The Sloughi Fanciers Association of America (SFAA) celebrated its third National Specialty Show in Lompoc, California, on July 28, 1999.  The event was organized in a cooperative effort with the Western Sighthound Combined Specialties for a five day extravaganza that began on Wednesday with four rare breed parent clubs holding their national specialty shows: the American Azawakh Association, the American Chart Polski Club, the Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America, and the Sloughi Fanciers Association of America.  The cluster culminated with two all breed AKC shows held on Saturday and Sunday. 
    Lompoc is a small town located on the California coast, just a few hours north of Los Angeles.   Its main industry is the farming of cut flowers for florists nationwide, lending beautiful scenery to the fantastic weather.  Many exhibitors and their dogs enjoyed time at the beach during the week. 

    SFAA's National Specialty this year broke last year's record for the largest number of Sloughis ever to attend a single event in Americas.  We are especially proud to have had respected sighthound judge, Bo Bengston judge our show.  Mr. Bengston expertly chose winners from four different countries at this year's event!  Sloughis from the United States, France, Germany, and Tunisia all took home blue ribbons to their very proud owners. 

    SFAA made a change to the classes offered at the 1999 Specialty.  Consistent with our committment to promoting both the form and the function of the Sloughi, we offered classes for both conformation champions, and dual champions.  First place winners in all specials classes competed with Winners Dog and Winners Bitch for the coveted Best of Breed.  Competition was very intense, with almost all of the top winning Sloughis in the Americas in attendance. 

    In addition to the fantastic atmosphere and the magnificent Sloughis, new friendships were forged and old ones strengthened over pizza and wine on the chilly California nights at the show grounds.  SFAA warmly welcomes all new members and members-to-be who came out to support our event.  Dr. Bernd Fritzsch (whose specialty is genetics) shared some of his vast knowledge on the Canine Genome Project, and genetics in the Sloughi.  Dr. Dominique Crapon de Caprona shared wonderful stories and photos of her recent Sloughi-buying trip to Tunisia.  And, of course, the Board of Directors made plans for next year's National Specialty. 

    SFAA once again thanks its fantastic members and supporters for helping us to make this event such a fun and successful event!  To Judge Bo Bengtson, and Official Show Photographer, Warren Cook, we extend our warmest gratitude for your professionalism and expertise. 

Of Chart Polski

 Cirneco dell' Etna 

© Warren Cook and ?
Winners:   BOB Cirneco dell'Etna Top Dog in Italy 2000, Int'l and Italian, World Champion Diva and BOS  - Giltedged Galahad Seta del Oro "Ol'ta". 
Head shot: Cy'Era Perla "Ceci".

and Azawakh