The exquisite Saluki comes in twelve colors, five markings, and two coat types. A dominant gene produces a smooth coat, while the recessive feathered coat needs two recessive genes to be expressed. Even in a smooth Saluki, there’s variation in coat length and body hair density, and these characteristics are determined by additional genes. Coat color also can influence the length and density of hair growth.
Smooth salukis from heavily feathered lines are more likely to shown some brush on their tails, but earlier this year, we learned that to determine if a Saluki puppy will smooth or feathered, experienced breeders perform the “pluck test:” If there is hair between a breeder’s fingers after gently tugging on the hair of a 21 day old pup’s head, the pup will be smooth. No hair, and the pup will be feathered. We’re told it’s amazingly accurate and hope Saluki folks can confirm?
“Lying In Wait,” a Saluki Linocut by Annie Fitt. Annie can be reached via her Facebook page:https://goo.gl/uiT662
I have had three litters from a smooth to feathered breeding, producing 25 puppies (four including my current litter). I did the pluck test at 21 days in each case of the three, with the following results: 10 feathered and 15 smooth. Those results later turned out to be 100 percent accurate. I currently have 8 puppies who will turn 21 days tomorrow. I am hoping the pluck test will again give me an early window into what they are. It has generally been pretty obvious by 35 days to the naked eye which is which.
This is so interesting, Susan! Thanks for sharing your experience with the “pluck test.”