Suggestions on how to paint the Sabretusk models?

Okay, so I know that most of the more advanced tyrants around here dislike the Sabretusk models that GW have for sale. I, being stubborn, decided a year or so ago to go ahead and buy 6 of them (to have the grand army 6-one-of's).

I'm now finally getting around to painting them in my free time. However, I can't seem to make them look decent for the life of me! My novice drybrushing techniques don't seem to work here because there's nothing besides the head to really drybrush! And I can't seem to use washes without them getting really grungy.

Any tips out there? And no, I'm not going to get rid of them and buy some other models

Because you're dealing with a smooth surface fur, painting stripes (tiger-esque) or blending colors (lion-esque) have been the best schemes I've seen.  Using washes isn't necessary on the body other than feet and face (along with dry brushing these areas).   it's just going to be freehand painting to get the desired effect.

Absolutely - washes and dry brushing on flat areas just ends badly wih some dodgy pooling and strange highlighted bits! Stripes are probably the easiest option, or even a simple 3 step highlight system (brown, light brown, very light brown edging for example) can work really well!

I both washed and drybrushed mine but added a blended highlight and stripes to remove the coarse look.

Worked well enough.