| Early photographs from the States' pioneering days of the 1800's, at a museum display in Wanneroo show (fuzzily) one or two hounds that could have been Salukis, but there are no records, so we have no positive proof. (They may just be a lop-eared Greyhound cross). So our first recorded, and recognised pedigree Saluki came to this state in 1970. Owned by Norm & Vicki McLeod of Wanneroo, he was a black parti-colour known to all as "Aaron". His pedigree name was Ch. Krishna Dashti Pasha. He was soon followed by his mate "Rebecca" = Ch Elbaraka Chol Farida. Shortly after these two had created some interest, others arrived from the Eastern seaboard of Australia, and the breed quite literally "took off" and captured the imagination of many. Some new to dogdom, and some already established show exhibitors, from Afghan Hound breeders, to Great Dane breeders. Norm & Vicki McLeod established their "Antef" prefix almost immediately they got Aaron. They were followed (in alphabetical order) by, "Anizeh" for Henny & Richard Bloor; "Ayin" for Denise Silverman (now Denise Mallis); "Cazadores" for Vera Farr; "Danesmead" with Lee Shepherd & "El Hor" with Joy Day. In the mid to late 70's these were added to with "Farousi" for Mandy Manley Smith (formerly Finning); "Mauresque" for Rita Trevenen; "Zarifarh" for Anna Ferguson. By the early 80's, all bar "Cazadores" from the original surge of the early 70's, had dropped out of the scene, but some of the breeders still owned Salukis. Plus, the ranks of Saluki exhibitors who just simply wanted to own a Saluki, had grown. But the 80's also brought some more breeders to the ranks. "Barkhill" with Fred Barrett (also Basset Hounds) moved to WA from Victoria. Also moving to WA from Victoria with Afghan Hounds and joining the Saluki ranks Robyn McRea (now Robyn Barrett) with her "Arazan" prefix. Roly & Jan Picot who bred Afghan Hounds and Dachshunds under their "Roljan" prefix, came to Salukis. Later in the decade came Allison Swallow (now Allison Traine) with her mother's "Myola" Basenji prefix: Trevor Nelson with "Elslugi": Rosemary Talbot with "Aghdaf" : Hazel Graham and "Edendarve" : Mandy Manley Smith obtained a second prefix of "Elbahrani", but this wasn't used until quite recently. "Sihaan" an established Afghan Hound prefix of Trish & Graham Ellis also joined the Saluki ranks. In the 90"s we saw only one new prefix "Idnarb" with Darren Cappello. In the late 80's and through the 90's, things 'cooled off'. The popularity of Salukis began to slide, and at the present time, there are only 4 kennel prefix's currently in use in WA. "Elbahrani"; "Farousi": & "Mauresque" along with Darren Cappello who has returned to the breed after a long break, with his new prefix of "Elsaluchi". Vera Farr with "Cazadores" is still very active in the breed, but at this time, is no longer actively breeding. The "Elbahrani" prefix was used for one tribute litter in 2001. It has since been archived. In June 2003, Mrs Trevenen ("Mauresque") announced that she would no longer be actively involved with breeding. Her breeding years spanned 25 years. At the Club AGM for 2005 - barely meeting the quorum and battling with dwindling interest - the members present voted unanimously to have the Club put into Recess, until further notice. The club is now operational purely as a social club. |
| A Brief History of Salukis in Western Australia |
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| Pictured : Ch Krishna Dashti Pasha (Aaron). Sire : Ch Mazuri Cassalonda (Imp UK) Dam : Ch Krishna Alakazam The first fully registered and recognised Saluki in Western Australia (1970) |
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| Written & reproduced here with special permission from the author Mrs. M. Manley-Smith Requests to copy for print to be directed to the author farousi@bigpond.com |
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