Entry Deadlines:
All entries for the U. S. Pet Pro Classic 2002 competition must be received by phone, fax,
e-mail, or mail no later than midnight Saturday, August 24, 2002.
Entry Fees:
$159.95 for as many classes as you wish to enter…includes all lectures, management
seminars, Master Styling breed demos & workshops, trade show and Platform Shows
plus Party and Awards Luncheon. No discounts apply to entry fees.
Awards & Prizes:
All trophies, cash awards, and prizes must be claimed not later than 6:00 pm the last day
of the competition. Prizes unclaimed at that time shall remain the property of show
management and cannot be claimed at a later date.
Divisional Competition
The three divisions of competition are:
Division A (open): which is open to all individuals.
Division AA (Intermediate): which is open to all individuals who have not won more
than three 1st places in a Division "A" or "AA" competition -or more than one "Group 1
", "Best All Around", or "Best In Show" in any Groom Team sanctioned competition.
Division AAA (Entry Level): which is open to all 1st time competitors or individuals
who have competed in, but not won, more than three 1st placements, or one "Group
Placement", "Best All Around", or "Best In Show" in any type of pet styling competition.
1st place in "Group" win at the show will not affect the contestant's eligibility for their
division, but will require the contestant to enter a higher division at subsequent three
divisional shows.
"Regular" classes and their time allotments:
Regular classes of competition must represent breed standards and dogs entered into
these classes should be trimmed per acceptable AKC breed profiles (i.e. the finished trim
should present the illusion of correct breed expression, proportions, balance, symmetry,
and angulation). The "regular" classes that qualify for competition are as follows:
U.S. Non-Sporting Breeds Championship Large (over 17" @ withers) : All AKC
recognized Non-Sporting breeds over 17" are eligible. Portuguese Water Dogs are
permitted in this class. Time: 2 1/2 hours.
U.S. Non-Sporting Breeds Championship Small (17" under @ withers): All AKC
recognized Non-Sporting breeds that are 17" and under are eligible. Toy Poodles are
permitted in this class. Time: 1 1/2 hours, 10" & under; 1 3/4 hours if over 10".
U.S. Sporting Breeds Championship: All AKC recognized Sporting breeds are eligible.
Time: 2 hours.
U.S. Terrier Breeds Championship: All AKC recognized Terrier breeds are eligible.
Standard and Giant Schnauzers are permitted in this class. Time: 2 1/2 hours for hand-
stripped Terriers over 13"; 2 hours for hand-stripped Terriers 13" and under. 2 hours for
clipped and/or scissored Terriers over 16", 1 1/2 hours for clipped and/or scissored
terriers 16" and under, and 1 1/2 hours for hand-stripped smooth-coated Terriers. All
measurements are from floor to withers.
U .S Potpourri Class Championship: Mixed breed dogs and Purebred dogs in non-breed
characteristics trims, and All Other Purebreds not included in the Non-Sporting, Sporting,
and Terrier Groups. Time: 1 112 hours for dogs 17" and under @ withers; 2 hours for
dogs over 17" @ withers.
All Other Pure-Breed Examples: Irish Wolfhound, Collie, Sheltie, Dachshund, Bouvier
des Flandres, Chinese Crested, Brussel Griffon, Maltese, Silky Terrier, Bearded Collie,
Afghan, etc.
Non-Breed Characteristic/Profile Trim Examples: Poodles with unshaven face and feet;
Poodles in a "Bichon trim", Lhasa Apso in "Teddy Bear" trims, etc. If a Non-Sporting,
Sporting, or Terrier breed, the finished trim must be uncharacteristic for its breed.
Contestants are eligible to compete in only one division per group with one dog per class.
All regular divisional classes for each group are scheduled & judged concurrently. Three
placements are awarded in each division and the winners from each division compete for
"Best Pet Stylist In Group".
Award of Placements and Titles
Following the Judge's decision, the following placements will be awarded:
Class placements: Contestants first compete in their divisions to determine who are the
"Best Pet Stylists" in their class in each division.
A. 1st Place will be awarded to the "Best Pet Stylist In The Class".
B. 2nd Place will be awarded to the 1st runner-up to the "Best In Class".
C. 3rd Place will be awarded to the 2nd runner-up to the "Best In Class".
Group Placements: Winners of each of the classes in each division now compete within
each of their respective groups to determine who is the "Best Pet Stylist" in each Group.
