The South East Grooming Show 2024

DOG GROOMING COMPETITION • AWARDS CEREMONY • SEMINARS • FREE SPECTATOR & SHOPPING ENTRY • COMPETITOR GOODY BAGS • CAFÉ • FREE PARKING

BY ENTERING AND PURCHASING A TICKET YOU AGREE TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PLEASE READ THE RULES

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A SET OF STAIRS WITH NO DISABLED ACCESS TO SEMINAR ROOM & VIEWING BAY. NO DOGS UPSTAIRS

NO DOGS EXCEPT THOSE WHO ARE COMPETING

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ THE RULES AND HAVE PICKED THE CORRECT CLASS

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE AN ADMIN CHARGE OF £10 TO MAKE ANY CHANGES INCLUDING CLASS CHANGES  

COMPETITOR ENTRY 7:30AM • GENERAL ENTRY 8:00AM

CLASSES, TIMES, & JUDGES

AM CLASSES - PRE JUDGE 8:00AM, CLASS START 8:30AM

Beginner 0-1.5 Years (0-18 Months) - Lakhi Thindal

Intermediate 1.5-3 Years (18-36 Months) - Lakhi Thindal

Salon Freestyle Purebreed Open - Sue Pratt

Salon Freestyle Crossbreed Open - Sue Pratt

Salon Freestyle Champion (All Breeds) - Sue Pratt

Handstrip Terrier & Other Open - Angela Caley

Handstrip Terrier & Other Champion - Angela Caley

Handstrip Gundog Open - Angela Caley

Handstrip Gundog Champion - Angela Caley

PM CLASSES - PRE JUDGE 12:30PM, CLASS START 1:00PM

Purebreed Scissor Open - Denise Westbrook

Purebreed Scissor Champion - Denise Westbrook

Toy & Miniature Poodle Open - Lakhi Thindal

Standard Poodle Open - Lakhi Thindal

Poodle (All Sizes) Champion -Denise Westbrook

Asian Freestyle Open - Lisa Hart

Asian Freestyle Champion - Lisa Hart

Extreme Creative - Lorraine Mottershead

Salon Creative & Carving - Lorraine Mottershead 

Doubles - Lorraine Mottershead

Head Judge - Denise Westbrook

SEMINARS

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A SET OF STAIRS WITH NO DISABLED ACCESS TO SEMINAR ROOM & VIEWING BAY. NO DOGS UPSTAIRS

9:00AM - 10:30AM  Lorraine Mottershead - Flower Power

Step into the world of creative grooming with Lorraine Mottershead. Learn how to create beautiful vivid flowers using various techniques and styles. Mini workshop at end of seminar with purchasable fur mats available. Creative add-ons included

10:45AM - 11:45AM Lisa Hart - Asian Muzzles & Styles Up Close  
In this seminar you will get an up close look at how to build an Asian muzzle that suits any shape or style of dog on Viktor the Miniature Poodle.

12:00PM - 1PM Sophie Bell - Love The Skin The Dog Is In

Let’s talk about all those skin issues that you need to be aware of as a groomer. How can you make a difference? What medications play a role in skin health? What do you need to consider when dealing with skin disease?

1:30PM - 2:30PM Jo Silk-Smith - Salon Grooming For The English Cocker Spaniel

Tips and tricks to make grooming ECS in the salon much easier and hopefully quicker!

2:45PM - 3:45PM Julie Harris - Learn A Superpower In Dealing With Difficult Dogs

Dealing with dogs that are reluctant participants in the grooming process can be stressful for both parties, gaining a super power in dog handling is possible, skills learned in this seminar will be invaluable and rewarding.

CATEGORIES

There will be three placements per class in each category. Due to any event that may occur that is out of our control, the classes that the judges are listed to judge may change at short notice. The South East Grooming Show has the right to remove or merge class categories which have very low entry numbers.

Beginner

• Beginner 0-1.5 Years (0-18 Months) or less experience (including training).
• All breeds and techniques are allowed.
• May have been placed before, but not 1^st in an equivalent class.
• No breed/exhibitor specialists.
• This class is not eligible for Best in Show.
• Time allocated: 2 hours

Intermediate

• 1.5-3 Years (18-36 Months) experience (including training).
• All breeds and techniques are allowed.
• May have been placed before, but not 1^st in equivalent class.
• No breed/exhibitor specialists.
• This class is not eligible for Best in Show.
• Time allocated: 2 hours

Open

• Open to all with less than three 1^st placements or two 1^st placements and a Best in Show in any set class.
• Breed/exhibitor specialists allowed.

