5:00 pm: Check-in and prejudging 5:30 pm: Presentations/Runway Walk Begins 6:00 pm: Final Judging 6:30 pm: Awards
The Abstract Runway Design Challenge is to underscore the beauty of a “simple abstract design”, beautifully sculpted with minimal color and accessories. We are looking for stunning quality and artistry which would be appropriate for a client’s dog or cat and can be reproduced in the salon in one day.
Entries used for this class must be groomed prior to competition check-in.
Competitors will check in at the Grooming Stage at 5:00 pm.
Any purebred or mixed breed dog or cat may be used.
Competitors must be ready for prejudging and the runway walk.
Competitors’ attire should not detract from or overpower the groom; it can be complementary or an extension of the design.
Before each presentation, the emcee will briefly interview the competitors for biographical information and design explanation.
Runway music will be provided by the show producer.
If using an entry from a previous class, the Competitor must make a distinguishable difference in the design.
Special Grooming Class – Contest Rules and Regulations
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Held as a separate stand-out event during The Atlanta Pet Fair, North America’s Largest Grooming Competition, GroomBowl® will be the must-see event of a lifetime for groomers. Join Professional and Amateur groomers in competing in this revolutionary competition that combines grooming skills with gaming strategy. From industry legends competing in the Professional Division to undiscovered talent in the Amateur Division, groomers will compete in this team-format, sporting style showdown to claim the GroomBowl® Championship! Whether you are a patron who will be sponsoring a team, a competitor, or a grooming competition fan, plan to attend now and cheer for your favorites.
Divisions and Eligibility
Each team must consist of 4-5 members. One member must be designated as the Team Captain. Pro: GroomBowl® Pro Division is open to any groomer living anywhere in the world including retired groomers, judges, current or former GroomTeam members.
Am: GroomBowl® Am Division is open to any groomer living anywhere in the world who has:
Never been named to any country’s GroomTeam
Never judged a National or International grooming contest
Never won a National or International Best in Show at a GroomTeam Sanctioned event
Never been awarded a National or International Best in Show at any dog show or any grooming competition – includes American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Internationale Cynologique (F.C.I.) events
Never been awarded a Best in Show/Best All Around at a live grooming contest or dog show
Teams may be company-sponsored and are encouraged to provide a Team name and logo. Team Rosters are to be entered in your online registration by your team captain. Substitutions to the original team roster may be submitted by Team Captain in writing to Atlanta Pet Fair at janelle@wpamail.org or on-site/ringside until 7:00 am, March 13, 2022. No substitution to the original roster may be made after the deadline.
Entry Fees
Professional – $500 entry fee per Team Amateur – $500 entry fee per Team
Breed Categories
Each team must be prepared to complete a groom from each of the five following categories: Poodle, Gun Dog, Handstripped, Scissored, Salon Styled
Breed Category Rules
Salon StyledAcceptable Breeds/Styles:
Any dog of mixed parentage or any purebred dog distinctly NOT styled to breed profile. Examples of acceptable styles include, but are not limited to: trending styles such as Asian Fusion, the Poodlington, unique pet styles, and breed trims created on alternative mixed or purebred dogs. May use 2 bows for tie-ups, small amounts of color (1 inch or less) may be added with chalk, blow pens or markers and limited to paws, ears, tail, and/or cheeks. For Poodle styles, feet may be shaved prior to competition start time, but the face must be shaved during the competition time frame. No extra time will be permitted if not completed prior to the class start. Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class, however, spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Poodles, Gun Dog, Handstripped and Scissored:
All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard with the exception of Poodle as noted below. It is the responsibility of designated judges to determine adequate coat growth. Prior to the contest start time, all dogs may have sanitary and pads shaved, nails trimmed and ears cleaned. All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below. All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard. Finishing sprays are permissible in order to tidy up after the competition time frame ends, however reshaping with water or product application is prohibited. Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after the contest time frame ends.
Wire Coat breeds must be hand stripped. Gun Dog breeds must be card and/or hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring. Scissored breeds must be styled as presented in the conformation show ring. Poodles can be styled as presented in the conformation show ring or pet trims, provided they respect the breed profile as set forth by the standard. Poodle Styling: All pet and show poodle styles are acceptable provided they respect the breed profile of the poodle.
