Dog grooming competition – in pictures

A fine entry from Pennsylvania, where an unnamed and unsuspecting poodle is sporting a hammerhead shark design, complete with yellow bouffant Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

The reverse angle, here, (because you know you want to see it) features a Jaws-style great white shark sculpted into the fur. Top marks – though the dog is apparently less than amused by the needless pink detailing on its rear leg Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Another poodle (the dog of choice for grooming) featuring a novel avian design. Subtlety not being key to this effort, the juxtaposition of rear parrot and front flamingo is offset by classic detailing such a the bird feathers and black beak Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

The caption provided with this photograph explains that the dog is dressed as Yoda from Star Wars, though closer inspection reveals it is in fact Grandpa Munster Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Is that an ewok? Because, quite frankly, if that is meant to be Chewbacca then something has gone badly wrong Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

A sensible design at last; half tiger, half elephant. The execution here is really quite ingenious – the owner saw the potential for a back-leg-to-trunk-conversion and exploited it with precision. Note that this is an Indian elephant, hence the jewels Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

As expected, the reverse angle reveals a cobra Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Moving away from the animal theme, this owner has attempted a mechanical illusion. Question marks exist, unfortunately, as to how the dog would walk using such a rudimentary combination of cog and cranks, and the apparent indecision over the ears has proved costly Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

A design rich in detail, here. Not only does it feature Big Bird and Elmo from Sesame Street, but the Grouch as his sidekick too Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

I'm not sure how this one went down with the judges, but for my money this is not a valid entry. That dragon fly is plastic, for starters Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Confirmation, here, from the reverse angle, of a terrible design Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

This, on the other hand, has victory written all over it. Incorporating Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Pluto, what's not to love? That sour-faced dog needs to cheer up Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

What a misery. When you've got a waving Mickey Mouse on your torso, you could at least raise a quick smile for the photographer Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Here's a slick design. None of the fancy sculpting, just a nonchalant dog sporting a wicked dragon. If only all dogs looked like this one Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

Oh dear, that's a comedown from the previous entry. A confused jumble of ideas in which a jovial hippo is apparently trying to eat a penguin in front of a bemused lion. Not one for the kids Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media

OK, this competition has gone wrong. A goldfish on the head with Pinocchio front legs? Maybe dog-grooming wasn't such a great idea after all Photograph: Ren Netherland/Barcroft Media