Champion

• Advised: competitors that have already won a 1st in the same category three times, or two times and a best in show in any set class.
• Breed/exhibitor specialists allowed.

Salon Freestyle

• Any purebreed or crossbreed, without styling to breed standard
• Time allocated: 2 hours

Extreme Creative

• The only limitation, other than the safety and welfare of the dog, is your imagination and creative talents.
• Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring.
• This class is not eligible for Best in Show.
• Time allocated: 2 hours 30 minutes
• An additional 15 minutes is given at the end of the class to prepare their staging/backdrop and costume ready to present their art

Salon Creative & Carving

• Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring.
• Up to 25% of the dog can be coloured
• This class is not eligible for Best in Show.
• Time allocated: 2 Hours

Asian Freestyle

• For any breed or crossbreed trimmed in Asian style. This means any interpretation of this style so it is up to the individual’s flair, skill and the judges preference
• Exaggerated features are usually required
• Coat dressings and accessories are allowed but must be applied during the class
• Time allocated: 2 Hours

Purebreed Scissor

• Clipper comb attachments are not allowed.
• Colouring is not allowed.
• Must be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard.
• Time allocated: Small & medium breeds (under 17’’ at withers) 2 hours
• Time allocated: Large breeds (17’’ at withers and above) 2 hours 30 minutes

Handstrip Gundog

• For all gundog breeds groomed according to their breed standard.
• Stripping knives are allowed.
• Coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed.
• You are not allowed to use clippers except Cockers and Setters chest and ears.
• Time allocated: All sizes 2 hours 30 minutes

Handstrip Terrier & Other

• The dog to be groomed according to their breed standard.
• Stripping knives are allowed.
• Pet safe coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed.
• You are not allowed to use clippers except: Scottish Terrier – chest, head and ears. West Highland Terrier - chest and ears. Schnauzer - chest, head, inside of back legs and ears.
• Time allocated: Small & medium breeds (under 17’’ at withers) 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Time allocated: Large breeds (17’’ at withers and above) 3 Hours

Poodle (Toy, Miniature & Standard)

• Poodles must be groomed in a style recognised according to their breed standard.
• Clipper comb attachments are not allowed
• Poodle’s face, feet and tail are to be clipped before entering the ring. Ear clipping must be done in the ring.
• Colouring is not allowed.
• Poodles with top knots may ask for help from an outsider to hold the dog.
• Poodle’s Spray up topknots have an extra 15 minutes for all sizes.
• Time allocated: Toy Poodle & Miniature Poodle 2 hours
• Time allocated: Standard Poodle 2 hours 30 minutes

Golden Scissor Awards

• Independent award scheme in addition to standardised wins
• Show rules still apply such as moving into championship classes with 3 x 1st placement wins or 2 1st placements and a BIS

RULES

General Rules

• Please do not bring dogs not entered into the competition (except service dogs).
• Stewards are around to help you, so don't be afraid to ask!
• Any aggressive behaviour including foul language used towards the judges, event staff, competitors, spectators, or dogs will lead to disqualification or removal from the show.
• Please clean up after your dog(s) – penalty £100.
• Please do not touch other people’s dogs without explicit permission from the owner/handler.
• Do not leave dogs unattended – stewards can look after them during privy breaks.
• We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to your property or dog(s).
• Tickets are non-refundable. 
• No dogs upstairs or past the main hall. No dogs allowed in café. 

Competitor Rules

• Competitors must provide their own dog(s).
• Please ensure you have adequate dog grooming insurance.
• All classes will start promptly. Competitors who have not entered the ring 15 minutes before contest start time may not be permitted to compete.
• There will be a 10-minute comfort break for all dogs after one hour has elapsed in the morning and afternoon sessions.
• Dogs must have a minimum of 6 weeks’ worth of growth to showcase your skills, with no visible set lines. Judging is based on degree of difficulty and level of work.
• Poodles must have a minimum of 5cm hair growth with no visible set lines. The hair on the muzzle and feet should be clipped prior to the competition.
• There must be a visible difference in the dog from the start to the finish of the class.
• Products may be used but only if they are deemed safe for animal use.
• The use of chalk is allowed, however no trace of it should remain on the judge's hand after judgement has taken place.
• All competitors are ultimately responsible for their own dogs, so please make sure that dogs are kept watered and exercised and don't forget to clean up after your dog!
• We recommend you bring an assistant if you are competing in more than one category. You will be disqualified if your crated dog is being unruly, such as excessive barking and distracting other competitors.
• All grooming techniques are allowed - the chosen technique should suit the type of the dog’s coat.
• If the competitor makes clipper burns, nicks or cuts they cannot be placed as a winner.
• We reserve the right to move entries up or down if placed in the wrong category.
• Competitor stewards are around to help you, so don't be afraid to ask.
• For Champion level only: Placement(s) may be withheld if the judge deems a groom to not be of championship level.
• The judges’ decision is final.

