Competition Rules

GENERAL RULES

Special note: Electricity will NOT be provided in the contest ring due to trip hazards, however will be available for electric tables only. Contestants will need to bring their own extension cord etc. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable. Tables must be safe , secure & steady. Set up is available from Friday 3pm-5pm or 8am-8.15am the day of your class. Organisers will have the final say where the tables will go. Please ensure you do not disturb others around you.

Competition Dog Qualifications:

The competition dog must be current on vaccinations, age appropriate for competition (recommendation is between the ages of 1 and 10 years), appear healthy, free of disease, open wounds, injuries and parasites, must not show obvious signs of pregnancy,nursing or in heat. Must not show signs of aggression or viciousness, must be leashed (slip lead) when not crated or not being groomed and must never be left unattended.

Coat Growth:

Six weeks or more coat growth is recommended; however, as some dogs grow coat more quickly than others, adequate coat growth is defined as enough coat to make a distinct change in the dog’s appearance.

Contest Dog Preparation:

Prior to competition start, the dog’s coat should be clean, dry and free of mats, and the nails should be clipped and/or filed and ears cleaned. Sanitary area and foot pads may be trimmed.

For all classes:

Ring opens at least 15 minutes prior to prejudge, contestants must be present for prejudging or they may not be permitted to compete.

Prohibited during competition:

Cell phones, radios and headsets, hair dryers, flame devices or vaping/smoking, beverages not in spill proof containers, visual or written instructions, very large tack boxes, kennel crates, standing on tables or chairs, coaching by anyone at any time during the competition.

Competitors should only use non-toxic materials on their dogs.

STRUCTURE

There are three divisions in each class with the exception of “Mystery Model Dog, K9 runway creative smock” which will be open and have no divisions.

• Master Division
• Intermediate Division
• Entry Division.

Groomers compete separately for placements of first, second and third in their division classes. Class winners will then compete against each other for best in group. Best in group will then go to best in show. There will be no best in group for Mystery Dog, K9 Runway & Creative smock.

COMPETITION LEVEL DIVISIONS

• MASTER: Open to all competitors. Recommended for advanced groomers, show dog exhibitors, Certified Master groomers or previous successful competition experience.
• INTERMEDIATE: Restricted to competitors who have not won a Best in Show or Best in group title from Intermediate division at any competition. Recommended for groomers with intermediate styling skills.
• ENTRY: Restricted to competitors who have not won a Best in Show or Best in group title from any division at any competition. Recommended for groomers who have never competed, never won more than 1 first place and/or possess novice grooming skills.

**Professional Conduct:**

Competitors are expected to demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship at all times. Any form of misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.

**Judges’ Decision:**

The decision of the judges is final and binding. Any disputes or concerns must be raised respectfully with the event organizers.

COMPETITION CLASSES

TERRIER

Acceptable breeds
-Schnauzers, Scotties, Wire fox, Borders, Westies etc
-Must be in conformation breed profile. Technique Can be clipped, scissored,stripped or carded.
Product application
-Chalk permitted as long as judge can get comb through easily
Time Frame
-clipped 1:45 – 2:00
-Stripped 2:00 – 2:30
(Time allocation will be given at prejudging)

SPORTING

Acceptable breeds
-Spaniels, Setters, Golden Retrievers etc
-Must be in conformation breed profile. Technique Can be clipped, scissored,stripped or carded.
Product application
-Chalk permitted as long as judge can get comb through easily
Time Frame
-clipped 1:45 – 2:00
-Stripped 2:00 – 2:30
(Time allocation will be given at prejudging)

RETRO Fusion

Acceptable breeds
-Any breed including poodles that can be sculpted into a retro pattern, Historical Continental,  Creative trim, Vintage trim, Carving, spirals, bubble butts, statement trims, lion trims (No double coats). Feet may be preshaved.
Product application
-Hair spray and chalk permitted as long as the judge can get comb through easily
-Bling, bows and Accessories permitted as long as the judge can see the groom
-Colour is permitted prior to competing.
Time Frame
12″ and under – 1:45
12”-17” 2:00
Over 17″ – 2:15

ALL OTHER PUREBRED (AOP)

Acceptable breeds
-Any purebred. MUST BE STYLED AS PRESENTED IN THE CONFORMATION SHOW RING
Examples:, Bichon, Bedlington, Pomeranian, Wheaten terrier, Kerry blue, Bouvier etc
-Clippers may be used to block out pattern
Product application
-Hair spray and chalk permitted as long as judge can get comb through easily
Time Frame
12″ and under – 2:00
12”-17” 2:15
Over 17″ – 2:30

MYSTERY MODEL DOG

This is an open to all levels class. A MODEL dog will be provided. Groomers will be given extra time prior to prejudging to prep their model dog. A profile & colour & accessory pack will come with each model dog and groomer must follow these instructions.
Product application
(ONLY permitted during allocated time)
-Hair spray & colour permitted.
-Small accessories permitted

Time Frame
• 2 hours

POODLE

Acceptable breeds
-Any size purebred poodle
-Acceptable trims are Continental, Scandinavian, English Saddle, German or Modern Lamb trim. Only the poodle’s pads can be pre-shaved. The Face, feet and tail must be done in the class.
Product application
-Hair spray permitted
Time Frame
11” and under – 1:45
16” and under- 2:00
Over 16″ – 2:15
Spray ups will be given an extra 15 min. A soft scrunchy type of band is acceptable prior to class but no pre banding is allowed.  Up to 2 wiggies of the same colour of the dog allowed. Clippers are accepted to block out or Scissored.

SALON FREESTYLE

Acceptable breeds
-Any dog of mixed percentage
-Any purebred CLEARLY NOT groomed to the breed profile style
-Asian Fusion  or Teddy Bear styles, Double coat’ sculpted trim

Examples: Cocker in a sporting trim with scissored legs, teddy bear trim, Poodle in a Bedlington trim. Poodle into a Kerry blue. (Poodle face and feet may not be shaved)
Double coated breeds ie Poms can not be shaved.
Product application
-Pet safe styling products permitted
-Small safe accessories permitted
-Colour permitted for Asian Fusion styles (Major colour application must be done prior and any sculpting must be done during class)
Time Frame
12″ and under – 1:45
12” – 17” 2:00 Over 17″ – 2