The RKC Dog Grooming Championships
In proud partnership with Artero
Where skill meets style at the pinnacle of UK dog grooming.
The Royal Kennel Club Dog Grooming Championships, in proud partnership with Artero, is one of the UK’s most prestigious grooming competitions, celebrating excellence, skill and creativity across the dog grooming community.
Taking place over four days, the Championships showcase top dog grooming talent from beginners through to seasoned professionals.
Event Format
The Championships take place over four days, with each day dedicated to a specific dog grooming category. Competitors will be judged against others of a similar experience level before the competition culminates on Sunday evening with the crowning of the Best Dog Groomer in Show.
Eligibility Criteria
To enter competitors must:
Have previously competed in at least one previous dog grooming competition.
Provide details of one previous competition
Dog Grooming Categories
Competitors entering the Open and Champion levels may choose from the following categories:
- Asian Style
- Poodles (Standard and Toy/Mini judged separately)
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop
- Pure Breed Scissor
In addition, standalone Beginner and Intermediate classes for any breed and any trim.
The top three in each class will be announced in the Dog Grooming ring and awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Main Arena, with the Open and Champion 1st place winners in each category progressing to the Best dog groomer in Show finale on Sunday evening.
Competition Levels
Beginner
For dog groomers with under 2 years’ experience.
- Any breed, any trim
- Open entry
- Bathing slots available (pre-booked)
- Capped numbers (first-come, first-served)
Intermediate
For dog groomers with 2 to 4 years' experience.
- Any breed, any trim
- Open entry
- Bathing slots available (pre-booked)
- Capped numbers (first-come, first-served)
Open
For dog groomers with over 4 years' experience who are not yet eligible for Champion level.
Competitors may enter:
- Asian Style
- Poodles (Standard& Toy/Mini)
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop
- Pure Breed Scissor
Bathing slots available (pre-booked)
Capped numbers (first-come, first-served)
Champion
For dog groomers who have won at least three Open classes in the same category at UK or international competitions.
Competitors may enter:
- Asian Style
- Poodles (Standard& Toy/Mini)
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop
- Pure Breed Scissor
Bathing slots available (pre-booked)
Capped numbers (first-come, first-served)
To be eligible to enter, competitors must have previously competed in at least one dog grooming competition. Details of this competition will be required during the entry process.
Timetable
|
Day |
Group |
Classes AM |
Classes PM |
| Thursday 4 March 2027 |
Gundog |
Handstrip (Open+ Champion) Beginner |
Purebreed scissor (Open+ Champion) Intermediate
|
|
Friday 5 March 2027 |
Working & Pastoral |
Asian Style Spaniel + Setter (Open) |
Asian Style Spaniel + Setter (Champion)
|
|
Saturday 6 March 2027 |
Terrier & Hound |
Poodles- Standard (Open+ Champion) |
Poodles- Mini/Toy (Open+ Champion) |
|
Saturday 6 March 2027 |
Utility & Toy |
Workshop (Open+ Champion)
|
|
Equipment & Facilities
-
Grooming tables: Grooming tables provided by Artero
-
Competitors must bring their own tools
- No electrical supply available
Meet the Judges
Curious about who’s judging the Dog Grooming Championships? Explore our judges’ profiles to learn more about their experience!
