3.4       Group 1 Hand stripping

a) Dog models must not be groomed for 30 days or more prior to the date of the competition except for the flatwork areas of stripping breeds which may be groomed up to 20 days prior the competition

b) All dogs may have their sanitary and pads shaved prior to the start of class.

c) The coat must be carded or hand stripped.

d) The coat can be rolled up to 3 weeks before the show.

e) There should be no visible pink skin or bald patches after grooming.

d) Chalk, such as terrier chalk, may be applied prior to or during the time frame to aid in hand stripping. Enhance the coat colour; chalk is permitted in Level A only and shall not easily transfer onto judges' hands.

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3.4.1   Restrictions

 a) Level A+ & A - Clipping/Scissoring is not permitted (see exemption breeds).

 b) Level B - Clipping and excessive usage of scissors will be penalized.

 c) Level C - Clipping and scissors are permitted.

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3.4.2   Exemption Breeds (Clipper permitted):

a) Schnauzer - Ears, Head, Neck, and inside of back legs only.

b) Scottish Terrier - Ears, Head, Neck Only.

c) West Highland Terrier - Ears and Neck only.

d) Sealyham Terrier - Ears, Head, Neck only.

 

 

3.5       Group 2 Spaniel / Setter

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a) All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard and as presented in the conformation show ring

b) Dog models must not be groomed for 60 days or more prior to the date of the competition

c) Thinning scissors are not permitted to be used on the jacket.

d) Thinning scissors can be used for blending ears, head, face, neck, and rear.

e) Chalk is allowed.

f) Clipping is allowed on the face, neck, chest, and ears.

g) All dogs may have their sanitary and pads shaved prior to the start of class.

h) Finishing sprays are permissible to tidy up after the time frame ends.

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3.5.1   Restrictions

a) Level A+ & A - Thinning scissors are strictly not permitted to be used on the jacket.

 b) Level B - Minimal usage of clippers and thinning scissors is permitted on the jacket but not encouraged. 

c) Level C - Clipping and thinning scissors are permitted on the jacket.

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3.6       Group 3 - Poodle

a) All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard and as presented in the conformation show ring

b) Dog models must not be groomed for 60 days or more prior to the date of the competition

c) All Poodles can have their sanitary and pads shaved prior to the show.

d) All Poodles can have their face, feet, & tail shaved prior to the show.

e) Topknot bubble must be done during the show time frame; bandings can be done prior.

f)  Finishing sprays are permissible to tidy up after the show time frame ends.

g)Hairspray may be used at any time throughout the showtime.

 

3.6.1   Restrictions

a) Level A+ & A:

1) Clipper guide combs are not permitted.

2) Show trims with spray up only (i.e., English Saddle, Continental, or Scandinavian (Second Puppy).

3) The topknot bubble must be done during the competition time frame.

4) Hair extensions are permitted and shall be of the same coat colour as the dog and can be applied before the competition.

5) An extra 20 minutes will be added for show trims.

6) Hairspray can be used on the topknot at any time throughout the competition time.

7) A thin layer of hairspray can be applied to the topknot before the competition but must be able to be combed through at prejudging.

8) Show collar to be applied before spray up.

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b) Level B & C:

1. Clipper guide combs are permitted.

2. Trims permitted at your level are German Trim Lamb/Modern Trim Modified Continental, Sporting Trim Town and Country Trims, or Any other Pet trims.

 

3.7       Group 4 - Scissoring

a) All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard and as presented in the conformation show ring

b) All dogs may have their sanitary and pads shaved prior to the start of class.

c) Finishing sprays are permissible to tidy up after the show time frame ends.

 

3.7.1  Restrictions

 a) Level A+ & A - Clipper guide combs are not permitted.

 b) Level B - Minimal usage of clipper guide combs is permitted.

 c) Level C -  Usage of clipper guide combs is permitted.

 

3.8       Group 5 (Salon Freestyle)

3.8.1 This is an inclusive group for any breeds groomed in the everyday salon style.

3.8.2 Any crossbreed in the everyday salon style or groom any purebred in the teddy style. Examples: Poodle in Bedlington trim or Old English Sheepdog in a teddy bear trim.

3.8.3 Poodle face and feet may not be shaved.

3.8.4 Points are awarded for skills in clipper work, scissor work, balance, symmetry & scissor finish.

3.8.5 All dogs may have their sanitary and pads shaved prior to the start of class.

3.8.6 Finishing sprays are permissible to tidy up after the time frame ends.

3.8.7 These classes are for exhibition only and are not eligible for Best In Show awards.

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3.9 Special Classes

3.9.1 Special classes may be offered at approved championship shows.

3.9.2 These classes are for exhibition only and are not eligible for Best In Shows awards.

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3.9.3 Asian Fusion- Teddy trim with an Asian flair, some colouring, clothes, and accessories are permitted. Coat carving is permitted, for example: spirals, wings, love heart, etc.

