Stephen Chernin / Getty Images

A shihtzu gets groomed before entering the competition ring during the 130th Westminster Dog Show last year.

Fame
Pekingese
Owned by J. Robert Jacobsen, Timothy Reese and Randy Winters

“It’s an old wives’ tale that Pekingese aren’t ever bathed,” said Timothy Reese of Idaho Falls, Idaho. “We just don’t bath before a show. This way you give texture to the coat resulting in that lion-like look. We brush Fame several times weekly using water in a spray bottle to mist the coat. We also use baby talcum powder or cornstarch to get a show-stopping look. As far is his ears are concerned, Pekingese have ‘long furnishings’ to give that Oriental appearance.

“Before a show, I use a light tissue paper to wrap the hair on the ears and then secure it in place with a latex rubber band. I brush his teeth daily using good canine toothpaste and a Braun Oral B electric toothbrush, just like the one I use. And just before he goes into the show ring, we reduce the static in his coat by spraying it with distilled water mixed with a small amount of Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatment. He loves the hoopla involved in getting ready.”

Smokin
Old English Sheepdog
Owned by Douglas W. and Michaelanne Johnson and Bridgette Callahan

“Old English Sheepdogs have a double coat. And, if not groomed properly, the undercoat gets entangled with the top coat, causing severe matting. It’s just like a wool sweater when washed — it shrinks and tightens!” said Douglas Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo.

“When we bath him, we use a white color enhancer to make him whiter. I love Crystal White Easy Groom. Some people use curling irons to the head hair to make it puff out. But I find just line brushing it does the job. I use Barber shop neck paper and dental rubber bands to wrap his hair around his mouth and beard every day to protect it from staining and to keep it as white as possible. And we used standard ponytail wraps to keep his hair out of his eyes when he’s not in the show ring.

“Special booties are an absolute necessity for an Old English sheepdog. His are custom made for him by Jill Floberg of Bright Booties for the Distinguished Canine. The Velcro straps are wide and strong and fit comfortably over the hock and foot. He wears them on snowy or muddy days at home too. He has two pairs in purple and silver.”

Strider
Neapolitan Mastiff
Owned by Joyce Wolf

“Strider’s biggest beauty problem is his body odor,” said Joyce Wolf of Beverly Hills, Calif. “On long trips when bathing is not possible, I use apple cider vinegar. It removes any smell and restores a nice shine to his coat. I pour it over his back, rub it in and then towel dry him. Until he’s completely dry, he smells like a huge Waldorf salad …”