The Staggering Amount Of Time It Takes To Groom A Dog For A Show

Grooming a show dog isn't just about making the dog look good — it's about perfection. It's a time-intensive process that usually takes two to five hours per session, depending on the dog's size, breed, and coat condition. Some breeds, such as the Puli, can take up to a whopping twelve hours for their unique coats! Achieving the perfect show-ready look is like sculpting a masterpiece, styling a runway model, and prepping an athlete for competition, all at the same time.

For professional handlers and groomers, the time it takes to achieve the perfect look is as much an art as a precise science that follows breed standards down to the last strand of fur. Every step of the grooming process plays a crucial role in a dog's success at competitions like Westminster. What exactly goes into crafting these canine works of art? Let's dig into how dog shows work when it comes to grooming — where every detail matters if you want your pup to take the pedestal.

Grooming a show dog is just as much about making them look good as it is about achieving precise breed standards that judges use to evaluate perfection. Each coat type requires specific tools, products, and techniques to ensure the dog shines in the ring. What works for a poodle won't necessarily work for an Afghan hound, and expert groomers must tailor their approach based on the dog's breed, coat texture, and styling requirements. Knowing what the pros do before a show can also help when finding the right dog groomer for your own pup.

For curly-coated breeds like poodles and Bichon Frises, hand-scissoring can take up to one to two hours to refine their signature rounded shape and remove matting. Wiry-coated breeds, such as terriers and schnauzers, often undergo hand-stripping sessions that can last two to three hours, with dense coats requiring five to six hours, depending on their condition. This technique removes dead hairs manually to preserve the coat's natural texture, preventing softening that occurs with clipping. Meanwhile, double-coated breeds like collies and Samoyeds benefit from blow-drying sessions that can take nearly an hour to achieve the ideal volume while preventing matting.

Beyond technique, the science of coat care plays a crucial role in show dog grooming. Professional groomers rely on high-end, breed-specific products to enhance coat texture and manageability. Dog-specific shampoos and conditioners maintain coat health without stripping natural oils. Finishing oils and gloss sprays provide shine without making the coat look greasy — all leading to the perfect final presentation.

Behind every immaculately groomed show dog is a skilled groomer who has spent hours perfecting their craft. Given that grooming for competition requires a deep understanding of breed standards, it's no surprise that professional show groomers dedicate their careers to mastering the intricate details that set champions apart. Competitors attend dozens of shows per year, packing grooming kits, crates, and styling tools while navigating competition venues. Grooming preparation often begins months beforehand. This involves practicing the different cuts and styles each breed needs to meet show requirements. 

On the morning of a competition, groomers arrive before the show starts to get ready. As grooming can take up to another two hours before the show, it means arriving long before the competition begins. Judges can penalize unkempt coats, so these refinements ensure the dog remains flawless throughout the event. If you ever dreamed of presenting your pup to the fancy world of dog shows, or wanted to get your dog into the Westminster Kennel Club Show, you now have an idea of what it truly takes — and just how dedicated the groomers behind these dogs really are.