Our grooming ring welcomes all experience levels of professional dog groomers, registered ANKC breeders and dog show exhibitors.

Spread across two days exploring modern and traditional grooming methods there is something for everyone to admire and enjoy.  

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What level to enter?

We have four levels in which contestants may enter.

NOVICE, OPEN, MASTER & SUPREME

At The Pup Cup we want entrants to feel comfortable competing. Our focus is to make a fair competition with education being the main key.

We don't not expect a person who has won multiple groups in terrier to also be a master in poodle.

So please reach out to us if you are unsure of what level to enter for your selected categories. 

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Class Levels for Professional Groomers.

NOVICE:   3 years maximum experience in grooming.

OPEN: Over 3 years experience in grooming.

MASTER: If you have won in Open level against two or more competitors.

SUPREME: Group, BIS, RUBIS winners of their chosen breed. 

e.g Sophie won group with a Cairn Terrier, (at another competition) but is competing at The Pup Cup with an Airedale. This means she would still be in Masters Class (as she has not won a group with an Airedale). If she was to enter with a Cairn Terrier at this year's Pup Cup, she would go into the Supreme Class.

Groomer’s are welcome to move up levels if they wish to test themselves. 

 

Class Levels for Dog Conformation Exhibitors.

NOVICE:  3 years maximum experience in conformation showing.

OPEN: Over 3 years experience in conformation showing.

MASTER: Over 5 years experience in conformation showing.

SUPREME: Finishing a Grand Champion in their chosen breed. 

e.g Sophie has been showing Kerry Blue Terriers for five years. Her bitch is Grand Champion titled. If she entered this years Pup Cup with a Kerry, she would be in the Supreme Class. But if she was to enter with a Bedlington, she would be in Masters.

 

Note If you are unsure on what class to enter, please read the rules then contact either Sophie Corkhill, Jazz Fitzgerald or The Pup Cup Facebook page for clarification.

*Please note some levels may vary due to the class depicted on grooming difficulty. 

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Prior attending the competition:

All dogs need to be bathed and dried before the competition. A well prepped dog will ensure a desired finish.
Clean ears, maintained nails and clipping of the dog’s genitals and hind quarters may be previously groomed for hygiene purposes. 
Competition dogs must have a coat long enough to allow the groomer to make a distinct difference in its appearance.

We suggest at least 8 weeks of coat growth if performing a fluffy style or a jacket rolled 4 weeks out from the competition date if handstripping or carding.

Dogs entered in the Poodle class require a minimum coat length of 5cm on the body where short work will be performed.

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All grooming techniques are allowed, as long as the chosen technique suits the type of the dog’s coat.

Any matting or knots in the dog's coat upon final judging will be non awarded.

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Checking in at The Pup Cup: 

Please be prompt in attending your chosen class(es). We pride ourselves in time keeping and will commence and run to our time frame. 

We advise that all contestants arrive 30 minutes prior their class start time. 

Upon arrival your dog must be secured by lead, crate or show trolley. 

Our front of house assistants will mark off your name, ensure you are in the right level, measure your dog for time allowance and give you an allocated area for you to set up in our competition ring.

If you are competing in multiple classes for that day. Please have all of your dogs ready to be measured to save you the hassle of going back and fourth. 

If your dog is missing coat in a section or recovering from an ear infection etc please notify our assistants to avoid being scored incorrectly.

All details will be written and ready for our judges.

Before entering the ring, all contestants are required to attend the photo studio with the competition dog to have their before photo taken.
If competitors require help in setting up or are feeling overwhelmed please tell our Pup Cup staff and we will do our best to help you. The Pup Cup is a professional setting where the health and wellbeing of all our competition dogs and contestants comes first.  

 

SATURDAY 9AM TEDDY BEAR

Inviting any purebred or mixed breed dog to be styled as a teddy bear.

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-No dog is to be styled in their breed trim in this class.

-Use of coloured dyes, chalks etc is not permitted in Teddy Bear. 

-One accessory such as a neck tie or bow is permitted, however, must not distract the eye from the overall groom.

Judges are looking for the cute teddy factor, balance, symmetry, emphasis on style for that dog's appearance and quality of finish

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Time Allowance - measured at withers.

Small (Under 15") 1 hour 30min

Medium (16"-21")  1 hour 45min

Large (22"+) 2 hour

(All Novice contestants are permitted 2 hrs regardless of dogs size for this class)

If the dog entered has bulk or limited coat - judges may allocate a different time and will be based on their discretion. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

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SATURDAY 12PM FUNKY FUSION

This class is open to each groomer's interpretation to showcase their creativity of an asian inspired groom or eccentric spin on fusion grooming.

If contestants wish to play into the funky side, the groom does not have to be balanced or symmetrical. The dog's groom may sport different shaped legs, unmatched lengthen ears and split lengths on the coat to enhance their quirky and creative side. 

Some typical features of the class include short bodies, flared legs, exaggerated expression and a round muzzle. 

