Hi
Thanks Anita, for pointing me in this direction
If the dog you saw was in Queensland, it would have been my boy, who I co-own with his breeder, (as of this weekend ) Ch Baghdad Tyghar Bey . This particular boy is a Brindle Grizzle, so yes he is a Grizzle with a "variation of these colours".
It is very rare colour, largely due to breeders selecting against it (the same fate used to befall Parti's for many years, for some breeders), despite this we have been able to find 52 brindles registered through out the years, world wide. One of the original imports pictured with the Honorable Florence Amherst (Amherstia) was brindle, and she exported a brindle bitch to the US, who was one of the foundations of the breed, Amherstia Nazarat O'Redledge. Esther Bliss Knapp (Pine Paddocks USA) was also pictured with a brindle smooth dog she bred in the late 60's Emir Tigre of Pine Paddocks, but we have no records of him ever producing. Sir Terence Clarke (expert on country of origin Saluki's) has many pictures of brindle saluki's in the COO, with some areas saying they are common, and others that they never have them.
They look to be becoming less of a rarity now, as as well as the brindle Baghdad's (one of which has been exported to the US and already has done very well in the show ring), there are brindle pups on the ground in the US and Finland, but right now Tyghar would be the first brindle Champion in the world, since the last one in the 80's in Germany.
Seeing I am here, I might as well answer the questions
1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
I first lived with a Saluki in 1978, when my parents bought a Sayf son. I grew up with Saluki's and despite having other breeds , to me nothing is as beautiful to look at, or such a pleasure to live with as a Saluki. I had a long break from dog shows, but now share my home with two beautiful Saluki's, who I show, lure course and adore. I co-own my dogs with their breeder, and while we are planning a litter next year, it will be a Baghdad litter.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
I think everyone has covered this
3. How common is it in Australia?
...and this
4. What is the average lifespan?
Mum and Dad had a Saluki live to 17, and that is the longest lived I have known.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
This is variable, with some Saluki's being somewhat nervy around strangers, but all Saluki's should be outgoing and loving with "their people"...if not, it is a temperament problem. I think Saluki's are somewhat cat like in their personality. They dont need to be all over you, and like to lie calmly and decoratively on the couch for many hours...then they get an attack of the zoomies and run round and round like lunatics, before another long stint of being calmly decorative!
People have been successful in doing obedience with their Saluki's, but I never have I think my Saluki is obedient when she gets off the dining room table, when I tell her to.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
Saluki's need to run, so at least need a large VERY WELL FENCED yard. Their recall is rarely reliable if they are chasing some thing.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
If someone thinks they are buying a dog, and it will be easy, no. If you have done your research and know what to expect, a Saluki is no harder or easier than any other...the difficulties are just a little different. Saluki's can be vengeful, if I tell my boy off for something, I make sure the bedroom door is closed, as he has been known to retaliate by weeing on the bed. You can never be heavy handed with a Saluki.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
I don't think any do does well being left alone for long periods, and two Saluki's are happier than 1. People just don't run fast enough, and don't like playing wild Saluki games!
9. How much grooming is required?
Saluki's have an easy care coat, if you aren't showing a weekly brush and ear check, and a regular nail trim does it...and you can always get a smooth, and it will only need a polish
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
My guys live with and adore my 3 children (9,6 and 4), and the kids love them even more. My kids are noisy and the Saluki's don't mind, but the children have been taught how to respect dogs and treat them properly, and the Salukis respect the kids. Given the size and atheleticism, I do not think they are a breed that suits a primary care giver who is not physically able, but my elderly aunt who uses a walker lives in a household that includes a Saluki, and comes and stays with me, and I dont need to seperate the saluki's. Again it is about teaching respect and boundaries.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
The most comprehensive research on Saluki Health is done by Dr Mary Dee Sist. Her website is http://salukihealthresearch.tripod.com
I will be thyroid testing my guys before breeding from them.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
One of the beauties of the Saluki breed is that there is such a range of looks, and each is correct. The founders of the breed in England had very different looking Saluki's...and were convinced that theirs were correct, so the standard was written to be inclusive of these variations. Talk to people, meet their dogs, and chose a breeder based on what you want.
For anyone interested in the breed , a group of Australian Saluki fanciers, are publishing a new online magazine. It cost nothing to subscribe and is full of information (if I do say so myself ) . If you visit www.salukiinsights.com you can subscribe and be notified when Issue 1 is available (July 24th!)
Best wishes
Margot