Competition Dog Qualification

• Dogs should be clean, dry, and free of mats and tangles. Nails should be clipped and/or filed, ears clean. Sanitary and pads may be clipped prior to competition. All other grooming must take place during contest time frame with exceptions as noted in Poodle & creative.
• Please treat your dogs with respect. If the judges consider a dog is being mishandled, a warning will be given. A second warning will result in disqualification.
• Dogs must be of an age appropriate for competition environment. Suggested age is between 1 year and 10 years.
• Must appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious disease and parasites.
• No pregnant bitches, those that are nursing or bitches on heat.
• Dogs must not show signs of viciousness or aggression.
• Dogs must be properly cared for with food, water and exercise while on the show premises.
• Dogs must be leashed when not crated or not being groomed.

Creative Rules

• Colouring can be done prior to the class but finishing colour and styling must be done during the class
• The dog must be able to move freely whilst wearing their style
• All products used must be pet friendly, non-toxic and skin safe.
• Anyone seen to be using superglue, glue guns or staple guns etc. will be disqualified immediately.
• Please ensure you have completed a patch test prior to colouring any dog to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
• Do not use dyes on dogs with sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin.
• Pet safe dye must be at least 1 inch away from eyes and genitals.
• Any dog showing signs of reaction and or allergies to pet safe dyes will be disqualified.
• The use of lightening or bleaching products is not permitted.

Prohibited In The Competition Ring

• Standing on tables or chairs
• Coaching by anyone, at any time during the competition time frame or within the break.
• Visual or written instructions with the exception of diagrams for the creative class.
• Smoking including vaping
• Alcohol

Grooming Equipment

• Please bring your own table and grooming arm as they are not provided
• There are no electrical points available. We advise you bring cordless clippers.
• Competitors must provide all of their own equipment including but not limited to: grooming loops, scissors, clippers, blades, brushes etc.
• Please ensure your equipment is safe and in good working order.
• We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to your property.
• All personal equipment must be removed from the competition ring after each class.

Professional Image, Conduct, Skill Application

• Competitors must maintain a safe styling station at all times Example: Open scissors left on the table for the dog to step on would be considered unsafe styling station.
• Competitors must practice kind and safe handling techniques at all times.
• Dogs must never be left unattended on the table.
• Competitors must apply technical skills with safety.
• Nicks, cuts and clipper irritations are considered unsafe technical skill application and will be penalized.
• Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times.
• Poor sportsmanship is displayed when a contestant shows disrespect to fellow competitors, judge, contest dog, staff, sponsors and spectators.
• Professional conduct is also carried into the care and responsibility of your contest dog and the hotel grounds, rooms and property.

Prejudging

Judges will evaluate, confirm and note the following:

• Correct class & division
• Sufficient coat growth and evaluate preparation
• Time frame by size, breed or technique
• If pattern is pre-set
• Competitor comments such as, but not limited to: ear infections, missing coat, moles, scars, healing injuries, etc.

Competition End

• Competitors should remove hair, tools and equipment from grooming table.
• A comb should be placed on the table.
• Competitors may comb their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging.
• Competitors may use finishing sprays to freshen up their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging, but ANY reshaping or styling with hair spray, products or water is prohibited.
• Competitors should stack and present their dog to the judges.

Judges Evaluation

• Overall uniformity of the trim
• Balance, symmetry and style of the trim
• Purebred: adherence to correct breed profile
• Freestyle: ability of groomer to create the best possible profile according to body type, conformation and coat
• Scissoring: plush appearance without scissor marks
• Hand stripping and carding: smooth natural appearance and proper technique
• Clipper lines should be clean and free of irritation
• Edges such as cocker and poodle feet should show neat and tidy bevels
• Difficulty regarding the amount of coat removed, pattern created or followed, coat type, texture, quality and quantity
• Camouflaging conformation faults and accentuating profile attributes

Clarification of any issues that may arise that are not covered by the rules will be determined by judging panel and/or show management

NO DOGS EXCEPT THOSE WHO ARE COMPETING

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE AN ADMIN CHARGE OF £10 TO MAKE ANY CHANGES INCLUDING CLASS CHANGES

BY ENTERING AND PURCHASING A TICKET YOU AGREE TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS