Groom Greensboro

Competition Rules & Divisions

The three 2026 divisions are listed below. Detailed styling, timing, and mentoring provisions are adapted from the previous year and remain subject to confirmation for 2026.

How Mentoring Works

1. Every competitor receives a three-minute mentor consultation during pre-judging and check-in.
2. After the first 30 minutes of trimming, mentors enter the ring to answer questions and offer advice.
3. Competitors may ask a maximum of two questions per class.
4. Mentors may offer quick tips and suggestions, but cannot use tools on any dog or provide full lessons.
5. Mentors leave the ring when competitors have 30 minutes remaining.
6. After “scissors down,” a separate judge evaluates all entries.

Acceptable Styling — All Classes

• All styling must take place during competition time, except for expressly permitted preparation and finishing.
• Dogs must follow breed-standard styling except where the class-specific Poodle rules or announced non-breed-standard division allow otherwise.
• Sanitary areas and pads may be shaved, nails trimmed, and ears cleaned before the class begins.
• Finishing sprays may be used after time to tidy up, but reshaping with water or product is prohibited.
• Chalk may be used before and during competition, but not after time is called.
• Wire and sporting coats may be clipped or stripped.
• Poodles may have show or pet trims respecting the breed profile.
• No abstract or extreme creative trims; minimal color as an accessory is permitted.

Poodle Class — Detailed Requirements

Eligible: purebred Poodles of all sizes and natural colors. The class may be split into 17 inches and under, and over 17 inches.

• All pet and show Poodle styles are allowed if they respect the breed profile.
• Feet must be shaved; they may be shaved before the competition. No extra time is granted if not completed beforehand.
• Face must be shaved during competition. A small mustache or goatee is permitted.
• Scissored Bichon-style or other scissored faces are prohibited.
• Show topknots may be pre-banded, including extensions; spray-up products cannot be applied before class.

Miscellaneous Class — Supplied Rules (Pending Division Confirmation)

Acceptable breeds: any other breed, and Poodles in non-breed-standard trims. Clipping wire coats is allowed. Timing generally follows the Poodle class, with a maximum of two hours; certain breed-standard trims receive two hours. Exact timing by breed will be confirmed.