COMPETITOR RULES
There are six competing classes for Best In Show:
Purebred
Spaniel & Setter
Hand Stripping
Poodle
Purebred Workshop
Crossbreed Workshop
GENERAL RULES -Dogs hair must be long enough to allow the groomer to make changes to its physical appearance. -All dogs except Poodles must have a minimum of 8 weeks hair growth with no visible set lines. -Dogs must be freshly bathed and dried and have no tangles in the coat. -Ears must be cleaned, and nails clipped before the competition. -Dogs’ underbelly, hygiene areas and under pads may be previously clipped according to breed standard. -All grooming techniques i.e. scissoring, clipping, hand stripping and thinning are allowed. -All competitors must be in the ring 15 minutes before the start of the competition. POODLES -Must have a minimum of 5cm hair growth with no visible set lines. -Muzzle and feet MUST be clipped PRIOR to the competition. -Must be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard. EXAMPLE BREEDS: -Pure Breed Scissor – Bichon, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Russian Black Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Bouvier. -Spaniel & Setter – All Setters, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel. -Hand Stripping – Fox Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Schnauzer. -Poodle – Standard, Miniature, Toy – accepted breed style only. -Pure Breed Workshop – Any breed when trimming outside of the breed standard i.e. Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Clipped ---Terriers, Clipped Schnauzers, -Clipped Spaniels, Old English, Tibetan Terrier, Poodles in non breed style. -Cross Breed Workshop – Any Cross Breed using any technique including hand stripping. Timing: Any competitor arriving more than 10 minutes after their class start time will not be permitted to compete. No extra grooming time will be allocated for late arrivals to the class.
COMPETITOR RULES -Competitors must provide their own dog(s). -Please ensure you have adequate dog grooming insurance. -All classes will start promptly. -Competitors who have not entered the ring 15 minutes before contest start time may not be permitted to compete. There will be a 10-minute comfort break for all dogs after one hour has elapsed in the morning and afternoon sessions. -Dogs must have a minimum of 6 weeks’ worth of growth to showcase your skills, with no visible set lines. Judging is based on degree of difficulty and level of work. -Poodles must have a minimum of 5cm hair growth with no visible set lines. The hair on the muzzle and feet should be clipped prior to the competition. -There must be a visible difference in the dog from the start to the finish of the class. -Products may be used but only if they are deemed safe for animal use. -The use of chalk is allowed, however no trace of it should remain on the judge's hand after judgement has taken place. All competitors are ultimately responsible for their own dogs, so please make sure that dogs are kept watered and exercised and don't forget to clean up after your dog! -We recommend you bring an assistant if you are competing in more than one category. You will be disqualified if your crated dog is being unruly, such as excessive barking and distracting other competitors. -All grooming techniques are allowed - the chosen technique should suit the type of the dog’s coat. -If the competitor makes clipper burns, nicks or cuts they cannot be placed as a winner. -We reserve the right to move entries up or down if placed in the wrong category. For Champion level only: -Placement(s) may be withheld if the judge deems a groom to not be of championship level. -Once a competitor has moved to CHAMP class in any previous competitions they are not eligible to move back to OPEN. -The judges’ decision is final. Competition Dog Qualification -Dogs should be clean, dry, and free of mats and tangles. Nails should be clipped and/or filed, ears clean. Sanitary and pads may be clipped prior to competition. All other grooming must take place during contest time frame with exceptions as noted in Poodle & creative. -Please treat your dogs with respect. If the judges consider a dog is being mishandled, a warning will be given. A second warning will result in disqualification. -Dogs must be of an age appropriate for competition environment. Suggested age is between 1 year and 10 years. -Must appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious disease and parasites. -No pregnant bitches, those that are nursing or bitches on heat. Dogs must not show signs of viciousness or aggression. -Dogs must be properly cared for with food, water and exercise while on the show premises. -Dogs must be leashed when not crated or not being groomed. Creative Rules -Colouring can be done prior to the class but finishing colour and styling must be done during the class. -The dog must be able to move freely whilst wearing their style. -All products used must be pet friendly, non-toxic and skin safe. -Anyone seen to be using superglue, glue guns or staple guns etc... will be disqualified immediately. -Please ensure you have completed a patch test prior to colouring any dog to ensure there is no adverse reaction. -Do not use dyes on dogs with sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin. -Pet safe dye must be at least 1 inch away from eyes and genitals. -Any dog showing signs of reaction and or allergies to pet safe dyes will be disqualified. -The use of lightening or bleaching products is not permitted. Prohibited In The Competition Ring Standing on tables or chairs. -Coaching by anyone, at any time during the competition time frame or within the break. -Visual or written instructions with the exception of diagrams for the creative class. -Smoking including vaping. Alcohol & illegal drugs. Grooming Equipment -There are no electrical points available. We advise you bring cordless clippers. -Competitors must provide all of their own equipment including but not limited to: grooming loops, scissors, clippers, blades, brushes etc. -Please ensure your equipment