Feet must be shaved
Feet may be shaved prior to competition start time. NO extra time will be permitted if not completed prior to contest start time
Face must be shaved during the contest time frame
Small mustache or goatee are permitted
Scissored face styles such as Bichon or scissored typefaces are prohibited
Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class, spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the contest
For Safety, Poodle style spray ups may utilize a holder for up to 15 minutes during the contest. The holder may not speak to the contestant while in the contest ring.
Poodles: acceptable breeds – all sizes, natural colors or purebred Poodles.
Scissored Breeds
Gun Dog Breeds
Handstripped Breeds
American Eskimo
American Cocker Spaniel
Affenpinscher
American Water Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Airedale
Barbet
Clumber Spaniel
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
English Cocker Spaniel
Border Terrier
Bichon Frise
English Setter
Brussels Griffon
Black Russian Terrier
English Springer Spaniel
Cairn Terrier
Bouvier des Flanders
English Toy Spaniel
Dachshund Wire
Chow Chow
Field Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont
Irish Water Spaniel
Golden Retriever
German Wirehaired Pointer
Keeshond
Gordon Setter
Giant Schnauzer
Kerry Blue Terrier
Irish Red and White
Irish Terrier
Lagatto Romagnolo
Irish Setter
Lakeland Terrier
Old English Sheepdog
Sussex Spaniel
Miniature Schnauzer
Pomeranian
Welsh Spring Spaniel
Norfolk Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
Norwich Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Spanish Water Dog
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Spinone Italiano
Standard Schnauzer
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Vizsla
Detailed Contest Schedule
7:00 am: Check-In
7:15 am: Heat #1 Starts
9:15 am: Heat #1 Ends
10:00 am: Scores Announced
10:15 am: Heat #2 Starts
12:15 pm: Heat #2 Ends
1:00 pm: Finalists Announced
1:15 pm: Final Heat #3 Starts
3:15 pm: Final Heat #3 Ends
3:45 pm: Final Judging and Awards
Contest Format and Scoring
Teams are scored over 3 heats. Each heat will be 2 hours long with a break in-between. During Heat #1 and Heat #2, each team will field 2 entries of their choice per heat. Scores will be displayed following each heat. Only 5 Am and 5 Pro teams with the lowest cumulative scores from Heat #1 and Heat# 2 will advance to the final Heat #3. Final scoring will be reset during the final Heat #3 – scores from Heat #1 and Heat# 2 do not carry forward. Each team will receive 2 timeout cards for use during competition. (one 5 minute and one 10 minute). A timeout can be used for one member of your team to step into the ring and coach you. You must hold your timecard up to signal to your team member you require assistance. If a team fields 4 players, 1 player may groom in Heat #1 and Heat #2, however, all players in Heat #3 must not have groomed in Heat #1 or Heat #2.
Judging/Scoring Criteria
Judges will be confidential and a closely guarded secret, however, will be well-qualified to judge the World’s best groomers and their entries Judging will be a placing-based system.
Judging will be a cumulative point-based system, the lowest cumulative points will advance to the Finals/Heat #3 of the GroomBowl®. Each Heat will have the judges awarding 1-10 placings. Those scores will be added (example 1st Place = 1 point, 2nd Place = 2 points, 3rd Place = 3 points) together to form a cumulative score for the round. If your team does not place 1-10, your team will result in an automatic addition of 15 points.
Scoring will be posted/announced after each heat
Heat 1 example scoring
Team Name
Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Cumulative Score
Team Alpha
1
2
4
1
8
Team Bravo
2
3
1
4
10
Team Charlie
3
1
5
5
14
Team Delta
4
6
2
No placing
27
Heat 2 example scoring
Team Name
Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Heat 2 Score
Cumulative Score
Team Alpha
6
3
2
3
14
22
Team Bravo
4
4
No placing
5
28
38
Team Charlie
1
2
3
2
8
22
Team Delta
2
1
1
1
5
32
In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be the score of a randomly drawn tie-breaker judge from the judging panel. Tiebreaker judge will be drawn and announced prior to the start of the GroomBowl®.
