SALUKI JUDGES SPEAK OUT
compiled by CAROLINE COILE
PAULA BOCKMAN-CHATO BAGHDAD SALUKIS, AUSTRALIA BIO Baghdad Salukis was established in 1965. I have bred some of the top-winning Smooth and Feathered Salukis in the world and top producers. I have judged Salukis since 1974 and now judge the Australian Toy, Hound and Non- Sporting Groups which cross over to many of the FCI and American Groups. I have judged on almost every continent. 1. There is a disagreement about brindle Salukis. How do you feel about them and should the parent club get involved? I have bred several litters of brindle Salukis and feel they are totally correct in breed type with one winning the Saluki Club of America National Specialty and additional Specialties under Saluki specialists. I don’t breed brindles anymore—just my preference—but I feel the Parent Club should accept them. Saying that I have seen some that are off type to my eye, but then, from what I have seen type varies throughout the modern Middle East. I feel the parent club should accept the color and judges should continue to judge on the standard as written as color should be ignored in assessing the overall quality of any Saluki. 2. What, if anything, do you feel all-breed judges get wrong about the breed? I find most all breed judges tend to look for the showiest Saluki and don’t necessarily recognize breed hallmarks. Saying that, there aren’t many Salukis being awarded that don’t display these hallmarks. I think the most untypical thing being awarded is movement—this being the TRAD [Tremendous Reach and Drive] style. There is certainly a difference between TRAD and the correct light, lifting, effortless movement with reach and drive. 3. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not? Some handlers tend to move the Saluki too fast in the ring. I’m always asking them to slow down, no matter what country I’m judging in. My other complaint is over stretching the rear. This straightens the front and causes a sloping topline—very un-Saluki. 4. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring.
I want a Saluki to look like it could leave the show ring and go out into the field and hunt successfully. I feel that conforming to the Standard in the form of moderation (for a Sighthound) is very important. 1. Balance is essential to start with. 2. Good condition including muscled. 3. Deep brisket is extremely important for heart and lung room. 4. Strong rear is important for the function of this breed. 5. And last, but not least, is strong pasterns and feet. 5. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What is getting better? I was honored to judge the large ASA Specialty in Santa Barbara in 1991 with 210 Salukis. This was my last judg- ing appointment in the US, but I have been over many times and observed the breed improving in so many ways—starting with temperament. The soundness that was not considered when I started in Salukis in the 60s, fronts in particular. I think the breed has improved over- all since I became involved. The only thing that I would really criticize is the tendency of some Salukis to move too fast and then have TRAD movement. 6. What previously campaigned Saluki(s) come close to your ideal? Please explain. I won’t name any of my own Salukis, although I’ve had some really super dogs. I think as a bitch, UK Ch. Bury- down Iphigenia was one of my favorites as well as UK Ch. Al Caliphs Elle and Am Ch. Jen Araby Zipparah. These three bitches from very different breeding exhibited type with moderation. I was fortunate enough to know all three. As for dogs, there are so many but one of the top would be Ch. Samoen’s Sodom. Not as moderate as I pre- ferred, but moved effortlessly. Another would be Ch. Mata Salamata Aga Khan; not as moderate, but screamed Saluki.
Left to right: Ch. Samoen’s Sodom and Ch. Mata Salamata Aga Khan (photo courtesy of J. Lauer).
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A UGUST 2015 • 271
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