The Model Dog Competition Arena is the fairest competition in the world. Why? Because all competitors compete with the same model dog and start with a blank canvas! Classes are offered to encourage all levels of expertise in the art of styling the canine. From pure breed to free style to creative classes, the model dog competitions are the most exciting and innovative competitions in the industry. 

 

Please Note: Model Dog Competition is new for many competitors and countries. The Model Dog Competition Rules, Policies and Procedures are updated after each event to create the most accurate and efficient system to conduct competitions and to judge and place competitors. Please check the rules frequently to stay updated. Rules updated after April South Korea Competition Tour. 

 

Type of Model Dog and Wig

To keep the contest fair and consistent, all competitors must use dog mannequins and wigs from Petos. Classes require show, pet or wrap wig. The type of wig is determined by the type of class.  To find a distributor in your country or to qualify for a distributorship contact Petos. 

 

PREP TIME FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ONLY!

Prep before the competition is organized in an area supervised by IJA Judging Team. Competitors gather in a supervised area to prepare a model dog for competition.

 

Model Dog must be removed from the box and assembled and wig placed on dog.

1. The coat may be brushed and separated by bands.

2. No trimming or coloring permitted during prep time.

 

Prep Time for Pure Breed Competitions

Show Wig:  1 Hour 30 Minutes

Wrap Wig: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Pet Wig: 1 Hour

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Prep Time for Creative Competitions

Show Wig:  1 Hour 30 Minutes

Wrap Wig: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Pet Wig: 1 Hour

 

Prep Procedures Allowed

Competitor will be allowed additional 30 minutes per dog to conduct the following procedures on the dog mannequin. Procedures may also be completed during the competition but no additional time frame will be permitted. Tools, glue guns and material required to change head, ear, body, leg, feet and tail types are permitted to create proper pure breed profiles.

• Head may be altered to create proper length.

• Eyes may be replaced and reset to create proper eye set and expression.

• Ears may be reset or modified to create correct ear set and carriage.

• Body may be shortened or lengthened to create correct body type.

• Legs may be shortened or lengthened to create correct body type.

• Tail may be reset or modified to create correct tail set and carriage.

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Prep Time ONLY for National Qualifying Competitions in the USA 

Prep before competition is allowed in national qualifying competitions. Dog must be ready for competition at check in. Wig must be on dog and coat brushed and separated by bands. No trimming or coloring allowed before competition. All dogs will be evaluated by judging team to determine if pre trimming or other procedures have been performed.

 

Competitor may conduct the following procedures on the dog mannequin before the competition. Procedures may also be completed during the competition but no additional time frame will be permitted. Tools, glue guns and material required to change head, ear, body, leg, feet and tail types are permitted to create proper pure breed profiles.

 

• Head may be altered to create proper length.

• Eyes may be replaced and reset to create proper eye set and expression.

• Ears may be reset or modified to create correct ear set and carriage.

• Body may be shortened or lengthened to create correct body type.

• Legs may be shortened or lengthened to create correct body type.

• Tail may be reset or modified to create correct tail set and carriage.

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COMPETITION TIME

Different time frames required for type of trim style, wig and class.

 

Pure Breeds and Free Style Classes

Poodle Trim Styles

• Show Trims:  2 Hours 45 Minutes - Competitors must use Show Wig

• Banded Trims:  2 Hours 30 Minutes - Competitors must use Pet Wig

• Salon Free Style Trims: 2 Hours 30 Minutes - Competitors must use Pet Wig

All Other Pure Breed Trim Styles

• 2 Hours 30 Minutes - Competitors must use Pet Wig

 

Creative Classes

Creative Trim Styles

• Wrap Wig: 3 Hours

• Show Wig: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

• Pet Wig:  2 hours 30 Minutes

• 10 Minutes to prepare costumes and presentation.

 

PRODUCTS - DECORATIVE ITEMS - DOG MANNEQUIN

Pure Breeds

Products

• Bands and bows to secure tie up on breeds such as Shih Tzu permitted.

• Sprays and products to hold coat in place and to give volume and texture permitted.

 

Decorative Items

• No decorative items except typical of conformation ring: Example: Tie Up or Bows

 

Additional Wigs

• Model dog coat banded to create extensions to create length and volume permitted.

 

Coat Color

• No color permitted.

