Level 2Exhibitor
Grooming: why does it matter?
The answer
A beautiful coat catches the eye, but grooming does far more: it helps keep your dog comfortable, looks after his coat and lets you spot possible problems.
At a show, preparation also depends on the breed. A short coat, a wire coat and a long coat don't call for the same tools or the same techniques.
Good grooming starts with one question: what does my dog need?
Beginner — Maintaining and reassuring
1. Brush to look after the coat
Brushing removes dirt and dead hair. It also helps prevent tangles, which can become uncomfortable.
Try this: ask your groomer to show you the right brush and how much pressure to use. An effective brush should be used gently. [1, 2]
2. Make grooming a pleasant habit
A dog who meets the brush for the first time at the last minute may find the session stressful. Get him used to it gradually, with short sessions and breaks.
The little game: a few strokes on an area he accepts well, a reward, then a break. Go at his pace. [1]
3. Use the time to check him over
By gently parting the coat, you may notice redness, a wound or an unusual patch. Look at his paws and pads too.
The useful habit: if you find something wrong or your dog seems to be in pain, ask your vet for advice. Grooming lets you observe, not diagnose. [2]
Intermediate — Adapting care to your dog
1. Watch the places where tangles hide
Behind the ears and under the legs, tangles can go unnoticed. A coat that looks nice on the surface is not necessarily untangled everywhere.
Try this: inspect these areas gently. If a tangle is tight against the skin, call in a professional rather than pulling it or cutting it out with scissors. [1, 2]
2. Plan the bath according to need
More baths do not necessarily mean a better coat. How often depends on the dog, his coat and how clean he is.
Your routine: use a dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly and dry in a suitable way. Ask your groomer for a precise plan for show preparation. [1, 2]
3. Think about the nails too
Grooming doesn't stop at the coat. Nails that are too long can bother the dog and alter his gait.
Try this: get him used to letting you hold a paw briefly. To learn how to trim, ask a groomer or your vet for a demonstration: the quick of the nail must be preserved. [2]
Advanced — Preparing a presentation suited to the breed
1. Learn what your breed requires
Some breeds need a particular cut, others suitable stripping, and others simpler upkeep. Copying the grooming of another breed can lead you to an inappropriate preparation.
Your mission: ask your breeder, the breed club or a groomer experienced in showing which techniques to plan and when. [3]
2. Know the regulatory limits
MyDogShow tip: Don’t use any treatment that alters the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose: preparation should show your dog at its best, not transform it.
The useful habit: check your products before preparing the dog. A commercial label saying "special for shows" is not enough to prove that a product is allowed. [4]
3. Organise the final touch-ups
MyDogShow tip: In the show hall, stick to a comb and a brush for last touch-ups, and don’t leave your dog tied to the grooming table for longer than necessary.
Your plan: do the suitable care well in advance, then allow for simple touch-ups and real breaks for your companion. [4]
Key takeaways
Grooming matters for comfort, upkeep and presentation. It must respect your dog's coat and the show rules.
A well-prepared dog is also a dog who has been looked after between competitions.