Prize Money and Awards
Pro Division:
Champion – Custom Patron Trophy + $2,500 Prize Money; individual team members will receive a rosette
Reserve – Custom Patron Trophy + $1,500 Prize Money; individual team members will receive a rosette
Amateur Division:
Champion – Custom Patron Trophy + $1,500 Prize Money; individual team members will receive a rosette
Reserve – Custom Patron Trophy + $1,000 Prize Money; individual team members will receive a rosette
Eligibility: The Best Pet Stylist in Show winner will be chosen from the 1st Place winners from each of the following Groups: Wire Coats, Sporting, Other Purebreds and Poodles. The Group 1st Place winners should remain in the contest ring with their dog for evaluation by the Best in Show judge and then return with their entry to the Best Pet Stylist in Show Awards Presentation at the listed date and time below.
Judging: Each competitor chosen must return to the contest ring on Sunday, March 12 at 12:50 pm for the Best in Show awards. At that time, the Best in Show Judge will choose the winner.
This is awarded to the competitor who accumulates the highest Group placement points. To be eligible, the contestant must enter a minimum of three GroomTeam sanctioned contests.
Group Points Calculations:
Group 1st Place = 3 points
Group 2nd Place = 2 points
Group 3rd Place = 1 point
1st tie-breaker: Most and highest number of placements. Three 3rd placements will beat one 1st placement, two 1st and one 3rd placement will beat two 2nd and one 1st placement.
2nd tie-breaker: highest number of entries defeated. If the exact tie still exists, the prize will be divided equally. These points are only for Best All Around Pet Stylist awards, (if applicable) and are not related to GroomTeam USA.
Judging:
Each competitor chosen must return to the show ring 30 minutes prior to the Best in Show awards on Sunday, March 12. At that time, the Best in Show Judge will choose the winner.
This competition is open to anyone who has indicated on their competitor registration that they currently reside in an International Country and is competing at Open Level. Eligible contests: Mixed Salon/Freestyle, Sporting, Other Purebreds, Wire Coats, and Poodles.
Judging:
The Open Level Judge will choose the Best International Competitor from each Open Level Grooming Class competition. Each competitor chosen as the class winner must return to the contest stage at 12:30 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2022. At that time, the Best in Show Judge will choose the winner of the Best International Pet Stylist in Show award.
This competition is open to anyone that has never competed in any grooming contest, in any class, anywhere in the world. The contestant has to indicate on their competitor registration form that they are a first-time competitor and must be registered in entry level. One First Time competitor winner will be chosen from each entry level class. Eligible contests are: Mixed Salon/Freestyle, Sporting, Other Purebreds, Wire Coats, and Poodles.
Judging
The entry level Judge will choose the best first-time competitor from each entry level class competition. Each class winner must return to the contest ring at 11:45 am on Sunday, March 12 for the Best First Time Competitor awards starting at 12:00 pm. At that time, the Best First Time in Show Judge will then choose the winner of the Best First-Time Competitor in Show.
1:30 pm: Check-in and Prop Set-Up in the Contest Ring 2:00 pm: Pre-Judging Begins 2:30 pm: Presentations Start 3:15 pm: Awards
Divisions:
Entry Level: anyone that has not placed 1st or 2nd in any live Creative Contest.
Open Division: open to all competitors
This is a Pre-Groomed contest.
The Creative Styling Contest is an exhibition of colorfully staged, uniquely presented, and exquisitely groomed dogs and cats using props and music for the presentation.
Any purebred or mixed breed dog or cat can be used.
Electrical will not be available in the contest ring. Electric will be available in the spa/bathing area.
The spa will open starting Thursday, March 9 at 5:00 pm and there will be sign-up sheets available for tub times. The spa will be reserved for exclusive use for all Creative Styling competitors on Sunday, March 12 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Competitors are permitted a designated 5’x5’ space for prop set up. Exhibits exceeding 5’x5’ will be disqualified.
The contest ring will open on Sunday, March 12 at 1:30 pm for prop set-up. All entries in this class must be completely groomed and finished by 1:30 pm.
All products used must be safe and non-toxic to the pet and stylist; Glue must be water-soluble.
Placement of large and/or heavy objects on the pet is prohibited.
