Virginia Groom Show Competition

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🏅 Sponsored by: Doggy Clipps - Salon & Mobile Grooming

• 🥇 1st Place: $100 + Ribbon
• 🥈 2nd Place: $75 + Ribbon
• 🥉 3rd Place: $50 + Ribbon

🏅 Sponsored by: Natalia's Model Dog and Accessories & Doggy Clipps - Salon & Mobile Grooming

• 🥇 1st Place: $100 + Ribbon, Teddy Skeleton with a Wig + Wig Head
• 🥈 2nd Place: $75 + Ribbon, Skeleton Head + Wig Head
• 🥉 3rd Place: $50 + Ribbon, Wig Head

🏅 Sponsored by: Doggy Clipps - Salon & Mobile Grooming

• 🥇 1st Place: $200 (Split between team members) + Ribbon
• 🥈 2nd Place: $150 (Split between team members) + Ribbon
• 🥉 3rd Place: $100 (Split between team members) + Ribbon

🕗 8:00 AM - Check-in
🕣 8:30 AM - Competition Start
🕥 10:30 AM - Competition Ends
🏆 10:50 - 11:00 AM - Awards

🕚 11:00 AM - Check-in
🕦 11:30 AM - Competition Start
🕡 1:30 PM - Competition Ends
🏆 1:50 - 2:00 PM - Awards

🕑 2:00 PM - Check-in
🕝 2:30 PM - Competition Start
🕟 4:30 PM - Competition Ends
🏆 4:50 - 5:00 PM - Awards

 Entry Level:

Restricted to competitors who have NOT won a Best in Show or Best All-Around title from any division at any show, OR four 1st placements from any show. Conformation dog show handlers, breeders or owners who have shown and finished more than 3 champions in their competing breed, judges, and grooming school instructors are prohibited from competing in this event.

Intermediate and Open level competitors are not qualified to compete at this event.

Check in: 

Check in with the Virginia Groom Show staff upon arrival. They will have a list of all entrants and their assistants. Each entrant will receive two wristbands—one for themselves and one for their assistant. These wristbands provide general admission to the event, including access to all contest and vendor areas. Please note that educational wristbands must be purchased separately.

What you will need:

• Your Ticket: Printed or Mobile
• Valid Id
• Crate/Leash for your dog
• Grooming Equipment: Be sure to bring your clippers, scissors, grooming loops, brushes, and any other tools you may need. Flat irons and curling irons are permitted in the ring, but hairdryers are not allowed.
• Provided by Us: Tables, grooming arms, and electricity will be available for each competitor.

 Doggy Clipps - Salon & Mobile Grooming: 16186 Rogers Rd, Culpeper, Va 22701

Culpeper Technical Education Center: 17441 Frank Turnage Dr, Culpeper, Va 22701

This event will take place at the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) during the Virginia Groom Show. CTEC is a publicly operated trade school within the Culpeper County Public School system. We kindly ask all participants to respect the facility by cleaning up any pet waste, trash, or hair generated during your participation. Additionally, please be considerate of other dogs and handlers, and avoid actions that may distract dogs in the ring. 

Day Before: Bathing, Drying, and Prep Areas

Bathing, drying, and prep areas will be available at the Doggy Clipps storefront salon, located just 2.6 miles (approximately 3-5 minutes) from CTEC, where the event will be held. Space and times will be limited, and a sign-up sheet will be provided at a later date.

• Bathing: Tubs will be provided; please bring your own shampoo and towels.
• Drying: Tables and high-velocity dryers will be available in a separate drying area for dog grooming. As there is limited fluff dryer on the premises, contestants are encouraged to bring their own for convenience.
• Prepping: A designated prepping area, separate from the bathing and drying rooms, will be available for final preparations. Fluff dryers are permissible in the prepping area, but high-velocity dryers are not allowed.
• Holding: On the day prior to the event, overnight kenneling will be permitted at Doggy Clipps. Kennel space is limited and will require sign-up.

Day of contest: Bathing, Drying, and Prep Areas

Bathing, drying, and prep areas will be available on-site at the CTEC Center using our mobile salons. Space and times will be limited, and a sign-up sheet will be provided at a later date.

Holding: An off-site holding area will be available at Doggy Clipps on the day of the event. Kennel space is limited and will require sign-up. The holding area is located approximately 3-5 minutes away from the event location. 

 Check in:

Check-in begins 30 minutes before the contest start time and closes promptly at the contest start time. Please check in with the contest coordinator to receive your table assignment and contestant number. A before photo of your dog must be taken during check-in.