 

PRODUCTS - DECORATIVE ITEMS - DOG MANNEQUIN

Creative Classes - Anything Goes in Creative Creations

Products

• Bands, tie up ribbons permitted.

• Wire and other material to change or create different ears, tails, legs, wings and everything is permitted.

• Sprays and products to hold coat in place and to give volume and texture permitted.

• Glues and other types of adhesives

 

Coat Color

• Maximum color encouraged to enhance overall expression, profile and creative trim. Color to create a more real life image or imaginary animal, bird, creature or thing. Example: Coat color changed to appear color of Zebra or Flowers.

 

Decorative Items

• Any and all type of decorative items allowed to enhance the overall creative creation.

 

Additional Wigs

• Model dog coat banded to create extensions to create length and volume permitted.

• Additional wigs permitted to create volume and length.

• Props allowed and encouraged to create and enhance overall theme such as sand, greenery, etc.

 

Creative - Option 1

No skits, poems, music, and costumes required.

 

Creative - Option 2

Skits, poems, music, costumes, props and backdrops required on Model Dog Competitions.

 

TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

Model dog competitors must furnish their own tools. Model dog competitors can use cordless clippers or corded clippers in the ring. Show promoters set up electric in the ring and charging stations to accommodate competitors.

• All types of clippers and blades

• All types of snap on combs or blade attachments.

• All types and sizes of scissors, thinners and chunkers.

 

COMPETITORS HANDLING OF MODEL DOG

Pure Breed and Free Style Classes

• The competitor must handle the Model Dog in a professional manner.

• Removing wig on head, body, legs and tail to trim is not permitted.

• Removing tail with tail wig to create overall trim style on body is not permitted.

• Remove tail to scissor tail is not permitted!

• Tail must be styled on dog!

• Placing dog on side to brush or apply decorative objects is permitted.

 

Creative Classes

• The competitor may maneuver the dog in all directions but must still maintain a professional appearance.  

• Removal, additions and relocating ears, tails and feet must be performed in a professional manner.

 

COMPETITORS PRESENTATION AFTER COMPETITION

• Competitor must remove all hair, products and tools from table and place table covering for judging.

• Team must furnish table covering to match team uniforms.

• Competitor must present model dog after preparing table for judging.

• Competitor must stay at table with model dog during judging.

• Judges may excuse competitors during judging for panel discussion.  

• Applying products or technical skills after competition is not permitted.

• Touching coat on model dog to smooth out or correct finish or profile on model dog is not permitted.

 

JUDGING MODEL DOGS - HANDLING AND PROCEDURES

Model Dog Judge evaluates techniques, technical finish, profile and expression, degree of difficulty and overall professionalism during the competition.

• Combing is not permitted.

• Placing hand on coat is not permitted.

• Judge must lift dog using bottom of feet to evaluate technical finish, overall balance and symmetry is applicable.

 

Major judging considerations for pure breed classes are:

• Technical Application and Finish

• Profile and Expression

• Degree of Difficulty of Trim Style

• Professionalism

 

Major judging considerations for creative classes are:

• Design

• Color

• Decorative

• Technical

• Creativity

• Professionalism

 

CLASSES - PUREBREEDS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR

Day 1: Poodle Conformation Trims

• Continental

• English Saddle

• Puppy 1 FCI

• Puppy 2 FCI

• Puppy USA

 

Day 2: Poodle Banded Trims

• Sweetheart

• Town and Country

• Dutch

• Desi

• Spiral

 

Day 3: Poodle Competition Trims

• Modern

• German

• Asian - No Color or Decorative

• Pure Breed - Bichon Frise

• Pure Breed - To be announced by each country conducting competition.

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CLASSES - CREATIVE FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR

Day 1 - Abstract Lines - Shapes

Objects

Places

People

Holiday Themes

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Day 2 - Animal Instincts - Real and Imaginary

Animal Instincts Real

Animal Instincts Cartoon Characters Imaginary

Animal Instinct Monsters

Creatures Land - Sea

Animal Instincts Mythical Creatures

Animal Instincts Birds, Reptiles and Insects

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Day 3 - Gorgeous Gardens Around the World

Gardens - Jungle

Gardens-  Desert -African Plains

Gardens Flowers, Birds,

Butterflies and Bees

Gardens -  Tropical Paradise

Gardens Under the Sea