First of all I want to thank the Saluki Club that offered to me the possibility to judge the Easter Specialty in that wonderful country. The hospitality and organization was truly nice. A particular thank to Garry the steward that with a lot of patience has leading me through the different rules you have in australia.

What I had found in your Salukis?

Among the positive feature I seen a lot of good side movement, only few were not balanced in front extension and rear power, not all of them have the same reach and drive but what I search is bilance; differences in reach and drive  is due to differences in types and to differences in angulations. Difference in type is in fact another positive feature I appreciate. I have appreciate you have not so much extreme type, only few Borzoi like heads. Not noticed truly low ear set. Necks for the most was of very nice lenght and insertion on the shoulders. In general I can say front angulations was better than in other countries. Chest of nice proportions especially in adults, good feets as I have not noticed splayed out or truly cat type. Temperament good, only few on the shy side and in any way no-one to be penalized for that, I accept a saluki not very friendly.

Good presentation.

What in my opinion could be improved.

Pigment, nose and 3° eyelid in more than few where not solid pigmented and this is a sign of genetic degeneration so to be considered.

Some ears and tail were not enough long, several underjaws could be stronger, coming and going was another issue to be wathced and also the rear angulation that I noticed in some cases over angulated in respect at the front and in others cases truly straight. Straight pastern also in few cases.

I am very satisfied with the winners, this not means that they was free of defects but all of them have great qualities to offer.

BOB has enthusiasmed as soon as he entered the ring with his smooths lines; eyes a little bit less round and less angulation in the rear (but he used well on the move) completed a perfect Saluki for me and when he moves at the right speed he was wonderful.

The bitch CC is another one that impressed me, I had the feeling she was related with the male CC as she has the same great qualities with a better side movement even. Then I discovered she was his daughter.

Runner up Best in Show was not exactly a moderate type but a dog with great athleticism so important for an hunting breed.

I want to add something about colour. I don’t give at color importance because in Saluki all colours are accepted except brindle but this is true for FCI standard and not for the Australian Kennel Club standard so when I have seen entered brindles in the ring (it was first time for me) I judged them like any other colours but I have to say that if the same dogs entered an european ring under me they are surely penalized. If brindles are true Salukis or not is another question that as a judge can’t be considered, a judge must judge with in mind the standard of the country of the show.

What I search in a Saluki?

When I judge I give importance first at Type, then at Movement and finally the Structure.

I can’t accept lack of type but I have to say that in Salukis we rarely have that problem.

Movement for me is very important. Saluki is an hunter dog but in the ring we haven’t the possibility to test ability to hunt, anyway I have to say I have more trust in Saluki that have athleticism, that are dynamics with a sound movement and alert and not in Saluki that seem to be boring and not powerful and with an unsound movement.

A good and sound movement can let forgive me little fault of structure.

I want to add that not always I had put up the same type in the classes but I think this is normal because as a judge I search not my type but the saluki with less fault.

Thank again for to give me the possibility to see and touch your Salukis.

BOB

BISS Austr Gr Ch. Baghdad Sunsation