Sandra Orford

Translated into French

Sandra Orford, CMG

Sandy Orford's story with dogs began in 1972 when she acquired her first show dog, a Pomeranian. She then spent seven years alongside a renowned professional dog trainer, gaining extensive experience in grooming and showing dogs across Canada.

In 1984, Sandy founded Classy Clips Inc., a grooming salon that she still runs today. With a career spanning over 34 years as a professional dog handler, she has specialized in long-haired breeds and has successfully guided numerous Canadian and American champions to championship titles.

Sandy has owned, co-owned, and bred more than ten breeds, including Poodles, Pomeranians, Airedales, Bedlington Terriers, Irish Setters, Shih Tzus, Brussels Griffons, Bichon Frisés, Lakeland Terriers, and Lagotto Romagnolos. For the past 30 years, she has dedicated herself to breeding and showing Shih Tzus.

She began competing in grooming competitions in the 1990s and was recognized as Canada's top groomer from 2006 to 2008. Sandy was also a member of the Canadian grooming team for 12 years, winning a silver medal in the Hound category. She has won numerous Best in Show and Best All-Around Groomer awards and has served as a judge in many grooming competitions.

In addition, Sandy is a Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) certified conformation judge for five groups and is currently in the process of being certified for a sixth. Her dedication to the canine community extends beyond dog shows: she actively participates in fundraising for dog clubs and shelters, supports junior handlers, attends pet fairs, and is a member of the Fort Garry Kennel Club. She is also passionate about mentoring, both in commercial grooming and in showing dogs.

Seminar Saturday 9am to 11am: Dog Preparation

Sandra Orford offers a theoretical seminar focused on dog preparation. Drawing on her extensive experience, she will share her knowledge and techniques to optimize grooming quality and enhance the dog's appearance, taking into account its coat type and characteristics. During this seminar, participants will discover: the essential principles of proper preparation; bathing, drying, and styling techniques explained in detail; recommended products and tools; and the factors that influence the final grooming result. This seminar is suitable for both beginner groomers and professionals wishing to deepen their knowledge and improve the quality of their daily work.

Seminar Sunday 9am to 11am: Shih Tzu

This seminar will focus on Shih Tzu grooming, emphasizing techniques tailored to this breed for both daily care and salon styling. The demonstration will cover key grooming steps, including coat preparation, commercial cutting, and finishing touches to enhance the dog's structure. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the methods, ask questions, and receive practical tips applicable in the salon. This seminar is suitable for both novice groomers and professionals looking to refine their techniques and deepen their knowledge of the Shih Tzu.