Mrs Mavis Roberts judged an entry of 149 Salukis at Crufts on 9th March.   Formerly a breeder of Poodles under the kennel name Beguinette, Mrs Roberts has owned, bred and exhibited Salukis for many years.  She awarded Best of Breed to Ch Devineerace Anya owned and bred by Sylvia Pass and Kelly Loughran who live in Scotland and travel great distances to shows.  The Dog Challenge Certificate was awarded to Mr and Mrs AG Clark's Ch Nefisa Baaz of Rhazias who also won the Dog CC and BOB at Crufts 2007.  Reserve Challenge Certificates went to Mr and Mrs I Rogers and Mrs J Watts'  dog Labakan Lamerie and to Mr and Mrs M William's bitch Ch Kasaque Luzhana JW. Best Puppy was the bitch Al Caliphs Ranya Sahar, sired by the Dog CC winner and owned and bred by Mrs D Copperthwaite.

The next major Saluki Speciality is the Northern Saluki Championship Show which will be held on Sunday 27th April at Clay Cross nr Chesterfield, Derbyshire when it will be judged by Mrs Clair Cryssolor (Anasazi). The show is the thirtieth anniversay show of the club and many special prizes and awards will be on offer.  There will be, as is customary, a Parade of Champions during the lunch interval and also a Parade of Rescue Salukis.  To celebrate the Club's anniversary there will also be a bring- and-share buffet after judging.  Schedules are available from the Secretary, Andrew Sharp and entries can also be made on line (www.dog.biz). Further details of the show and the activities of the Northern Saluki Club can be obtained from its website www.northernsalukiclub.co.uk.

The Northern Saluki Club is one of only two Saluki breed clubs in the UK and was set up to serve the needs and interests of Saluki owners in the north of England.  It has earned a well deserved reputation as a friendly club and provides many services for its members who come from all over the United Kingdom as well as overseas.  These include an annual yearbook, invaluable to exhibitors,  which details winners in all breed classes at every Championship and Club Shows, and a quarterly 12 page newsletter which keeps members in touch with each other and the wider Saluki world and with current developments in regard to animal health issues.  Applications for membership from Saluki enthusiasts overseas are welcome. Further details can be obtained from the website.

Helen Graham - daxlore@wanadoo.fr