CPG Breed-Specific Grooming Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scissored finish best represents the correct head shape for a Bichon Frise in competition grooming?
- A flat, smooth finish with the hair lying close to the skull
- A rounded, powder-puff silhouette with no visible ears breaking the circular shape (Correct answer)
- A pointed topknot swept upward and banded above the skull
- A parted center coat hanging straight to the nose
Correct answer: A rounded, powder-puff silhouette with no visible ears breaking the circular shape
The Bichon Frise show head is scissored into a rounded, halo-like sphere with the ears blended in so they do not interrupt the circular silhouette.
Question 2: The Shih Tzu maintained in a 'puppy cut' or pet trim differs from show presentation primarily because:
- The pet trim involves hand stripping the body coat to maintain texture
- The long, floor-length double coat is shortened uniformly for manageability (Correct answer)
- The topknot banding is replaced with cording in the pet trim
- The pet trim requires shaving the face completely to the skin
Correct answer: The long, floor-length double coat is shortened uniformly for manageability
In the pet trim, the Shih Tzu's long double coat is scissored short all over for easy home maintenance, while show dogs carry a full floor-length coat with banded topknot.
Question 3: A Lhasa Apso presented to breed standard should have its coat parted:
- From occiput to tail base along the topline (Correct answer)
- Down the center of the muzzle to the tip of the nose
- From ear to ear across the top of the skull
- Only on the furnishings of the legs
Correct answer: From occiput to tail base along the topline
The Lhasa Apso's hallmark is a straight center part running from the occiput down to the base of the tail, allowing the heavy double coat to fall naturally on both sides.
Question 4: When grooming a Pekingese, which feature must be carefully protected and maintained to meet breed standards?
- The short, close-lying body coat that should never be scissored
- The profuse mane and coat that fans out around the head and shoulders (Correct answer)
- The tightly curled tail that should be separated into individual ringlets
- The corded leg furnishings that must be kept separate from the body coat
Correct answer: The profuse mane and coat that fans out around the head and shoulders
The Pekingese has a lion-like mane of longer, coarser hair surrounding the head and shoulders, which must be brushed out and maintained as a key breed characteristic.
Question 5: Bulldog grooming requires special attention to the facial skin folds primarily because:
- The folds trap dirt and moisture, creating conditions for yeast and bacterial infections (Correct answer)
- The folds must be trimmed with scissors to prevent overgrowth onto the eyes
- The folds should be shaved with a #40 blade to maintain hygiene
- The folds require daily hand stripping to remove dead skin cells
Correct answer: The folds trap dirt and moisture, creating conditions for yeast and bacterial infections
Bulldog wrinkles trap heat, moisture, and debris; without regular cleaning and drying, the skin folds become a breeding ground for yeast and bacterial dermatitis.
Question 6: The Chow Chow's double coat requires which specific grooming approach to maintain health and appearance?
- Full-body shaving every 6 months to prevent overheating
- Regular line brushing through both the outer coat and dense undercoat to prevent matting (Correct answer)
- Hand stripping the outer coat twice yearly while leaving the undercoat intact
- Cording the coat into rope-like sections for the show ring
Correct answer: Regular line brushing through both the outer coat and dense undercoat to prevent matting
Chow Chows require thorough line brushing through both coats because their profuse, dense undercoat mats close to the skin if not regularly worked through.
Question 7: Which statement about grooming the Dalmatian is accurate?
- Dalmatians have a harsh wire coat requiring stripping twice yearly
- Dalmatians have a short, dense, smooth coat needing minimal grooming beyond bathing and rubber-curry brushing (Correct answer)
- Dalmatians have a double coat that sheds seasonally and requires daily de-shedding
- Dalmatians must have their spots outlined with thinning shears for show presentation
Correct answer: Dalmatians have a short, dense, smooth coat needing minimal grooming beyond bathing and rubber-curry brushing
The Dalmatian's short, tight, single-layer coat is low maintenance—regular rubber-curry brushing removes loose hair and stimulates the skin without special techniques.
CPG Breed-Specific Grooming Standards 3
Which scissored finish best represents the correct head shape for a Bichon Frise in competition grooming?