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Online Live Dog 

Pure Breed Competitions with Certifications

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Show your skills and knowledge about Pure Breed Trim Styles in the IJA Virtual World Grooming Competition Classes. Enter the online-only competition series to achieve ultimate expressions and profiles to win the best canine styling specialists in the show in pure breed trim styles.

 

  • Pure Breed Trims in the Multitude of Coat Type Class

  • Pure Breed Trims in the Curly Coat Type Class

  • Pure Breed Trims in the Wire Coat Type Class 

  • Pure Breed Trims in the Sporting Coat Type Class

  • Poodle Trim Styles

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Individual Entry

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The Best Canine Stylist in Show in Pure Breed Trim 

*The competitor with the Best Groomed and Styled Dog in Show.

*Finalists for Best in Show are Finalists for Best Canine Stylists in the World in Pure Breed Trim Styles.

  • The individual competitor can compete in one or all classes to win Best in Class to win Best in Show. 

  • The individual competitor may submit more than one entry in a class to achieve Best in Show! 

 

The Best All-Around Canine Stylist in Show in Pure Breed Trim Styles  

* The competitor with the highest placements wins Best All Around!

* Finalists for Best in Show are Finalists for Best All-Around Canine Stylists in the World in Pure Breed Trim Styles!

  • To be eligible for Best in Show, the individual competitor must compete in the four Pure Breed Classes and two Poodle Classes.

  • The individual competitor may submit more than one entry in a coat type class to win first, second, and third placements to achieve the show’s Best All-Around. 

The Best Canine Stylist in Show in Poodle Trim Styles 

*The competitor with the Best Poodle Trim Style in Show

* Finalist for Best in Show Finalist for Best Canine Stylists in the World in Poodle Trim Styles!

 

  • The individual competitor can compete in one or all classes to win Best in Show.

  • The individual competitor may submit more than one entry in a Poodle class to achieve a first, second, or third placement to be eligible for Best Poodle Groomer in the Show.

The Best All-Around Canine Stylist in Show in Poodle Trim Styles  

*The competitor with the highest placements wins Best All Around!

* Finalist for Best in Show Finalist for Best Canine Stylists in the World in Poodle Trim Styles!

 

  • To be eligible for Best All-Around in Show, the individual competitor must compete in all four Poodle Classes.

  • The individual competitor may submit more than one entry in trim style classes. The highest placements are utilized from each class to calculate the Best All-Around Competitor in the Show.

Team Entry

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Pure Breed Competition Entry (Four Team Members)

Compete with a pure breed or a mixed breed to achieve the Pure Breed Trim Styles. ​

*Total of 6 entries. 

The Best Team in Show in Pure Breed Trim Styles
  • Each team member must compete in all four Pure Breed coat type classes.  

  • Each team member must compete in two options in the Poodle class.

The Best All-Around Team in Show in Pure Breed Trim Styles
  • Each team member must compete in all four Pure Breed coat type classes.  

  • Each team member must compete in two options in the Poodle class.

The Best Team in Show in Poodle Trim Styles 
  • The team members must compete in four Poodle Classes to be eligible for Best Team in Poodle Trim Styles in Show. *Finalist for Best in Show Finalist for Best Team in Poodle Trim Styles!

Class Placements

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Pure Breed Classes

Listed below are the trim styles by coat types requirements and the classes for the Pure Breed Competitions

Multitude of Coat Type Classes
Option 1: Pure Breed with Natural to Silhouette Tidy Trim Styles

Drop Coat Types

  • Bearded Collie

  • Biewer Terrier

  • Briard

  • Chinese Crested, Hairless

  • Chinese Crested, Powder Puff

  • Coton de Tulear

  • Lhasa Apso

  • Lowchen

  • Maltese

  • Old English Sheepdog

  • Polish Lowland Sheep Dog

  • Schapendoes

  • Shih Tzu

  • Silky Terrier

  • Skye Terrier

  • Tibetan Terrier

  • Yorkshire Terrier

  • Other

 