A complete list of products used must be noted in the designated field when you register for the contest.
Competitors must title their designs.
If desired, music may be used during the presentation. Music used for presentation is the sole responsibility of the competitor.
DVD presentations are not permitted.
Maximum of 2 minutes is permitted for presentation
Winners will be determined by:
Originality and creativity of the design and theme
Quality of styling techniques
Sharpness and precision of clipper lines
Sharpness and/or blending of color
Quality of scissor finish
Quality and harmony of props and decorations in the final presentation
The intention of this class is to recognize the groomer’s ability to take whatever grooming job comes their way and create a clean, well-groomed dog using rescue dogs from shelters. The groomer will use his or her grooming expertise while handling these dogs with compassion. The top 5 placements will not only win a cash prize but the supplied dogs rescue organization will also take home the same cash donation.
Class Eligibility
Open to any and all groomers who can handle dogs of varying temperament and condition and know full well that the dog may not be 100% cooperative and may not be in very good condition. He or she must be willing to show their skill in every aspect of the grooming process. This contest is open to 35 participants.
You will be given a number for a dog from one of the rescue groups. Each will have been evaluated to determine if the dog is suitable for the competition environment. You may receive purebred or mixed breed dogs. The dog’s entire grooming process will be completed in the ring and spa.
Competition Time Frame- Rescue Rodeo®
All dogs will be permitted 3 hours. In this time, you will do all prep work, bathe, dry and groom in designated areas.
You will be given staggered bathing times. Order of the bathing time will be determined by the contest staff. Judges will consider styling to suit the dog’s conformation, coat type and degree of difficulty. While others are in the spa area it is suggested you do as much preparation and grooming as possible prior to the bathing process.
JudgingConsiderations
The judges will evaluate the following:
Styled to suit the dog’s conformation
Grooming techniques that ensure the best outcome for the dog’s coat type and starting condition
Overall technical finish
Handling of animals
Degree of difficulty
Change in overall appearance from start to finish
The judges will be permitted to confer during the competition, as well as at the end of the time limit during their deliberations. They may narrow the competition down to a group of 10, and then announce the top 5 placements. The judges’ decisions will be final and binding.
Rescue Rodeo® Prize Money
The judges will choose First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth placements.
1st Place – $500 in cash, plus $500 will be donated to your rescue dog’s organization.
2nd Place – $400 in cash, plus $400 will be donated to your rescue dog’s organization.
3rd Place – $300 in cash, plus $300 will be donated to your rescue dog’s organization.
4th Place – $200 in cash, plus $200 will be donated to your rescue dog’s organization.
5th Place – $100 in cash, plus $100 will be donated to your rescue dog’s organization.
ON-SITE ADOPTION OFFERED BY SOME GROUPS!
GroomingEquipment
Grooming tables and grooming arms will be furnished to contestants. Contestants must supply their own towels, grooming loop and equipment. Competitors from outside the USA may request to borrow a pair of clippers for the competition but must supply all blades. Send request to janelle@wpamail.org by February 27, 2020.
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
Acceptable coat growth for all GT sanctioned classes:
It is the responsibility of the show promoter and /or their designated judges to determine adequate coat growth.
Acceptable Styling for all GT sanctioned classes:
All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below.
All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard with the exception of Poodles as noted below.
All dogs may have sanitary and pads shaved prior to class start.
All dogs may have nails trimmed and ears cleaned prior to class start.
Finishing sprays, are permissible in order to tidy up after competition time frame ends however, re-shaping with water or product application is prohibited.
Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after time is called.
Poodles can be styled as presented in the conformation show ring or pet trims, provided they respect the breed profile as set forth by the standard.
Poodles:
Acceptable breeds: All sizes, natural colors of purebred Poodles
Poodle Sizes and Time Allowed:
11” and under – 1:30 (One hour and thirty minutes)
Over 11” up to and including 17” – 1:45 (one hour and forty-five minutes)
Over 17” up to and including 23” – 2:00 (Two hours)
Over 23” – 2:15 (Two hours and fifteen minutes)
Poodle Styling: All pet and show poodle styles are acceptable provided they respect the breed profile of the poodle.
