Finishing touches: the last look at the presentation

Finishing touches are there to complete a preparation suited to the breed. They may consist of putting the coat back in place, cleaning a small area or making a controlled trim. Success depends as much on precision as on knowing when to put the tools away.

The standard sets the direction

Not all breeds are presented in the same way. Before aiming for a perfectly sculpted outline, check what the standard actually asks for.

In the American Cocker Spaniel, grooming must keep a natural look and let the lines and gaits show.

In the Poodle, show clips are precisely described. The standard also reminds us that judging is not a grooming contest and that excesses must not be encouraged.

A successful finish therefore respects the characteristics of the breed, even if the result looks less spectacular than another presentation.

Beginner: three tips for finishing simply

1. Start with cleanliness details. Check around the mouth, the paws and any areas that may have touched the ground. Remove small bits of dirt with a method suited to the coat, then dry if necessary. A finishing touch can be as simple as that!
2. Put the coat back in place before thinking of trimming. A wisp displaced by bedding or transport can fall back into place with a few gentle strokes. Look at the result before deciding it's too long.
3. Get shown the touch-ups specific to your breed. Ask the breeder or a groomer who knows show presentation which movements you can do. For cuts near the eyes, ears or skin, wait until you've mastered the technique before trying.

Intermediate: three tips for sharpening your eye

1. Look at the whole dog from a distance. Look at your dog from the side, front and behind, in a natural position. With your nose in the coat, it's easy to spend ten minutes on a detail that barely changes the presentation!
2. Check on the move as well. Take a few steps with your dog in a clear space. Does the coat settle properly? Does it let his outline be appreciated? In the American Cocker Spaniel, the standard states that the feathering must not hide the lines or the gaits.
3. Trim gradually when a trim is appropriate. If you've mastered the technique and the breed's preparation allows it, remove only a little coat at a time. Put the tool down, settle the coat and reassess. If you're unsure which line to follow, ask for advice.

Advanced: three tips for gaining precision

1. Check the specific requirements of the chosen clip. Some presentations come with detailed prescriptions. In the Poodle, check the lengths, shaved areas and transitions set out in the addendum to the standard. Avoid relying only on a photo or a salon habit.
2. Examine the effect of finishing products. At FCI international CACIB shows, substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose are forbidden. A spray sold as “special show” is therefore no guarantee of compliance.
3. Decide when the preparation is finished. Once the coat is correct and the details checked, give your dog a rest. The FCI regulations forbid keeping him tied on the table beyond the time needed for his preparation. The last few minutes should also let you regain his attention before the run.

The trap of one more little touch-up

One correction sometimes leads to another… until you've cut shorter than planned. Before each move, identify what it is meant to improve.

If the presentation meets the standard and your dog is comfortable, you can put the comb away. The finishing touches have done their job.

Sources

• FCI: standard No. 167, American Cocker Spaniel (PDF)
• FCI: standard No. 172, Poodle (PDF)
• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)