Grooming Contest: Procedures, Policies & Protocol

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 & Judging Criteria:

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:

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.