The Royal Kennel Club Dog Grooming Championships in partnership with Artero

Additional Information

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions

Each competitor must agree to abide by the competition rules and regulations.

Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4	Class 5
Hand Strip	Spaniels & Setters	Poodles	Other Pedigree Dogs	Pet/Crossbreed/Workshop/Asian Style

Level 1 - Beginners

Level 2 - Intermediate

Level 3 - Open

Level 4 - Champion

Class 1 - Hand Strip

Small and Medium sizes - 2:30 hours

Large sizes - 3:00 hours

Stripping knives are allowed. The dog needs to be groomed according to the breed standard. Chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed but should be brushed out of the dog for the final presentation.

No clippers except:

• Scottish Terrier – chest, head and ears.
• West Highland Terrier - chest and ears.
• Schnauzer - chest, head, inside of back legs and ears.

Class 2 - Spaniels & Setters

Timing as follows: All breeds, all sizes - 2:30 hours

Stripping knives are allowed. The dog needs to be groomed according to the breed standard. Chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed but must be brushed out of the coat for final presentation.

It is not allowed to use clippers except Cockers and Setters chest and ears.

Class 3 - Poodles

Toy & Miniature (Up to 45 cm) - 2:00 hours

Standard (Over 45 cm) - 2:30 hours

Plus additional 15 minutes to spray up the top knot if required.

The dog should be washed and fluff-dried. Clipper comb attachments are not permitted. Muzzle and feet should be shaven before the start of the competition and be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard. Poodles with top knots may ask for help from an outsider to hold the dog; this is limited to 15 minutes. Colouring is not allowed.

Class 4 - Other Pedigree Dogs (Breed Standard Trims only)

Small & Medium - 2:00 hours

Large - 2:30 hours

This is a class for Pure Breed dogs that cannot enter into our other classes and in a breed standard trim using all allowed techniques for that breed. Allowed techniques are classed as what is permissible if the dog is being entered into a Kennel Club conformation show. All other pure-breed dogs include but are not limited to Bichon Frisé, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Afghan Hounds, Bedlington Terrier, Lowchens, Old English Sheepdog. Colouring is not allowed.

Class 5 - Pet/Crossbreed/Workshop/Asian Style

Small and Medium (Under 45cm) - 1:30 hours

Large (Over 45cm) - 2:00 hours

Contestants may enter with any breed or crossbreed that is groomed commercially. Breeds that are usually hand stripped can be clipped or scissored; long hair breeds can be clipped or scissored. Poodles are accepted if groomed in a non-standard poodle trim such as Bedlington or Kerry blue. Where an “Asian Style” trim is used there are to be no embellishments used with the exception of a single collar/bow around the neck. Colouring is not allowed on any dog.

 

Classification of Levels

Beginner – For those with under 18 months experience. Open entry. No bathing at the event available. Capped entry numbers for each class on first come basis.

Intermediate – For those with 18 months to 3.5  years’ experience.  Open entry. No bathing at the event available. Capped entry numbers for each class on first come basis.

Open – For those with over 3.5  years' experience who are not eligible for entry in the Champion class. Bathing available in the morning (booked slots) if required. Capped entry numbers for each class on first come basis.

Champion – Open to those groomers who have won at least 3 Open Classes in the same category at UK or International competitions. Bathing available in the morning (booked slots) if required. Capped entry numbers for each class on first come basis.

General Information

Classes

• The Championships run from 8.00am to 5.30pm daily.
• The top three competitors in each level will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, announced in the main ring (subject to timings). The 1st place winners from the Open and Champion levels in each category will go forward to compete for Best Groomer in Show, awarded on Sunday evening.

Equipment

• Tables provided.
• Contestants must provide their own tools.
• No electricity will be provided.