A. Group 1 (Best Pet Stylist In Group): is awarded to the "Best Pet Stylist In Group" as
chosen from the three 1st place divisional winners
B. Group 2 (1st runner-up to "Best Pet Stylist In Group): is selected from the two
remaining first place winners and the second place Pet Stylist from the division in which
"Group 1" was awarded.
C. Group 3 (2nd runner-up to "Best Pet Stylist In Group): is selected from the next
highest-ranking Pet Stylist within their division.
U.S. Best All Around Pet Stylist In Show Championship Award: The title of Best All
Around Pet Stylist In Show shall be awarded to the stylist who has the most Group
Placements.
In the event of a tie, the contestant with the most group points (see below) will win. If
there is still a tie, the contestant with the most Group firsts will win. The decision of
show management and Judges shall be final.
Group points are awarded as follows:
1st Place or Group 1 = 3 points
2nd Place or Group 2 = 2 points
3rd Place or Group 3 = 1 point
U. S. Champion (Best Pet Stylist In Show) Award: The title of "Best Pet Stylist In Show"
shall be awarded to the best of the "Group 1 " winners. All Pet Stylists who have won a
1st Place in their group ("Group 1 ") are eligible to compete for "Best In Show" providing
that they remain in the ring immediately following Group Judging for the Best In Show
judge to examine their entry.
All eligible contestants must be ringside with their dog(s) and ready to set up no later
than 30 minutes prior to the "Best In Show" competition.
All eligible "Best In Show" competitors are allowed 10 minutes in the ring or on stage to
freshen up their dog just prior to being judged. All other coat shaping is strictly
prohibited. Any eligible contestant adjudged to have trimmed their dog(s) following their
respective "Group" win and prior to entering the "Best In Show" competition will be
disqualified.
Prerequisites:
Prior to the competition your dog(s) should be:
1. Combed, brushed, and free of tangles or mats
2. Bathed & dried consistent with its breed standard
3. Ears cleaned sufficiently to provide for its health
4. Toenails cut
5. Pads of feet, tummy, and anal area trimmed per breed standard
6. Poodle feet and face may be trimmed 2 weeks prior to competition but must be fuzzy
enough to demonstrate proper line set and clipper expertise.
Your dog(s) should be ready for pre-judging prior to entering the ring. Drying of dogs or
usage of electrical appliances exceeding amperage required to operate a clipper will not
be allowed in the ring. With the exception of the preparatory work listed above, all other
trimming, rubber banding, and styling of your dog's coat must be performed in the ring.
Dogs determined to be pre-styled or have insufficient coats creating a distinct advantage
over all other contestants may, at the discretion of their Judge, be disqualified.
Contestant Responsibilities:
1. Contestants are responsible for and must supply their own:
A. Dogs
B. Grooming & Styling Equipment (clippers, shears, brushes, etc.)
C. Styling Tables & nooses
D. Products (shampoos, finishing sprays, chalk, powders, etc.)
E. Bath Towels
F. Dog cages
2. Each contestant is personally & financially responsible for care of their dogs, their
property (cages, equipment, tables, products, etc.), show property, and hotel property.
Contestants that damage show or hotel property will be held financially accountable for
said damages and fined at the discretion of show and/or hotel management. Damages
caused as a result of neglect, poor sportsmanship, or willful misconduct may bar a
contestant from future shows.
Each contestant is responsible for the humane care and treatment of their dog(s). All dogs
must be properly fed, watered, crated and exercised. Noisy or destructive dogs should
never be left unattended in their rooms. Dogs should always be crated when left
unattended. Violations will not be tolerated and could result in heavy fines and/or
possible barring from future shows.
Contestants must act in a responsible, dignified, and courteous manner. Unsportsmanlike
conduct will not be tolerated. Violators may be subject to eviction from the premises,
disqualification from all classes, all awards and prizes revoked, and any other action(s) as
may be deemed appropriate by the Judges and/or Show management. By your decision to
participate in Pet Styling competition, you have elected to become a highly visible
representative of your industry. Represent it with dignity, honor and pride, modest in
victory, gracious in defeat. Set a good example for others to follow.
Each contestant is responsible for being punctual and prepared for their classes. Late
arrivals will be disqualified.
Eligibility of contestants:
A. Pet Styling competition is open to everyone with the exception of individuals affiliated
with the show. Employees, relatives, students, close personal friends, or others who have
developed a vested business relationship with any Judge may not compete under that
Judge. Always check Judging assignments before entering any competition. If you think
you have a conflict, you probably do. Consult with the show Manager if you have a
question.