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Pre dyed sections of the dog (not the whole dog) is permitted, a character may be groomed on the chest, back, legs, coat carving of shapes, use of blow pens, colouring chalks, airbrushing, glitter and a range of accessories maybe used such as bows, feathers, hair extensions, outfits or hats that are pet friendly and do not hinder the dogs senses or movement in any way.

Our Judges are on the lookout for originality, eye appeal, technical application, and difficulty of the groom. A smooth scissor or clipper finish is desired. 

 

Time Allowance - measured at withers.

Small (Under 15") 1 hour 45mins

Medium (16"-21")  2 hour 

Large (22"+) 2 hour 15mins

(All Novice contestants are permitted 2 hours 15 mins for this class regardless of dogs size)

If the dog entered has bulk or limited coat - judges may allocate a different time and will be based on their discretion. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

 

SATURDAY 12PM ID THEFT

Groom a dog to look like another breed. Any breed or mixed breed dog is accepted.

Stylists are welcome to work their magic and turn a maltese cross into a schnauzer, a poodle into a bedlington, a labradoodle into a lagotto and the list goes on!

Class Rules:

Groomers are permitted to use pet friendly coloured chalks, blow pens and airbrushing techniques to highlight their chosen breed transformation. Coats are not to be pre dyed, colour changes must happen in the competition time frame. 

Coat growth suggestion: 8 weeks of growth or more.  

Accessories are not permitted.

Time Allowance - measured at withers.

Small (Under 15") 1 hour 45mins

Medium (16"-21")  2 hour 

Large (22"+) 2 hour 15mins

 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

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SATURDAY 3:30PM CREATIVE

The creative class is all about fun and imagination

This category is an exhibition of colourfully themed and uniquely presented dogs with the use of colour, props, backdrops.

Groomers are permitted to groom their pooch to a theme or demonstrate artistic flare with shapes and colour. 

Any purebred or mixed breed dog is permitted. Strictly one dog per entrant. 

This is a 100% pet safe class. 

Pet friendly colouring products, glitter, chalks, water soluble glues and accessories can only be used. If you are unsure of the product please email coffspupcup@gmail.com to discuss prior to entering. 

At The Pup Cup, we allow contestants to bring along their creatively groomed dogs finished or nearly finished.

We understand the time, concentration and dedication it takes to ace this class. So we allow groomers to do all the work in their own time and give them the opportunity to present their work complete with the allowance of 30 minutes to add finishing touches.

In the 30 minutes, groomers can set up their displays and finish of details such as scissoring, clipping, spraying up and attaching props or outfits that do not hinder the dog’s eyes, ears or mobility in any manner. 

Each contestant will have 1.5m of space behind their tables for their backdrop.Competitors are welcome to dress up to enhance their presentation. 

Judging will take place at the conclusion of 30 minutes.

All contestants must title their work and are welcome to present their work over our microphone with their chosen song ready to play off their phones. 

Judges are on the lookout for:

• Originality and creativity of the design and theme

• Quality of the styling techniques 

• Sharpness and precision of lipper lines, scissor finish, colour application, blending.

This class is a draw card to the public and a favourite across all ages. If contestants have a little person(s) that would like to help present we invite them too. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

 

SUNDAY 8AM WIRE COAT

This class showcases breeds who have wire or coarse coats that are typically carded and handstripped.

Dogs must be groomed to fit the breed standard such as what you would see in the conformation ring.

All dogs entered must be predominantly handstripped.

If competitors are wanting to clip their dog into breed profile - please enter the Shape It class.

When hand stripping, there should be no visible pink or bald patches. The hair must be removed with the lay of the coat and without causing pain.

Rolled coats are accepted; however the work done in the ring must be sufficient to allow the groomer to make a distinct change in the dog's appearance. 

If clippers are used to trim the head, ears, throat etc, the areas must be trimmed neatly and smoothly with the appropriate blade length suited to the dogs skin and coat type. 

The clipper or thinning work must blend smoothly with the furnishing rather than stick out to . Excessive scissor use will be penalized. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

Product: Grooming sprays and chalks may be used through the competition time frame.  

Example of breeds accepted;

Jack Russell Terrier, Schnauzer, Wirehaired Dachshund, German Wirehaired Pointer, Affenpinscher etc

Time Allowance - All wire coat dogs entered will have 2 hour 30mins, however, hairy beasts may be given an extra 15 mins based on judges discretion. 

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SUNDAY 8AM GUNDOG

This class showcases purebred dogs belonging to the gundog category that display straight, wavy or flat coats.

Dogs must be groomed to fit their breed standard.

Competitors are allowed to card, rake and handstrip their dogs.

If competitors are wanting to clip their dog into breed profile - please enter the Shape It class.

Rolled coats are accepted; however the work done in the ring must be sufficient to allow the groomer to make a distinct change in the dog's appearance.

