GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Sanctioned Class Rules

Acceptable coat growth for all GroomTeam USA, Inc.® sanctioned classes:

It is the responsibility of the show promoter and /or their designated judges to determine adequate coat growth. 

Acceptable Styling for all GroomTeam USA, Inc.® classes:

  • All styling must take place during the time frame of the competition except where noted below.
  • All dogs must be groomed according to breed standard with the exception of Poodle as noted below.
  • All dogs may have sanitary areas and pads shaved prior to class start.
  • All dogs may have nails trimmed and ears cleaned prior to class start.
  • Finishing sprays, are permissible in order to tidy up after competition time frame ends however, re-­shaping with water or product application is prohibited.
  • Chalk products are permissible prior to and during the competition time frame but are prohibited after time is called.
  • Wire Coats must be hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring.
  • Sporting coats must be carded and/or hand stripped. Clippers are only permissible as presented in the conformation show ring.
  • Other Purebreds must be styled as presented in the conformation show ring.
  • Poodles can be styled as presented in the conformation show ring or pet trims, provided they respect the breed profile as set forth by the standard.
POODLES:

Acceptable breeds:  All sizes, natural colors of purebred Poodles
This class may be split into two separate classes as follows: 17” and under, Over 17” 
11” and under – 1:30 (One hour & thirty minutes)
Over 11” up to and including 17” – 1:45 (one hour and forty-­‐five minutes) 
Over 17” up to and including 23” – 2:00 (Two hours)
Over  23” – 2:15  (Two  hours  and  fifteen  minutes) 

When splitting the Poodle class the following stipulations apply: 
A competition must take place between the three finalists from each of the two Open Division Poodle classes to determine the placements of the combined Poodle class, for a final 1st, 2nd and 3rd for all Open Division Poodles. Only the Final place winners may be awarded GroomTeam USA, Inc.® points.

Poodle Styling: All pet and show poodle styles are acceptable provided they respect the breed profile of the poodle.

  • Feet must be shaved.
  • Feet may be shaved prior to competition start time. No extra time will be permitted if not completed prior to class start.
  • Face must be shaved during competition time frame.
  • Small mustache or goatee are permitted.
  • Scissored face styles such as Bichon or scissored type faces are prohibited.
  • Show topknots may be pre-­banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class, spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Sporting:

Acceptable breeds Open Division:  Spaniels and Setters (see specific breed list)   
Styling: Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring. 
Time frame: 2 hours

All Wire Coated Pure Breeds

Acceptable breeds, Open Division: Pure breeds with wire coat types that are hand stripped. (See specific breed list) 
Styling:  Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring.
Time Frames: See specific breed List.

Other Pure Breeds:

Acceptable breeds, Open Division: See specific breed list

Styling: Must be groomed to breed profile as presented in the conformation show ring. 
Time Frames: See specific breed List.