MOVEMENT
The AKC doesn't mention movement. The FCI standard says this: "GAIT / MOVEMENT: smooth, flowing and effortless at trot. Light and lifting showing both reach and drive without hackney action or pounding."
I believe the FCI standard accurately reflects what most saluki breeders, including me, would agree with. Of course the way we apparently interpret it varies widely. It is almost easier to say what it is NOT than what it IS. It is NOT pitty patty movement. It is at the same time not TRAD (tremendous reach and drive) The saluki should never hunker down into its shoulders and lower its center of gravity GSD style---it is a dog that keeps its head up and center of gravity up on the trot. It should not POUND. This breed should trot over the desert sand, and plowing through it or pounding into it is not efficient. It is not a close-to-the-ground daisy-clipping movement desired in many other breeds. It should have a light, almost lifting gait---not bouncing, but floating. The head should be held high, not jutted out forward like a GSD or sporting dog. It should not race around the ring scared out of its wits---even though that sadly can make a pretty picture as many scared salukis hold their head high, tail low and race. While we don't want GSD side movement that absolutely doesn't mean that complete absence of reach and drive is the desideratum. I prefer good reach and drive but it must still be light and springy and pretty. The front leg bends from the elbow rather than swinging forward like a pendulum; this is partly what gives lift (see the double picture to the right). Judges, if you tell exhibitors to go slower, know why you are asking. Slowing will give more lift---to a point. And if you ask exhibitors to go slowly, then don't then point to the one handler who refuses to slow down! Many, many salukis also tend to move high in the rear, with a break behind the withers. This is undesirable. Fewer run "uphill," which is equally undesirable. The topline should remain essentially the same standing or moving, without breaking or hunching. Movement up and back should be like that in other long-legged breeds: sound and converging toward the center line with increasing speed. Years ago there was no such thing as a sound front. Now they are not uncommon, but they are still harder to come by than sound rears. |
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