When you’re registering for the competition, please ensure you have chosen the correct class, based on the guidance below.
Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering. This does not apply to Model Dog – S, B,I, Model Dog – Exp, Creative and Champion of Champions.
If you want to enter using a breed you have already achieved Championship level, you must enter Champion of Champion. You are welcome to enter Open if you have not competed, at Championship level, with that breed before.
Model Dog – S, B, I
Eligibility
Anyone who is a Student, Beginner or Intermediate.
Guidelines
You must bring your completed model dog with you on the day. Judging will take place during the day and winner announced in line with winner announcements on the day.
Model Dog – Exp
Eligibility
Anyone who is an experienced, open or champion groomer.
Guidelines
You must bring your completed model dog with you on the day. Judging will take place during the day and winner announced in line with winner announcements on the day.
Student
Eligibility
Less than 2 years of training through Grooming College, Academy or School. No Championship placements higher than Open level. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
All breeds allowed. All techniques allowed. Allocated time 2.5 hours. Golden 5 minutes: each competitor allowed 5 minutes of advice from a mentor or tutor during the competition.
Beginner
Eligibility
Under 5 years total experience in training and grooming. Must have had no 1st place wins in any class or beginner-level competitions before. No Championship placements higher than Open level. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
All breeds allowed. All techniques allowed. Allocated time 2.5 hours.
Intermediate
Eligibility
Over 5 years experience in training and grooming. Must have had no 1st place wins in any class or beginner-level competitions before. No Championship placements higher than Open level. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
All breeds allowed. All techniques allowed. Allocated time 2.5 hours.
Best in Show
Eligibility
Winner of the Open Classes, Doubles or Creative Classes.
Guidelines
Will be chosen from the winners of each class on the day.
Open Salon Freestyle Mixed
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or, two 1st placements and a Best in Show, in any set category. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
Mixed breed. No breed standard trims. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Salon Freestyle Pure
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or, two 1st placements and a Best in Show, in any set category.
Guidelines
Pure breed. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Pure Breed
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or, two 1st placements and a Best in Show, in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome.
Guidelines
Any pure breed. Breed standard trim. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Poodles are not to be groomed in a recognised breed standard trim. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Asian Fusion
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or, two 1st placements and a Best in Show, in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome.
Guidelines
Any breed or cross breeds allowed. Trimmed to Asian style at Groomers discretion including exaggerated features. Coat dressings and accessories allowed. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Toy/Mini Poodle
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome.
Guidelines
Purebred Poodle. Breed standard trim. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Spray ups are allowed additional 15 minutes and the support of one handler. Clipping only allowed for Continental trim. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Standard Poodle
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
Purebred Poodle. Breed standard trim. Allocated time 2.5 hours. Spray ups are allowed additional 15 minutes and the support of one handler. Clipping only allowed for Continental trim. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Handstripped Terrier
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
Purebred Terrier. Handstripped into breed standard trim. Allocated time 2.5 hours for all breeds except Airedale Terrier which is allocated 3 hours. Clipping is not allowed. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Open Handstripped Gundog
Eligibility
Less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set category. Breed/exhibitor specialists welcome. Competitors must not have had 3 x 1st place or 2 x 1st place and 1 x Best in Show in the category they are entering.
Guidelines
Purebred Gundog. Handstripped into breed standard trim. Allocated time 2.5 hours. Clipping allowed only for Cocker and Setter chest and ears. Eligible for Best in Show. 1st place winners will receive a Golden Scissor Award.
Creative
Eligibility
Any groomer with no Championship placements higher than Open level.
Guidelines
Any breed or cross breeds allowed. Trimmed at Groomers discretion including. No coat colour restrictions. Coat dressings and accessories allowed. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″. Eligible for Best in Show.
Best in Show
Eligibility
Winner of the Open Classes or Creative Classes.
Guidelines
Will be chosen from the winners of each class on the day.
Champion of Champions
Eligibility
Any current award winning Groomers in any champion-level category. If you are already a champion with the dog you are bringing, you must enter this category.
Guidelines
All breeds welcome. Signature style or new style for groomer welcome. Allocated time 2 hours for under 15″, 2.5 hours for over 15″.
Doubles
Eligibility
Any 2 groomers with less than three 1st placements or two 1st placements and a Best in Show in any set category.
Guidelines
All breeds welcome. Allocated time 1.5 hours.