The Richard Barker Memorial Shield is awarded at Crufts to the young kennel club overall winner of the Dog Groomer of the Year.
It has been more than 20 years since the first Young Kennel Club (YKC) Dog Groomer of the year was crowned at Crufts, in 2003. Fiona Brook and her Standard Poodle, JD, were presented with their award by the pioneer behind the competition - Richard Barker, an award-winning dog groomer and successful dog show exhibitor. Richard devoted his time and expertise into creating a dog grooming programme with the Young Kennel Club to help members learn how to take the best care of their dogs. He ensured that both the competition and learning opportunities were accessible and inclusive, from the aspiring future professional dog groomers through to members who wanted to learn basic dog grooming skills to care for their dog.
The competition, and the training, have gone from strength to strength, with qualifications taking place around the country with YKC members competing at the YKC Dog Groomer of the Year Final at Crufts held in the Young Kennel Cub ring.
Although we sadly lost Richard in 2008, his wife Linda and children, James and Fenella, are still actively involved in the Young Kennel Club, with Linda training, mentoring and judging in dog grooming at many of our YKC events. The Young Kennel Club would like to thank the Barker Family for their continued support across all areas of the Young Kennel Club.