Anything goes in IJA Sanctioned Creative Styling Classes.

The purpose of creative styling competitions is to allow competitors to let their creativity run wild and take a walk on the wild side rather than the conservative side. Different classes for all levels of expertise are offered to encourage bathers, groomers, and stylists to participate. From expert to new, these competitions are definitely for you! Creative styling classes are open to all purebred and mixed breed dogs.

 

Time Frames Established by Coat Types and Size

To offer the ultimate arena for fairness in the ring, different time frames are allowed for the dog's coat type and size. Why? Because specific coat types are more challenging than others to sculpt, color and decorate, and the larger the dog, the more time required to achieve an overall finished creation.

​

OPTION 1: SCISSORING  & SCULPTING

CATEGORY 1: Sculpting Designs for Salon Creative Styling Trims with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

Class for salon type creative designs suitable to go home with a pet family and return in 6 to 8 weeks for the next styling session. Great for all double-coated pure breeds and mixed breeds trimmed in unique creative trim styles. Over colored, over-styled and extreme lengths, and decorative objects not suitable for a salon creative trim style will be penalized. 

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds or mixed breeds with long enough coats to create sculptural designs. 

Curly, Rough, Rough Nordic, Medium Long, and Curly Coat Types 

 

Examples

Poodles, Bichons, Bedlingtons, Portuguese Water Dogs, Collies, Akitas, Pomeranians

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 50% of the overall color applied before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 100% face and feet on Poodles trimmed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored face and feet, pads only clipped before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed during the competition.

• 50% of the overall color was completed during the competition.

• 100% of the decorative skin and coat art applied during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog 

16 inches and under                                   1:45 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:15 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                             2:30 Hours

 

OPTION 1: SCISSORING & SCULPTING

CATEGORY 2: Sculpting Designs for Dressy Classy Formal Affair with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

Class for intricate clipper work and precise scissoring patterns placed on the body on curly and other double-coated pure breeds and mixed breeds. Accent coloring is applied to enhance the design but not to be the focal point. Decorative objects are added to the skin and coat to create an elegant design and overall profile on the canine perfect for attending a formal affair.

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds or mixed breeds with long enough coats to create sculptural designs. 

Curly, Rough, Rough Nordic, Medium Long, and Curly Coat Types 

 

Examples

Poodles, Bichons, Bedlingtons, Portuguese Water Dogs, Collies, Akitas, Pomeranians

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 50% of the overall color applied before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 100% face and feet on Poodles trimmed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored face and feet, pads only clipped before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed during the competition.

• 50% of the overall color was completed during the competition.

• 100% of the decorative skin and coat art applied during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog 

16 inches and under                                  2:00 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:15 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:30 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:45 Hours

 

OPTION 1: SCISSORING & SCULPTING

CATEGORY 3: Designed for Extreme Creative Styling Trims with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

 

Class for intricate and extreme designs with decorative skin and coat art on double coat types, the Poodle is one of the favorites. The sky's the limit, so put your creative mind in it to win it! Color, Color, and More Color until you have to Stop! 

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds and/or mixed breeds with Curly, Rough, Rough Nordic, Medium Long, and Curly Coat Types 

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds or mixed breeds with long enough coats to create sculptural designs. 

Curly, Rough, Rough Nordic, Medium Long, and Curly Coat Types 

 

Examples

Poodles, Bichons, Bedlingtons, Portuguese Water Dogs, Collies, Akitas, Pomeranians

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 50% of the overall color applied before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 100% face and feet on Poodles trimmed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored face and feet, pads only clipped before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed during the competition.

• 50% of the overall color was completed during the competition.

• 100% of the decorative skin and coat art applied during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog 

16 inches and under                                  2:15 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:30 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:45 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          3:00 Hours

 

JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS

Scissoring and Sculpturing

Overall Trim Style 

• Expression and silhouette enhance the intricate creative design.

• Overall, clipper and scissor finish complement design.

 

Clipped and Scissored Design

• Clipper skills of design

• Scissoring skills of design

• Degree of the intricacy of the design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

 

Skin and Coat Decorative Art Design 

• Decorative skills of skins and coat art design

• Intricacy of design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

 

Color Design

• Coloring skills of skin and coat designs

• Brilliance and clarity of color 

• The intricacy of the color patterns

• The uniqueness of color design

 

*Safety for the Pet and the Professional 

​

OPTION 2: BRAIDING & BEADING

CATEGORY 1: Braiding and Beading Designs for Salon Pet Trims with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

The perfect class for long and flowing coat types to the long and curly coat types. Create braided, beaded, and bowed salon designs for salon pets! Be Colorful, Be Creative. The design must be safe enough for the pet to wear home for a 2-4 week salon schedule. 

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with the coat long enough to create braids. Long and flowing to curly coats. 

 

Examples

Maltese, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 100% sanitary, and pads were completed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored feet, pads clipped before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.  

• All bands must be removed before the start of the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied in the ring during competition.  

• 100% of braiding and beading design completed during competition.

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

 

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:30 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 1:45 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:15 Hours

 

OPTION 2: BRAIDING & BEADING

CATEGORY 2: Braiding and Beading Designs for a Formal Affair with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

Class for the long and flowing drop coat types and other pure breeds and mixed breeds with long enough coats to braid, add beads, and bows with decorative objects with different and unique braiding designs for a dressy, formal affair. 

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with the coat long enough to create braids. Long and flowing to curly coats. 

 

Examples

Maltese, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 100% sanitary, and pads were completed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored feet, pads clipped before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.  

• All bands must be removed before the start of the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied in the ring during competition.  

• 100% of braiding and beading design completed during competition.