Nordic Coat Types

  • Akita

  • Alaskan Malamute

  • Chinook

  • Czechoslovakian Vlcak

  • Finnish Spitz

  • Icelandic Sheepdog, Short-haired

  • Jindo

  • Kai Ken

  • Karelian Bear Dog

  • Kishu Ken

  • Norrbottenspets

  • Norwegian Elkhound

  • Norwegian Lundehund

  • Shiba Inu

  • Siberian Husky


Rough Coat Types

  • Belgian Sheepdog

  • Belgian Tervuren

  • Collie, Rough

  • Great Pyrenees

  • Pekingese

  • Pyrenean Shepherd

  • Shetland Sheepdog

  • Tibetan Mastiff

 

Nordic Rough Coat Types​

  • American Eskimo Dog

  • Chow Chow, Rough

  • Eurasier

  • Finnish Lapphund

  • German Spitz

  • Icelandic Sheepdog, Long-haired

  • Keeshond

  • Pomeranian

  • Samoyed

  • Swedish Lapphund

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Multitude of Coat Type Classes
Option 2: Pure Breeds with Silhouette Enhancement Trim Styles

​Medium Long Coats

  • Australian Shepherd

  • Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Border Collie

  • Borzoi

  • Caucasian Ovcharka

  • Chihuahua, Long Coat

  • Dachshund, Long Haired

  • Estrela Mountain Dog

  • Japanese Chin

  • Kuvasz

  • Leonberger

  • Miniature American Shepherd

  • Mudi

  • Papillon

  • Russian Toy

  • Saint Bernard

  • Saluki

  • Slovensky Cuvac

  • Tibetan Spaniel

  • Golden Retriever

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Sporting Coat Type Classes
Option 1: Pure Breeds with Sporting Jacket Trim Styles
  • Boykin Spaniel

  • Brittany

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Clumber Spaniel

  • Drentsche Patrijshond

  • English Cocker Spaniel

  • English Springer Spaniel

  • English Setter

  • English Toy Spaniel

  • Field Spaniel

  • Flat-Coated Retriever

  • German Longhaired Pointer

  • Gordon Setter

  • Irish Setter

  • Red and White Springer Spaniel

  • Springer Spaniel

  • Other

Option 2: Pure Breeds with Sporting Saddle Trim Styles
  • Cocker Spaniel

  • Afghan Hound

  • Other​

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.


Wire Coat Type Classes
Option 1: Pure Breeds with Short Legged Trim Styles
  • Affenpinscher

  • Australian Terrier

  • Berger Picard

  • Border Terrier

  • Brussels Griffon

  • Cairn Terrier

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier

  • Dachshund -Wire Haired

  • Glen Imaal Terrier

  • Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

  • Jack Russell Terrier

  • Norfolk Terrier

  • Norwich Terrier

  • Parson Russell Terrier

  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

  • Portuguese Podengo Pequeno 

  • Scottish Terrier

  • Sealyham Terrier

  • West Highland Terrier​

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Option 2: Pure Breeds with Long Legged Trim Styles
  • ​Airedale Terrier

  • Belgian Laekenois

  • German  Wire Pointer

  • Ibizan Hound, Wirehaired

  • Irish Terrier

  • Irish Wolfhound

  • Lakeland Terrier

  • Otterhound

  • Schnauzer ( Miniature - Standard - Giant )

  • Scottish Deerhound

  • Spinone Italiano

  • Welsh Terrier

  • Wire Fox Terrier

  • ​Vizsla, Wirehaired

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

  • Other

 

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

​​

Curly Coat Type Class
Option 1: Curly Coat Type Class with Stylized Trims 
  • Barbet

  • Bichon Frise

  • Bolognese

  • Bouvier des Flandres

  • Irish Water Spaniel

  • Kerry Blue Terrier

  • Lagotto Romagnolo

  • Portuguese Water Dog Retriever Trim

  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier​

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Option 2: Curly Coat Type Class with Unique Trims 
  • Bedlington Terrier

  • Black Russian Terrier

  • Cesky Terrier

  • Portuguese Water Dog Lion

  • Pumi

 

Corded

  • Bergamasco

  • Komondor

  • Puli

 

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Poodle Class

​*Mixed breeds with curly coat types with similar characteristics of the Poodle are allowed. 

