Where have we been? Where are we? Where are we going? The Saluki of the past, present and future? Questions upon which to reflect while in the ring at the Empire Saluki Club Specialty in February.

I have developed some very definite ideas about the breed, at least several articles worth, but have never been disciplined enough to put them into script. With Sue Ann at ringside in January, something, somehow, awakened my desire to write- to lift the veil of procrastination which I have always depended upon to escape this responsibility.

The Saluki of the Past has always been "mystical"
Oh! to have been involved in the breed during the days of Diamond Hill and El Retiro! A dream come true! As all things must have a beginning, these two kennels are such for me.

We need to remember, in the past, there were fewer breeders, hence fewer Salukis. Because there were less people involved in the past, there were fewer Salukis. However, the breeders had more completely thought out the directions to take the breed. It has been my observation that breeders of the past tended to be good students of their predecessors. From what I have read, there was a sharing of knowledge with a candid critique of Salukis of the times. Everyone was eager to learn about this "Gift of Allah". There seemed to have been an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Breeders of the past were striving for the same level of quality and working toward the same goals. Although the Saluki is diverse in origin and many body styles were present, no particular breeder was trying to improve or change the breed. Their goal was to make the correct selection for a good overall Saluki.

"Cohesive breeding program" has a special meaning here.

"Past breeding programs had rhyme and reason."

"Lines were established with solid background."

"If you had an area in your line (kennel) that needed adjustment (strong rear, better shoulder lay back, etc.) you could go to a specific kennel (line) that was strong in that area and feel fairly certain you would successfully incorporate the trait in your program."

Breeders of the past had a better sense of who they were and for what they were striving. They were better listeners and learners.

This brings us to the Present
I am saddened by people who are not good students of their predecessors and never cared to be; who are making incorrect selections, and have very different goals in mind. I am saddened by people, far removed from the original ideals of the past, who had TOO MUCH influence on our breed in the past thirty years.

Standing ringside at Empire, I inspected the Best of Breed class. I had an eye full of the Saluki of the Present. I was pleased...

I do not believe you can improve a breed that is several thousand years old. You can be properly trained and educated, or in some rare cases, you can have a natural ability to make the correct choices in a sound breeding program.

...My lineup apparently indicated there are individuals who possess the necessary training, education and in some rare cases, natural ability, to make correct choices. I saw many styles of the past, Salukis of the Past, coming through in the Saluki of the Present. Is this not as it should be? Are we not here to preserve and protect? I saw many beautiful Salukis that day.

About those people for whom I feel sad, with whom I sometimes get angry and disgusted...

I had only a few representations of the nouveau saluki- you know, those overdone characters with the Doberman fronts, slung out rears and sloping, sometimes roached, toplines. Or, how about the column-fronted, straight-reared guys famous for their short shoulder blade set atop those straight upper arms with the entire assemblage set several inches forward on the frame? Or, that stiff movement that is almost terrier-like? You can bet it is the all-rounder's definition. Could it not be otherwise- everything so stiff and straight? Although these styles are incorrect; it seems they are becoming more accepted, if not actually preferred, but the majority of present-day judges.

The entry in attendance at the Empire Specialty was not the entry of the norm, rather the entry of the exception. The lovely Saluki outlines were combined with effortless, light and lifting movement, the epitome of total balance. Oh, what an emotional feast for a breeder such as myself! I want to thank everyone who thought so highly of me for the gift you gave to me at this specialty. You showed me the Saluki of the Past has been preserved, at least for the present.

But, I am afraid... I attend many shows each year. Unfortunately, I tend to see more nouveau saluki-like dogs being shown and winning. The Saluki is becoming the breed to have. Why? Is it a breed in which you can become "someone" quickly with money and talent? I see more and more people getting involved for the glitter and attention this sport can supply. These people are not concerned about what the Saluki is, nor are they interested in learning. The flashy American show dog flies around the ring at 100 miles per hour, with ear and tail feathering flying, legs pumping, sides heaving, heavy at work, all pounding for the flash and glory of the ultimate show win. And, of course, that ever popular adornment, "Look at all that reach and drive".

We are in an era when one individual can have a drastic impact on the Saluki. We are in an era when the inexperienced and uncaring have become the people from whom to learn. We are in an era when one judge can obtain the power to make any Saluki they desire first in the breed. We are in an era when money and advertising have become too influential in what is considered to be the best.

A delicate creature is the Saluki of the Future
There is hope present. However, this hope depends on our ability to educate the newcomer, if we can get them to listen. It is not just the newcomer with whom we must be concerned. Our present-day judges and our judges of the future need to take a realistic look at the Saluki. They need to become more knowledgeable and equipped before taking on the responsibility of passing judgement on our breed. Get your heads out of the clouds! This is not a popularity or beauty contest! Judges must understand that there are just some styles which are not correct, no matter who supported it or how often it is winning. The judge has the ultimate decision as to what gets championship points in their ring. I have trouble accepting the usual cop out, "I can only put up what is shown to me".

I know there is hope for the future. I have seen it. I have seen it many times and in many places. The extremely popular only represent a small fraction of Saluki breeders.

I know there is hope. I saw the Saluki of the Past, the Saluki of the Present, and the Saluki of the Future grace my ring at the Empire Specialty in February.