B. To be eligible for "Best All Around Pet Stylist In Show", contestants must enter a
minimum of three regular classes.
C. To be eligible for "Group" competition, contestants must place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd within
a regular class for each division.
D. To be eligible for "Best Pet Stylist In Show", contestants must win 1st Place in the
Group competition.
Eligibility of dogs:
1. Dogs must be entered into the appropriate breed class to be eligible for that
competition.
2. Dogs entered into classes with height requirements must be within the specific height
range to qualify for that competition. Heights of the dogs are measured from the floor to
the top of the dog's withers.
3. Dogs must have sufficient coat to create a distinct difference in its overall appearance -
that is appearance of its head, body, legs, feet, and tail. Hand-stripped coats may be kept
in "rotation"; however, the last rotation -finished trim -must be completed in the ring and
sufficient coat must be removed to make a distinct difference in their overall appearance.
The coat must be clean, healthy, pleasant smelling, and in breed standard condition
without mats or ectoparasites.
4. Dogs must be healthy, and free of infectious diseases or parasites. Proof of current
rabies vaccination must be provided.
5. Dogs must be manageable without any signs of irritability or viciousness toward their
handler or anyone with whom they might have contact.
Withholding of Awards
Awards may be withheld should any of the following conditions occur:
1. In regular classes, the contestant's dog(s) do not meet an acceptable breed and/or
industry standard profiles.
2. Poor sportsmanship.
3. The health of the dog(s) has been compromised.
4. Rough handling.
5. Any infraction of the show's rules.
6. Non-payment of fees (fees are not considered paid until checks and credit card
payments have cleared.)
If for any reason, the Judge should choose to withhold awards (whatever the placement –
1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd Place), the "Best In Show" Judge and show management shall
adjudicate (make the final judgment) the proceeding and their decision(s) will be final
and binding.
Miscellaneous rules:
1. Should there be less than 2 competitors in any division, show management may, at its
discretion, move the contestant(s) into another level of competition within that group.
2. Tables and equipment must be removed from the contest ring unless you are registered
for the next class. Crates are not allowed within the ring.
3. Dogs may not be left unattended on tables. Always consult the ring steward for
assistance if you must leave your table for any reason.
4. With the exception of the Creative Styling Competition or other special classes, the
dog's color may be enhanced but not changed. For example, a black coat that is dull may
be brightened or the black color highlighted and darkened, but it cannot be dyed to appear
other than black.)
5. Bows, bandanas, or nail polish are not permitted in regular classes.
6. No Smoking is permitted within the ring.
7. Beverages in the ring must be in a "spill-proof' container.
8. Contestants are limited to one entry per class.
9. Entry fees will not be refunded to competitors who are dismissed/disqualified.
10. When not in the ring on a table, all dogs must be on leads or crated. Unless entered in
the class, dogs are not allowed in the exhibit hall. A holding area is available to
accommodate contestant dogs. Check with show management for special rules regarding
holding areas for dogs. Only dogs participating with the show are allowed on the
premises.
11. Coaching from inside or outside the ring will not be permitted. Use of radios,
headsets, and/or cell phones is not allowed within the ring.
12. Video cameras and flash photography will not be permitted.
Interpretation of rules, regulations, and procedures
Any rules, regulations, and/or procedures that may be subject to interpretation and/or in
the absence of any specific reference in the aforementioned contest rules shall be
mediated and adjudicated by the show's management. The decision of show management
shall be final and binding.
Grievance Procedure:
Contestants are reminded that they have agreed to accept the decisions of the judges as
final and binding. Good sportsmanship is expected inside and outside the ring. Publicly
criticizing judging is considered unsportsmanlike behavior and will not be tolerated.
Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Show Manager.
Reasons for disqualification and/or dismissal of a contestant:
1. Non-payment of contest fees and/or late registration.
2. Coaching from within or outside the contest ring.
3. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
4. Cruel and/or inhumane treatment of a dog whether by handling or neglect.
5. Late arrival to the ring.
6. Razor-burning and/or injuring a dog.
7. Pre-styled dogs or dogs with "insufficient coats" as determined by the class Judge.
8. Dogs with an infectious disease and/or parasites.
9. Entering an "inappropriate breed" for the respective group.
10. "Group 1 Winners" who clipper, scissor, or in any way trim or shape their dog's coat
following their "class win" are ineligible for "Best In Show" competition.
