Saluki

Brushing Routine

Brush 1-2 times weekly with a soft pin brush. The smooth body coat requires minimal attention, but the feathered variety needs regular combing of the ear, tail, and leg feathering with a wide-toothed comb. Smooth-coated Salukis need only a grooming mitt weekly. Handle gently -- they are sensitive dogs.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Their natural coat has very little doggy odor, so frequent bathing is unnecessary. For feathered varieties, use a light conditioner on the feathering only. Dry the feathering carefully to prevent tangling.

Common Issues

• Feathering tangles in the eared, legged, and tailed variety
• Thin, sensitive skin prone to scrapes and pressure sores
• Anesthesia sensitivity requiring careful veterinary handling
• Extremely lean body makes them feel cold easily
• Anxiety-related coat issues -- Salukis are emotionally sensitive

Extend Your Grooming Results

For feathered Salukis, apply a light detangling spray to feathering after outdoor exercise. Provide soft bedding to prevent calluses on their thin-skinned, bony joints. A chamois cloth rubdown on the smooth body coat adds a beautiful sheen. Keep grooming sessions calm and quiet -- this breed stresses easily.

Seasonal Care

Minimal shedding year-round -- one of the cleanest, lowest-odor breeds. Houston heat is well-tolerated due to their desert heritage, but provide shade during peak sun hours. Winter requires a coat or sweater -- their thin build and minimal body fat offer no insulation.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 1-2 times weekly, feathering comb-out for feathered variety, nail trim every 3-4 weeks, ear cleaning biweekly. Professional groom every 8-10 weeks -- mainly for nail and ear maintenance.