Some breeds are required by their standards to be shown naturally in a dog show. This can be a tall order in a sport in which grooming is not just important, but sometimes taken to new heights in effort and creativity. Some handlers can’t seem to help themselves despite their breed being one of those “natural” breeds, and this can be frustrating to competitors adhering to the breed’s standard. We thought you might be interested to know a few of those “natural” breeds:
The PONs, or Polish Lowland Sheepdog, is a shaggy dog, and its standard says that it’s supposed to be shown naturally with an unkempt, but clean appearance;
The Bearded Collie’s coat falls naturally to either side and must never be parted artificially. The dog should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming, but the coat must not be trimmed in any way….An excessively long, silky coat or one which has been trimmed in any way must be severely penalized;
The Old English Sheepdog has a natural outline, and neither that nor the natural texture of the coat may be changed by any artificial means except that the feet and rear may be trimmed for cleanliness;
The Border Terrier’s breed club has a set of grooming guidelines which stipulate that the use of chalk and excessive grooming are not acceptable…Legs are not fluffed, and jackets are not clipped or scissored. The club strives to project an image of a breed that is natural, and that “what you see is what you get.”
Is the breed you love supposed to be shown in a natural or untouched state?
The image of the Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is shared with consent from the AKC and was provided to them courtesy of Judy Torge, AKC Breeder of Merit
Natural for the Icelandic Sheepdog
From the standard: “In the show ring, presentation is to be in a
natural, unaltered condition. Specimens where the coat or whiskers have been altered by
trimming or clipping shall be so severely faulted as to be effectively eliminated from
competition.”
Thanks, Karen!!! We love feedback and appreciate that you left the comment on the website where it will always be seen (and not lost in cyberspace via Facebook!). The language in the Icelandic Sheepdog’s standard doesn’t mince words, does it (grin). Touch that coat with scissors and you’re out (said like an umpire)!
The standard for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever states “While neatening of the feet, ears, and hocks for the show ring is permitted, the Toller should always appear natural, never barbered. Whiskers must be present.”
Good to know, Joan, and thank you so much for sharing the information!!
Unfortunately, breeders who adhere to the standard are throwing away their entry fees, because judges will put up the coiffed dogs (even when they’re LAME) and completely ignore the natural dogs.
It happens, Melissa, but perhaps in our naiveté, we believe that ultimately, the truth outs. Hold true to what you know is correct, get involved in the breed club, and have a say in your Judges Education committee. We know how easy it seems to say this, but fanciers aren’t getting any younger, and new help is welcomed.
I have Berger des Pyrenees and love their natural look! I hope that they do not become fluffed or scissored for the show ring!
We hope so too, Margaret. We have no magic bullet to prevent this, but surely getting involved with the breed club and its Judges Education committee is a good start?
The Barbet is to be shown in a rustic coat. There are only a few of us in the US and Canada that adhere to the standard. Less is more in terms of grooming, but there are still those who over groom, poof out and shape their poor dogs. The worse thing is that judges put them up and set a precedent for other judges. I love that our breed is meant to be shown in a coat that they can be comfortable in at home, in the ring or in the field!
It is frustrating, we agree, Lynn, to look like the poor step-sister next to the polished princess when one is groomed correctly, and the other not at all. We can only think that there is a message to be made in strength of numbers, and if everyone shows their dog groomed appropriately, the over-groomed dog will stick out like a sore thumb. It’s a fantasy of ours, anyway.