Show grooming: what is not allowed

This article concerns international shows with the award of the FCI CACIB, based on the texts consulted in October 2026. Also check the rules of the event you have chosen.

Substances that change appearance

Section 4 of the FCI regulations forbids substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose. [1]

In practical terms, a dye meant to change the colour of the hair, a product to re-pigment the nose or a fixative that alters the shape of the coat all fall under this ban. These are examples of applying the regulatory principle, not an exhaustive list of products named by the FCI.

The words “natural”, “temporary” or “show special” do not count as an exemption.

Presentations that do not comply with the standard

The general regulations allow trimming, but the standard may regulate the presentation.

For the Poodle, the addendum details the permitted clips. It states, among other things, that fancy variations departing from the norms described for the modern clip are disqualifying. For the English saddle clip, products intended to hold the top-knot are expressly forbidden. [2]

Be careful with the wording used: in the American Cocker Spaniel, the electric clipper on the back is described as “undesirable”. This must not be presented as a general ban on clippers for all breeds. [3]

Prolonged tying on the table

The FCI regulations forbid leaving the dog tied on the grooming table for longer than needed to prepare him. [1]

Once the grooming is finished, arrange his wait in a suitable space. The table must not become his resting place between classes.

Beginner: three tips to avoid slip-ups

1. Don’t use a product to hide a feature. Before applying a powder, cream or spray, identify its effect. If it is used to change the colour or the characteristics covered by the regulations, give up that use.
2. Check before a major trim. Consult the standard and tell the groomer about your show plans. A salon cut can be practical day to day yet not suit the presentation expected.
3. End the session when the dog is ready. Put the tools away and lift him down from the table safely. Then plan a rest suited to his needs.

Intermediate: three tips to interpret the rules better

1. Don’t mistake a practice you’ve seen for permission. An experienced exhibitor can also get it wrong. Rely on the applicable text rather than on “everyone does it”.
2. Don’t treat rinsing as a guarantee. The fact that a product was applied at home or rinsed off is not enough to establish that it complies. Check the effect of the preparation on the dog being shown.
3. Ask a precise question if in doubt. Give the organiser the product’s name, its intended use and its stated effect. “Is this spray allowed to hold the coat?” will be more useful than a general question about products.

Advanced: three tips to check your preparation

1. Tell prohibition, fault and recommendation apart. These terms have different scopes. Re-read the exact wording of the standard before concluding that a technique is forbidden or that it automatically leads to exclusion.
2. Check the texts that apply on the date of the show. Check the version of the regulations, the standard in force and the event’s instructions. An old habit may need updating.
3. Prepare a compliant routine without improvised touch-ups. Plan the steps ahead and pick moves you have mastered. You’ll avoid hunting, at the ringside, for a solution whose compliance you haven’t checked.

The right question before a touch-up is simple: what effect does it have, and what does the applicable text say? This check lets you prepare your dog with confidence.

Sources

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