Option 1: Poodle Class Show Trims
  • Continental

  • English Saddle

  • Puppy 1

  • Puppy 2

  • Puppy AKC

  • Other

 

Option 2: Poodle Class Show-Contest Trims
  • ​​Scandinavian 

  • T Clip

  • Modified Continental​​

  • Other

Option 3: Poodle Class Contest Trims​
  • German

  • ​Modern​

  • Other

 

Option 4: Poodle Class Banded Trims​
  • Banded Trim Desi

  • Banded Trim Dutch

  • Banded Trim Spiral

  • Banded Trim Sweetheart

  • Banded Trim Town and Country​

  • Other

Head Trim Styles

Multitude of Coat Type Classes

Option 1: Short - Smooth Coated Head Styles 

Nordic Coat Types

  • Akita

  • Alaskan Malamute

  • Chinook

  • Czechoslovakian Vlcak

  • Finnish Spitz

  • Icelandic Sheepdog, Short-haired

  • Jindo

  • Kai Ken

  • Karelian Bear Dog

  • Kishu Ken

  • Norrbottenspets

  • Norwegian Elkhound

  • Norwegian Lundehund

  • Shiba Inu

  • Siberian Husky

  • Other

Rough Coat Types

  • Belgian Sheepdog

  • Belgian Tervuren

  • Collie, Rough

  • Great Pyrenees

  • Pekingese

  • Pyrenean Shepherd

  • Shetland Sheepdog

  • Tibetan Mastiff

  • Other

 

Nordic Rough Coat Types​

  • American Eskimo Dog

  • Chow Chow, Rough

  • Eurasier

  • Finnish Lapphund

  • German Spitz

  • Icelandic Sheepdog, Long-haired

  • Keeshond

  • Pomeranian

  • Samoyed

  • Swedish Lapphund

  • Other

​Medium Long Coats

  • Australian Shepherd

  • Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Border Collie

  • Borzoi

  • Caucasian Ovcharka

  • Chihuahua, Long Coat

  • Dachshund, Long Haired

  • Estrela Mountain Dog

  • Japanese Chin

  • Kuvasz

  • Leonberger

  • Miniature American Shepherd

  • Mudi

  • Papillon

  • Russian Toy

  • Saint Bernard

  • Saluki

  • Slovensky Cuvac

  • Tibetan Spaniel

  • Golden Retriever

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

  • Other

 

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Multitude of Coat Type Classes

Option 2: Long and Flowing Head Styles

Drop Coat Types

  • Bearded Collie

  • Biewer Terrier

  • Briard

  • Chinese Crested, Hairless

  • Chinese Crested, Powder Puff

  • Coton de Tulear

  • Lhasa Apso

  • Lowchen

  • Maltese

  • Old English Sheepdog

  • Polish Lowland Sheep Dog

  • Schapendoes

  • Shih Tzu

  • Silky Terrier

  • Skye Terrier

  • Tibetan Terrier

  • Yorkshire Terrier

  • Other

 

Sporting Coat Type Classes

Option 1: Sporting Head Styles - Pointers, Setters, and Retrievers

  • English Setter

  • Flat-Coated Retriever

  • German Longhaired Pointer

  • Gordon Setter

  • Irish Setter

  • Other

Option 2: Sporting Head Trim Styles - Spaniels

  • Boykin Spaniel

  • Brittany Spaniel

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Clumber Spaniel

  • Cocker Spaniel

  • Drentsche Patrijshond

  • English Cocker Spaniel

  • English Toy Spaniel

  • English Springer Spaniel

  • Field Spaniel

  • Red and White Springer Spaniel

  • Springer Spaniel

  • Other

 

