The First Smooth Salukis:
By Alan Ewles of Afking Kennels

In 1974, I was drawn to the smooth Saluki by a photo of a red California bitch, from Don Weiden and Wayne & Marlis Jensen’s breeding, Jen Araby Karim Bey (Dynamite) and Sedeki Dunisk. I had never seen Dunisk personally but it was Dynamite’s great personality and my wont to be part of that attitude, that got to me.

In 1976 I received a good re-sable Saluki from Wayne and Marlis Jensen. I consider these to be the best owners/breeders of Salukis in the world and today this continues to be my opinion. I had this bitch for one week when she escaped from the kennel and I have never seen her again.

In 1976 Karimah Pluto of Afking (Pluto) won his first Saluki Specialty under Marco Leynor and his first Best in Show Breed under Phyliss Wolfish. This was a turning point for smooth Salukis in Canada, the USA and the world of Salukis both smooth and feathered.

I sat with Marco Leynor who became a friend after Pluto’s honourable win and he told me of a pretty, smooth Saluki (Charo) that he had at home. Marco wanted to breed his Charo to Pluto and he claimed that this breeding would go on to make history for smooth Salukis.

Charo was bred to Pluto and the history tells the story. Charo was owned only by myself and never anyone else until her death from old age at 14.