Groom & Grow The Challenge

GROOM & GROW – THE CHALLENGE

Groom & Grow The Challenge is a dog grooming competition designed to be relaxed, friendly, and supportive. Our aim is to create an environment where groomers of all levels can build confidence, develop their skills, and grow both personally and professionally.

We focus on encouragement, education, and community, providing a welcoming space where competitors can challenge themselves without pressure. Whether it’s your first competition or you’re continuing your journey, Groom & Grow is about learning, improving, and celebrating progress together.

GROOM & GROW – THE CHALLENGE

Official Competition Rules

Arrival & Registration

Please report to the registration desk upon arrival. Here you will receive your ring number. Please ask a member of staff if you need help finding your assigned grooming space.

Morning Competitors (AM)

• Entry and setup allowed from 7:30 am
• All morning competitors must have their dogs ready and on the grooming table by 8:30 am
• General admission and morning competitions begin at 9:00 am

Afternoon Competitors (PM)

• Afternoon competitors may arrive at any time during the day
• All PM competitors must have their dogs on the grooming table by 12:30 pm
• Afternoon competitions begin at 1:00 pm

Any competitor not present and ready when the timer starts will not be allowed to compete.

Competition Classes

Beginner Class

• For groomers with no more than 2 years’ experience (dog shows count as experience)
• Competitors may remain in Beginner for 12 months, even if they win
• After 12 months, competitors must move to Intermediate, regardless of wins
• Once moved up, competitors cannot return to Beginner
• All breeds and techniques permitted
• Beginner and Intermediate winners will have their own Best in Show

Time Allowed

• All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

Intermediate Class

• For groomers with more than 2 years’ experience (No more than 10yrs experience)
• Competitors may remain in Intermediate for 12 months, even if they win
• After 12 months, competitors must move to Open
• Once moved up, competitors cannot return to Intermediate
• All breeds and techniques permitted
• Beginner and Intermediate winners will have their own Best in Show

Time Allowed

• All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

Open Class

• For groomers progressing from Intermediate or who have not yet competed in Champion level

Workshop Pure Breed Open

• Any Kennel Club recognised breed permitted
• Breeds normally hand-stripped may be clipped or scissored
• Long-haired breeds may be clipped or scissored
• Poodles must be in a non-breed standard trim
• Colouring is not permitted
• All techniques allowed

Time Allowed

• All sizes: 2 hours

Workshop Cross Breed Open

• Any crossbreed not styled to breed standard
• Colouring is not permitted
• All techniques allowed

Time Allowed

• All sizes: 2 hours

Pure Breed Scissor Open

• Purebred dogs groomed to their recognised breed standard trim (excluding Poodles)
• Examples include:
  • Bichon Frise
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Colouring is not permitted
• Breed standard must be followed

Time Allowed

• Small & Medium: 2 hours
• Large: 2 hours 30 minutes

Poodle Open

• Poodles must be groomed to breed standard trim
• Face, feet, and tail base must be clipped prior to entering the ring
• Ear clipping must be completed in the ring
• Colouring is not permitted
• Assistance is permitted for holding the dog during topknot spraying
• Spray-up topknots receive 15 additional minutes

Time Allowed

• Toy & Miniature: 2 hours
• Standard: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Spray-up topknot: +15 minutes

Handstripping / Spaniels & Setters Open

• Breed standards must be followed
• Stripping knives permitted
• Chalk, powder, spray and creams permitted

Clipper Restrictions

Clippers are NOT permitted except:

• Cockers & Setters: chest and ears
• Scottish Terrier: chest, head and ears
• West Highland Terrier: chest and ears
• Schnauzer: chest, head, inside back legs and ears

Time Allowed

Handstripping (No Clippers)

• Small & Medium: 2 hours
• Large: 2 hours 30 minutes

Handstripping (With Clippers)

• Small: 2 hours
• Medium: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Large: 2 hours 30 minutes

Spaniels & Setters

• All sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes

Asian Open

• Any purebred or crossbreed trimmed in Asian style
• Creative interpretation encouraged
• Coat dressings and accessories permitted but must be applied during the class

Veteran Class

• For groomers with over 10 years’ experience
• Must never have competed in an in-person grooming competition

Eligible for Best in show alongside open category

Time Allowed

• All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

Model Dog Class

• Model dogs must be completed before the show
• Must be recognisable as a dog
• All styles permitted
• No more than 25% colour allowed
• Must be placed on judging table by 11:00 am
• Not eligible for Best in Show

Extreme Model Dog Class

• Must be completed before the show
• Unlimited creativity encouraged
• Must be placed on judging table by 11:00 am
• Not eligible for Best in Show

Grooming Regulations

• Dogs must be washed prior to competition (except handstripping dogs)
• Ears and nails must be groomed
• Hygiene areas may be pre-groomed
• No visible clip lines or patterns
• Minimum coat growth: 6 weeks
• Dogs groomed less than 6 weeks prior may be disqualified
• Techniques must be appropriate for coat type

Comfort Break

• A 10-minute comfort break will be given 1 hour after start time
• Dogs must be removed from grooming tables during this break

Welfare & Safety

• Judge's decisions are final
• Any sign of harsh handling will result in disqualification
• Sick, aggressive, or heavily pregnant dogs are not permitted
• Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry

Important 

No refunds on booking, please make sure you have read the rules, if you are found to be in the incorrect class due to winnings you may be disqualified. It’s your responsibility to check the rules before entering.