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Wire Coat Type Classes

Option 1: Wire Coat Types Head Trim Styles - Oval - Round - Unique

  • Affenpinscher

  • Australian Terrier

  • Berger Picard

  • Cairn Terrier

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier

  • Norfolk Terrier

  • Norwich Terrier

  • West Highland Terrier​

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Option 2: Wire Coat Types with Square - Rectangle Head Styles

  • ​Airedale Terrier

  • Belgian Laekenois

  • Border Terrier

  • Brussels Griffon

  • Dachshund -Wire Haired

  • German  Wire Pointer

  • Glen Imaal Terrier

  • Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

  • Ibizan Hound, Wirehaired

  • Irish Terrier

  • Irish Wolfhound 

  • Jack Russell Terrier

  • Lakeland Terrier

  • Otterhound

  • Parson Russell Terrier

  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

  • Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

  • Schnauzer ( Miniature - Standard - Giant )

  • Scottish Deerhound

  • Scottish Terrier

  • Sealyham Terrier

  • Spinone Italiano

  • Welsh Terrier

  • Wire Fox Terrier

  • ​Vizsla, Wirehaired

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

​​

Curly Coat Type Class

Option 1: Curly Coat Type Class with Oval - Round - Unique Head Styles

  • Barbet

  • Bedlington Terrier

  • Bichon Frise

  • Bolognese

  • Irish Water Spaniel

  • Lagotto Romagnolo

  • Portuguese Water Dog Retriever Trim

  • ​Portuguese Water Dog Lion

  • Pumi

  • Other

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

Curly Coat Type Classes

Option 2: Curly Coat Type Class with Square - Rectangle and Corded Head Styles 

  • Black Russian Terrier

  • Cesky Terrier

  • Kerry Blue Terrier

  • Bouvier des Flandres

  • ​Corded

  • Bergamasco

  • Komondor

  • Puli

  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

  • Other

 

*Breeds with similar trims and coat types added to this Option.

*Mixed breeds with similar coat types and breed characteristics are permitted to achieve the pure breed trim style.

 

POODLE CLASSES

​*Mixed breeds with curly coat types with similar characteristics of the Poodle are allowed. 

Option 1: Poodle with Show Head Trim Styles

  • Continental

  • English Saddle

  • Puppy 1

  • Puppy 2

  • Puppy AKC

  • Other

 

Option 2: Poodle with Modified Show Head Trim Styles

  • ​​Scandinavian 

  • T Clip

  • Modified Continental​​

  • Other

Option 3: Poodle with Contest Head Trim Styles

  • German

  • ​Modern​

  • Other

 

Option 4: Poodle with Poodle Head with Shaved Neck Head Trim Styles

  • Banded Trim Desi

  • Banded Trim Dutch

  • Banded Trim Spiral

  • Banded Trim Sweetheart

  • Banded Trim Town and Country​

  • Other

Rules

Class categories by coat type create an arena for competitors to implement the same technical skills. For example, pure breeds’ primary technical skills with wire coat types are hand stripping and clipping. Primary skills for curly coats are scissoring and clipping. Class categories by coat type place basic expressions and profiles together. For example, breeds with wire coat types typically require the same head styles, body styles, and skill levels.

 

Pure Breed Classes - Breed Standard Referenced

In pure breed classes, contestants judged on creating the most perfect and correct breed profile using the latest trends in the conformation world and the individual breed standard as references.

 

Conformation Show Trims

Conformation show trims are styles exhibited in the conformation ring that vary slightly from country to country and from region to region. Proper technical skills are required to achieve the show trim style.

 

Pet Trim Styles

Pet trims are styles encountered in grooming salons. Pet trim styles vary from country to country and from region to region.  A variety of technical skills required to achieve a pet trim style.

 

Products

Products are allowed on the coat to create texture and volume and to hold the hair in place. 

