THE SALUKI or GAZELLE HOUND CLUB RULES and CONSTITUTION

 

 

 

  1. Name

The name of the Club (hereinafter in these Rules referred to as “the Club”) is “THE SALUKI or GAZELLE HOUND CLUB”.

 

  1. Objects

The objects of the Club shall be:

(a) To ensure the continued purity of the Saluki breed.

(b) To encourage the exhibition of the breed by obtaining classes for it at suitable dog shows, and by giving special prizes.

(c) To retain the inherent working skills of the breed by encouraging suitable activities.

(d) To ensure the well-being and health of both individual Salukis and the breed as a whole (cross- breeding between Salukis and other sight hounds being discouraged).

(e) To set up and maintain a programme of on-going education about the breed’s functional conformation and traditional work.

 

  1. Membership

(a) All applications for membership shall be in writing in the form for the time being prescribed by the Committee of the Club (herein after referred to as the “Committee”) and must be supported by a proposal signed by two members of the Club who themselves must have been members for at least five years. (Note – application forms should not be proposed and seconded by two persons of a joint membership or from the same family.) The Committee shall have absolute power in its own discretion to accept or reject any such application for membership, and may elect a member for a probationary period of up to two years, at the end of which time full membership may be either granted or refused.

(b) Nobody under the age of sixteen may be accepted as a full member of the Club but may be elected as a Junior Member. Persons between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one who are in full-time education may also be elected as junior members.  Junior Members shall be entitled to receive email communications from the Club but not communications sent by post and no Junior Member is entitled to vote at a General meeting or in a digital and / or postal ballot. Nothing in this Rule shall prevent a person aged over sixteen years from applying for full membership of the Club on payment of the appropriate subscription.

(c) The Committee shall have the power to confer honorary membership on any person who has rendered distinguished service to the Club or the interests represented by it. Honorary members shall be relieved of payment of subscription to the Club and shall have the same rights and privileges as full subscribing members.

(d) The Club must maintain an up-to-date list of members’ names and their addresses, and make the list of names available for inspection if so requested by the members of the Club or by the Kennel Club.

(e) In the case of new members the submission of a membership application form and in the case of existing members at the date of adoption of these Rules the payment of the next annual subscription, shall be deemed an undertaking to abide by these Rules.

(f) Each member is entitled to a vote and may vote on Club matters immediately on confirmation by the Committee that their election to the Club is confirmed. Joint membership comprising not more than two adults living at the same address is permitted. Each member of a joint membership is entitled to a vote.

 

  1. Resignation and Expulsion.

(a) A member may resign his membership at any time but shall not be entitled to the return of any subscription paid. He shall nonetheless remain liable for payment of any subscription or charges still due at the date of such resignation.

(b) The Committee shall have the power to expel from membership any member whose subscription shall remain unpaid after the 1st day of March in any year but without prejudice to such member’s obligation to pay such subscription.

(c) Any member who shall be suspended under Kennel Club Rule A11.j.(5) and/or any member whose dog(s) is/are disqualified under Kennel Club Rule A.11.j.(9) shall ipso facto cease to be a Member of the Club.

If the conduct of any member shall, in the opinion of the Committee of the Club, be injurious or likely to be injurious to the character or interests of the Club, the Committee of the Club may, at a meeting the notice of convening which includes as an object the consideration of the conduct of the Member, determine that a Special General Meeting of the Club shall be called for the purpose of passing a resolution to expel him/her.

Notice of the Special General Meeting shall be sent to the accused Member, giving particulars of the complaint and advising the place, date and hour of the Meeting that he/she may attend and offer an explanation. If, at the Meeting, a resolution to expel is passed by a two-thirds majority of the Members present and voting, his/her name shall forthwith be erased from the list of Members, and he/she shall thereupon cease for all purposes to be a member of the Club except that he/she may, within two calendar months from the date of such Meeting appeal to the Kennel Club upon and subject to such condition as the Kennel Club may impose.

