Competition Rules

Show Structure & Divisions

Multi-Division Competition. Open, Intermediate and Entry (Novice) divisions compete separately for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their respective classes.

• Open — All competitors. Recommended for advanced stylists and conformation exhibitors.
• Intermediate — Restricted to competitors who have not won 3 Best in Show / Best All Around Groomer titles or six 1st placements from the Intermediate division (minimum 4 contestants per class).
• Entry (Novice) — Restricted to competitors who have not won four 1st placements from the entry division. Handlers, conformation exhibitors, and grooming instructors are not permitted.

Advancement

• Entry → Intermediate: four 1st placements (minimum 4 contestants per class).
• Intermediate → Open: three Best in Show or Best All Around titles, OR six 1st placements from Intermediate, OR four group placements from tiered shows.

Groom Team Canada Points

Class placement points (1st, 2nd, 3rd) are awarded ONLY to Open Division competitors in Poodle, Terrier (hand-stripped), Sporting and Purebred classes. Mixed Breed no longer counts toward Groom Team points. Shows unable to host at least one full class of Open division competitors (2+) are not eligible for points.

• 1st place = 3 points
• 2nd place = 2 points
• 3rd place = 1 point

Awards

• Best in Show — chosen from all First Place winners. Does not qualify for Groom Team points.
• Best All Around Groomer — chosen across all 3 divisions; contestant must enter a minimum of three sanctioned classes (specialty classes excluded). Does not qualify for Groom Team points.
• Tie-breakers: 1) highest number of placements, 2) highest number of entries defeated. If still tied, the prize is divided.

Event Rules & Conduct

• Late arrivals are disqualified once class has started; no refunds.
• Participants must bring their own grooming tools and dog.
• Coaching from outside the ring = immediate disqualification.
• Phones, headsets and electronic devices are not allowed in the ring.
• Any aggressive handling of animals = immediate dismissal.
• Closed-toe footwear required — no flip-flops or sandals.
• No smoking, flames, or coat singeing permitted.
• Beverages must be in sealed containers.
• All bookings are non-refundable and final.
• No reference materials (images, diagrams) permitted in the ring.
• Dogs must remain in the ring until released by the ring steward.
• Withdrawing from a class forfeits all awards and prizes.

Sportsmanship & Code of Conduct

We maintain an environment of camaraderie, fun, and learning. Unsportsmanlike conduct (in the ring, hotel or in public during the event) results in immediate disqualification, forfeiture of awards and prize money. Damage to hotel rooms is addressed under this rule.