 

Coat Coloring Not Permitted Pure Breed Classes

Coloring, other than to enhance the coat color of a dog, is not permitted. 

 

Decorative Coat Art Not Permitted Pure Breed Classes

No decorative coat art is required or permitted. Decorative objects, such as bows, beads, and glitter are not allowed, except those permitted in conformation show rings for breeds with drop coats to create the proper headpiece, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Hair extensions of the same color range are permitted. 

 

CLASS RULES: PURE BREEDS - MULTITUDE COAT TYPES

This class includes all pure breeds with many coat types not included in the wire, sporting, and curly coat type class categories. This class category is perfect for the novice to start competitions. The competitor must style the competition dog in a trim exhibited in the conformation ring. For example, a Pomeranian in a show trim permitted, but a Pomeranian in a lion trim is not allowed.

  • Short Coat Types

  • Smooth Coat Types

  • Medium Smooth Coat Types

  • Medium Long Coat Types

  • Nordic Coat Types

  • Nordic Rough Coat Types

  • Rough Coat Types

  • Drop Coat Types (Hairless) 

 

Exceptions to the Rule 

Pure breeds are placed in different coat type classes due to their trim styles. Reference the IJA Pure Breeds Coat Type and Classes Chart.

CLASS RULES: PURE BREEDS - SPORTING COAT TYPES

This class includes pure breeds with sporting and specific breeds with medium long coat types. Examples of pure breeds included in this class are the Irish Setter, Springer Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniel.  

Coat Types:

  • Sporting 

  • Sporting Saddle 

  • Medium Long 

 

Exceptions to the Rule 

Pure breeds are placed in different coat type classes due to their trim styles. Reference the IJA Pure Breeds Coat Type and Classes Chart.

 

CLASS RULES: PURE BREEDS - WIRE COAT TYPES

This class includes all pure breeds with broken, scruffy, or tight wire coat types that require hand stripping techniques for the show trim and clipping techniques for the alternative for pet trims. Examples of breeds included in this class are the West Highland White Terrier, Wire Haired Dachshund, and the Irish Wolfhound. Coat Types: 

  • Tight Wire 

  • Scruffy Wire 

  • Broken 

 

Exceptions to the Rule 

Pure breeds are placed in different coat type classes due to their trim styles. Reference the IJA Pure Breeds Coat Type and Classes Chart.

 

CLASS RULES: PURE BREEDS - CURLY COAT TYPES

This class includes all pure breeds with curly coat types, except for the Poodle, that requires scissoring the coat to create the proper expression and profile. Examples of breeds included in this class are the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and the Kerry Blue Terrier. IJA Pure Breeds, Time Frames, and Classes Online Reference.

 

Pure breeds are placed in different coat type classes due to their trim styles. Reference the IJA Pure Breeds Coat Type and Classes Chart.

 

CLASS RULES: INDIVIDUAL PURE BREEDS - POODLE

Class designed for the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles. All Poodle trim styles are permitted. Poodles with a scissored face, such as a teddy bear face, are not allowed and must compete in the Free Style Competitions. 

 

Face

The cheeks and throat areas must be clipped short. A mustache and beard are permitted, but no scissored faces. 

 

Topknot

Corded Coat

Poodles in a corded coat are permitted in class. 

 

Pure breeds are placed in different coat type classes due to their trim styles. Reference the IJA Pure Breeds Coat Type and Classes Chart.

 

COMPETITION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PURE BREED 

Qualification of the Competition Dog

It is the responsibility of competitors to determine if a dog is healthy enough.

 

  • Must be competition dog age

  • Mature enough but young enough to enjoy the competition.

  • The competition dog’s suggested age is approximately (1) one year to (10) ten years.

  • Must show no signs of obvious pregnancy or nursing.

  • Must appear healthy, free of infectious diseases, and parasites and be physically able to stand on the grooming table for competition time frame and judging.

 

Entry Confirmation - Pure Breed Classes

The entry must be confirmed dog is entered in the correct class.

