showing a dales

[clara]

I am off to a proper Dales, Highland Fell class in two weeks time and need some advice on showing a dales as a proper dales.
He has a relativiely short mane with about 12 long dangly bedraggled bits that hang down extra long and a another bit he has rubbed so it sticks up . Do I pull the long bits to 'neaten' the mane up to one length or would this be a disaster? Also am I allowed to trim all those extra long hairs on his chinny chin chin? He is only 3 and we will be showing in hand. I know about the ribbons so I will try to put them in. Any other tips or suggestions?

[cariad]

Hi there

It's difficult to say about his mane without seeing, really it should be left in its natural state but i can see your predicament if its all different lengths and a bit of a mess, perhaps trim the broken ends so it looks a little neater??

Triming on Dales has always been a big issue with lots saying DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING and others who just tidy here and there. Personally i do tidy the hair under the chin, at the top of his legs when his summer coat is coming through he has long wispy hairs which i also tidy but thats about it!! I dont go OTT and it still looks natural but just a tidy natural!!LOL

For those of you out there who go completely natual, please dont go too mad!!!!

[clara]

I want to trim him up just as you say. Natural but a bit tidy - I am a bit sissor happy at times. The only reason I even raised this is because I went to my last class and I didn't do anything except bath him and try to smooth down the mane a bit but he looked quite unkemt compared to other entries! I will try and post photos later this week and you guys can give him a make over!!