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What will be the Assessor looking for ?

The assessor will evaluate the candidate’s grooming based on the following criteria:

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  1. Breed Standard Compliance: The groomer's ability to complete the grooming according to the specific breed standard.

  2. Suitability of the Trim: How well the chosen trim suits the dog’s features and enhances its appearance.

  3. Handling Skills: The groomer’s proficiency in handling and controlling the dog throughout the grooming process.

  4. Use of Tools: Effective use of grooming tools such as scissors, clippers, and stripping knives.

  5. Symmetry of the Groom: The balance and evenness of the grooming, ensuring the dog's appearance is consistent with breed standards.

  6. Overall Scissor Finish: The quality of the final scissor work, including the smoothness and finish of the grooming.

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Points are awarded based on the execution and effectiveness in these areas, reflecting the groomer’s skill and adherence to grooming standards.

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When judging canine grooming, the judges focus on several key aspects to assess the groomer's skills and the quality of the finished groom. Here are the criteria:

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  1. Preparation 

    • Preparation is key from selecting the right dog, coat preparation even to packing grooming essentials ensuring they and their dogs prepare at their peak in the examination 

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  2. Profile

    • Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the breed’s standards and deviations. They should be able to address and correct faults through their grooming techniques.

  3. Tools and Dog Handling Skill

    • Judges assess how well the groomer used the relevant tools and how well he/she interacts with and controls the dog. Proper handling is crucial to ensure the dog’s comfort and to avoid positioning that could cause discomfort during grooming.

  4. Technical

    • Grooming should display balance, symmetry, and smoothness. For example, the length of the legs should be proportional to the body’s depth, and the overall body length should be in harmony with the dog’s height as per the breed standard.

  5. Degree of Difficulty

    • The difficulty level of the grooming task is evaluated based on the transformation from the dog's initial appearance to the finished style. Judges consider how well the groomer manages challenging coats and the extent of improvement achieved. Difficulty is also ranked, with Long-Legged Terriers typically being more challenging than other types.

  6. Finishing Work

    • Points are awarded based on the skill and technique demonstrated with scissors, clippers, or stripping knives. Judges look for detailed workmanship, including how well the scissoring is executed (e.g., plushness, smoothness) and whether the legs are evenly scissored and balanced.

  7. Presentation

    • Proper presentation of the breed is evaluated, including the dog’s stance and the groomer’s ability to position the dog correctly (stacking). The groomer should demonstrate knowledge of proper head and tail positioning. Use of bait is allowed to achieve the best presentation.

 

These criteria ensure that the grooming work is assessed comprehensively, reflecting both technical skill and an understanding of breed standards.

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