Grooming and Handling Classes

General Guidelines

One entry per handler in Grooming and Handling. 4-H’er can not enter multiple Grooming & Handling Classes. Handler would be competing against themselves.

The Appearance of the Animal (Grooming) will account for 45 points and the Showing (Handling) of the Animal will account for 45 points. Knowledge of handler (appropriate to class level) will account for 10 points. Maximum possible score will be 100 points. Ties are broken based upon handling skills and knowledge of handler.

If a dog defecates or eliminates in the ring during Grooming and Handling, they will lose 15 points per occurrence.

If a 4-H’er is also entered in one or more obedience classes, he/she should notify one of the stewards in the obedience class(es) that he/she is also entered in Grooming and Handling and note which ring. Where possible, 4-H’ers should participate in their Grooming and Handling class as scheduled. The individual exercises of the obedience classes require only one 4-H’er and their dog at a time so it is easier to pick up an obedience class later than it is to group 8 or more handlers together for a Grooming and Handling class. Discriminating use of bait (food, toy, etc.) will be allowed in Grooming and Handling classes but is not mandatory. Inappropriate baiting will be severely penalized.

Dogs must be shown by the 4-H member who did the grooming. The same dog may not be shown twice.

Gaiting Patterns

  • Dogs should be moved at a trot.
  • How smoothly a pattern is performed is more important than the actual mechanics of it (i.e., which hand switched where). 4-H’ers should strive to keep their dogs between themselves and the judge where possible.
  • 4-H’ers in all divisions (A,B,C) will be expected to be able to gait their dog in a circle, a triangle and in a straight line. The straight line may be on a diagonal of the ring or parallel to a side of the ring (e.g., judge may ask handler to gait their dog “straight up and back”).
  • 4H’ers in Grooming and Handling divisions B and C will additionally be expected to be able to gait their dogs in an L pattern and also in a straight line paired with another 4H’er and his/her dog.

In any division (A,B,C), the judge will ask the 4H’ers questions about their dogs. In the A division, basic questions such as “How old is your dog?”, “What breed/breeds is your dog?”, etc. may be asked to familiarize the 4-H’er with being asked a question and responding. In the B division, more difficult questions may be asked (e.g., parts of the dog, breed specific questions, etc.).

Dress Code

Exhibitors should be neat, clean, and well-groomed in appearance. They should wear clothing that is comfortable to handle in and that complements their dog. Clothing should not hinder or detract from the presentation of the dog. Avoid excessive or oversized jewelry or any accessory that will touch or distract a dog.

Acceptable clothing: suits, dress shirts, dresses, skirts, dress shorts, skorts, dress slacks, dressy capri or crop pants, collared blouses, or similar attire. Sleeveless shirts including halter tops and tank tops are not appropriate. Do not wear short skirts, short shorts, spaghetti straps, low cut blouses, or slacks/shorts hanging too low on the waist, clothing with holes or tears in the fabric. Shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and vests with 4-H club or county logos, slogans, dog club names, etc. are not appropriate. If a skirt is worn, care should be taken so that it does not flap in the dog’s face. Sports jackets may be worn, but are not required, especially in warm weather. When wearing a tie, a tie tack should be used to hold the tie close to the shirt so it will not drape over the dog’s back or get in the handler’s way.

Shoes should have non-slip soles and low or no heels. Sneakers, sandals, open-toed shoes, and clogs are not appropriate. Hair that must be continually brushed out of the eyes or that falls over the dog when the handler is stacking is distracting. Long hair should be in a braid, ponytail, bun or clips used to keep it out of the handler’s face.

Youth should practice running and bending over in their show outfits. Practice handling the dog in show clothes. Handlers will be penalized if wearing clothing that is too tight or too revealing. Armbands are worn on the left arm. It is important for the handler to relax, smile and act happy while showing! A pleasant attitude and being a gracious sport will go a long way toward making the handler and his or her dog a winning team.

Grooming and Handling A Junior

For 4-H’ers 8 to 13 years of age who are competing for the first time in Grooming and Handling at State Fair, unless the Handler has qualified for the Open Class of Junior Showmanship at an AKC Show. Handlers who receive a red or white ribbon rating at the state level may compete at this level the second year.

Grooming and Handling A Senior

For 4-H’ers 14 to 18 years of age who are competing for the first time in Grooming and Handling at state level unless the Handler has qualified for the Open Class of Junior Showmanship at an AKC Show. Handlers who receive a red or white ribbon rating at state level may compete at this level the second year.

Grooming and Handling B Junior

For 4-H’ers 9 to 13 years of age as of Jan. 1 and have previously completed in Grooming and Handling at the state level.

Grooming & Handling B – Senior

For 4-H’ers 14 to 18 years of age as of Jan. 1 and have previously competed in Grooming & Handling at the state level.

Grooming and Handling C - Senior

For 4-H’ers who have previously been a Grooming and Handling B Champion and/or have qualified for the Open Class of Junior Showmanship at an AKC show (or the equivalent), even if it is their first year.

For more information

Contact your local County CCE Association or Dana Palmer at dlp10 [at] cornell.edu (dlp10[at]cornell[dot]edu).