort clearly portrays the Saluki in its many splendored glory. Since the
Saluki Club of America has dedicated itself to guarding this document and all
it entails, our education will continue to explore and celebrate the diversity
that is Saluki!
* * *
2001 saw the first SCOA Triathlon. Fifteen Salukis displayed their facility
with obedience, lure coursing, and conformation through the effort of those
participating and the delight of those watching. Only one Saluki could be the
recognized winner of this event; in truth, all who entered were winners. Next
year will be our Diamond Jubilee, the 75th anniversary of the Saluki Club of
America. We will introduce our Futurity in 2002, giving breeders an opportunity
to showcase their efforts to preserve our breed – this ongoing event
is open to all Saluki breede
Monica
Henderson Stoner
All rights reserved by the author.
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