Feet must be shaved.
Feet may be shaved prior to competition start time. NO extra time will be permitted if not completed prior to the class start.
Face must be shaved during the competition time frame.
Small mustache or goatee are permitted.
Scissored face styles such as Bichon or scissored type faces are prohibited.
Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class, spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
Acceptable coat growth for all GT sanctioned classes:
It is the responsibility of the show promoter and /or their designated judges to determine adequate coat growth.
Acceptable Styling for all GT sanctioned classes:
• All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below. • All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard as noted below. • All dogs may have sanitary and pads shaved prior to class start. • All dogs may have nails trimmed and ears cleaned prior to class start. • Finishing sprays are permissible in order to tidy up after the competition time frame ends however, re-shaping with water or product application is prohibited. • Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after time is called. • Sporting coats must be carded and/or hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring.
Sporting:
Acceptable breeds, Open Division: Spaniels & Setters (See specific breed list below)
Styling: Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring.
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
The Abstract Design Challenge is intended to underscore the beauty of an “abstract design”, beautifully sculpted with minimal color (no more than 10% on dog/cat) accents and accessories. Judges are looking for stunning sculpting quality and artistry appropriate for a client’s pet. Design should be reproducible in one day in a salon setting. The pet’s coat is the blank canvas for the artistic design and should be groomed in advance with no trace of preset design or sculpted pattern.
Any purebred or mixed breed dog or cat with any coat type may be used.
Design must be entirely created during the time frame of the competition.
There should be no trace or a preset design or sculpted pattern in the coat prior to the contest start time.
Competitors will have 1:30 Hrs. to sculpt design into a pre-groomed/prepared coat.
Competitors should provide information to the MC, with biographical information and design explanation.
Competitors with cats may have one assistant to help hold the cat during design sculpting.
Entries are open to all levels of competitors.
The judging emphasis is design placement, execution, precision, artistry and overall balance and appeal.
If color is used on your entry, the color will not be considered in judging.
Prize Money
1st Place – $300 2nd Place – $200 3rd Place – $100
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers and/or scissors.
Two groomers, one dog, grooming to perfection and entertain your judges as much as possible.
Acceptable Breeds: Any purebred or mixed breed is allowed in this class, and groomers will work simultaneously on one dog. For Poodle styles, feet may be shaved prior to competition start time. NO extra time will be permitted if not completed prior to class start. Face must be shaved during competition time frame. Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class, spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Themes are encouraged, creative gifting and bribery towards the judges and crowd is not unlikely, and joyous merriment must be had by all involved! (No outside food or beverage allowed in venue but creative non-consumable gifting and bribery encouraged.)
Contest Time Limit: 1:30 for all dogs
Accessories: May use accessories for tie-ups if they are relevant or necessary to the style or theme of the groom- however they should not detract from the overall impression of the groom itself.
Divisions: Open to all competitors at any level
*Special Note: Due to limitations in the contest area, contestants must provide their own tables for competition. There will be no electric available- contestants should plan accordingly by utilizing cordless tools to complete their groom.
Final Judging: The Judges will evaluate the following: Balance, symmetry, uniformity and style of the trim and adherence to the Duo’s chosen theme. The ability of the groomers to create the most pleasing profile for the dog chosen, according to his/her body type, structure and coat. For scissored dogs, the execution of a plush overall appearance without scissor marks, unevenness or unintended protruding coat. For hand stripped and/or carded dogs, proper technique to achieve smooth and natural appearance. Clipper work should be smooth and free of irritation. The difficulty with regard to the amount of coat removed, difficulty of the coat type, texture, quality and quantity. Special considerations will be given for difficulty, combined teamwork, and the ability for the Duo to work cohesively together either in tandem or unison.
There will be three placements in this class.
Extreme Duo Prize Money
1st Place – $500 2nd Place – $300 3rd Place – $200
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
Contest Time Limit: 2:00 Hours
Divisions: Open to all competitors at any level
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers and/or scissors.
Acceptable Breeds: Any purebred or mixed breed. All dogs must have a minimum of 8 weeks coat growth.
