Artificial substances are prohibited, but the grooming area is littered with cans and powders. Cornstarch makes whites whiter, and sculpting gel makes fur stay put, but technically neither should be used, even if the judges look the other way. Groomers say the dogs love the pampering, and there is historical reason for those bizarre haircuts the poodles get: They date back to a time when poodles were bred as water retrievers. Some of the body was shaved so the dog could swim easily. The intact fur kept organs and joints warm in the cold water.