(d) If the Club expels any member for discreditable conduct in connection with Dog Shows, Trials or Competitions, the Club must report the matter in writing to the Kennel Club within seven days and supply any particulars required.

(e) A member who has resigned or who has been removed from membership shall forfeit all rights and privileges of the Club and shall forthwith return to the Honorary Secretary any challenge cups or trophies belonging to the Club which he may hold.

 

  1. Subscription and Finance

(a) The financial year of the Club shall commence on 1st January and end on 31st December each year.

(b) The subscription to the Club shall be such sum as the members in General Meeting may determine from time to time and shall be notified to the Kennel Club.

(c) The subscription shall be payable annually in advance and shall fall due on 1st January each year. Members joining after 1st October in any year are not required to pay a further subscription until 1st January following the first anniversary of their joining the Club.

(d) Any member whose subscription remains unpaid on 31st January shall be deemed a lapsed member and shall be ineligible to vote in the ballot for the election of the Officers and Committee and the appointment of Judges for the Club Shows and render any nominations they have supported for either ballot as proposer or seconder invalid. Subscriptions paid between 1st and 28th February preserve Club membership and enable the lapsed member to attend the AGM and to vote at that AGM. They do not restore the lapsed member’s eligibility to vote in the ballot for the election of Officers and Committee and appointment of Judges for the Club Shows or support nominations for them. If the outstanding subscriptions are not paid by 1st March the person’s name shall automatically be erased from the list of members and he/she shall no longer be entitled to any privileges of membership. Reinstatement to membership will be dependent upon a new application.

 

  1. Management and Control

(a) The affairs of the Club shall, subject always to the rights and powers of the members in General Meeting, be under the management and absolute control of the Committee.

(b) The Club shall have a President.

(c) The Committee shall comprise.

i.The President.

ii.The Vice President.

iii.  The Honorary Secretary.

iv.  The Honorary Treasurer

v.    Nine other members.

vi.   Ex Officio members hereinafter referred to.

vii. Such other members co-opted by the Committee

(d) Ex Officio Members shall be the Hon Vice Presidents, the Hon Secretary of the Lure Coursing Section, the Secretary or Representative of the Welfare Fund and/or a Chief Rescue Warden and the Editor of the Saluki Magazine. Neither they nor the co-opted members shall be entitled to vote at meetings of the Committee but they shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend all Meetings of the Committee in an Advisory capacity.

The Hon Vice Presidents shall be entitled to receive the Minutes of all meetings.

 

  1. Election of Committee and Officers and their Functions

(a) The President shall be elected for a period of four years and may offer himself for re-election on expiry of his period of office.

(b) The Vice President, Hon Secretary and the Hon Treasurer shall be elected for a period of up to three years and may offer themselves for re-election on expiry of their period of office, which should be in different years.

(c) The members of the Committee, as defined in Rule 6(c)v, shall be elected for a period of one year, all may offer themselves for re-election on expiry of their period of office.

(d) The Magazine Editor shall be elected for a period of three years and may offer himself for re-election on expiry of his period of office. If the Editor gives notice to the Committee that he does not intend to continue his term of office, the Committee shall offer the position for ballot. The ballot for the position of Editor shall take place one year before the expiry of the existing Editor’s term of office so that both can work together to effect a smooth hand-over.

(e) Honorary Vice Presidents (of whom there may not be more than 5) shall be elected for life.

(f)  Elections shall be by digital and / or postal ballot of the members of the Club, the result of which shall be opened, made known and displayed to members at the Annual General Meeting. Members being nominated for a position on the Committee shall have been a member of the Club for the 3 years directly prior to the year of nomination. Nominations shall be made in writing to the Committee in such manner and at such time and the elections shall be carried out in such manner as the Committee may prescribe from time to time. In the event of a tie in the ballot for any position on the Committee the position will be resolved by the names of those involved being placed in a hat and drawn by the outgoing Chairman of the Committee at the AGM and witnessed by all those in attendance at the meeting.

