National Specialty

Conformation Judge

Karen Fisher (Ruweis)

My father indoctrinated me into Salukis; he was extremely keen on perpetuating the function of the breed as he had witnessed it in the Middle East. It wasn’t until I hunted my own Salukis that I fully understood his thinking and breeding ideas.  Earlier this year (2007) as my husband and I sped across the desert sands in pursuit of Salukis hunting a gazelle I couldn’t help reflecting on my father’s experiences a few hundred miles further west, well over 35 years ago and understanding even more his love for the breed. I have now witnessed Salukis hunting in three continents and believe I have truly inherited his passion.

I still have my father’s line from his Saudi Arabian bitch, Bobby, the latest generation of which, an all smooth litter, was born in 2006. Her genes can be found in dogs all around the world and in 2005,  2 descendants of hers went back to Saudi Arabia. In 2003 I was given a feathered desert bred bitch from Bahrain. She has been successful in the show ring as well as the field and this year saw the launch of a new line for Ruweis when she produced a beautiful litter of puppies.

I began showing in 1980 and became a fully paid up member of the Club's coursing section in 1990. For ten years I was the Welfare Warden for the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club looking after the rescue side of things for the Club. I also served on the main Committee of the Club for 6 years and for most of that time I was Chairman of Committee and was also a member of Committee for the Coursing Section of the Club for the last 5 years, when its activities ceased due to the introduction of the Hunting Law. Since July 2004 I have been editor of the Club’s magazine, ‘The Saluki’.

My first judging appointment was in 1988 and I gained my UK license in 1998. I have had the privilege to judge overseas Specialties in Sweden, Finland and the US. I believe in giving every exhibitor the same chance and have no preference for colour, coat, type or size. My ideal Saluki is one that complies with the standard and depicts the pure essence of the breed.

Karen Fisher

Ruweis Salukis

Sweepstakes Judge

Therese Smith (Ramazahn)

Futurity Judge

Cathy Chapman (Sadik)

Junior Showmanship

Chuck Bagnell

I started with Basenjis in 1960.  While I have bred and shown Basenjis, I've also shown many other breeds.  I started Judging a few years ago, being approved for Juniors, Basenjis and Portuguese Water Dogs.  I've added Afghan Hounds and Whippets most recently.

Kathy Thompson

Obedience and Rally

Catherine Thompson is the first breeder/owner/trainer of an AKC Utility Dog titled Rottweiler, also the first with a Champion-Utility Dog and Champion-Utility Dog Tracker with American/Canadian CH Von Gailingen’s Dassie Did It, UDT, Can CD and American/Bermudan CH Von Gailingen’s Dark Delight, UDT, Bermudan CDX.  Dark Delight was the number 1 ARC obedience dog for 2 years and was highest scoring dog in trial at the ARC National Specialty. She had the first advanced obedience titled Rottweiler in Bermuda and the first Champion with an advanced title.

She has served as President, Training Director and Show Secretary for Bayshore Companion Dog Club of New Jersey.  Mrs. Thompson has trained advanced obedience classes for Bayshore and hosted weekly summer sessions in obedience and agility.  She has also trained classes for the local Owner/Handler Association and the County Park system.  She also served on the Board and as Secretary for the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs.

 We are extremely fortunate to have Catherine's experience and good humor to judge our Salukis in Obedience and Rally