Abu Dhabi's saluki dog show: what makes a perfect pooch?

Judges to consider the lineage, temperament, hunting skills and head shape of the traditional Arabian breed at city event

A dog show to find champion Arabian salukis will take place in the autumn in Abu Dhabi. All photos courtesy Adihex

The event is organised by the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) and the Arabian Saluki Centre.

The hounds will be separated into four categories, al hoss (smooth and short haired) and aryash (feathery and long haired) and male and female.

Among factors considered by judges will be lineage, bearing and appearance – including the shape of the head.

Judges will also consider a dog’s temperament, its tracking and hunting skills and its responses to instructions.

Salukis have played an important part in Arabian Peninsula hunting heritage for more than 7,000 years. The breed is renowned for its endurance, intelligence and loyalty.

The contest will take place at the Adihex, which will run from September 27 to October 3, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Traditional Arabian salukis will be judged on their looks, lineage and skills in the next annual contest for the breed, organised by the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) and the Arabian Saluki Centre.

The dogs will be divided into al hoss – smooth and short-haired, and aryash – feathery and long-haired, male and female categories for the competition.

Judges will consider the lineage of the salukis, their manner of walking and their appearance, including head shape.

Tracking and hunting skills are also an important criteria, unlike many other dog shows that only focus on the external appearance.

This competition will also evaluate temperament and reactions to instructions.

The winners of each saluki category will be awarded 8,000, while second and third will be presented with Dh5,000 and Dh3,000 respectively.

Salukis have played an important part in the hunting heritage of the Arabian Peninsula for more than 7,000 years, and are renowned for their endurance, intelligence and loyalty.

Traditionally, the dogs were used alongside falcons to flush out prey, or to find animals brought down by the birds.

They can run at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour.

The Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi aims to revive the sport of hunting with salukis to preserve desert traditions and protect authentic breeds.

The saluki contest is one of the events taking place during the Adihex, which will run from September 27 to October 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Last year's event was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, the festival attracted more than 100,000 people.

Abu Dhabi's Adihex – in pictures

A young man looks at guns at the MP3 stand during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors peruse hunting and camping equipment during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors of Adihex check out some of the artwork on display at the exhibition. Pawan Singh / The National

Members of the Abu Dhabi Police band perform during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Falcon hoods on display at one of the stands. Pawan Singh / The National

Members of the Abu Dhabi Police's mounted force at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Members of the K9 division for Abu Dhabi Police take part in Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitor look at guns on sale at the Bynuna stand. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors shop for guns at one of the stands at Adihex. The exhibition is the only place where licensed gun owners can buy weapons. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitor look at guns at the Bynuna stand during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

Houbara birds at the International Fund For Houbara Conservation stand. Pawan Singh / The National

A visitor checks out a falcon at the Falcon Centre's stall at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National

One of the falcons at the Falcon Centre in Adhiex. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors look at the falcons at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National