Cambridge English Dictionary defines artistry as, “The special skills possessed by someone with the ability to make art.” Today’s dog grooming
competitions are proof that artistic talent is not limited to canvas and paint.
Grooming competitions provide the opportunity
for groomers to step outside of their comfort zone,
said Christina Pawlosky, a national certified master
groomer (NCMG), owner of The Pet Connection in
Warren, Ohio, partner at The Grooming Professors
and a 2018 SuperZoo judge.
However, the road to the ring isn’t always so easy.
“It takes courage to build up the nerve to walk
into that ring,” said Lisa Leady, NCMG, a 2018 Su-
perZoo judge and owner of Primp My Pooch Mobile
and Salon Grooming in Genoa, Ill. “Competing builds
confidence.”
Taking those first tentative steps will also open
the door to invaluable educational tools, according
to Pawlosky.
“Not only do contestants learn from the judging critiques, but they are seeing the work of other
groomers from across the country and sometimes
from around the world,” Pawlosky said.
Constructive assessments and observing other
groomers’ work during competitions ultimately leads
to higher standards within the grooming industry
overall, Leady noted.
Beyond grooming, showing and breeding dogs,
Michelle Breen, owner of Best In Show Grooming in
Cincinnati, has been competing in grooming competitions since 2006.
“I try to hit 10 to 12 contests a year,” she said.
“There seems to be constant growth within the category, and new contests are popping up every year.
“SuperZoo is one of the more important competitions—it’s definitely a priority for most competitors,”
Breen added.
Breen noted that the knowledge and expertise
gained from that participation is invaluable for her
business.
“The bragging rights are always there, but it’s also
a great learning experience,” she said. “The judges
are some of the best in the world, and you get a lot of
really good, specific critiques.”
Further, information sharing and camaraderie
with other competitors are additional pluses.
“Competing is so much more than just placements
and prizes,” Leady said. “Being in the top three is
nice, but everyone walks away a winner.”
A fusion of passion, dedication, knowledge and talent lifts today’s grooming competitors to a new level.
Grooming Contests Inspire Artistry
THE GROOMING STAGE
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Last year’s SuperZoo Creative Salon Styling—
Open first-place winner Sandra Hartness
of Sandy Paws Pet Grooming
Visit SuperZoo
Booth #1843
NEW! Blue Plaid PJs
NEW! Snowman PJs
NEW! Roo’s Hooded
Woodland Owl Sweater
in Blue, Medium
800-893-9893
www.petrageousdesigns.com
Stop by our booth for this
year’s SuperZoo Special!
®