Product Applications
General Guidelines:
Dogs must be clean, dry, and free of mats or tangles.
Nails should be clipped and/or filed, ears must be clean, and sanitary areas and pads may be clipped before the competition.
Decorative Items:
Decorative objects (such as bows and scarves) are not permitted, with exceptions for show ring applications (e.g., items for Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus).
Colouring:
Only coloring that enhances the dog’s natural coat color is allowed.
Any other form of coloring is strictly prohibited.
Hair Extensions:
Extensions (e.g., “Switches”) are allowed if they match the dog’s natural coat color.
Poodles may have coats banded before the competition starts.
Product Use:
Styling sprays and gels may be applied prior to or during the competition.
Hairspray may only be used for “freshening up” once time is called.
Reshaping (e.g., Poodle headpieces) with hairspray is prohibited after time.
Chalk (e.g., terrier chalk) may be used before or during the competition to aid hand-stripping or enhance coat color, but not after time is called.
Check-In Procedures
Arrival & Registration:
Contestants must pick up their registration packet at show registration upon arrival.
The competition check-in station opens one hour before the contest start time.
Required Materials:
Contestants must bring:
Contest entry ticket
Signed acceptance of rules
Competition dog
Grooming equipment
Pre-contest photos will be taken at registration or assigned tables.
Timing:
Check-in closes 15 minutes before the competition start time.
Contestants should check in with their dog 45–60 minutes before the competition begins.
Late arrivals (after 15 minutes prior to start) will not be allowed to compete.
Competition Dog Qualification
Health & Eligibility:
Dogs must be 1–10 years old, healthy, and free of infectious diseases or parasites.
No pregnant/nursing dogs.
Aggressive dogs will be disqualified.
Handling & Care:
Dogs must be properly crated with food, water, and exercise provided.
Leash dogs when not crated or being groomed.
Adhere to local vaccination regulations.
Pre-Judging Documentation & Entry
Confirmation:
Verify correct class entry, coat preparation, and coat growth for technique.
Note any issues (e.g., ear infections, missing coat, scars).
Assistance During the Competition
Notify the ring steward immediately if assistance is needed.
Contest Break
Mandatory Break:
Details announced at class start. ALL DOGS MUST COME OFF TABLES.
Contestants/dogs proceed as a group to the designated break area.
Water and toilet breaks provided.
Assistants may hold dogs.
Grooming During Breaks:
Prohibited: Any grooming/styling during breaks.Break time does not count toward official grooming time.
Competition End
Post-Grooming:
Remove all tools, hair, and equipment from the table.
Place a comb on the table.Combing allowed after “scissors down” (before/after judging).
Finishing sprays permitted; reshaping with hairspray prohibited.
Stack and present dogs to judges.
Judging Team:
Judges evaluate profiles outside the ring; hands-on assessments inside.
Judging Considerations:
Overall Trim: Uniformity, balance, symmetry, and style.
Breed Standards: Adherence for purebreds.
Freestyle Classes: Best profile for the dog’s body/coat.
Scissor Work: Plushness, no scissor marks, proper technique.
Hand-Stripping & Carding: Smooth, natural appearance.
Clipper Lines: Clean with no irritation.
Difficulty: Coat removal complexity and stylist skill.
Conformation Faults: How groomer corrects/accentuates faults.
Policies
Prohibited Behavior in the Ring:
Phones, radios, headsets.
Standing on tables/chairs.
Non-spill-proof beverages.
Coaching at any time.
Smoking/flame devices.
Grooming Equipment:
Contestants provide own tools (loops, scissors, clippers, etc.).
No hair dryers; flat irons allowed.
Tables/grooming arms may/may not be provided (check show addendums).
Remove personal equipment after each class.
Contestant Conduct
Professionalism:
Wear appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes.
Maintain professional behavior, safe/clean stations, and kind dog handling.
Safety:
Nicks/cuts/clipper burns may incur penalties (judges’ discretion).
Good sportsmanship required.
Care of the Contest Dog
All dogs in the holding area are to be properly stored and must have access to water at all times. The holding area is monitored by staff but it is not permitted to leave dogs unattended for extreme extended periods of time. Dogs are expected to be well behaved and not appear to be visibly under extreme distress. The kennels are to be properly labeled with name of owner displayed in case of emergency.
Responsibilities:
Ensure dog’s well-being and clean event grounds.
Clean up after your dog or face removal.
Holding Area Rules:
Designated daytime area provided with time sheets.
Exercise dogs every 4 hours.
Label kennels with name/contact number.
Disturbances require leashing the dog.
Multiple dogs require an assistant.
Welfare Priority:
Neglect = immediate dismissal from the show.
Warnings & Disqualifications
1st warning: Unprofessional/unsafe behavior.
2nd warning: Possible class dismissal.
3rd warning: Show disqualification.
Uncovered issues resolved by judges/show management.
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