General

The contestant can apply for the following categories:

• Handstripping

• Spaniels and Setters

• Poodles

• Other pure breeds scissoring

• Intermediate* - all contestants with more than 2 years experience and/or contestants that never won a gold medal in “Open” class.  The contestant can compete as “Intermediate” in several contests for 12 months even if winner. The second year  he/she must enter “Open” class even if not winner. In this category all breeds and techniques are confused

• Beginner* - not more than 2 years experience. Dog shows also counts as experience*

      The contestant can compete as “beginner” in several contests for 12 months even if winner. The second year  he/she must enter “Open” class even        if not winner.

• Commercial* - Contestants may enter with any FCI recognized breed to be groomed commercially: breeds that usually need stripping can be clipped or scissored; long hair breeds can be clipped or scissored.  Poodles are accepted only to be groomed in Asian style or  groomed in different breed shape as Bedlington or Kerry blue. Colouring is not allowed . In this category all breeds and techniques are confused. 

     *These Categories are not eligible for best in show.

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In Competitions where “Open” and “Champion” class are scheduled, contestants will enter the one they belong considering their previous results.

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Per category, the contestant can compete in one of the two following classes:

Open - Can be admitted  in “Open” class all contestants that never won their categories.  Contestants will enter “Champion” class, where existing,  after having won three gold medals in the same category and only if the victory was attained in a class of, at least, 5 contestants; each golden medal will be accompained by a certificate. Three certificates will allow entry to the "Champion Class". 

 

Champion - Can be admitted in “Champion” class contestants that already won three golden medals in the same category and only if showing the three certificates.

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EUROPEAN INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP

To participate in the Tournament contestants have to compete in at least three main categories.

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Timing:

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Handstripping without clipper use

• Small and Medium sizes   2 : 30 hours                 

• Big sizes                                 3 hours

 

Handstripping with clipper use

• Small                  2 : 00 hours

• Medium sizes     2 : 15  hours

• Big sizes            2 : 30 hours             

 

Spaniels and Setters

• All Setters, American Cockers, English Cockers, Springers  2 : 30 hours

 

Poodles*

•  Up to 45 cm       2 : 00 hours

•  Over 45 cm         2 : 30 hours

       *15 minutes extra time is allowed to spray up top knot                                                                                                                           

 

Pure Breeds

•  Bichon, Bedlington                                                                2 : 00 hours

•  Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier,

        Black Russian Terrier, Bouvier                                              2 : 30 hours

 

Intermediate

•  All breeds                      2 : 30 hours

 

Beginner

•  All breeds                      2 : 30 hours

 

Commercial

• Small   and medium        1 : 30 hours

• Big                                   2 : 00 hours

 

5 minutes comfort break must be given 1 hour after the start competition making the dogs get off the tables giving them the opportunity to strech their legs

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Grooming regulations

The dogs will need to be washed (except for the handstrip dogs)

The ears and nails need to be groomed and the dog’s underbelly, genitals and hind quarters may be previously groomed for reasons of hygiene, according to the breed standard.

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Any evident line or pattern should not be visible. Dog’s coat must have, at least, two months'  growth; the hair must be long enough to allow the groomer to make a difference in its appearance.

Contestants competing with dogs showing evident line or groomed less than two months earlier  should be aware that they will not have any chance to compete for victory.

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

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Category Handstripping / Spaniels & Setters

• Stripping knives are allowed

• Dog needs to be groomed according to the breed standard

• Colored Chalk powder/block/spray and cream is allowed

 

It is not allowed to use clippers except:

Scottish Terrier – chest, head and ears.

West Highland Terrier - chest and ears.

Cockers and Setters - chest and ears.

Schnauzer - chest, head, inside of back legs and ears

 

Category Poodles / Pure Breeds

• The dog needs to be washed and fluffy dried

• Clipper guide combs are not allowed

• Poodle muzzle and feet should be shaven prior to the start of the competition

• Poodles must be groomed in a style recognized in the breed standard

• Poodles with top knots  may ask for help from an outsider to hold the dog

• Coloring is not allowed

 

Contestants

• On the entry form contestants must add the breed of the dog to be groomed and, for Poodle class, also what cut will be done. Signature in acceptance of all rules is required.

• Contestants must be in the ring 30 minutes prior the start of the competition with their own dog and tools.

• Contestants are not allowed to talk to other contestants and/or the audience during the contest.

• Contestants are not allowed to use  mobile phone and/or any electronic device during the competition.

• If contestants are sponsored or work for a brand, they will not be judged by a judge working for the same one. Only two other judges composing the Jury Panel will. 

• Chalk use is allowed, however Judges must be able to comb the entire dog's body during prejudging as well as at the end of the competition and no trace of it should appear on judges' hands after the judgment, as a disqualification can occur.

• On Poodle hair spray can be used only on topknot, as the comb must slide smoothly during the judgment .

• Too much hair spray and the use of texturing shampoo / conditioners can penalize Purebred Scissoring that cannot be smoothly combed..

• Coat thinning comb should  be used on Spaniel & Setter without exaggerating.

• On Handstrip dogs, legs, underbelly and hears should not be done previous the competition.

• Any indecorous or aggressive language used towards the judges as well as a dog handled in rough or unsafe manner may lead to disqualification.

• Possible disqualification will be executed by the President of the Jury

• When competition ends, Contestants should remove all hair, equipment and products from the grooming table as well as  moving all stuffs on the floor under the table, to  allow the judges an easy approach to the tables for the judgment 

• A comb should be placed on the table for the judge to use during judging.

• Contestants may comb their dogs before and after the judging panel has evaluated their dogs.

• Contestant should stack his/her dog to present to judge. Dogs not in judgment must not be kept stuckss

• Any possible complaint must be in written, presented before the end of the event and will cost 25€

 

“Open Class” ”competitors will need three victories, obtained in a class with no less than five contestants, to move up to “Champion”. Along with their award, winners will receive one certificate. The three certificates must be shown when registering for “Champion”.

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“Champion Class” winners will receive, along with their awards, one certificate to keep and attach to any application to become EGA judge.