Pre-Judge:
The judge will visit each contestant to confirm that you are in the correct class and division and that you understand your time frame. They will also assess the dog's coat to ensure sufficient growth and preparation, as well as determine whether the grooming pattern is pre-set. The judge will note any issues with the dog, such as missing coat, sores, or other concerns.

Contest End:
At the conclusion of the competition, please ensure your grooming table is cleared of all tools, hair, and debris. Retain a comb for the judge to use while assessing your groom. The light application of styling spray is permitted to help maintain coat placement and minimize static; however, excessive spraying or reshaping is not allowed. Competitors may comb their dog before and after the judging process.

While the judge evaluates the class, please keep your dog stacked. Once judging is complete, each competitor is required to take an after-photo. Bring your assigned number and name tag to the designated photo station. Afterward, return to your table to await the awards ceremony and additional instructions.

 Blake Hernandez will be the judge for all classes, including Freestyle, All Other, and Tag Team. Grooms will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Technical skill
• Overall balance
• Adherence to the breed profile
• Level of difficulty
• Overall transformation achieved through the groom

 Coat Growth: Dogs should have a minimum of six weeks of coat growth prior to the contest. However, it is understood that growth rates may vary by breed and individual dog, and some may require more or less time. Regardless, there must be enough coat present to demonstrate a clear and distinct transformation in appearance.

For hand-stripped dogs, rolling of the coat is permitted. While a less dramatic change is expected, a significant amount of coat should still be removed to reflect the skill and technique involved.

Dog Qualifications & Requirements

• Age and Health: Dogs should be between 1 and 10 years of age, in good general health, and free of disease and parasites.
• Pregnancy and Nursing: Dogs must not show obvious signs of pregnancy or be nursing.
• Temperament: Dogs should exhibit no signs of aggression or extreme nervousness.
• Supervision: Dogs must not be left unattended on the table or at any point during the contest.
• Leashing and Crating: When not actively competing, all dogs must be leashed or crated for safety. 

Acceptable Styles

• Breed Standard Styles: Except for Freestyle and Tag Team classes, all dogs should be groomed in breed standard styles. For poodles, acceptable trims include show trim, modern, or German. In the entry-level class, terriers and sporting dogs may be clippered, but the final result should still aim for a breed-standard profile.
• Use of Products: Products like chalk and hairspray may be used as needed to achieve a proper breed profile.
• Pre-Class Preparations: Sanitary trims, paw pads, nail trimming, and ear cleaning must be completed before the class starts. Chalking of terrier legs is also permitted before the class begins.
• Poodle-Specific Guidelines:
  • Banding of show top knots is permitted, but the bubble cannot be pulled, and no hairspray may be applied.
  • Feet must be shaved for the trim to be permissible. This can be done before entering the ring, but no additional time will be provided if completed during the competition.
  • The face must be shaved within the competition time frame.
  • A small mustache or goatee is allowed.

Equipment

• Provided: Tables, grooming arms, and electricity will be supplied at the event.
• Competitor-Supplied Equipment: Participants must bring all necessary grooming tools, including grooming loops, clippers, scissors, brushes, and any other equipment they may need.
• Permitted in the Ring: The use of flat irons is allowed during the competition.
• Not Permitted: Hair dryers are not allowed in the ring.

Not Allowed

• Coaching: No coaching of any kind is permitted at any time during the competition.
• Aids or Instructions: The use of visual or written aids or instructions is prohibited.
• Standing on Furniture: Standing on tables or chairs is not allowed.
• Prohibited Equipment: Hair dryers, holding crates, and any flammable devices such as smoking or vaping products are not permitted.
• Beverages: Only beverages in spill-proof containers are allowed.
• Electronics: Phones, radios, and earbuds are not allowed in the competition area.

Conduct

• Professional Appearance: Competitors must present themselves in appropriate, professional attire. Grooming smocks or aprons are recommended, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
• Safety and Technical Skills: Maintain a safe and organized styling station for both the pet and competitor. Demonstrate proper application of technical grooming skills and safe handling techniques.
• Sportsmanship: Show good sportsmanship and professional conduct at all times, both inside and outside the ring, and on the show grounds.

Disqualifications

• All disqualifications are at the sole discretion of the judge and are final.
• The judge will determine whether a cut, nick, clipper burn, or abrasion results in a penalty or disqualification.
• Contestants may receive a warning or face disqualification for failing to adhere to show rules.

All competitors are eligible to participate in the NCMG (National Certified Master Groomer) or AKC Master Groomer evaluation programs.

For more information about these certifications, please visit:

https://www.akc.org/groomer-hub/

https://nationaldoggroomers.com/