If clippers are used to trim the head, ears, throat, inside of the back legs etc, these areas must be trimmed neatly and smoothly with the appropriate blade length. Clipper or thinning work should blend smoothly with the furnishing or feathering rather than stick out and overall finish should be of a neat, balanced and natural appearance. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

Product: Grooming sprays and chalks may be used through the competition time frame.  

Breeds accepted: Brittany, Clumber Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel. English Cocker Spaniel. English Setter, English Springer Spaniel. Field Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel. For wire coated gundogs, please enter the Wire Coat Class. 

Time Allowance - All gundogs entered will have 2 hour 30mins, however, hairy beasts may be given an extra 15 mins based on judges discretion. 

 

SUNDAY 8AM SHAPE IT

For those dogs who are retired from the show ring or are beautiful pets - groomers may clip their shape in to replicate their breed standard.

This is for all clipped Gundog and Wire Coated Breeds.

Product: Grooming sprays and chalks may be used through the competition time frame.  

Time Allowance - All shape it dogs entered will have 2 hours

 

SUNDAY 12PM PUREBRED SCISSOR

Get snipping! Celebrating our scissored breeds such as Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel and Lagotto Romagnolo.

Our Judge will be on the lookout for suitability and quality of the trim to the dogs conformation and breed profile. The smoothness of the scissoring; whether the finish is like that of a plush velvet and free of scissor marks or if the groomer has demonstrated knowledge of the coat texture for desired breed. If the legs are scissored evenly and are of sufficient fullness to balance the dog. The dogs overall finished appearance with the emphasis on symmetry and smooth finish. 

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

Product: Grooming sprays and chalks may be used through the competition time frame.  

 

Time Allowance - measured at withers.

Under 17” - 2 hours

Over 17” - 2 hours 30 mins 

(All Novice contestants are permitted 2 hrs 30 min for this class regardless of dogs size)

Hairy beasts may be given an extra 15 mins based on judges discretion. 

 

SUNDAY 12PM SAVVY BITCH

Welcoming a vast variety of dogs and grooming methods to the ring to elevate the understanding of breed standards.

This class showcases everything from an Afghan Hound, Lowchen, Border Collie, Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Chinese Crested Dog.

Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

Product: Grooming sprays and chalks may be used through the competition time frame.  

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Time Allowance - measured at withers.

Under 17” - 1 hour 30 mins

Over 17” - 1 hour 45 mins

(All Novice contestants are permitted 1 hour 45 mins for this class regardless of dogs size)

Hairy beasts may be given an extra 15 mins based on judges discretion. 

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SUNDAY 3:30PM POODLE

This class celebrates poodles styled in a range of trims.

Poodle feet and face are permitted to be shaved prior to the competition.

Contestants may scissor their dogs or use clipper guide combs.

Holding and styling sprays (provided the judge can comb through the coat) gels, chalk are limited to what is usually used in the conformation ring and they can be used prior and during the time allocated. Once time is called only combing through the coat is permitted.

Mustaches/goatees are accepted to suit the style of trim selected.

Examples of trims permitted: Lamb, German, Continental, Scandinavian, Dutch, English Saddle, Puppy, Miami, Town and Country, a range of retro and modified trims.

The judge is on the lookout for outstanding prep work with no knots, suitability and quality of the trim to the poodle’s conformation and profile. Grooms will be non awarded if there is any matting or knots at the time of final judging. 

Whether the clipper lines on the face are straight, smooth with no tufts of fur left around the corner of eyes and lips. If the feet are clipped clean between the toes and pads. The quality, uniformity and smoothness of the scissoring, whether the finish is like that of a plush velvet finish, free from scissor marks.

Whether the legs are scissored evenly and are of sufficient fullness to balance the dog. Whether the top knot or spray up is properly shaped and balanced to the tail and body. The degree of difficulty of the clip. This does not mean that fancy patterns should necessarily take precedence since scissor trims can be just as difficult with certain coat textures. The dogs overall appearance with the emphasis on balance, symmetry, smoothness of finish. The trim should hold together when a comb is passed through the coat.

Time Allowance - measured at withers and evaluated trim selected: 

Top Knot Trims:

Under 15” - 1 hour 45 mins

15”-22” - 2 hours

22” + = 2 hours 30 mins

Spray Ups:

Under 15” - 2 hours

15”-22” - 2 hours 15 mins

22” + = 2 hours 45 mins

Hairy beasts may be given an extra 15 mins based on judges discretion.
 

Best In Show Awards:

Novice competitors that placed first will showcase their dogs in a Novice Best in Show Line Up at the conclusion of each day with one lucky winner chosen per day.

The Saturday features a Modern line up and Sunday showcases the traditional line up.

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All Best in Group winners (competing from Open to Supreme levels) of Day 1 will go head to head in a line up for the Best in Show Modern Award on Saturday afternoon and then Best in Group winners of Day 2 will feature on Sunday line up for the Best in Show Traditional. 

 

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