(g) A member may have their name put forward on the ballot for a position on the Committee as a member of the Committee as defined under Rule 6(c)v, Hon Secretary or Hon Treasurer. In the event of a member being elected to more than one position they shall immediately resign from whatever position they choose so that they may only hold one position on the Committee.

(h) In the event of the resignation or death of a member of the Committee of the Club the following Rules shall apply:

The President – The position shall be taken over and combined with that of Vice President until the next annual ballot is held for the Committee of the Club. At which time nominations will be received and a ballot held to fill the position.

The Vice President – The position will be taken over and combined with that of Chairman of the Committee until the next annual ballot.

The Hon Secretary and Treasurer – The Vice President shall temporarily take over the position until the next Committee Meeting decides on what action to take or until the position is put to the vote at the next annual ballot. The Vice President or his representative shall take immediate steps to recover all Club documents.

Committee Members – as defined in Rule 6(c)v. The Hon Secretary will invite the next person on the ballot to join the Committee.

(i) All General Meetings of the Club shall be presided over by the Vice President and all Meetings of the Committee shall be presided over by a Chairman, who shall be elected for one year at the first Meeting of each Committee of the Club. The Chairman of the Committee shall also deputise for the Vice President.

(j) The Honorary Secretary shall summon and attend all General and Committee Meetings of the Club. He shall keep a correct record of the proceedings in a Minute Book which shall be signed by the President, Vice President or Chairman as appropriate, and shall conduct correspondence on behalf of the Club and transact such business as may be required by the Committee. All correspondence to the Honorary Secretary for the attention of the Committee shall be read in full to the Committee.

(k) The Honorary Treasurer shall receive and bank all monies in a nationally recognised UK bank or building society, keep a proper record of receipts and payments and submit an independently certified income and expenditure account and balance sheet to the members at the Annual General Meeting of the Club. He shall keep a banking account in the name of the Club and all cheques shall be signed by any two of the following: the Honorary Treasurer, the Chairman and the Honorary Secretary.  He may authorise the receipt and banking of monies by another member of the Committee if the Committee so agrees. Certification of accounts must be carried out by one qualified accountant, or two unqualified individuals with accountancy experience, independent of the committee. The certified accounts will be made available on request to members fourteen days prior to the AGM. Subject to approval by the Committee, the Honorary Treasurer may register for Internet banking to enable on-line operation of the Club’s account.

(l) The Show Manager shall be appointed by the Committee.

(m) Unless there are extenuating circumstances the nine elected Committee members shall attend the majority of Club Shows and the majority of Committee meetings throughout the year. Failing to do so they should resign from the Committee to enable others next in line on the ballot to take their place.  Should a committee member fail to attend three consecutive shows or meetings without proper explication of extenuating circumstances and they have not followed the above procedure, they may be removed from their position on the committee and committee may co-opt to fill the resulting vacancy. Such co-optee to remain in office until the next election.

No person whilst an undischarged bankrupt may serve on the Committee or hold any other office or appointment within a Kennel Club Registered Society.

 

  1. Meetings

(a) An Annual General Meeting shall be held prior to 30th April each year and not less than three months prior written notice thereof shall be given to all members at their last registered address. The ordinary business of an Annual General Meeting shall be receive the accounts and balance sheet for the previous financial year, to receive the results of the ballot for the Committee and Officers, to receive reports on the activities of the Club since the last Annual General Meeting and to appoint accountants or suitable persons to certify the accounts. Any special business which a member shall desire to raise at an Annual General Meeting shall be notified to the Honorary Secretary not less than six weeks before the date fixed for the Meeting and an Agenda for the Meeting shall be sent to all members at their last registered address not less than 14 days prior to the Meeting. An item entitled “Any Other Business” shall be included in the Agenda, but no other business shall be transacted other than such business which in the opinion of the Chairman of the Meeting should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

(b) A Special General Meeting shall be convened on the requisition of the Committee or of not less than 15 members specifying the business to be transacted. The Meeting shall be held as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within 3 months after the same shall have been requisitioned. No business other than that specified in the requisition shall be transacted at a Special General Meeting. At least 4 weeks prior written notice of a Special General Meeting shall be given to all members at their last registered address and an Agenda for the meeting shall be sent to all members at their last registered address not less than 14 days prior to the Meeting.

