Contestant Responsibilities and Competition Rules

Contestant Obligations

• Contestants are personally and financially accountable for their belongings and dogs.

• Any damage to the venue, equipment, or incidents of theft will not be tolerated, and violators will face prosecution.

Dog Grooming Guidelines

• Dogs chosen for the grooming competition must be in good health and possess a gentle demeanor.

• Dogs that will be clipped or scissored must have a minimum of six weeks of coat growth, or enough coat for the groomer to create a noticeable change in appearance.

• Those being hand stripped must have sufficient coat for a distinct change in appearance. Judges may adjust time allocation based on the amount of coat the dog has upon arrival.

• All dogs must be free of mats, freshly bathed, dried, have clean ears, and clipped or ground nails prior to the competition.

• Genital areas, stomachs, inner corners of the eyes, and pads of the feet may be pre-trimmed according to breed standards.

• All other trimming should be completed in the competition ring within the designated time, unless stated otherwise. Certain purebreds, like Poodles and Bedlington Terriers, may have specific areas such as poodle points and short work shaved before the class starts. To maintain a safe environment for both groomers and dogs in a public setting, we encourage pre-clipping of short work. However, participants are welcome to do this in the ring if they prefer.

Bathing and Drying Regulations

• Important: No bathing or drying of dogs is allowed in bathrooms, hallways, or outside the competition ring at the venue. Violators risk dismissal from the show and forfeiture of all entry fees, prizes, and points.

• Small drying appliances, such as handheld hair dryers or neck dryers, are permitted in the competition ring for fluffing.

Dog Entry Policy

• Note: Only dogs entered in the competition, demonstrations, or as service animals are allowed at the event. Please leave your pets at home. If a competitor is competing with multiple dogs, it is their responsibly to crate and tend to those animals. We suggest in sourcing a helper and making arrangements prior to competition arrival.

Guidelines for Trolleys, Cages, and Crates

• The Pup Cup abides by the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice No. 1:

  • Crates and containers must be sturdy enough to prevent escape and safe from injury.

• They should be designed to prevent "self-induced trauma" while being spacious enough for the dog to turn around, stand, and lie down comfortably. We do not support overcrowding; each animal must have enough space to rest comfortably. When secured in containers all animals must have access to drinking water and have sufficient airflow.

  • If dogs cannot be secured in a crate or show trolley, they must be kept on a lead or tethered with a grooming loop while on the table.

• Any competitor who leaves a dog unattended on a table will be dismissed from the ring. All dogs are to be within arm's reach on the table to prevent any incidents.

Final Class Judging

• As each class is judged, the finalists will be announced. Winners must be present with their awarded dog at the Sunday afternoon awards ceremony for Best in Show.

• All Beginner and Novice first-place winners must also be present for The Tyro Best in Show awards.

• After the class judging, selected group winners and all Beginner and Novice first-place winners may “freshen up” their dogs before returning for the final Best in Show lineup, but no additional clipping, stripping, scissoring, or coat shaping is allowed.

General Rules and Judging Guidelines:

Sportsmanship

• The Pup Cup Dog Grooming Competition fosters an environment of networking, camaraderie, and fun, prioritising a valuable learning experience for all involved.

• Good sportsmanship is essential to uphold this environment. Contestants displaying unsportsmanlike conduct may face disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees, awards, and points.

Grievance Procedures

• Any complaints regarding a contestant, judge, or audience member must be reported to the contest ring steward immediately after the incident. Challenges to a competitor's eligibility must be made to the event organiser before the class begins.

• If a contestant is reported for cheating by being in the wrong level and there is dated photographic evidence that confirms fraudulent behaviour, a fine of $300 will be imposed. This must be brought to the attention of a ring steward, judge or event organiser before the class begins.

Contestant Responsibilities

• Contestants arriving late will forfeit their entry fees and not be allowed to compete.

• All contestants must provide their own dogs, crates/trolleys and grooming equipment.

• Coaching from the sidelines is prohibited. Violators will be disqualified, and offending spectators will be asked to leave.

• Use of headsets, or similar devices in the ring is forbidden.

