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JUDGING SALUKIS
The few words of the Saluki standard describe a powerful
endurance animal, an intelligent highly-bred independent hunter who is built and moves
like no other hound. The Saluki should be moderate, never exaggerated, as the standard
calls for the Saluki to be balanced and powerful. Saluki movement is light and effortless,
sometimes described as having a "dance-like" quality.
The clean, dry aristocratic head is held atop a long,
muscular neck which flows smoothly into the topline. The back is fairly broad and the loin
muscles are strong with a slight rise, showing suppleness and galloping power. The croup
is smooth and flowing and the tail is set on low, but the tail is carried in a gentle
curve.
Although not specifically called for in the Saluki standard,
Salukis generally measure square, or within 1" of square. This statement is made from
historical research and nearly 34 years of measuring Salukis. Although Salukis can appear
slightly longer, this "trick of the eye" is because of their long heads and
necks, and their somewhat sweeping rears. However, if the body proportions are actually
measured from a point horizontal with the withers straight down to the ground, and from
the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks, almost all Salukis measure square, or just
slightly under/over. Any deviation more than this causes the dog to lose
"balance & symmetry". This method is the official AKC method of measuring
dogs. The Saluki is not angular like its cousin, the Afghan Hound, but gracefully made and
symmetrical, with a powerful rear and hocks low to the ground for the jumping and turning
ability needed in a top coursing hound.
The head is that of a noble aristocrat and has the "look
of eagles". When viewed from the side, the planes of the head are parallel, with a
slight stop. When viewed from the front, the head forms a balanced, chiseled wedge,
moderately wide at the backskull and tapering toward the muzzle.
The ears are set high on the head and are very mobile. The
Saluki should have strong jaws and tight, dry lips. The eyes are oval and bright, and can
be hazel to dark brown in color, with a keen, intelligent expression. Ear feathering
varies greatly in length, but regardless of length should be soft and silky to the touch.
The amount of feathering is unimportant.
The feathered Saluki also has feathering on the back of the
legs and the underside of the tail, which is carried gracefully in a curve when moving.
The amount of feathering is unimportant.
Saluki movement is light, effortless and totally balanced
front to rear. The Saluki should be moderately angulated so the movement is powerful and
collected. This is an endurance hunter and the movement should look like the dog could
move for hours without tiring.
There should be no extreme angulation on either end, the
standard stating: "The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of
grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and
activity...."
The Smooth variety is judged the same with the exception of
the coat, which has no feathering. This variety, although more rare, is acceptable and
greatly valued. Both varieties are judged together in the same classes. There are no
longer divided Open classes.
Information written by Marilyn LaBrache Brown
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The Classic Saluki 