(c) The quorum for General Meetings shall be 15 members present in person. No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum is-present at the time when the Meeting proceeds to business. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the Meeting a quorum is not present, the Meeting, if convened as a Special General Meeting, shall be dissolved; in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place or to such other day and at such other time and place as the Committee may determine, and if at the adjourned Meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the Meeting, the members present shall be a quorum.

(d) All resolutions other than a Special Resolution shall be passed by a simple majority of votes of members present in person. All Special Resolutions shall require a two-thirds majority of votes of members present in person. No member shall be entitled to appoint a proxy.

(e) All resolutions put to the vote of the Meeting shall be decided by a show of hands unless a vote on paper is (before or on the declaration of the show of hands) demanded:

      (i) by the Chairman of the Meeting; or

      (ii) by at least 5 members present at the Meeting.

Unless a vote on paper be so demanded a declaration by the Chairman of the Meeting that a resolution has on a show of hands been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost and an entry to that effect in the Minutes of the Meeting shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against such resolution. A vote on paper shall be taken in such manner as the Chairman of the Meeting directs.

(f) In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a vote on paper, the Chairman of the Meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.

(g) The Committee shall meet at convenient times as and when necessary, no more than 4 months should elapse between meetings. Committee meetings may be held remotely if necessary and appropriate, subject to the agreement of a majority of the Committee. Committee members shall be given not less than 7 days’ notice of such meeting.

(h) The proceedings of the Committee shall be regulated by the Committee as they think fit. Questions arising at any Meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. The quorum necessary for the transaction of business by the Committee shall be 5.

(i) Any decision regarding changes to the Breed Standard should be taken by a General Meeting and not at Committee level. 

  1. Sub-Committees

(a) The Committee may delegate to ad hoc Sub-Committees such special business as may be deemed necessary or appropriate. Save as expressly mentioned in this Clause 9, Sub-Committees shall comprise only members of the Club and shall be answerable directly to the Committee.

(b) In addition to the ad hoc Sub-Committees referred to above there shall be the following standing Sub-Committees:

  1. Lure Coursing Sub-Committee

This shall be responsible for arranging and organising the Club’s lure coursing meetings each year and shall comprise a Lure Coursing Secretary and such number of assistants as the Lure Coursing Secretary and / or the Club Committee shall think fit, all such persons to be appointed by the Committee as and when necessary. The Lure Coursing Sub-Committee shall be answerable to and under the direct control of the Committee.

  1. Magazine Sub-Committee

This shall be responsible for the publication of the Club Magazine “The Saluki” and shall comprise the elected Editor, a Chairman, an Honorary Treasurer and such number of assistants as the Editor shall from time to time require. The Editor shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Club and shall hold office for 3 years. Nominations for the post of Editor shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary of the Club one year prior to the end of the current Editor’s term of office. The other members of the Sub-Committee shall be chosen by the Editor, with the approval of the Committee of the Club, and shall be persons who in some way are able to contribute to the Magazine and its publication. The Sub-Committee shall hold office until the Editor’s period of office expires. The Sub-Committee shall present to each Annual General Meeting of the Club an audited, or certified (by suitable persons) statement of accounts together with a report of its activities.

  1. Show Sub-Committee.

This shall be responsible for arranging and organising the 3 Club shows each year and shall comprise a Show Manager and such number of assistants as the Show Manager and/or the Club Committee shall think fit, all such persons to be appointed by the Committee as and when necessary. The Show Sub-Committee shall be answerable to and under the direct control of the Committee.

 

  1. Property

The assets of the Club shall be vested in the Officers and Committee for the time being. Trophies owned by the Club shall be kept insured at the discretion of the Committee. Cups or trophies given to the Club, in all cases as gifts outright, shall form part of the realisable assets of the Club.

 

  1. Trophies

(a) A Trophy Steward shall be appointed from time to time by the Committee to have custody of all cups and trophies of the Club.