Dogs

• Competitors must provide their own dog(s).
• The use of borrowed dogs is permitted; however, the dog's owner or responsible guardian must be present at all times.
• Competitors must have an established relationship with the dog to ensure welfare and ethical standards are maintained.
• Beginner and Intermediate classes: Dogs must arrive pre-bathed.
• Open and Champion classes: Bathing facilities will be available but must be pre-booked in advance.
• The dog needs to have at least 6 weeks of coat growth or poodles minimum 5 cm coat length.
• The dog’s coat must be long enough to allow the groomer to make a difference in its appearance.
• Any evident line or pattern should not be visible.
• Competitors competing with dogs showing evident lines and/or without enough coat to make a difference in their appearance may be marked down or disqualified.
• The use of hairspray is limited to a minimal amount for Poodles with top knots only and must be brushed out following the competition. Hairspray should only be used in the 15 minutes allowed for spraying up the top knots
• The use of powder/chalk is breed-specific and not allowed for just any breed. Breeds that require it are West Highland White Terrier, Fox Terrier (Wire), Welsh Terrier & Schnauzers (all sizes). No trace of it should remain on the judge's hand after judgement has taken place.
• Any products that change the colour of the coat will not be allowed.
• For hygiene reasons, the underbelly, genitals, and hindquarters may be pre-groomed, provided it aligns with the breed standard.
• Nails should be trimmed and ears plucked before the competition.
• A 'Small' dog must measure 35cm or less at the withers, a 'Medium' dog must measure 35cm to 45cm at the withers & a 'Large' dog is any above 45cm at the withers.
• Each morning and afternoon session will include a minimum of one 10-minute comfort break for all dogs after the first hour.
• All dogs will have water available to them at the tables.
• No dogs are to be left unattended on the grooming tables at any time

Competitors

• Competitors will be provided with an entry ticket and a dog and handler pass.
• Competitors must be in the ring 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition for pre-judging with their own dog and tools.
• Competitors are not allowed to talk to other competitors and/or the audience during the competition. Anyone not following this rule will, on the first occasion, be warned by a steward or judge. On the second occasion, they will be disqualified.
• Competitors are not allowed to use a mobile phone and/or any electronic devices during the competition. Anyone not following this rule will, on the first occasion, be warned by a steward or judge. On the second occasion, they will be disqualified.
• Any aggressive behaviour including foul language used towards the judges, event staff or spectators will lead to disqualification.
• Any competitor handling a dog in a rough and/or unsafe manner will be advised of their conduct. A second occasion of being advised will lead to disqualification.
• If the competitor makes clipper burns, nicks or cuts they cannot be placed as a winner.
• Competitors should remove all hair, equipment and products from the grooming table as well as moving all items on the floor under the table, to allow the judges an easy approach to the tables for the judgment.
• A comb should be placed on the table for the judge to use during judging.
• Competitors may comb their dogs before and after the judging panel has evaluated their dogs.
• Competitors should stack his/her dog to present to the judge. Dogs not in judgment should not be kept stacked.
• Competitors dress and table presentation must align with Crufts Main Ring standards.
• Competitors who wish to have branding on their clothing must follow the below rules to comply with our sponsors.  Competitors must NOT have branding on display from the following companies: a. Dog food or treat supplier b. Car manufacturer c. Insurance company.  Competitors who wish to have branding from a company not on the above list on an item of clothing, that company’s branding must be where a breast pocket would be and must be approximately breast pocket size.
• Any complaint must be in writing and presented to show manager before the end of the event.
• Disqualifications will be executed by the show manager.
• In order to compete with your dog at Crufts your dog must have a Kennel Club Registration Number or an Authority To Compete Number (ATC). If your dog does not have an ATC number it cannot be entered for Crufts. ATC applications for Crufts entries must be received at The Royal Kennel Club by 23 December 2025. We are unable to guarantee issuing an ATC number for any application received after this date. To apply please complete the Form 14 – Application for an Authority To Compete (ATC) number via Information: Authority to Compete (ATC) | Crufts 2026. Please be advised if you wish to apply for an Authority to Compete number for your dog you should apply online as we no longer accept Authority to Compete applications via post.

Participants must be older than 18 years old. 

Please send enquiries to dog-grooming-competition@thekennelclub.org.uk