is safe and in good working order. -We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to your property. -All personal equipment must be removed from the competition ring after each class. -All grooming tools are permitted such as snap on combs Professional Image, Conduct, Skill Application -Competitors must maintain a safe styling station at all times -Example: Open scissors left on the table for the dog to step on would be considered unsafe styling station. -Competitors must practice kind and safe handling techniques at all times. -Dogs must never be left unattended on the table. -Competitors must apply technical skills with safety. -Nicks, cuts and clipper irritations are considered unsafe technical skill application and will be penalised. -Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times. -Poor sportsmanship is displayed when a contestant shows disrespect to fellow competitors, judge, contest dog, staff, sponsors and spectators. -Professional conduct is also carried into the care and responsibility of your contest dog and the hotel grounds, rooms and property. Competition End Competitors should remove hair, tools and equipment from grooming table. A comb should be placed on the table. -Competitors may comb their dogs after scissors down, prior to judging. -Competitors may use finishing sprays to freshen up their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging, but ANY reshaping or styling with hair spray, products or water is prohibited. -Competitors should stack and present their dog to the judges. Judges Evaluation -Overall uniformity of the trim. -Balance, symmetry and style of the trim. -Purebred: adherence to correct breed profile. Freestyle: ability of groomer to create the best possible profile according to body type, conformation and coat. -Scissoring: plush appearance without scissor marks. Hand stripping and carding: smooth natural appearance and proper technique. -Clipper lines should be clean and free of irritation. Edges such as cocker and poodle feet should show neat and tidy bevels. -Difficulty regarding the amount of coat removed, pattern created or followed, coat type, texture, quality and quantity. Camouflaging conformation faults and accentuating profile attributes. -Clarification of any issues that may arise that are not covered by the rules will be determined by judging panel and/or show management.
CATEGORIES & RULES -There will be three placements per class in each category (4th included in beginner and intermediate). Due to any event that may occur that is out of our control, the classes that the judges are listed to judge may change at short notice. -Groomphoria reserve the right to remove or merge class categories which have very low entry numbers. OPEN -Any groomer moving from Intermediate class or that has not yet competed in Champion class. Open competitors will need three 1st places, obtained in a class with no less than five contestants, to move up to “Champion”. -Open to all with less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set class. -Breed/exhibitor specialists allowed. CHAMPION -Advised: competitors that have already won a 1st in the same category three times, or two times and a best in show in any set class. -Breed/exhibitor specialists allowed. BEGINNER -Beginner must have a maximum of 2 years experience; including training. --Dog shows also count as experience. -The contestant can compete as “Beginner” in several contests for 12 months even if they place 1st. The second year he/she must enter “Intermediate” class even if they have not placed. -Moving to Intermediate after winning in one category does not allow the competition to compete again in Beginner, even in different categories. -All breeds and techniques are allowed. -No breed/exhibitor specialists. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. ASIAN STYLE BEGINNER -Beginner must not of placed before in this category (online competitions do not count). -Competitor must have a maximum of 5 years experience; including training -No breed/exhibitor specialists. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. INTERMEDIATE -The contestant can compete as “Intermediate” in several contests for 12 months even if they place 1st. The second year he/she must enter “open” class even if they have not placed. -Moving to Open after winning in one category does not allow the competition to compete again in Intermediate, even in different categories. Contestants that already have been competing in Open cannot compete in Intermediate anymore. -Intermediate must have. a minimum of 2 years experience; including training. All breeds and techniques are allowed. -May have been placed before, but not 1st in equivalent class. No breed/exhibitor specialists. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. EXTREME CREATIVE -The only limitation, other than the safety and welfare of the dog, is your imagination and creative talents. -Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes. -An additional 15 minutes is given at the end of the class to prepare their staging/backdrop and costume ready to present their art. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd SALON CREATIVE & CARVING -Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring. -Up to 25% of the dog can be coloured. -Accessories are permitted (including feathers, self adhesive rhinestone, clips) -This class is not eligible for Best in Show. