Results for this year’s ADIHEX Saluki Beauty Contest – Smooth category, were announced yesterday evening.
Organized by the Arabian Saluki Centre, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is giving Saluki owners an opportunity to showcase their precious hounds – both smooth and feathered – on an international show level. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest for Smooth category was held yesterday in the show arena at Hall 12 of ADNEC.
Among males, Azir owned by Ahmed Salem Al Tunaiji was declared "Best in Show," while Mirage owned by Mohammed Abu Ghanem and Hailan owned by Hamad Al Marri, were declared first and second, respectively. Among females, Arda, owned by Mahammed Massoud, was adjudged "Best in Show," while Desma, owned by Jacqui Wickman and Wal’a, owned by Issa Al Khumairi, were declared first and second, respectively.
Over 170 salukis competed in the two categories of feathered and smoothed. Winners of the competition will receive valuable prizes.
Contesting salukis were judged upon the standard characteristics of the breed (head, general structure, coat, movement and general impression). However, unlike European dog shows, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest judges not only on the standards of the breed, but also values the Saluki’s predominant roles – hunting, chasing and guarding – the psychological attributes – bravery and dominance.
Director of the Arabian Saluki Centre, Hamad Al Ghanem said: “The show gives us the opportunity to highlight not only the incredible characteristics of the breed itself, but to further create public awareness in our proud cultural heritage, especially for the younger generations.
“Throughout the times and changing generations, the traditional values and ethics of Arabian Bedouin are being forgotten and it is our duty to preserve and celebrate them for future generations.”
Arabian Salukis are one of the world’s oldest breeds; history shows that they can be traced back almost 13,000 years. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, these desert hounds, which are known for their exceptional stamina, intelligence and loyalty, were bred to assist man in chasing prey and catching it in the harsh desert climate. Arabian salukis are highly prized by the Bedouins not only for the hunting purpose, but as a companion and a member of the family.
