Some dogs are family pets, seeing eye dogs, or just someone's companion. Other dogs are simply show dogs. These are champion breeds you see on television vying for Best in Show. These dogs are the "professional athletes" of the canine world. They are trained and conditioned to be the best, act the best, and look the best. They way they are trained and groomed is nothing like the way a normal dog is. These dogs are judged on coat quality and color, teeth, temperament, jaw and even the color of its nose. Show dogs and pet dogs live in two entirely different worlds, and they are groomed differently as well.
Similar to a supermodel's hair regime, a show dog's coat can be treated with many different products ranging from hot oil treatments and conditioners, to being wrapped in rice paper or being hardened with chalk. Along with the dog, groomers for show dogs take much pride in their work and get judged and gain a reputation, just like a human hair stylist would. They work hard to make their dogs look the best. Their expertise comes from learning about the different breeds, practicing, and putting their skills to work on their pet. This can take years of practice.
Another aspect of being a show dog groomer is that you learn how to hide minor faults a show dogs has. For example, if a dog has shorter legs than what a judge might find perfect, a show groomer will know how to cut the hair on the legs to make them look elongated. Same goes if the torso of a dog is too long or too short - a show groomer will know how to mask those particular problem areas.
There are very few show dogs that are groomed by their owner. Almost all show dogs go to professional groomers because of the very specific way all the breeds must be cut. If you are curious how your dog would be cut for a show, look online. It might look strikingly different from the way you groom your dog at home. For this reason, the pet owners take the time and money to go to a professional groomer.
Professional groomers take their work seriously. They are meticulous so that they don't harm the dog in any way and also because their work must be so precise. The smallest flaw or flub will be noticed by the judge and although the pet's performance is very important, it is equally as important that the groomer did their job in making the dog look as perfect as possible.
