CPS CPS Breed-Specific Grooming Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which blade length is most commonly used to clip the body of a Bichon Frise in a pet trim to achieve the characteristic fluffy, rounded appearance?
- #30 on the blade under a long snap-on comb (Correct answer)
- #10 blade directly on the skin
- #7F blade for a close, tight finish
- #40 blade for a very short uniform cut
Correct answer: #30 on the blade under a long snap-on comb
Bichon Frise pet trims typically use a #30 blade under a snap-on comb to leave sufficient length for scissoring the signature rounded, powder-puff silhouette.
Question 2: A Yorkshire Terrier shown in a full coat should have its floor-length coat parted:
- Down the center of the back from nose to tail tip (Correct answer)
- On the left side of the neck and back
- In a side part starting behind the left ear
- No part — the coat falls naturally forward
Correct answer: Down the center of the back from nose to tail tip
The Yorkshire Terrier AKC show standard specifies a perfectly straight center part running from the nose tip to the end of the tail.
Question 3: When grooming an Old English Sheepdog, the facial hair around the eyes is traditionally:
- Left to fall naturally over the eyes as a breed characteristic (Correct answer)
- Trimmed back to expose both eyes fully
- Braided and pinned up out of the way
- Shaved to the skin around each eye
Correct answer: Left to fall naturally over the eyes as a breed characteristic
The Old English Sheepdog's characteristic look includes hair that naturally falls over the eyes, and it is left in place per breed standard rather than trimmed.
Question 4: The 'puppy cut' applied to a Poodle is best described as:
- An even length scissored or clipped all over the body with a rounded head (Correct answer)
- The AKC puppy trim with shaved face, feet, and tail base only
- A continental clip adapted for dogs under 12 months
- A saddle trim leaving full coat on the front half of the body
Correct answer: An even length scissored or clipped all over the body with a rounded head
In pet grooming, the 'puppy cut' refers to an even all-over length with a rounded, plush finish — it is not the formal AKC puppy clip shown in the ring.
Question 5: Which characteristic is correct for the Siberian Husky's coat according to grooming standards?
- Double coat that should never be shaved except for medical reasons (Correct answer)
- Single-layer coat that requires regular clipping to prevent matting
- Coat that benefits from stripping twice per year
- Wiry outer coat that must be hand stripped seasonally
Correct answer: Double coat that should never be shaved except for medical reasons
Siberian Huskies have a thick double coat that provides insulation and should never be shaved as it disrupts natural thermoregulation and coat regrowth.
Question 6: For an Afghan Hound, the saddle area on the back is groomed by:
- Clipping or shaving the short, close-lying coat on the back saddle area while leaving the sides long (Correct answer)
- Scissoring the entire back coat to one even length
- Hand stripping the saddle to remove dead coat
- Leaving the saddle entirely natural without any grooming
Correct answer: Clipping or shaving the short, close-lying coat on the back saddle area while leaving the sides long
The Afghan Hound's distinctive look includes a natural, close-lying saddle of short hair on the back, often maintained by clipping, contrasting with the long flowing coat on the sides and legs.
CPS CPS Breed-Specific Grooming Standards 2
Which blade length is most commonly used to clip the body of a Bichon Frise in a pet trim to achieve the characteristic fluffy, rounded appearance?