Breed Spotlight: Grooming & Care — Tradition Through History

Written by: Rosemary Sutton

The art of grooming has always been more than a matter of appearance — it’s a reflection of respect for the breed’s heritage and purpose. From the grand courtyards of early nobility to the modern show ring, careful grooming has stood as both a craft and a calling. Each breed tells a story — of form, function, and the generations of breeders and caretakers who understood that beauty and health go hand in hand.

Honoring the Past

Throughout history, dogs were bred to serve — hunters, guardians, herders, and companions. Their coats evolved to protect them from the elements and aid in their work. Early caretakers learned that a well-kept coat wasn’t simply for presentation but essential to the dog’s performance and well-being.

In the East, long-coated breeds such as the Afghan Hound were prized for their regal beauty and resilience in harsh terrain. Handlers would carefully oil the coat with natural conditioners to preserve its texture and sheen. In Europe, early terriers and spaniels were brushed and stripped to maintain the integrity of their working coats. These practices, refined over centuries, became the foundation of today’s grooming standards.

The Art of the Coat

Each breed carries its own grooming legacy — a set of traditions that reflect not only its origin but its purpose. The smooth precision of a Whippet, the sculpted curls of a Poodle, the feathering of a Setter, and the flowing elegance of an Afghan Hound — all represent generations of selective care and artistry.

Modern grooming has advanced, but the principles remain rooted in time-tested wisdom: cleanliness, conditioning, and protection. The art lies in understanding why each coat grows as it does, and how best to maintain it without compromising its natural structure.

Science Meets Tradition

While the methods of old relied on natural oils and handmade combs, today we have the advantage of scientific formulation — products developed specifically to nourish and protect the coat while enhancing its natural beauty.

This harmony of old and new is at the heart of the SummerWinds philosophy: blending proven tradition with advanced coat care science.

• SummerWinds Shine Onnn Shampoo sets the foundation for healthy coat care. Its gentle, pH balance protein-rich, low suffate formula cleans deeply without stripping essential oils, maintaining the natural balance that old-world caretakers achieved through time and patience. Shine Onnn restores brilliance and body to even the most delicate coats, preparing them for proper conditioning and finishing.

• SummerWinds Protect-A-Coat Oil Conditioner mirrors the historical practice of oiling coats for protection, yet uses modern ingredients that breathe and condition, Sun Screen o help protect the color without heaviness. Washes out with one pHbalanced shampoo.

• SummerWinds Fine-L-Shine Cream Conditioner refines the old “cream dressing” concept used by early groomers to soften and restore pH balance and close the cutical shaft leaving it smooth, now reformulated with modern proteins and moisturizers to restore elasticity and shine.

• SummerWinds Mats-B-Gone adds slip and brings efficiency to the timeless challenge of detangling, using a safe, scientific approach that respects coat texture while preventing damage.

These products preserve what generations of breeders have always known: the coat is the mirror of health and care.

A Living Tradition

In the show world, grooming remains an art handed down from mentor to apprentice — from one generation of handlers and breeders to the next. Each brush stroke carries the lessons of those who came before: patience, consistency, and pride in presentation.

Even as products and tools evolve, the essence of grooming remains unchanged — the quiet connection between human and dog, the respect for breed heritage, and the pursuit of perfection through care.

To groom is to honor history — to carry forward a standard of excellence that began centuries ago and continues to define the finest dogs in the ring today.