AKC Gazette Articles

February, 2004

A VERY SPECIAL SPECIALTY

Lexington Kentucky in early June can mean only one thing to Saluki fanciers - the Saluki Club of America National specialty. This event has grown from a one day event in the early 1980's to five days packed with Saluki competition, events, and camaraderie. That first show surpassed all expectations, and the National has not diminished since.

Tuesday morning starts off early with the second Futurity - a breeder’s bet against the future. Then Agility later in the morning and a Canine Good Citizen test. Wednesday the Veterans kick off Sweepstakes, followed by the Puppy Sweepstakes. Lure Coursing - AKC JC tests, and Obedience are next, along with the Conformation segment of the Triathlon, and the Seminar Wednesday evening.

Thursday the Veterans again enter the ring first, followed by the dog classes, Junior Showmanship, Native Costume, and the Annual Meeting. Somewhere during the day will be another Canine Good Citizen test.

Friday the ladies take center stage with Veteran Bitch classes, followed by regular classes, then an exhibition of the Country of Origin Salukis, AKC lure coursing, and the Wine and Cheese party. During the day will be a silent auction.

Saturday brings the final day of Conformation competition. Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Brace, and the Best of Breed competition. Following Best of Breed will be lure coursing competition for the Pyramid Cup.

There are Saluki shows in other parts of the world, each with their own supporters and fans. But nowhere else will you find so many lovely Salukis, with so many dedicated breeders and owners trying to pack a year’s worth of camaraderie into five filled to the brim days. In addition to going from coursing on the huge, rolling Steeplechase field to conformation in the main show ring, you could spend all day in the vendor barn. Here artists and craftspeople dedicate themselves to portraying the Saluki in all media for your purchasing pleasure.

Saluki people gather in groups small and large to discuss pedigrees, color, movement, reproduction, grooming, showmanship, and any other subject related to the Saluki. In the unlikely event you become tired of looking at and talking about Salukis, a short walk will take you to main horse show barn, where Arabian horse breeders of the Pyramid Society will showcase their choicest stock in halter and performance classes. The Kentucky Horse Park also runs tours of their facilities, including trail rides through the Park.

For more information, you can got to www.salukiclub.org. Or contact our intrepid show chair, Patsy Hoy: BazaarHnds@aol.com. If you are interested in Saluki judge education, you would need to get in touch with Linda Scanlon: Aarakis@aol.com. Or you can direct your questions to me, and I’ll make sure you get in touch with the right person.

Monica Stoner
PO Box 2164
West Covina, CA 91793-2164
(626) 917-0941