The Westminster dog show is coming in a few weeks!

**cassiesmom** · 02-15-2011, 12:41 PM

Quick question. The way a poodle's coat is styled for the show -- how long does that take? And does the dog get styled back to a regular coat when it isn't show time? And the Bichon- do you have to use a dryer or tease the coat or put a styling product on it to get the "powder puff" look? And, same question- do you change the style back when it isn't show time? How do you teach a dog to be patient at the stylist's? I wonder, for a dog like a Beardie or an Old English Sheepdog, how long does it take to care for their full coats? For other dogs, huskies or collies or shelties- does the groomer comb or brush them beforehand so they look their best? I noticed that some breeds with the fuller coats, the handler has a brush or comb at hand even while they are in the ring. Some day I hope to have a dog.

**IRescue452** · 02-15-2011, 01:08 PM

Most of the dogs do not get a pet clip when off the show because they are at shows year-round. Some get their hair wrapped up at times to keep it nice. The dogs learn from an early age to stand on a table or crate and stay still during grooming. It can take about 3 hours for a large dog like an English sheepdog to get the bath and brush out. It took me about an hour once to do an ok job at a poodle lip on a cocker spaniel, so I'd imagine a good groomer could do it in 2 or 3 well enough for show. You can definately take breaks in between to stretch and let the razor cool.

The only dog I didn't like so far was that dalmatian. His spots were all run together. I guess it isn't a big fault if you can distinguish them as spots overlapping rather than patches but wouldn't a breeder rather let this one go to a pet home?

**Pinot's Mom** · 02-15-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by IRescue452

The only dog I didn't like so far was that dalmatian. His spots were all run together. I guess it isn't a big fault if you can distinguish them as spots overlapping rather than patches but wouldn't a breeder rather let this one go to a pet home?

Awww.... I liked the Dalmation....