(b) A member who wins any such trophy or cup shall have the right to retain the same until its return is requested by the Trophy Steward. Such member shall be liable for the safe-keeping of the cup or trophy.

(c) All cups, trophies, cash or other prizes offered for competition by members shall be awarded at such shows as the Committee may determine and in conformity with the wishes of the donors.

(d) A Points Trophy Steward shall be appointed by the Committee from time to time to check claims submitted by members.

(e) The Points Trophies shall be awarded at the first suitable Club Show after 31st May in each year, the points to be awarded for wins in breed classes at Championship Shows held between 1st June and 31st May inclusive. The Points Trophy Steward will notify the Trophy Steward of the awards by 15th June. The allocation of points shall be decided by the Committee from time to time.

 

  1. Election of Judges for Club Shows

Judges for the Club’s Championship, Open and Limited Shows shall be elected by digital and / or postal ballot of the members of the Club, the results of which shall be made known at the Annual General Meeting.  The ballot for judges for the Championship and Open Shows shall include only those persons who have been nominated by members of the Club.  If more than ten nominations are received and accepted by the nominees for either or both of the Championship or Open Show, the five judges receiving the largest number of votes will go forward to a second ballot. Nominations shall be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary in such manner and at such time as the Committee may from time to time prescribe.

 

  1. Alterations of Rules

These Rules other than this Clause 13 may be amended only by Special Resolution passed in General Meeting, the notice for which contains specific proposals to amend the Rules. This Clause 13 shall not be capable of amendment. Any proposed alteration to the Rules may not be brought into effect until the Kennel Club has been advised and approved the alteration(s).

New Rules or amendments to existing Rules introduced specifically to meet Kennel Club requirements shall be adopted immediately and be included in the Club Rules with effect from the Club’s AGM.

  1. Final Authority

The Club shall function under the jurisdiction of the Kennel Club and in accordance with its Rules and Regulations. The Kennel Club shall be the final authority for interpreting the rules of the Society in all cases relative to Canine or Society matters.

 

  1. Dissolution

(a) The Club shall be dissolved if a Special Resolution to that effect is passed at an Extraordinary General Meeting called on the unanimous recommendation of the Committee or on the requisition of not less than one-third of the members of the Club with registered addresses in the United Kingdom and of which not less than 14 days notice shall have been given to all members of the date and purpose of such Meeting.

(b) Prior to dissolution the assets of the Club shall be realised and the debts and liabilities paid. Any surplus assets remaining thereafter shall be transferred to some other Saluki Club in the United Kingdom or such other canine club or charity as shall be decided by a simple majority of votes of the members present at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

Within six months of the dissolution of the Club a final statement of the audited accounts with a record of the disposal of the property of the Club shall be forwarded to the Kennel Club. The Officers and Committee of the Club on the last return furnished to the Kennel Club, will be held responsible by the Kennel Club for the proper winding up of the Club.

 

  1. Construction

(a) In these Rules words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and vice-versa and words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.

(b) The construction of these Rules shall not be limited by reference to the sub-headings which are for convenience only and do not form any part of these Rules.

 

 

  1. Annual Returns to the Kennel Club.

The Officers acknowledge that during the month of January each year. Maintenance of Title fee will be forwarded to the Kennel Club by the Honorary Secretary for continuance of Registration and that by 31st July each year, other returns as stipulated in Kennel Club Regulations for the Registration and Maintenance of Title of Societies and Breed Councils and the Affiliation of Agricultural Societies and Municipal Authorities be forwarded to the Kennel Club.

The Officers acknowledge their duty to inform the Kennel Club of any changes of Secretary of the Club which may occur during the course of the year.

 

  1. Joining with Others.

The Club may not join any Federation of Societies or Clubs.

