The earliest reference to Salukis in Victoria is to a New Zealand import that apparently was a pampered pet in Melbourne around 1932. The identity of the parents is known but nothing is known of the Melbourne owners, other than the fact that the Saluki pup was "kept in luxury". The first ‘known’ import to Australia was Princess Mitzi who was sent to Dr. G. and Mrs Cussen of Camberwell. Her arrival, also in 1932, attracted press comment for her exotic appearance (she was described as a "Persian Blue") and the difficulties of her Quarantine admission. She was bred in Persia by the Royal Kaja family. In 1934 a bitch named Babri of Tatashi owned by Mrs H Walker was pictured in the Leader newspaper as having been awarded a Challenge Certificate at the Australian Ladies Kennel Club show at Melbourne's Royal Showgrounds. Her registration with the Canine Control (KCC) cannot be found. Nothing more was heard of either bitch.
Australia's first 'registered' Saluki was a bitch, English Champion (and Australia's first), Norma El Hor, a b/w parti, w. 15/2/49 (Ch. Pharaoh el Hor X Ch. Arrabelle el Hor), imported in whelp to Eng.Ch.Mihjan Kodama, from breeder Mrs.E.Coston (UK) - to Mr & Mrs C.G.Castor's Nova Zembla Kennels in NSW . The litter was born in quarantine at Largs Bay, S.A. It is believed two puppies were exhibited in Queensland and they may even have been shown at the Brisbane Royal in 1957. Norma stayed in Australia long enough to be shown to her Australian title before returning to the UK. She was handled in Victoria by Borzoi breeder Mr. Len Rowse, who judged the Victorian Saluki Club's 2nd Open Show some 25 years later. Mrs Castor also imported a Mazuri dog (Herod) who died without issue.