Grooming For Show!
Folks asked me for a tutorial on grooming a Havanese for show. I posted this video on the High Jump Facebook Group and on the Havanese Forum. But then someone on the Forum also asked for a list of supplies. So I decided that I should put the two together and turn it into a blog so it wouldn’t get lost. This is not "THE" way to groom a Havanese for the show ring. This is the way I groom DUCKY for the show ring. Even Lili was groomed a little differently, and every handler has slightly different techniques. This is what works for me!
Here is a link to the supplies I talk about in the video:
Botaniqa Love Me Long Conditioner
I can't find my Madan VIP pin brush on line any more, but I have been told that this Plush Puppy brush is equal (or better quality, and the price is about the same.
The other alternative, which is not quite as good, won't last quite as long, but is also cheaper, is the CC Ice Slip Brush, and it will do the job
Ice on Ice grooming Spray (also comes in a concentrate, which is much cheaper in the long run)
Curved shears:
The ones I bought on Amazon are no longer available, but I have bought all my shears there. Don't go too cheap, particularly on curved shears, because the blades must fit together properly. Mine were about $50, and I see a number in that price range, so I think you can find something that will work.
Greyhound Comb. I have come to prefer these combs over all others. And if you are going to take them to dog shows, I HIGHLY recommend that you get them from this place and have them engraved with your (or your kennel) name. That's cheap, and it is much more likely that you'll get it back if you put it down at ringside and forget it! (how would I know that? )
If you just don't want to spend that much CC Butter combs aren't what they used to be, but they are still better than anything else, and almost as good as Greyhound
Hair Spray - Podium (the red can) is the dog one I like best, because it holds really well with very little "feel" in the dog's coat. But you can also use any human hair spray. Before I learned about this one, I used Garnier Fructise (sp?) or Dove
Stick Um Up (to tame loose hair around eyes, or you can use clear mascara)
Show Lead:
You don't need something fancy when you start showing. A thin, plain black (or white) Resco, or "Kindness" lead is perfect. Do NOT use a slip lead or chain on a Havanese. You do not need a bunch of beads on a young puppy. The weight will bother them, and if they swing around, they will bump him or her in the face. Save beads for if/when you special your dog. I showed the kind of bead closure I prefer in the video, because it does not slip, and I can put it exactly where I want it. But this is PURELY personal preference. BTW, that lead does have a kindness neck piece, though Ducky never pulls, so it really isn't necessary.
I suggest buying or borrowing something inexpensive for your first show or two, then shopping for leads at the shows. There is usually a good selection at most shows, and over time, you will have a better idea what you and your dog prefer. (you will probably end up with at least a small collection!)
I also wanted to show you that there is a BIG difference between what a "special" (a dog who has won his or her championship and is working on advanced titles) like Ducky looks like (and is EXPECTED to look like!) going into the ring and what a 6 month old puppy looks like, and can and does win his first points looking like! This was Ducky's first show weekend, and he won 4 points that weekend! Judges expect puppies to look like puppies. Clean and brushed. NOT "over-groomed"!!!
It is not uncommon for a Havanese to finish their championship, then stop showing for a while as they mature before starting to show as a special. And some owners choose to never show their dog past their championship! That is what we chose for both Panda and Lili. They both finished their championships and then became mamas!