 

  1. Breed Club Judging Lists

(a) A list of judges must be produced each year in accordance with Kennel Club requirements and must be submitted to the Kennel Club as part of the Club’s Annual Returns.  The purpose of a Breed Club Judges List is to indicate to interested parties those persons the Breed Club would support at differing levels of judging.  Membership of the Club must not be a prerequisite for inclusion on the List. The Judges List is divided into five parts, namely A1, A2, A3, B and C, and must state that the list will expire on 31st December each year after which the List shall cease to have any validity. The Judge’s List will be reviewed by the Committee each year and will be reissued on 1st January each year. 

(b)  Persons may at any time during the year write to the Committee asking to have their names included on the List for the first time or to request that they be moved from one part of the List to another.  The applicant must present evidence that they meet the specific requirements to be included on the part of the List for which they are applying.  Failure to provide the correct information will mean the application will not be considered by the Committee until such time as the applicant meets the criteria or provides the correct information.

The applicant will be deemed to be included in the appropriate List when their application has been approved by the Committee.  All judges shall be required to produce a critique for each and every time they judge the breed within the UK.  Failure to comply will mean that the individual concerned may not be considered for the following year’s Judges List.  If for any reason the Dog Press fails to publish a critique, which they acknowledge was sent to them, then at the discretion of the Committee the critique may appear in a Club Newsletter or magazine.

(c) The eligibility criteria for applicants wishing to have their names added to the Judges List shall be at the discretion of the Committee who will publish the criteria each year in the Yearbook.

(d) Special Criteria for judges for Club Shows.

Judges for the Club’s Championship Shows must be Breed Specialists taken from the A1, A2 or A3 List. No person judging at the Club’s Championship Show shall be eligible to judge again at the said Show until five years have elapsed.  This restriction does not apply to the Best in Show judge.

Judges for the Club’s Open Show may be Breed Specialists or Non Specialists from the A or B Lists only.

Judges for the Club’s Limited Show must be Breed Specialists or Non Specialists from the B List only.

No person judging at the Club’s Open or Limited Show shall be eligible to judge either of the said Shows until three years have elapsed.  This restriction does not apply to any person acting as Referee.

 

  1. Conduct

If the conduct of any member shall, in the opinion of the Committee of the Club be injurious or likely to be injurious to the character or interests of the Club, the Committee of the Club may, at a meeting the notice of convening, which includes, as an object the consideration of the conduct of the Member, determine that a Special General Meeting of the Club shall be called for the purpose of passing a resolution to expel him/her.  Any Member proved to be using the internet or any other media sources to abuse or disparage the Club or any of its members will be subject to disciplinary procedures according to Club rules.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

Kennel Club Code of Ethics

Breeders/Owners

 

  1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
  2. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon who performs an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a Caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operations to the Kennel Club.
  3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies, which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
  4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare.
  5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
  6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or the breed.
  7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
  8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
  9. Will clean up after their dogs in public places anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
  10. Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
  11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
  12. Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
  13. Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand-alone items (not accompanying a dog).
  14. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
  15. Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action as appropriate.

 

The following is supplemental to the Kennel Club document above, including guidance points more specific to Salukis as well as Saluki owners and breeders. It is intended to provide a framework in which both the new owner and experienced breeder can work to bring about responsible ownership of a Saluki and stewardship of the breed as a whole.

 

  1. In addition to the care and attention in item 1 above, Salukis should always be treated as a member of the family providing them with warmth and affection.
  2. Additional to item 2 above, it is preferred that Saluki Club members voluntarily participate in current health schemes that are available and use the results along with all other considerations to improve our breeding stock.
  3. Additional to item 8 above, Saluki Club members should ensure that all dogs are positively identifiable through micro-chipping, tattooing or preferably both.
  4. Additional to item 10 above, that members, when selling a puppy they have bred will ensure wherever possible that, should the new owner/s intend to breed from this Saluki, they do so in a responsible manner. That advice should be given and an aftercare service provided. That the breeder take back or assist with re-homing or locating temporary accommodation for any Saluki bred by them, which needs a new home.
  5. Additional to item 11 above, that Saluki Club members when placing a dog in a new home should include details of the medical history and other relevant information regarding both the sire and the dam.
  6. Additional to item 12, that if registration is to be withheld or the registration endorsed, it should be by written agreement between purchaser and seller.
  7. Additional to item 14, that the breeder or seller of a Saluki should ensure that prospective new owners are aware of the nature of the Saluki temperament.
  8. The export of Salukis should be only undertaken with extreme care. It should be remembered by breeders that they will not be there in the event of problems. It is always advisable to check with the Club Committee and Kennel Club as to the attitudes and laws of the country, before exporting If possible the dog should be accompanied; travel is distressing to most animals.
  9. Saluki owners, keepers and particularly breeders should not encourage by example or otherwise the cross breeding of Salukis.
  10. Stud dog owners are expected to do everything in their power to comply with the requirement of paragraphs 10-14 of the Kennel Club code of ethics as well as items 4-6 of the breed specific code of ethics, equally with bitch owners.

