How to Show a Poodle

Bred as a water retriever breed in Europe, the poodle today serves equal roles among humans as an active, intelligent companion and a flashy show breed. Its hypoallergenic coat and intelligence suit it very well to life as a pet, but one of the poodle's most distinguishing characteristics is the flashiness of its show-groomed curly fur and its dignity of carriage. To show your poodle, you must take care to properly groom your dog, handle your dog and understand the show rules.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Slicker brush
  • Hose
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog conditioner
  • AKC registration
  • Nylon or satin neck gaiter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Regularly brush your poodle's coat to free it of mats, but do not brush more than necessary for keeping the coat unmatted, since excessive brushing weakens the hairs. Begin by spraying the coat with a mist of water or light conditioner -- never brush a dry coat.

    • 2

      Brush in 1-inch chunks, using a pin brush and separating the piece of hair and working from the ends in. This way, you go over the entire coat in smaller pieces to ensure that no part of the coat contain tangles. If your brush reaches a mat in the fur, gently separate the mat with your fingers before continuing to brush.

    • 3

      Brush over the coat a second time after removing tangles and mats with a slicker brush. Still brushing in 1-inch pieces, start from the skin and roots of the hairs and brushing out. This clears the roots and skin of any dead hairs, known as felt, which can build up and cause discomfort. Before brushing at the roots, test the teeth of the slicker brush against your arm for sharpness and use caution with a sharper brush to avoid irritating your dog. For this reason, many dog owners prefer to use a pin brush for their poodle's neck fur, topknot, and ears.

    • 4

      Bathe your dog every 7 to 10 days by wetting the coat with a gentle hose, lathering dog shampoo into the coat and rinsing. Then use dog conditioner on the coat and rinse.

    • 5

      Get to know people who participate and work in dog showing. Breeders of purebred poodles with show-quality pedigrees often possess plenty of valuable insider knowledge on dog showing. Naturally, judges also make excellent resources. Making connections in the dog showing world make your first show an easier experience, help familiarize you with the rules and standards and train you to show more successfully. Also remember to register your dog with the recognized showing organization you wish to show in, such as the American Kennel Club.

    • 6

      Learn information specific to your dog to share with the judges, such as breed history, your personal grooming routine, and the poodle's breed group.

    • 7

      Train your dog in obedience and handling. Dog shows require that handlers show their dogs to the judges and display them by walking them in prescribed patterns. You may hire a professional handler for this part, or you may research and practice the patterns yourself. When showing your poodle, remember to never stand between your dog and the judge; carry yourself with a confident, straight posture; and show attentiveness. When training your dog, use a protective sleeve, or neck gaiter, under the collar to protect the fur.

    • 8

      Brush, wash and blow dry your dog prior to showing and afterwards.