General Rules: This is a Solo Clipper class. This class will challenge groomers to style any breed using only clippers, feel free to follow the breed standard or custom style to highlight the dog’s conformation. The hair may be lifted with combs or fingers and any kind of clippers (with or without snap-on combs) is allowed. Scissors are not allowed during this competition, with the exception of the final 10 minutes for tidying and finishing touches. The use of scissors at any time during the competition other than the designated “Scissors Up” period will be cause for disqualification. All clipper work must be done in the ring during the allotted competition time. There is no pre-clipping allowed in this class. Pads and sanitary areas are to be done prior to the contest start time. For Poodles, clean feet and faces must be done during the competition time frame. All dogs must have a minimum of 8 weeks coat growth.
Final Judging: Entries will be judged based upon adherence to the rules of class. Groomers should strive to complete a balanced, proportionate work which highlights their clipper work. Judge will evaluate the following: Balance, symmetry, uniformity and style of the trim. The ability of the groomer to execute the style chosen which suits the dog according to his/her body type, structure and coat. Clipper work should be smooth and free of irritation. Difficulty will be assessed with regard to the amount of coat removed, difficulty of the coat type, texture, quality and quantity.
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
Acceptable coat growth for all GT sanctioned classes:
It is the responsibility of the show promoter and /or their designated judges to determine adequate coat growth.
Acceptable Styling for all GT sanctioned classes:
All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below.
All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard as noted below.
All dogs may have sanitary and pads shaved prior to class start.
All dogs may have nails trimmed and ears cleaned prior to class start.
Finishing sprays are permissible in order to tidy up after the competition time frame ends however, re-shaping with water or product application is prohibited.
Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after time is called.
Wire Coats must be hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring.
All Wire Coated Pure Breeds
Acceptable breeds, Open Division: Pure breeds with wire coat types that are hand stripped. (See specific breed list below)
Styling: Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring.
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers where applicable.
Acceptable coat growth for all GT sanctioned classes:
It is the responsibility of the show promoter and /or their designated judges to determine adequate coat growth.
Acceptable Styling for all GT sanctioned classes:
• All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below. • All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard as noted below. • All dogs may have sanitary and pads shaved prior to class start. • All dogs may have nails trimmed and ears cleaned prior to class start. • Finishing sprays are permissible in order to tidy up after the competition time frame ends however, re-shaping with water or product application is prohibited. • Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after time is called. • Sporting coats must be carded and/or hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring.
Other Pure Breeds:
Acceptable breeds, Open Division: See specific breed list below
Styling: Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring.
Contest Time Limit: 17” and Under – 1:45 (1 hour, 45 minutes) Over 17” – 2:00 (2 hours)
Divisions: Open Intermediate Entry (SeeWPA General Rulesfor more information about Divisions)
Special note: Electric will NOT be provided in the contest ring. You must supply your own cordless clippers and/or scissors.
Acceptable Breeds/Styles: Any dog of mixed parentage, such as a Doodle or Cock-a-Poo. Any AKC purebred dog distinctly NOT styled to breed profile. Examples of acceptable styles include, but are not limited to: Poodle (no shaved feet or face) in a Bedlington trim, Poodle (no shaved feet or face) in a spiral trim, Shih Tzu in a panda trim, trending styles such as Asian Fusion, the Poodlington, unique pet styles, and breed trims created on alternative mixed or any AKC purebred dogs. May use 2 bows for tie-ups, small amounts of color (no more than 10% on dog) may be added with chalk, blow pens or markers. Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions and curlers prior to the start of the class, however spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Final Judging: Judge will evaluate the following: Balance, symmetry, uniformity and mastery of the trim. Contestants will be evaluated on the mastery of above criteria while showcasing each dog according to his/her body type, structure and coat. For scissored dogs, this evaluation includes creating a plush overall appearance without scissor marks, unevenness or unintended protruding coat, for handstripped and/or carded dogs, proper technique to achieve smooth and natural appearance, and all clipper work should be smooth and free of irritation. Difficulty will be evaluated with regard to the amount of coat removed, coat type, texture, quality and quantity, and the overall design or style chosen. If color is used on your entry, the color will not be considered in judging. Accessories, such as decorative collars are allowed, however must be removed per the judge’s request during final judging.