 

Pre-Judge Documentation

The judging panel documents the following about competition dogs:

  1. Amount of coat growth.

  2. Amount of pre-set coat growth pattern

  3. Missing coat, ear infection, etc 

JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS PURE BREED 

Preparation of Competition Dog

Competitors evaluated on the preparation of the competition dog. 

 

Judging Considerations

  1. Skin and Coat Care - Coat freshly shampooed and dried, brushed, combed, and free of matts. Skin appears healthy, free of any skin irritations. 

  2. Hand stripped coat clean and dry, free of chalk and other products. Skin appears healthy, free of any skin irritations.

  3. Ear Care - Ears cleaned. Ear hair, if any, clean and not matted. The area around the ear canal opening trimmed if required. No other trimming permitted.

  4. Foot Care - Hair between the pads, if applicable for the breed, can be trimmed. Toenails trimmed and filed with a well-maintained appearance. No other trimming permitted. 

  5. Sanitary Care - Area around the rectum, genital, and stomach, if applicable, trimmed. No other trimming permitted. 

 

Score and Rank

  • Specialist - Exceptional prep on skin and coat, eyes, ears, feet, and sanitary 

  • Expert - Excellent prep on skin and coat, eyes, ears, feet, and sanitary. 

  • Master - Perfect prep on skin and coat, eyes, ears, feet, and sanitary. 

  • Novice - Good prep on the skin and coat, eyes, ears, feet, and sanitary

Skin and Coat Products

Competitors evaluated on product knowledge and application. Products create texture and volume, hold the coat in place, straighten, and prevent breaking the hair during brushing and combing. 

They may be applied before, during the competition, and in the final presentations. 

Go to: IJA Products Safety Data Sheet 

 

Judging Considerations - Products

Did competitors use the product correctly for the coat type? Did competitors enhance or hinder the texture of the coat from achieving the ultimate finish? 

 

Score and Rank

  • Specialist - Product knowledge and application and knowledge of a Level 4

  • Expert - Product knowledge and application and knowledge of a Level 3

  • Master - Product application and experience of a Level 2

  • Novice - Product application and finish of a Level 1 

Technical Finish

Competitors evaluated on the application of technical skills and technical finish. Clipping, snap-on-combs, vacuum grooming systems, scissoring, thinning, hand stripping, plucking, and carding techniques are permitted. Curling and flat irons are allowed. Singeing of the coat is not permitted.

Go to: IJA Technical Skills Safety Data Sheet 

  • Bathing Coat properly bathed.

  • Drying Coat dried correctly.

  • Brushing Coat brushed correctly.

  • Combing Coat combed correctly.

  • Hand Stripping Coat properly hand stripped no bare spots or skin irritations. 

  • Plucking Coat even with no bare spots.

  • Carding Coat even with no bare spots or skin irritations. 

  • Clipping Coat smooth without tracks. Clipper lines sharp and precise. 

  • Thinning Coat blended on transition lines - bulk thinned to reduce volume.

  • Scissoring Coat scissored smooth with precise lines. 

 

Judging Considerations 

  1. Did the competitor maintain proper body position during technical applications? 

  2. Did the competitor maintain the proper body position of the pet during technical applications? 

  3. Did the competitor use all tools properly? 

  4. Did the competitor choose the right tool for the job? 

  5. Did the competitor use proper technique with scissors, thinners, and clippers? 

  6. Did the competitor apply all technical skills with safety? 

 

Score and Rank 

Specialist - Technique, application, and finish of a Level 4 Competitor

Expert - Technique, application, and finish of a Level 3 Competitor

Master - Technique, application, and finish of a Level 2 Competitor

Novice - Technique, application, and finish of a Level 1 Competitor

 

Expression and Profile - Pure Breed Classes 

Competitors are evaluated on the competition dogs’ expression and profile when viewed from the front, rear, side, and top of the dog.   