 

Addition to Code of Ethics, agreed at AGM 2019:

 

Saluki Voluntary Code of Breeding

 

CONTROL OF HERITABLE DISEASES

 

Autoimmune Hypothyroidism

A clinically affected dog or bitch should not be bred from.

 

Where a dog or bitch, proposed for breeding, has a known incidence of hypothyroidism in its previous 5 generations, the breeder should take the actions noted in the ‘Breeding from a Saluki with genetic history of Hypothyroidism’ code. (Appendix 1).

 

You should contact your Breed Health Coordinator (email: salukibreedhealthcoordinator@gmail.com) for confidential advice regarding genetic health history, unless you are aware of hypothyroidism in your line.

 

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)                                                                                           

Only breed from stock that has a sound heart.

                                                                                            

DCM can be inherited or idiopathic (i.e.: no known cause).  You should have a dog and bitch, proposed for breeding, heart tested [echo cardiogram, and extended ECG (minimum 3 minutes)] by your veterinarian, prior to breeding.

 

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL)

Most affected Salukis with this condition will not survive more than 24 months. Because carriers of this disease are more widespread (and unpredictably so) than when this code was first produced, all salukis, proposed for breeding, should be NCL tested. The breeder should take the actions noted in Appendix 2. For further advice please contact your Breed Health Coordinator by email at: salukibreedhealthcoordinator@gmail.com.

 

APPENDIX 1

Hypothyroidism in Salukis – A Voluntary Code for Salukis with known history of hypothyroidism in their previous 5 generations                                                                                         A number of Salukis have been identified as being either affected by hypothyroidism or have produced affected offspring. 

 

Hypothyroidism in dogs is considered to be a complex condition, affected by multiple genes and environmental factors. It appears to be highly heritable and therefore sensible breeding strategies should help to reduce its incidence.

                                    

Therefore, The Saluki Club (SGHC), The Northern Saluki Club (NCS) and Saluki Welfare (SW) are working towards DNA testing to identify the risk of developing hypothyroidism ahead of breeding from a dog or bitch. However, this test will probably take some time to achieve. In the meantime a voluntary code of practice has been developed and agreed to help control the spread of hypothyroidism in the breed whilst waiting for the DNA test to be developed.

 

In the absence of the DNA test, it is recommended that testing for the presence (including severity), or absence of hypothyroidism in individual Salukis is undertaken ahead of breeding from them. 

 

Based on research it has been determined that the best test for breeding for the disease is a TgAA test.    

                                                                                                  

You should ask your vet to send a blood sample for testing to: Nationwide Specialist Laboratories, Unit 2 Sawston Park, London Road, Pampisford, Sawston, CAMBRIDGE, CB22 3EE. Quote “UK SALUKI” for the special discounted rate of £31.55+vat.

 

The TgAA Test shows, to a reasonably high degree of accuracy, if autoimmune hypothyroidism is present.  It may also show that the disease is about to develop. The disease normally presents in a saluki between 4 to 8 years of age. However, the test cannot show that the saluki is, or is not, likely to produce affected offspring in the absence of active or developing hypothyroidism. Only DNA testing can achieve complete predictability. This is not yet available.