• Rough handling of animals will not be tolerated; violators will be disqualified.

• Smoking, open flames, or singeing of coats is not allowed.

• All containers for liquids must have closed tops to prevent spills.

• Visual aids (pictures) are not permitted in the ring.

• Attire must be professional. Inappropriate clothing, such as excessive short shorts or low-cut tops, is not allowed. If dressing for a theme, it must be family-friendly. Sponsored clothing and business branded attire is permitted. Please note to dress in a different colour to your dog so their outline can be seen well in photos and for judging.

• Enclosed shoes are mandatory. Bare feet, thongs/flip-flops, Crocs, or sandals are prohibited.

• All grooming equipment must be removed from the ring after the competition unless contestants are competing in the next class.

• Contestants improperly entering classes will forfeit all titles and prizes.

• All competitors are required to have have their dog’s before and after photos taken by the official photographer. Place winners must have a “Win Picture” taken with the class sponsor and judges by the official photographer.

• The Pup Cup Organiser reserves the right to make final decisions on matters not covered in these rules.

Cleanliness

• Competitors must bring their own dog waste bags as well as a plastic bag for collecting their dog's fur. Once judging is finished, all competitors are required to tidy up their stations.

• Any dog feces must be picked up and disposed of immediately. In New South Wales, including the City of Coffs Harbour, failing to promptly remove dog waste from public areas or someone else’s property may result in an on-the-spot fine of $275.

• Dogs are not to mark inside, and if any accidents occur, they must be cleaned up immediatley.

• A cleaning fee will be charged if an individual does not comply with these rules.

Judging for All Classes in Competitions

Pre-Competition Requirements

• Competitors must have their dogs ready for the judge’s inspection 30 minutes before the start of their class.

• Judges will assess the dogs before the various classes, focusing on overall cleanliness and coat condition.

Dismissal and Warnings

• Dogs displaying aggression, dogs with insufficient coat growth, parasites, or those that have been excessively pre-trimmed will be dismissed.

• Judges may issue a warning to any competitor seen handling a dog roughly; a second warning will result in disqualification.

• Clipper burns, nicks, or cuts will incur penalties.

Time Allocation

Purebred Scissor, Gundog, Hand Strip & Poodle:

Judges will determine the time allocation based on breed type, as well as the amount and thickness of the coat presented during pre-judging. Time allowances may range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Below are the permitted timings based on the height of the dog measured at the withers:

• Small Dogs (under 10”): 1 hour 45 minutes

• Medium Dogs (under 16”): 2 hours

• Large Dogs (16”+): 2 hours 15 minutes

• Spray-up & Hand-Stripping: Additional 15 minutes

Salon Freestyle, Asian Fusion & Savvy Bitch:

Judges will also exercise discretion on time allocation depending on breed type and coat characteristics presented at pre-judging. Times may vary from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Below are the permitted timings based on the height of the dog measured at the withers:

• Small (Under 15”): 1 hour 30 minutes

• Medium (15” - 20”): 1 hour 45 minutes

• Large (Over 20”): 2 hours

Two Groomers, One Dog is allotted 2 hours, regardless of dog size.

Creative grooming is allotted 30 minutes, regardless of dog size.

All Model Dogs must be submitted in their entirety..

Placements and Awards

• Judges will select three placements from each class by level.

• A group winner will be chosen from the Purebred Scissor, Gundog, Hand Strip, and Poodle categories. These four dogs are to participate in the Best In Show lineup during the Sunday afternoon presentations.

• All first place winners from the beginner and novice levels are to participate in the Tyro Best In Show lineup on the Sunday afternoon presentations.

• Judges' decisions are final and binding.

Judging Criteria

Class Grooming Evaluation

Once the contestants allocated grooming time is complete, competitors are required to remove all fur from their tables and have a clean comb on their table. The judges will examine the groom using the following criteria:

Purebred Scissor Trims

• Suitability of the trim according to the accepted breed standard and profile.

• Quality of clipper work:

  • Appropriate blade usage for clipped areas.

  • Neatness, smoothness, and straight clipped lines.