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd ASIAN STYLE OPEN -For any breed or crossbreed trimmed in Asian style. This means any interpretation of this style so it is up to the individual’s flair, skill and the judges preference. -Exaggerated features are usually required. -Coat dressings and accessories are allowed but must be applied during the class. -Time allocated: Small & medium breeds (up to 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th PUREBREED -Clipper comb attachments are not allowed. -Colouring is not allowed. -Must be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard. - Time allocated: Small & medium breeds (up to 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours. Spaniels and Setters -For all gundog breeds groomed according to their breed standard. -Stripping knives are allowed. -Coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed. -You are not allowed to use clippers except Cockers and Setters chest and ears. -Time allocated: Small breeds (up to 35cm) 2 hours, medium (35-45cm) 2.15 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd WORKSHOP -Contestants may enter with any FCI recognized breed to be groomed commercially: breeds that usually need stripping can be clipped or scissored; long hair breeds can be clipped or scissored. -Poodles are accepted only to be groomed in Asian style or groomed in different breed shape as Bedlington or Kerry blue. -Colouring is not allowed. -In this category all breeds and techniques are accepted -These Categories are not eligible for best in show. - Time allocated: Small breeds (up to 45cm) 1.5 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd (open 4th) HANDSTRIP -The dog to be groomed according to their breed standard. -Stripping knives are allowed. -Pet safe coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed. -You are not allowed to use clippers except: Scottish Terrier – chest, head and ears. West -Highland Terrier - chest and ears. Schnauzer - chest, head, inside of back legs and ears. -Time allocated without clippers: Small and medium breeds (up to 45cm) 2.5 hours. -Large breeds (over 45cm) 3 hours. -Time allocated with clippers: -Small breeds (up to 35cm) 2 hours, medium breeds (35-45cm) 2.15 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.3 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd (open 4th) SETTERS & SPANIELS -The dog to be groomed according to their breed standard. -Stripping knives are allowed. -Pet safe coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed. -Time allocated without clippers: Small and medium breeds (up to 45cm) 2.5 hours. -Large breeds (over 45cm) 3 hours. -Time allocated with clippers: -Small breeds (up to 35cm) 2 hours, medium breeds (35-45cm) 2.15 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.3 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd (open 4th) POODLE (TOY, MINIATURE & STANDARD) -Poodles must be groomed in a style recognised according to their breed standard. -Clipper comb attachments are not allowed. -Poodle’s face, feet and tail are to be clipped before entering the ring. Ear clipping must be done in the ring. -Colouring is not allowed. -Poodles with top knots may ask for help from an outsider to hold the dog. -Poodle’s Spray up topknots have an extra 15 minutes for all sizes. -Time allocated: Toy Poodle & Miniature Poodle 2 hours. -Time allocated: Standard Poodle 2 hours 30 minutes. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd (open 4th) BEGINNER DOUBLES -Competitors in beginner and intermediate class are eligible Both competitors not to have competed in any champion class -Both competitors must NOT have placed before in a doubles class -Competitors are permitted to speak to each other but this must be done quietly so as not to disturb the other competitors. -Two competitors grooming one dog simultaneously. -Each competitor grooms one side of the dog each; front & back or left and right side. You may view each other’s work, however, you cannot swap sides including finishing the other person's work. -Time allocated: Small & medium breeds (up to 45cm) 1.5 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th DOUBLES -Competitors are permitted to speak to each other but this must be done quietly so as not to disturb the other competitors. -Two competitors grooming one dog simultaneously. -Each competitor grooms one side of the dog each; front & back or left and right side. You may view each other’s work, however, you cannot swap sides including finishing the other person's work. -All breeds and techniques are allowed, except the use of colour. -This class is NOT eligible for Best in Show. -Time allocated: Small breeds (up to 45cm) 1.5 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd TEAM -Teams are made up of 4 competitors only. -One competitor to actively work on the dog at any given time. Other team members must stand away from the dog when not competing. -Advice and guidance can be provided to team members but this must be done quietly so as not to disturb the other competitors. -Time allocated: All breeds and sizes 1.5 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd CLIPPER ONLY -Clippers only throughout -Scissor work allowed only for 5 minutes at the end of the class when announced. -Any breed can be used. Combs, brushes & products are allowed but no colour. -The winner is not eligible for Best in Show. -Time allocated: Small breeds (up to 45cm) 1.5 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2 hours. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd MODEL DOG - BREED & STYLE -Model dogs presented in a breed standard or breed-inspired style. -Creative elements such as Asian Fusion are allowed, but the overall result must clearly represent a dog. -Dog must of been completed before attending and must be submitted for the judges to review by 9am. -All submissions must not have been used in any other competitions. -The winner of this class is not eligible for the Best in Show award. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd MODEL DOG – EXTREME CREATIVE -Highly creative model dog designs where the result does not need to represent a realistic dog. -Fantasy, characters, sculptures and non-dog concepts are allowed. -Dog must of been completed before attending and must be submitted for the judges to review by 9am. -All submissions must not have been used in any other competitions. -The winner of this class is not eligible for the Best in Show award. -Placings 1st, 2nd, 3rd GOLDEN SCISSOR AWARDS -Independent award scheme in addition to standardised wins. -Show rules still apply such as moving into championship classes with 3 x 1st placement wins or 2 1st placements and a BIS.