Saluki
Expert Grooming Article
Expert Grooming Article
Salukis vary in type, and the variation is desired and typical for the breed. The reason for the variation is the special place held by the Saluki in the Arab tradition and the immense size of the Middle East area where the Saluki has been used as a hound of the chase for thousands of years.
Originally each tribe had Salukis best suited for hunting the particular game in its own area, but by Middle East tradition, Salukis are not bought or sold but presented as marks of honour. It follows that those presented as such to Europeans and brought to Europe came from a wide variation of terrain and climate and vary accordingly.
The British 1923 standard was the first official European breed standard for the Saluki and was drawn up to cover all these original types of Saluki.
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Download ArticleSalukis vary in type, and the variation is desired and typical for the breed. The reason for the variation is the special place held by the Saluki in the Arab tradition and the immense size of the Middle East area where the Saluki has been used as a hound of the chase for thousands of years.
Originally each tribe had Salukis best suited for hunting the particular game in its own area, but by Middle East tradition, Salukis are not bought or sold but presented as marks of honour. It follows that those presented as such to Europeans and brought to Europe came from a wide variation of terrain and climate and vary accordingly.
The British 1923 standard was the first official European breed standard for the Saluki and was drawn up to cover all these original types of Saluki.
The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity. Their coats are smooth and of a soft silky texture, slight feathers on the legs, feathers at the back of the thighs, sometimes with a slight woolly feather on the thigh and shoulders. For the smooth variety, the points should be the same with the exception of the coat which has no feathering.
The Saluki’s coat is not overly complex and the Plush Puppy range of products can highlight the requirements perfectly.
To start, use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulphate free low foaming dog shampoo designed just for faces. Its no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, 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. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning. A key component of this sighthound is the eyes and that mystical expression. No ever possible eye irritations using this product.
The breed standard clearly asks for a smooth and soft silky texture with slight feather on the legs and feather at the back of the thighs. The perfect dog shampoo is Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo. This shampoo contains Evening Primrose Oil and will help moisturise and settle the coat. It is a nourishing shampoo, helping to increase hydration while slightly softening the coat. Derived primarily from organic sources with a strong emphasis on Evening Primrose extracts to boost skin and hair regeneration, it is recommended for dehydrated coats and highly effective in adding shine and assisting in detangling.
Dilute the shampoo 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water) or up to 1:10. Use undiluted for the really dirty areas such as the ears, under the tail area and under-carriage.
Nothing says a healthy coat better than a healthy shine. While the dog still has the Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo on them, use a small amount of undiluted Plush Puppy Natural All Purpose Shampoo along their skull and topline. We call this the ‘Shine’ dog shampoo as it features natural Henna stalk extracts that impart a beautiful gloss and shine to your dog’s coat. Our All Purpose Dog Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources and features Alpine and Lichen herbs. It is wonderful to use on normal to slightly dehydrated coats. Lather and then rinse thoroughly.
Due to the fineness of many Saluki’s coats it is easy to over condition their coats. This will cause a stringy or greasy look to their coat. There are two easy Plush Puppy solutions for this.
Firstly you can use Plush Puppy Natural Silk Protein Conditioner which will serve to keep featherings untangled and hydrated. It may not be necessary to use a conditioner on the shorter body coat as you risk making the coat fluffy when the coat is needed to sit flat and smooth. Best to use diluted 1:10 (1 part conditioner to 10 parts water) and mixed thoroughly over all feathering. On the body you can further dilute the remaining dog conditioner mix to 1:20 and pour over the rest of the body. Then rinse thoroughly.
The second option is Plush Puppy Reviva Coat. For finer dog coats, a traditional dog conditioner may be too heavy. Reviva Coat can be used as a light conditioning alternative. Just apply 1 golf ball-sized amount into your hand and scrunch into the coat, massage in and rinse out.
This also can be used at any time that moisture is required on ears, feathering and tail during the week to add hydration and protection. Apply as needed and simply leave in for that added protection.
Drying a Saluki may seem easy, but we always suggest using a warm force dryer on the body. This helps to roll the coat and remove loose coat. On ears, feathers, and tail finish with a warm hand or stand dryer. This allows for the prefect finish to the coat.
For brushing use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush for blow drying all feathers. You never want to overstretch or rip the coat at this point. When 3/4 dry, switch to the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush that features a unique combination of pure boar bristles and dialon porcupine tufts. This will give that smoother, straighter, and glossier finish to your drying that the Pin Brush cannot do.
On the body use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pure Boar Bristle. This dog grooming brush is made from 100% pure black boar bristle, the highest quality bristle from the chest of the boar. The bristles are set into the finest quality aeroelastic rubber base and the handle is high-quality Beechwood. Ergonomically designed for the groomer with maximum brush contact for efficiency brushing, this brush is made to last and will produce the smoothest finish to the coat.
On show day use OMG Concentrate or OMG ready to use spray. This is a revolutionary dog grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. OMG never builds up and never goes stringy. A true necessity for the tool kit.
With the fineness of the Saluki featherings we recommend use a higher dilution rate of 1:25 up to 1:40. Spray a fine mist and brush with your Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush to refresh the coat for the ring. Never brush a dry coat, as this only causes static.
If static occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray infused with organic extracts of Witch Hazel Leaf, Linden Flower, Birch Bark and Nettle. It protects the coat with a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat. This amazing product is idea for this breed and a must for your tack box. OMG can also be used on topcoats and brushed or polished in for that wonderful smooth flatness to the coat.
This all may seem extravagant and hard work for a seemingly no-nonsense sighthound, but good presentation is an important factor these days and your dog has to be a complete picture.
Not to forget for show day, that final flourish for a great smelling dog with Plush Puppy Odour Muncher. It literally munches the odour and works well for smelly problems such as emergencies in transit. It leaves a light fragrance, certainly not too much and definitely not too little.
The Saluki were often dogs of a rich history and hunting prowess but in the show ring they are a noble hound to fill the judge’s eye.
Conditioner
Shampoo
Styling & Finishing
Styling & Finishing