• Quality, uniformity, and smoothness of scissor, blending, and thinning work.

• For scissored breeds, the finish should be plush and free of scissor marks.

• Evenly scissored legs that balance the dog.

• Properly trimmed and balanced head.

• For breeds with distinctive features, trimming should emphasise these characteristics.

• Overall appearance should reflect balance, symmetry, and smooth finish.

Poodle Scissor Style Trims

• Suitability of the trim for the dog’s conformation and breed profile.

• Quality of clipper, scissor, stripping, and other technical skills:

• Correct placement and evenness of patterns, clipped with the appropriate blade.

• Definition and straightness of clipped lines, with neat bevelling where they meet the body coat.

• For overall clipping, the clipper work must be smooth and even.

• Use of a blade that complements the dog and coat texture.

• Appropriate clipping of feet, face, and tail with the correct blade.

• Straight clipped lines on the face, ensuring smoothness with no tufts around lips or eyes.

• Clean clipping between toes and pads.

Quality and Uniformity of Scissoring

• Finish should resemble plush velvet, free of scissor marks.

• Legs must be evenly scissored and sufficiently full to balance the dog.

• The degree of difficulty of the trim will also be assessed, considering coat amount, texture, and execution challenges.

Overall Finished Appearance

• Emphasis on balance, symmetry, and finish smoothness.

• A trim should hold together when a comb is run through the coat.

Gundog & Hand Stripped Trims

• Suitability of the trim to the accepted breed standard and profile.

• Neatly stripped or carded body coat using the appropriate tool or fingers; visible pink or bald patches are undesirable.

• Hair must be removed following the coat's lay without causing discomfort.

• If clippers are used on soft coat areas, they should be trimmed neatly with the appropriate blade.

• Quality of work for furnishings trimmed with scissors or thinning shears must be smooth and even, however excessive use of scissors will be penalised.

• Overall appearance must emphasise balance, symmetry, smoothness, and preservation of breed characteristics.

• The dog should present a smart, defined outline, with furnishings blending naturally.

Asian Fusion Class

• Contestants may compete with any purebred or mixed breed dog.

• Any asian fusion inspired groom is allowed except for full creative styles and themes.

• Pet safe colours such as dye, chalks, blow pens are permitted. All semi permanent dye jobs are to be completed prior to arrival. If contestants are applying glitter or colour to the coat with use of blow pens or chalks, a protective cloth/towel/tarp must be used under and on the table

• All clipping and shaping is to be done in the competition time frame.

• Accessories and simple outifts are welcomed so long as they do not hinder the dogs senses or movement. Judges may request these be moved for final judging, contestants must allow the judge to see the full groom.

Salon Freestyle Class

• Contestants may compete with any purebred or mixed breed dog.

• Any pet clip, teddy trim or identify make over is allowed except for creative styles and themes.

• No unnatural colours are permitted unless they enhance the dog’s natural color.

• One bow or accessory is permitted.

• Dogs requiring clipping of feet, face, and tail may be prepared before the competition starts.

Creative Class (pre done)

• This competition showcases the creativity of pet stylists. Any family friendly creative themes or abstracts are permitted.

• Contestants may compete with any purebred or mixed breed dog.

• This is a pre-coloured and groomed class, 95% of work such as colouring and shaping is completed prior to the event. Competitors will have 30 mins to apply “finishing touches” to their creations. During this time, the groomer may scissor, clip, trim and apply colour or decorations to finish their creation.

• During their time they are permitted to set up their props/background and may have the aid of an assistant at this time

• Groomers are permitted to dress to suit their theme.

• Only pet-safe colours like dyes, chalks, and blow pens are allowed. All semi-permanent dye applications must be completed before arrival. If contestants wish to use glitter or color on the coat with blow pens or chalks, a protective cloth, towel, or tarp must be placed underneath and on the table.

• Winners will be chosen based on:

  • Originality and creativity of the design and theme

  • Quality of styling and colouring

  • Overall quality and harmony of the final presentation

  • Use of props, decorations, and the cohesiveness of the entire display.