• KENNELS:

  Padtheway, (Kelowna)

• AKC:

  Sporting, Hound, Terrier, Toy

• ANKC:

  Toy, Terrier, Gundog, Hound

• FCI:

  Terriers, Dachshunds, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Pointing Dogs, Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs, Companion and Toy Dogs, Sighthounds

• NZKC:

  Toy, Terrier, Gundog, Hound

• UKKC:

  Hounds, Gundogs, Terriers, Toys

I have been involved in exhibiting & breeding purebred dogs since 1972. English Cocker Spaniels were the first breed that I had, and although I had moderate success I was seeking something larger and was drawn to the sighthound breeds. In the mid 70’s I handled many Borzoi & Saluki, and was trying to decide between those two breeds, it was Salukis that I finally settled on.
My first Saluki, BIS CH Taamirah Khosusi, was the first dog to sleep on my bed, she also taught me a lot about sighthound ways.
When I relocated to Sydney in 1990, with 4 American Cockers and 1 Saluki, my interest in sighthounds was rekindled. I added a Whippet and an Afghan to the mix. I was involved in handling several of the top Afghans of the time. In fact, I handled no less than 4 National Specialty Best In Show winners. (I just wasn’t handling them at the time of their National wins!!!)
Currently sharing my house with 'Bond’ – MBIS MBISS Can Gr Ch Ex Am Ch & Aust Supreme Ch Windstorm Padtheway Vagabond CGN (Imp Can) and 'Nadirah' - Nadirah Har Kala Rachi (Imp Bel), my first smooth Saluki.
A partner in the Padtheway prefix from 1997, successfully bred 42 Champions with a few more pointed. Numerous Group winners & 10 individual Best In Show winners at Royal, All Breeds, Hound Club & Saluki specialty shows. This includes 4 Supreme Champions, 3 Grand Champions, 2 International Champions, 3 Canadian Champions, 2 American Champions, 2 Irish Champions, 2 Field Champions and 2 Lure Coursers of Merit.
As a natural progression I commenced judging in 1992 and am now ANKC licensed to judge Toys, Terriers, Gundogs (Sporting) and Hounds. I have officiated at shows across Australia, in New Zealand, USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Germany judging approximately 8,500 exhibits to date. Highlights include judging at Huron Valley Saluki Club, San Angeles Saluki Club, Swedish Saluki Club, Finnish Saluki Club, Saluki Summer Splash (USA), Skokloster Sighthound Show in Sweden and a record entry of Salukis (178), for Germany, at the Donaueschingen Sighthound Show. Also Manitoba Hound Club, Western Hound Association in California, The Hound Club of the ACT and the inaugural championship show of The Queensland Sighthound Association.
When judging, I try to keep in mind the original purpose and function of the breed and reward exhibits that combine soundness in limb and mind and conform to the standard as closely as possible.
I am an Accredited Assessor for Toy, Gundog & Hound breeds and regularly assist in the training of aspirant judges. Giving lectures, organising field days, arranging kennel visits, assessing breed knowledge and mentoring.
Having travelled extensively, I have been lucky to see large entries of dogs, up close and personal, giving me a global picture of the state of many of the breeds that I have come to know and love. Along the way, forging lasting friendships with many who enjoy a shared interest in dogs.
Norm Strathdee

LAST UPDATED: 6 years ago