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3.9.4 Model Dogs - Canine Grooming shall be completed at home and brought for judging on the day of the competition.

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3.9.5 Asian Fusion - dogs may be altered, modified, and minimal colours permitted. Bows, decorations, and accessories permitted

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3.9.6 Creative - dogs may be altered, modified, and coloured. Bows, decorations, and accessories permitted

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3.9.7 Pure Breed - dogs may be altered, modified, and coloured to achieve any recognized ANKC recognized breed.

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3.10    Classification of Levels

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3.10.1 Each category we have 4 skill levels and the classification should help you understand and choose the correct level. 

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3.10.2 Group

3.10.2.1         Main Categories                   Levels

a)                   Poodle                                   Level A+, A, B & C

b)                   Scissoring                              Level A+, A, B & C

c)                   Spaniel & Setter                    Level A+, A, B & C

d)                   Hand Stripping                     Level A+, A, B & C

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Notes:

Freestyle * - Level A+, A, B & C

Asian Fusion * - One Level

Model Dogs * - One Level

 

* These categories and Level B & C are not eligible for BEST IN SHOW

 

3.10.3   Classification of Levels

3.10.3.1 Level C (Novice)

Groomers who has less than 2 years of experience grooming

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3.10.3.2 Level B (Intermediate)

Groomers who has less than 4 years of experience grooming

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3.10.3.3 Level A (Advanced)

A groomer who has more than 4 years of experience grooming.

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3.10.3.4 Level A+ 

This level is for a groomer who has achieved a certified point score of 90 and above from Level A.

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3.10.3.5 First Full Groom (FFG) Experience

Your grooming experience officially counts from your First Full Groom (FFG) experience. This experience is determined from the first time you independently completed a full groom on any breed, without any direct support or supervision.

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3.10.3.6  Definition:

FFG is defined as the first instance where you have successfully completed a full grooming session on any dog breed, entirely on your own. 

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3.10.3.7 Exclusions:

Please note that any grooming experience gained during TAFE school training or while working under the guidance of trainers or mentors will not be counted towards your FFG. This policy ensures that the experience considered is entirely independent.

 

3.11    Awards and Prizes

 

3.11.1 Level Winners

a) 1st, 2nd and 3rd placement - Rosette

b) 4th and 5th place - merit awards will be presented 

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3.11.2 Group and Best In Show Winners

a) Best In Group 1st, 2nd & 3rd - Rosette and Prizes

​b) BEST IN SHOW 1ST, 2ND & 3RD - Rosette and Prizes

c)  Best Level B In Show - Rosette and Prizes

d)  Best Level C In Show - Rosette and Prizes

e) ​Best Salon Freestyle In Show - Rosette and Prizes

f)  Best Asian Fusion In Show - Rosette and Prizes

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3.12    Group Placements

3.12.1 Level A+ and Level A Winners will compete for Group 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

​3.12.2 Group winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) from the Hand Stripping, Spaniel & Setter, Scissoring and Poodle categories are required for the Best In Show award (BIS).

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​3.13     Best in Show Placements

​3.13.1 The Best In Group 1st winners from the 4 main categories will compete for BEST IN SHOW 1st.

3.13.2 The Group 2nd place winner from the winning Group will then compete with the remaining Best In show contestants for the Best In Show 2nd.

3.13.3 The Group which wins the Best In Show 2nd will then send forth the next winner to compete for the Best In Show 3rd placement.

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3.14    Best In Show for Level B 

3.14.1 The Level B 1st winner from the 4 main groups will compete for  Best In Level B

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3.15    Best In Show for Level  C 

3.15.1 The Level C 1st winner from the 4 main groups will compete for  Best In Class C.

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3.16    Best Freestyle In Show

3.16.1 The 1st place winner from Level A, B & C are required in General Specials for Freestyle In Show

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3.17    Best Asian Fusion In Show

3.17.1 The Top 3 winners (Finalists ) from Asian Fusion sub-class 1 and sub class 2 are required in General Specials for Best Asian Fusion In Show

 

3.18    Awards and Prizes

 

3.18.1 Level Winners

a) 1st, 2nd and 3rd placement

b) 4th and 5th place - merit awards

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3.18.2 Group and Best In Show Winners

a) Best In Group 1st, 2nd & 3rd

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3.18.3 Best in Show 1st, 2nd & 3rd

​a) Best Level B In Show

b) Best Level C In Show

c) ​Best Salon Freestyle In Show

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3.19    Group Placements

​3.19.1 Level A+ and Level A Winners will compete for Group 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

​3.19.2 Group winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) from the Hand Stripping, Spaniel & Setter, Scissoring and Poodle categories are required for the Best In Show award (BIS).