🐾 DOODLE SHOWDOWN

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The Double Coated Showdown is designed for newer competitors who work with spitz, nordic, herding, and other double-coated breeds every day — and want to show what thoughtful trimming and coat preservation can really do.

This class focuses on shape, outline, balance, and coat care, rather than clip-offs or extreme makeovers. Think polished, tidy, and natural — with a little bit of ring-worthy flair. 

Pomeranian, Corgi, Sheltie, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Husky, Keeshond, Samoyed, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, mixed double-coats, and similar types. 

This class is designed specifically for groomers who are new to the competition ring and want the chance to experience what it’s like to compete on the big stage — in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

This division is not open to Intermediate or Open level competitors.

Entry-level competitors who have competed before are still welcome to participate; however, we strongly encourage returning competitors to consider entering a different division as the next step in their competition journey.

• Dogs must arrive bathed, dried, and fully brushed out.
• Minimal pre-trimming allowed (feet/pads/sanitary only). 
• No obvious pre-cut lines 

• Thinning/blending shears, scissors, carding, raking, hand-stripping on appropriate areas
• Tidy shaping of pants, chest, underline, tail, neck, and outline
• Light scissoring to refine silhouette

• Full body shave-downs or drastic clipper trims
• Removing the natural double coat structure
• Coloring, chalking, or decorative cosmetics (unless otherwise stated in show rules)

• Cleanliness & preparation
• Coat preservation and appropriate technique
• Balance, symmetry, and structure enhancement
• Smoothness and polish of finish
• Suitability to the breed/coat type
• Overall presentation and teamwork between groomer and dog
   

 Celebrate groomers who respect the coat — and know how to make double coats shine without compromising them. 

 The VGS Live Model Dog Competition is designed to showcase scissoring skill, balance, style, and creativity — without the pressure of working on a live dog.

Competitors will groom a synthetic-coated model dog in the ring, during a timed session.
Grooms may be:

• Purebred Breed Profile — inspired by traditional breed standards
   
• Freestyle / Salon Style — a well-balanced, professional trim not tied to a specific breed
   

Both approaches are judged equally on technique, finish quality, and overall presentation.

 All Division A (Open) and Division B (Entry & Intermediate) competitors are welcome.

• One model dog per competitor. 
• All work must be completed solely by the competitor during ring time. 
• Divisions may be combined based on total number of entries.

Total Grooming Time: 2 hours

• Competitors must stop immediately when time is called.
• Working after time may result in point deductions or disqualification.
• No helpers, handlers, or coaching during the competition.

• Must be a commercially available, synthetic-coated mannequin dog. 
• Coat must fully cover the model in its natural state (no missing panels or pre-cut sections). 
• No taxidermy, real fur, or live-animal parts are allowed.
• Starting condition checked at ring entry
   

If judges determine the model has been significantly pre-altered, penalties may apply.

• ✔️  Brushing and combing & light detangling 

• ✔️  Scissors, thinners, blenders, curved shears 
• ✔️  Combs & brushes 
• ✔️  Clippers (used only during ring time) 
• ✔️  Finishing Sprays, light styling products
• ✔️  Chalk / Powders in reasonable amounts

• Pre-scissoring prior to ring time
• Clipper work of any kind prior to ring time
• Carving or shaping the coat prior to ring time
• Pre-blocked patterns or outlines prior to ring time
• Cutting into or altering the plastic structure
• Heavy adhesives or sticky substances
• Products that stain the ring or other compeitor's dogs

If excessive pre-work is discovered, judges may deduct points or move the entry to “Exhibition Only.” 

The Creative Pre-Groom is a fun, artistic special contest designed to highlight creative grooming, color application, styling, and presentation in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

This is a pre-groomed class, meaning the majority of grooming, design, and creative work must be completed prior to the competition check in. Judging focuses on overall creativity, technical execution, and final presentation.

All Division A (Open) and Division B (Entry & Intermediate) competitors are welcome. 

• This class is ideal for first-time creative competitors as well as experienced groomers wishing to showcase artistic work 
• Divisions may be combined based on total number of entries.
• Space is limited; advance registration is required

3:30 PM Check-In & Prop Set Up
Competitors must check in during the designated window with dogs fully finished. 

4:00 PM Pre-Judging Begins

Judges will evaluate the groom up close prior to presentations. 

4:30 PM Presentation Time

Each competitor will be allotted up to 2 minutes for presentation. Order will be assigned at check-in. 

5:15 PM Awards

• ✔️  Dogs must be clean, dry, and fully pre-groomed prior to check-in 
• ✔️  Dogs Must be on good health and suitable for creative grooming 
• ✔️  Dogs must tolerate handling, props, and presentation safely and calmly 
• 🚫 Dogs showing signs of stress or discomfort may be excused at the judges’ discretion

• All major grooming and creative work must be completed before check-in 
• Allowed techniques include: 
  • ✔️ Creative scissoring and carving 
  • ✔️ Coloring, dyeing, chalking, and artistic enhancements 
  • ✔️ Creative styling, sculpting, and finishing 
• Minor touch-ups (brushing, light scissoring, product refinement) may be permitted at check-in at judges’ discretion 
• 🚫 No dryers or electrical equipment are permitted during the contest or presentation period

• Props, costumes, and accessories are encouraged to support the theme 
• Maximum footprint: 5’ x 5’ 
  • Exceeding this space may result in disqualification 
• Props must be: 
  • Stable and self-supporting 
  • Safe for the dog, handler, judges, and venue 
• No heavy or restrictive objects may be attached to the dog 
• Music is permitted for presentation (competitors must provide their own music)

For safety and venue compliance, the following are not permitted:

• 🚫  Smoke, fog, confetti, glitter throw, streamers, flames, or explosives 
• 🚫  Toxic, permanent, or non-pet-safe products 
• 🚫  Non-water-soluble glues or adhesives 
• 🚫  Tape or fasteners that pull coat or skin 
• 🚫  Any prop or accessory deemed unsafe by judges or show management