 

Judging Considerations: 

  1. Did the competitor achieve proper expression for the pure breed? 

  2. Did the competitor achieve a proper profile for the pure breed? 

  3. Did the competitor achieve proper balance? 

  4. Did the competitor achieve symmetry? 

  5. Did the competitor correct structure faults to create proper expression for the breed? 

 

Score and Rank 

  • Specialist - Expression and profile achievements of a Level 4 Competitor

  • Expert - Expression and profile achievements of a Level 3 Competitor

  • Master - Expression and profile achievements of a Level 2 Competitor

  • Novice - Expression and profile achievements of a Level 1 Competitor

 

Degree of Difficulty - Length of Coat 

Competitors are evaluated on the length of the coat or the number of weeks since the last grooming to determine the degree of difficulty. 

 

  • 2 - 4 weeks of coat growth

  • 2 - 4 weeks of coat growth

  • 4 - 6 weeks of coat growth

  • 6 - 8 weeks of coat growth

  • 8 - 10 weeks of coat growth

  • 10 - 12 weeks of coat growth

  • Over 12 weeks of coat growth 

Degree of Difficulty - Pre Set Pattern 

Competitors evaluated on the percent of the profile created before and during competition. The competitor must make a distinct change in the dog's overall appearance when viewed from the front, side, rear, and top. 

 

Judging Considerations 

  • 100% Expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

  • 75%   Expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

  • 50%   Overall expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

  • 25%   Overall expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

 

Score and Rank 

  • Specialist - 100% Expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

  • Expert - 75% Expression and profile achieved during the competition time frame

  • Master - 50% Overall expression and profile achieved during the time frame 

  • Novice - 25% Overall expression and profile achieved during the time frame

Degree of Difficulty -  Intricacy of Trim Style 

  • Competitors evaluated on the intricacy and difficulty of the trim style

  • Achieved intricate and challenging trim style design 

  • Achieved advanced and complicated trim style design 

  • Achieved moderate trim with moderate difficulty to achieve the trim style

  • Achieved average trim style with an average design

 

Score and Rank 

Specialist - Created design and achieved the degree of difficulty of a specialist. 

Expert - Created design and achieved the degree of difficulty of an expert. 

Master - Created design and achieved the degree of difficulty of a master. 

Novice - Created design and achieved the degree of difficulty of a novice. 

 

Presentation to the Judges 

Competitors must prepare for the final presentation photos to the judges and audience. The table must be clean and free of hair and tools. Competitors must present the competition dog to judges for final evaluations. 

 

Judging Considerations 

  • Did the competitor clean the table and remove all tools? 

  • Did the competitor organize the overall workspace to appear professional? 

  • Did the competitor achieve a professional presentation? 

  • Did the competitor present the competition dog properly? 

  • Did the competitor stack the dog properly? 

  • Did the competitor prepare the dog for profile evaluations after the technical evaluation? 

 

Score and Rank 

  • Overall workstation and presentation of a specialist

  • Overall workstation and presentation of an expert

  • Overall workstation and presentation of a master

  • Overall workstation and presentation of a novice

 

Professionalism 

Competitors are judged from start to finish on professionalism.

 

Judging Considerations 

  • Image - Did the competitor present a picture-perfect image at all times in all photos with facial and body language showing a passion for the art of bathing, grooming, and styling man's best friend? 

  • Rapport - Did the competitor display excellent rapport with the competition dog and exhibit professional handling at all times to create a professionally poised competitor and competition dog? 

  • Sportsmanship - Did competitors present a professional sportsmanship performance treating all competitors and competition dogs with kindness to promote a calm, composed online competitive environment. 

  • Safety - Did the competitor present and promoted safety for the professional and the competition dog when applying technical skills with no skin irritation? 

 

Score and Rank 

  • Specialist in the art of styling man's best friend with professionalism!

  • Expert in the art of styling man's best friend with professionalism! 

  • Master in the art of styling man's best friend with professionalism!

  • Novice in the art of styling man's best friend with professionalism!

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