19 - 20- 21 SEPTEMBER 2025
WELCOME TO
DOG SHOW Breed Standard Challenge
The Dog Show Breed Standard Challenge is a special competition class designed for breeders, handlers, groomers, and dog show enthusiasts who wish to present their dogs in a show-standard groom, demonstrating their expertise in maintaining breed-specific standards. This category allows participants to compete within the four official classes (Handstripping, Spaniels & Setters, Poodles, and Other Pure Breeds Scissoring) but follows a dog show-inspired judging format.
This class is dedicated to those passionate about presenting their dogs at the highest level of breed standard grooming and showcasing their expertise in a true dog show presentation format.
SUNDAY MORNING
8.30am - 12.pm DOG SHOW BREED STANDARD CHALLENGE
1.00pm : FINALS
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One Unified Class: All participants, regardless of their previous category (Handstripping, Spaniels & Setters, Poodles, or Other Pure Breeds Scissoring), will compete together in a single class.
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Three Winners: The judges will select the top three groomers from all participants, 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
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Extended Time Limits: To allow participants to demonstrate their expertise at the highest level, grooming times will be extended by 25%
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Eligible Participants: Open to breeders, handlers, groomers, and dog show enthusiasts who want to showcase their grooming and presentation skills.
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No Additional Time: Grooming time is the same as in the regular competition, with no extra allowance.
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One Unified Class: All four official categories are included, but all participants compete together in a single class.
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Judging Based on Appearance Only: Judges will evaluate the dogs visually, without combing or touching them, assessing how well the grooming adheres to the breed standard.
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Movement Assessment: Each dog must be walked briefly in the ring to assess presentation, movement, balance, and adherence to breed-specific conformation.
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Minimum Coat Length Requirement: Unlike other grooming competition classes, dogs must have a minimum of 3 weeks of coat growth before the competition. The coat should be long enough to allow a distinct breed-standard groom, but 8 weeks of growth is not required for participation.
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Transparent Scoring: Judges must score openly and publicly, announcing their points in front of competitors and the audience for full transparency.
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Three Winners: The top three participants will be awarded 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place based on final scores.
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Not Eligible for Best in Show: This class does not count towards the Best in Show title or progression to other competition classes.
PLEASE SEE THE FULL COMPETITION RULES FOR ALL THE DETAILS & INFORMATION
