The many charms of Salukis on show at beauty contest

Abu Dhabi: A canine contest will give new meaning to the term beauty and the beast when dogs strut their stuff in a bid to prove they are the best looking.

In September the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest will see a string of dogs judged on everything from the way they move to the sheen of their coat.

The first-of-its-kind competition will run as part of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex 2006), scheduled for Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre from September 11 to 15.

Internationally renowned judge Gilberto Grandi from Italy, President of the Italian Sight Hound Club, will attend the beauty pageant.

Organisers Arabian Saluki Centre said the dogs will be judged on their general structure, their coat, movement and the general impression they give. Prizes are on offer to the owners of the dogs that triumph. The centre is also organising the Lure Coarsing Show.

All Saluki owners in the UAE and other GCC countries have been asked to register their Salukis for the competition at the Arabian Saluki Centre. Those not registered at the centre for the show will not be allowed to enter the competition.

Profile: One of the oldest hunting hounds

Saluki, named after Saluk, a city in southern Yemen, is the most famous and favourite hunting hound for Arabs. It was named after the Yemeni city because the city was famous for hunting and breeding top class hounds.

The hound pedigree had been known for more than 9,000 years.

Saluki is a long-bodied, slim-statured, abdomen-atrophied and high-limbed dog.

It has a long head, narrow oblong mouth, strong jaws (capable of making rapid killing bites) and is considered the strongest animal in jaw use and sharp canine.

It plays effectively the role of loyal and faithful guard to its master, protects his house, and is one of the lightest sleepers.

The animal is capable of reaching speeds up to 65 km/hour. The Saluki does not eat nor drink from a dirty pan, and never hunts unless accompanied by its master. It can easily hunt rabbits, wolves and deer.

How to register

Registration for the contest, which is free, started on June 1. The deadline for registration is August 31.

Owners can register by telephone 02 5755330, or fax 02 5755339 or by visiting www.arabiansaluki.ae and sending an e-mail to saluki1@emirates.net.ae.