Grooming Competition

Competition Details

**Event Schedule:** February 28-9:00AM - 5:00 PM, March 1, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

**Master of Ceremonies- Marcia Strong**

**February 28**

• 09:00 AM: Check-in & Pre-Judge for Poodles Competition
• 09:30 AM - 11:30 PM: Poodles Competition- Judge: Diane Betelak
• 11:30 PM - 12:00 PM: Judging
• 12:30 PM: Check-in & Pre-Judge for Salon Showdown
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Salon Showdown- Judge: Diane Betelak
• 3:00 PM 3:30 PM: Judging
• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: 1 hour finish on stage Extreme Creative- Judge: Mindy Dinwiddie
• 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Judging

**March 1**

• 10:00 AM: Check-in & Pre-Judge for Groom & Zoom
• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Groom & Zoom- Judge: Diane Betelak
• 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Judging
• 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Open Round Table Discussion (hosted by Marcia Strong)
• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: 1 hour finish on stage Abstract Runway- Judge: Mindy Dinwiddie
• 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Judging

All competitors must check in at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled competition start time.

All contestants are required to bring their own grooming tables, arms and equipment. There will be no access to electricity, bathing stations, or drying areas. All dogs must arrive fully prepped- bathed, dried, and ready for final competition styling. Please plan accordingly to ensure your dog is groom-ready before entering the ring.

**Overview Pup Palooza Official Contest Rules**

Poodle Competition Rules - GroomTeam USA Poodle (Under GroomTeam USA Rules) Eligibility- Any size, purebred Poodles in natural coat colors. Time Allowances Split by height:- 11" & under - 1 hr 30 min- Over 11" to 17" - 1 hr 45 min- Over 17" to 23" - 2 hrs Styling Requirements- Pet or show trims welcome, as long as breed profile stays intact- Feet must be shaved, and may be pre-shaved before class start- Face must be shaved during competition- Small mustache or goatee permitted; scissored-type faces (like Bichon style) are NOT allowed- Show topknots allowed if banded before start; no spray-ups before class begins Allowed Prep & Products- Sanitary areas, paw pads, nail trim, and ear cleaning may be done before competition start- Finishing sprays allowed after time is called- Chalk products allowed if banded before start; no spray ups before class begins.

Salon Showdown – Official Rules Overview: This competition celebrates salon-style grooms that wow the eye and mirror what clients expect in a real world grooming salon. Transformation is the name of the game—turning everyday coats into polished, professional finishes. Eligibility:- Mixed breeds and purebreds are allowed.- Dogs must be in a condition representative of a standard client appointment (not show-ready).- Any finish is allowed, including modified breed trims and creative salon styling, as long as it is functional and appropriate. Product Usage:- Breed-appropriate products may be used.- Products should enhance coat finish and control, but the judge must still be able to run a comb through the coat—no hairspray armor or shellacked finishes. Judging Criteria:- Style & Visual Appeal – Overall impact of the groom- Salon-Finish Realism – Does it look like a groom done for a client?- Time Management – Efficient, timely grooming start to finish- Coat Prep – Dog should be clean, dried, and pre-brushed- Transformation – Clear “before and after” improvement- Balance & Technique – Evenness, symmetry, line precision, and appropriate tool usage Time Limit:- Standard time for one full dog groom: 2 hours- Dogs must be pre-bathed and dry before the competition begins

Groom and Zoom Two groomers. One dog. Zero words. In this high-intensity grooming challenge, competitors must tag-team one groom, alternating every 15 minutes without speaking. Strategy, efficiency, and silent communication are key to creating a seamless, show-worthy finish under pressure. Time Limit 2 hours total. Groomers switch every 15 minutes exactly on the mark. Dog Requirements One dog per team. Any breed allowed. Dog must be in a salon-style trim functional, realistic, and appropriate to coat type. Dogs must be pre-bathed, dried, and brushed-no bathing on site. Coat must be prepped and detangled, ready for finish grooming. Team Requirements: Two groomers per team. No verbal communication allowed during the entire grooming period. Both groomers must contribute equally to the finished groom. Grooming Rules Breed-standard or modified pet trims accepted. Scissoring, clipping, and thinning allowed. Products may be used, but coat must remain comb-through ready. Tools must be clean and in good working condition. No dye, chalk, or accessories allowed. Judging Criteria- Teamwork & Seamlessness: Smooth transitions between groomers with no visible 'hand-off' lines or inconsistencies.- Execution & Finish: Precision, cleanliness of lines, balance, and overall style. Time Management: Did the team use the full 2 hours effectively- Coat Condition & Prep: Was the coat handled properly throughout the groom?- Transformation: Visual improvement and polish of final groom.

**Judging Criteria**

All entries will be judged based on the following categories, weighted according to the competition class:

**Technical Execution** – Precision in clipper work, scissoring, and line placement

**Breed Profile or Design Accuracy** - For breed-specific and creative classes, respectively

**Balance & Symmetry** - Evenness, proportion, and structural alignment

**Coat Condition & Finish**  - Cleanliness, coat health, and polish

**Creativity & Artistic Vision**  - For Creative and Abstract Runway classes only **Adaptability Under Pressure** - Especially relevant in Groom & Zoom

**Overall Presentation** - Including the dog's comfort and groomer's ring presence

All dogs must be handled humanely and with care at all times. Any signs of stress, rough handling, or unsafe practices may result in disqualification.