Sporting Breeds Contest Rules 3.0
Copywritten 2009 IJA Inc. • May not be reproduced without permission

Theme
Grooming & Styling the Sporting Breeds with a Typical Sporting Breed Trim

Description of Contest

• This class includes all Pure Breeds in the sporting group except for breeds with the wire coat types such as the German Wirehaired Pointer and curly coat types such as the Irish Water Spaniel.
• Examples of breeds that are included in this class are the Irish Setter, American and English Cocker Spaniel.
• For a complete list of eligible breeds for this class, go to groomersreference.com.
• For competition purposes, any breed with a wire coat type must compete in the Terriers and More Class.
• For competition purposes, any breed with a curly coat type such as the Irish Water Spaniel, must compete in the All Other Pure Breeds Class.
• All dogs must be styled according to the breed profile.

Competition Time Frame
The time frame is determined by the breed.

To review the time frames for individual breeds in this class go to groomersreference.com.

Levels of Competition Skill
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Grooming Techniques
The following techniques of grooming are permitted, including clippering, snap-on-combs, vacuum grooming systems, scissoring, thinning, handstripping, plucking and carding.

Competition Dog Coat Length Qualifications
The competition dog, must have adequate coat, defined as being sufficient to allow the contestant to make a distinct change in the dog's overall appearance when viewed from the front, side, rear and top.

Products Allowed on the Competition Dog

• Decorative objects, such as bows, beads and glitter are not permitted.
• Coloring, other than to enhance the coat color of the dog, is not permitted.
• Products such as sprays, styling gels and chalks are limited to what is typically used or seen in the conformation show ring. They may be applied prior to or during the time frame of the competition.

Preparation Requirements for the Competition Dog
The competition dog must be prepped and ready for the judges' inspection prior to check in procedures.

• Coats should be freshly shampooed and dried, brushed, combed and free of matts.
• Ears should be cleaned and free of hair.
• Hair between the pads, if applicable for the breed, should be trimmed.
• Toenails should be trimmed.
• Sanitary trimming and the genital and stomach areas, should be trimmed, if applicable, according to breed standard.
• All other trimming shall be done after the contest starts.

Judging Considerations
Technical
Profile
Difficulty

Competition Start
All competitors will begin the competition at the same time in the ring.

The Final Presentation
Contestants must prepare their station immediately after the contest ends for the technical judges to overview the competition dog. The hair must be removed from the table and a comb placed at the front of the table and the dog presented to the judges before the technical evaluations begins.

Products such as sprays or chalks are not to be applied to the competition dog after the contest ends.

Except for combing, the application of technical skills is prohibited after the competition ends.

Awards
The judging panel will select a first, second and third place winner from each level.