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:30 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 1:45 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:15 Hours

 

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:45 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:15 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:30 Hours

 

OPTION 2: BRAIDING & BEADING

CATEGORY 3: Braiding and Beading Extreme Creative with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art

Class for long and flowing coat types to curly coat types to create extreme designs with intricate braids and beaded on the overall dog. Be Extreme with decorative objects with different and unique braiding designs. Bring on the color, please! The longer the coat - the more braids and beads!

 

Coat Types and Breeds

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with the coat long enough to create braids. Long and flowing to curly coats. 

 

Examples

Maltese, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel

 

Rules

• Color Permitted

• Coat and Skin Decorative Art Permitted

• Costumes Permitted

• Backdrop and Skits Permitted at Specific Shows

​

Before Competition 

• 50% of the overall trim style was completed before the competition.

• 100% sanitary, and pads were completed before the competition.

• Dogs with scissored feet, pads clipped before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.  

• All bands must be removed before the start of the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 50% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied in the ring during competition.  

• 100% of braiding and beading design completed during competition.

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                   1:30 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 1:45 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                             2:15 Hours

 

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                   2:00 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:15 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:30 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                             2:45 Hours

JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS - ALL BRAIDING - BEADING - DECORATING CLASSES

Braiding & Beading with Decorative Skin & Coat Art     

Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 

Overall Trim Style 

Expression and profile enhance the design.

Overall, clipper and scissor finish on trim style enhance the design. 

 

Braiding, Banding, and Beading Design

• Braiding, banding, and beading skills of design

• Degree of the intricacy of the design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

​

Clipped and Scissored Design

• Clipper skills of design

• Scissoring skills of design

• Degree of the intricacy of the design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

​

Skin and Coat Decorative Art Design 

• Decorative skills of skins and coat art design

• Intricacy of design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

​

Color Design

• Coloring skills of skin and coat designs

• Brilliance and Clarity of color

• The intricacy of the color patterns

• The uniqueness of color design

*Safety for the Pet and the Professional 

 

OPTION 3:  CLIPPED & CARVED

CATEGORY 1: CLIPPED AND SNIPPED SALON TRIMS with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art 

This class is designed for clipped designs with color, decorative skin, and coat art for salon trim styles on dogs with short to smooth-coated dogs. Skin and coat color with decorations to achieve a cute but safe trim for pets. Class for intricate coat designs and patterns created with clippers on pure breeds and mixed breeds with shorter coat types.

 

Requirement

• 75% Clipper Work -  25% Scissor Work 

• Time for your clipper work to shine. 

​

Coat Types

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with Short, Smooth, Medium Smooth Coat Types

 

Examples

Labrador Retriever, Shepherds, Beagle, Basset

 

Technical Skills Requirements and Restrictions

• 75% Clipper Work 25% Scissor Work

 

Before Competition 

• 0% of the overall trim style before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 100% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied during competition.  

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:15 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 1:30 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 1:45 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                           2:00 Hours

 

OPTION 3: CLIPPED AND CARVED

CATEGORY 2: CLIPPED AND  DESIGNED FOR A FORMAL AFFAIR with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art  

This class is designed for intricate clipped trims styles for short to smooth-coated breeds with skin and coat art to achieve the final touch for a classy, formal event. This class is all about the clipper work! 

 

Requirement

• 75% Clipper Work -  25% Scissor Work 

• Time for your clipper work to shine. 

​

Coat Types

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with Short, Smooth, Medium Smooth Coat Types

 

Examples

Labrador Retriever, Shepherds, Beagle, Basset

 

Technical Skills Requirements and Restrictions

• 75% Clipper Work 25% Scissor Work

 

Before Competition 

• 0% of the overall trim style before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 100% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied during competition.  

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

​

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:30 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 1:45 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:15 Hours

 

OPTION 3: CLIPPED AND CARVED

CATEGORY 3: CLIPPED ART EXTREME DESIGN COMPETITION  with Color and Decorative Skin and Coat Art   

Taking the clipper work to the limit with this class designed for the short smooth-coated dogs to create extremely intricate clipped designs with decorative skin and coat art with color. This class is all about the clipper work! 

 

Requirement

• 75% Clipper Work -  25% Scissor Work 

• Time for your clipper work to shine. 

​

Coat Types

Pure breeds and mixed breeds with Short, Smooth, Medium Smooth Coat Types

 

Examples

Labrador Retriever, Shepherds, Beagle, Basset

 

Technical Skills Requirements and Restrictions

• 75% Clipper Work 25% Scissor Work

 

Before Competition 

• 0% of the overall trim style before the competition.

• 100% sanitary and pads trimmed before the competition.

• 50% of the color applied before the competition.

​

During Competition 

• 100% final overall finish of the trim style completed during competition.

• 50% of color applied during competition.  

• 100% of decorative coat art was completed during the competition. 

 

Time Frame Determined by Height of Dog

16 inches and under                                  1:45 Hours

Over 16 inches up to 20 inches                 2:00 Hours 

Over 20 inches up to 23 inches                 2:15 Hours 

Over 23 inches                                          2:30 Hours

​

JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS - ALL SHORT AND SMOOTH COATED CLIPPED DESIGNS

Category:  Short & Smooth Coated Designs with Decorative Skin & Coat Art   

 

Overall Clippered Trim Style 

• Clipper skills of design

• Degree of the intricacy of the design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

​

Skin and Coat Decorative Art Design 

• Decorative skills of skins and coat art design

• Intricacy of design

• Balance and symmetry of design

• Uniqueness of design

​

Color Design

• Coloring skills of skin and coat designs

• Brilliance and Clarity of color

• The intricacy of the color patterns

• The uniqueness of color design