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Greyhound

The Greyhound are a noble breed have true working purpose, make affectionate and wonderful companions and are easy, yet dignified breeds to show.

With their short coats and relatively easy natures, they are a great introduction to the show ring for the novice. None of the massive shedding of the double-coated breeds nor the wrist wrenching tasks of regular brushing long lengths of coat. Not for them either, the wrapping, blow drying and coat disciplines of some of the more “hair-do” breeds.

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The Greyhound

The Greyhound are a noble breed have true working purpose, make affectionate and wonderful companions and are easy, yet dignified breeds to show.

With their short coats and relatively easy natures, they are a great introduction to the show ring for the novice. None of the massive shedding of the double-coated breeds nor the wrist wrenching tasks of regular brushing long lengths of coat. Not for them either, the wrapping, blow drying and coat disciplines of some of the more “hair-do” breeds.

The presentation of these “easy wear, easy care” dogs can still be considerable. To keep this fine short coat in optimal condition takes a bit of time and effort.

The Whippet and Greyhound standards call for a short, close and fine coat. I adhere to the analysis approach of assessing your dog’s coat at this point and then making decisions on what shampoo to use. If the coat is just right, then you choose Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna used at a ratio of at least 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water) or up to 1:10.

We call this the ‘Shine’ shampoo as it features natural Henna stalk extracts that impart a beautiful gloss and shine to your dog’s coat. All Purpose Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources and also features Alpine and Lichen herbs.  It is wonderful to use on normal to slightly dehydrated coats.

If the coat is too dry then you will need to get some conditioning into the coat. Use the Plush Puppy Conditioning Shampoo with Evening Primrose. Again use at a rate of 1:5 or up to 1:10. This is a nourishing shampoo, helping to increase hydration while slightly softening your dog’s coat. Derived from organic sources with a strong emphasis on Evening Primrose extracts to boost skin and hair regeneration.

For parti colours use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo with Ginseng. Perfect for the white areas or to enrich the fawn or red areas, also excellent on reducing warm or red tones in dark colours such as blues and black. Again use at a rate of 1:5 or up to 1:10. Herbal Whitening Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources with Ginseng extracts, protein, and violet tone combined in a concentrated and rich formula.

To brighten the white areas more, use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. This helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm or red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing 5-10 minutes and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.

The Greyhound have wonderful eyes and expression, so for the face and eyes use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, sooth, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. It’s low foaming design allows easy of rinsing yet complete cleaning.

The Greyhound coat should not need a conditioner as such after this but does need to have the moisture content of the coat kept up. Conditioners which are acid balanced will in fact soften the coat, but a moisturiser will keep up the quality and elasticity in the coat preventing dry and brittle coats.

To add shine, hydrate and condition to the coat, use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil as a rinse after shampooing.  It is a truly beneficial blend of using extracts of Calendula oil, Wheat germ oil, and Evening Primrose.

Add 1 teaspoon to 2 Litres of water, then either sponge on or sluice well through the coat and LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. This is quite a unique product in that it is not greasy and totally water-soluble. It gives an outstanding healthy vigour to the skin and coat.  It will maintain the texture and moisture in the coat and help protect from harsh elements. This also helps keep any scurf at bay and leaves the coat smelling delightful. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product.

Grooming is the fun part. A lot of people use a grooming mitt and the Ultimate Pure Black Boar Bristle Brush. This brush is made from 100% pure black boar bristle from the chest of the boar – the highest quality available,  and is set into the finest quality aeroelastic rubber base. This brush should last a life time.

I prefer to blow dry with a warm dryer (not cold) to remove all loose dead hair. Now time for Plush Puppy FAST Blow Dry Spray. This may sound strange for a short-coated breed but the results are remarkable. It leaves the coat with hydration, close fitting with incredible shine. This formulation does so many things to benefit the result when grooming. We called it FAST because one of the ingredients makes water evaporate quickly, so cutting down the time taken to blow dry. It contains Australian Native Flame Tree extracts that make a dry or old coat feel and look perfect. It also protects the coat from damage from sun and heat.

Then, use the brush once again or the grooming mitt followed by a few wisps of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust sprinkled lightly onto the coat for inner shimmer. Lightly brush again.

If you have white areas that need attention, then use the Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream, a white paste applied with a damp piece of kitchen sponge. Blend with loose chalk to completely dry. Finish with a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb.

In between shows, use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat apply golf ball sized amounts to your hand and massage in and left in the coat to protect and moisturise. For heavier duty protection, you can lightly oil the coat with the Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil – good if your dog is outdoors in a harsh climate.

This all may seem extravagant and hard work for a seemingly no-nonsense dog but good presentation is an important factor these days and your Greyhound has to be a complete picture. All the little things make the difference. Attention to 100 things done just 1% better makes a of a lot of difference.

On Show Day use a light spray of  Plush Puppy Odour Muncher. All senses come into play when judging and a good smelling dog is nice to touch. Odour Muncher is sensational in that it kills the odour and leaves a pleasant scent behind that won’t asphyxiate the dog or the judge!

These were often dogs of kings and noblemen – why shouldn’t they deserve the royal treatment?