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What is competition GroomingCompetitive dog grooming is a professional sport where skilled groomers showcase their technique and creativity through breed-specific trims, artistic creations, and freestyle designs.
Groomers are evaluated on specific criteria, including symmetry, uniformity of cuts, style, trim detail, and the overall balance of the coat. Judges also consider the texture of the fur, the presence of scissor marks, and the tidiness of the feet. Competition categories include breed profile, creative grooming—which utilizes safe dyes and sculpting—and freestyle. Events range from pre-trimmed judging to timed grooming sessions. |
Who We Are |
Our team consists of groomers of all experience levels, from first-time competitors to seasoned professionals. We support one another in meetings, during competitions, and throughout our professional journeys.
We strive to maintain an open environment where everyone feels confident asking questions and sharing ideas. Our goal is not only to advance our training, knowledge, and skills, but also to lift each other up and provide mutual care in a demanding industry. |
Our History |
Team Feldspar was established in 2021 to bring groomers together in a family-style environment to learn the art of competition grooming. Participants receive direct tutelage from Ann Martin, one of the industry's premier experts.
Ann Martin is an international award-winning master groomer, judge, instructor, and speaker. She has handled and exhibited show dogs since childhood, a legacy she continues today with her Feldspar Standard Poodles and Papillons. Certified as an NCMG at age twenty, Ann began competing in 1992 and became a certifier for the National Dog Groomers Association of America in 1995. During her six years of competition, Ann was a member of GroomTeam USA and earned numerous prestigious titles, including Best American Groomer, Best Team Groomer in the World, and Oster Tournament of Champions Winner. She is also a Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award winner and has received multiple Best All Around Groomer and Best in Show awards. Ann has since judged and taught seminars globally. Dedicated to sharing her lifetime of expertise, she is currently developing a library of educational videos and launching the Mastery Series with Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich. |
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Heather was honored to be a founding member of Ann Martin's competitive grooming team. This team competes several times a year against groomers from around the world. Competitions are divided into three levels based on experience and previous first-place wins.
During these events, participants must complete a specific groom within a timeframe determined by the size of the dog. The judges are internationally recognized experts, chosen for their decades of experience, deep knowledge, and successful histories in the ring. While the process is demanding, it is a rewarding experience that encourages professionals to strive for excellence and stay at the forefront of the grooming industry. Her accomplishments to date are: 1st entry Poodles Superzoo 2025 1st entry Poodles Pasadena 2025 3rd entry Freestyle Pasadena 2025 3rd Freestyle CaliGroom Central 2025 2nd entry Poodles Pasadena 2024 3rd entry Freestyle Pasadena 2023 3rd entry Poodles SuperZoo 2022 2nd entry All Other Purebreds at Pasadena 2022 Best First Timer entry Poodles SuperZoo 2021 |