11. Contestants who display a shop, kennel, sponsor or other business entities' name or
logo while in the ring. This includes uniforms, jewelry, etc by past and current Groom
Team members.
SPECIAL CLASSES AND THEIR RULES
Special classes are ineligible for "Groom Team" points.
1. Creative Styling Competition
The Creative Styling Competition is OPEN to anyone with any "Purebred" or Mixed
Breed dog. Each entry must be an original design and contestants are requested to name
their designs. Winners will be determined by (1) the originality & creativity of the design
& theme; (2) the quality of the styling techniques; and (3) the quality & continuity of the
final presentation (props & decorations). Time: 2 1/2 hours, inclusive of decorations and
props.
Contestants may utilize props, costumes, decorations, and finishing products to enhance
their designs. However, they must not obstruct the Judges' examination of the dog and
they must fit in a 5' X 5' area. Creative Styling Artist must supply and provide a sign
entitling their design. No product, decoration, or prop is permitted that would be injurious
to the animal's health, safety, or well-being.
2. My First Competition
"My First Competition" class is open to anyone who has never competed in "Regular"
class competition. To register, select the regular classes and division in which you plan to
compete (Sporting, Terriers, Non-Sporting over 17", Non-Sporting 17" and under, or
Potpourri class) - Then check the My First Competition box and you're entered.
(Contestants who neglect to check the "My First Competition" box will be ineligible for
this class.)
Two Judges examine the dogs in the "AAA" (Novice Competitor) divisions. The
"Regular" class Judge chooses three placements from all of the entries, who are then
eligible to compete for "Group Placement" and possibly "Best In Show". "My First
Competition" Judge chooses one placement from "My First Competition" entries only.
The class winners are eligible to compete for Best "First Time Competitor In Show" at
the Awards Luncheon on Monday.
Contestant Perks
Contestants entering three (3) or more grooming classes will be allowed one "free
admittance" for an assistant, and may have their door prize registration form validated in
its entirety by the ring steward. The free registration for the styling assistant includes
admittance to all events for all three days of the U.S. Pet Pro Classic exclusive of meal
functions. Meal functions (the Classic Party & Awards Luncheon) for your assistant may
be purchased separately. See the registration form for prices.
Bathing/Prep Facility Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 7th 7:00am -9:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 8th 4:00am -9:00pm
Monday, Sept. 9th 4:00am -2:00pm
The bathing/prep room will be supplied with 2 tubs & sprayers. Tables, dryers, towels,
products, equipment, etc. are the responsibility of each contestant.
Pet Deposit
A $25.00 refundable deposit for all rooms housing dogs will be charged by the hotel.
This deposit will be refunded at the time of check out, assuming no damage is done to the
room.
Contestant Liability
Each contestant will be held financially liable for any damages caused by themselves,
their assistant(s), or their dog(s). Dogs should be properly exercised, feed, watered, and
safely crated when not being used. Negligence could result in eviction from the show and
barring from participation in future events. Groom team will be notified of any and all
violations. The show management reserves the right to enter and inspect rooms should
negligence be reported.
Rules may have changed.
It the contestant's sole responsibility to read and adhere to the rules contained herein.
Please do not rely on anyone else's interpretation as failure to abide by the rules could
result in dismissal or disqualification from the competition. Should you have questions
regarding the U.S. Pet Pro Classic's Championship competition or any of its rules and
regulations, please contact us.
Mission Statement: Grooming competitions are offered to promote high grooming
standards and play a part in the education of pet stylists and pet owners. Judges will only
award placements to entries that are groomed to AKC breed profile, where applicable,
and who have no major styling faults.
Groom team USA Sanctioned Contest: Competition at this show has been sanctioned by
Groom team USA, Inc. This nonprofit organization encourages American Pet Stylists to
maximize their pet styling education and skills by offering them the opportunity to earn
points competing in Groom Team sanctioned contests held throughout the United States
within each designated two year period. Groom team USA sends the top point earners as
a team, all expenses paid, to compete abroad in world competition (think of it as the
"Olympics of Professional Pet Styling"). We encourage all Petcare Professionals to
support Groom Team USA. For more information, visit their website:
www.groomteamusa.com or visit their booth at the show.
We strive to make your participation at the Classic a rewarding and enjoyable experience
and look forward to seeing you in Dallas, Texas for a rip-roarin’ good time.