 

The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club, The Northern Saluki Club and Saluki Welfare, recognise the need to preserve the maximum gene pool. This means recognising the risks inherent in excluding large numbers of salukis from breeding.  Accumulation of data on the presence and severity of hypothyroidism in individual dogs will enable the calculation of prevalence within the breed. This in turn will guide breeding advice, and hopefully enable genetic analysis which can further improve selection against hypothyroidism.  The Kennel Club will assist with genetic analysis once sufficient data has accrued.

 

Immediately however, where dogs are identified as being at higher genetic risk, for example all those bred from affected dogs, they should not be bred to another higher genetic risk dog. They should also not be bred to one that has produced affected offspring, as it thought that this is likely to produce more affected Salukis.

 

The following code is recommended to help control the further spread of Hypothyroidism in the breed:

 

1) Dogs and bitches should not be bred from before 4 years of age.

2) Dogs and bitches should not be bred from more than 3 times.

3) Both the dog and bitch should have a TgAA test to determine        whether they are likely to develop hypothyroidism. If both are             clear on the panel test, then breed. If either fails, do not breed.       The test should be repeated before any future pairings.

4) If the proposed sire or dam is known to have produced affected

offspring, or to otherwise be at higher genetic risk (e.g., progeny of an affected dog or bitch), then this is considered acceptable provided the partner has no history of hypothyroidism in its previous 5 generations, but rigorous               testing of the resulting progeny should be conducted. The purchasers of these progeny should be given a document that clearly explains the position and its implications for the new owner. (NSC SGHC SW to agree and publish advisory pack in due course).

 

APPENDIX 2

NCL in Salukis- A Voluntary Code for Salukis with known history of NCL in previous generations

Both UK and some European lines have been shown to carry NCL.

 

It is an autosomal recessive disease and is therefore heritable. Fortunately, the gene mutation causing the disease has been identified. There is a test for it.

 

ALL Salukis should be tested prior to breeding, along with the proposed partner. The test will show if each saluki is clear, affected, or carrier. If both dog and bitch test clear, then you can breed with full confidence. No further action is required. Any progeny may be classified as clear with no known history.

 

If either is affected, or both are carriers, do not breed.       

                                                                                  

If one is a carrier, then you may breed, provided the partner is clear. All progeny should be tested. Any found to be a carrier should be registered ‘not for breeding’. It is actually desirable that breeding should still go ahead to maintain the genetic diversity of Salukis. 

 

The DNA test for NCL is available from Laboklin (UK), 125 Northenden Road, Sale, Manchester M33 3HF (Tel 0161 282 3066). They require a swab sample which you can take yourself.  Please let the laboratory have your KC Reg number and microchip number. They will confirm the result to you and (in confidence) to the Kennel Club.

Please contact the Saluki breed health coordinator, by email, at salukibreedhealthcoordinator@gmail.com, if you have any questions regarding this code.

 

13 December 2018   Revised 27th August 2020.

 

Welfare of the Breed

  1. If for any reason an owner is unable to keep his/her Saluki he/she should in the first instance contact the breeder. If this is impracticable, he/she should contact the Secretary of the Club, the Club Welfare Officer or Warden.
  2. It should be remembered that the Saluki does not mature before 3 years old. Only sound healthy stock should be used for breeding and in general 2 litters in a lifetime should be considered as a maximum for any bitch; but above all no litters should be bred unless good homes are assured. It is not necessary for every bitch to be bred from.
  3. It is hoped that Saluki owners and keepers will make use of all available information either through the Saluki Health Committee, the Animal Health Trust or the Saluki Welfare Fund. The Club invites Saluki owners and keepers to inform them of any problem in the Salukis that may give cause for concern in the breed as a whole.
  4. At all times the welfare of the individual Salukis or the breed as a whole must be uppermost; the integrity of Saluki owners should reflect this and not be traded off for personal advancement. Saluki owners and keepers should, when engaged in competitive events with their dogs, conduct themselves in such a way as not to bring discredit to the breed and should demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

 

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action as previously stated.