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
Each day is dedicated to a specific dog grooming category, culminating in the Best Dog Groomer in Show title on Sunday evening.
The competition is divided into five categories, each with four levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Open and Champion.
Dog Grooming Categories
There will be 5 Dog Grooming Categories
- Poodles
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop (including Crossbreeds and Asian Style)
- Pure Breed Scissor
Each level will be judged by a team of three judges, with individual scores combined to determine final placings.
The top three in each level will be announced and awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the ring (subject to timings), 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 18 months’ experience.
- Open entry
- No bathing available
- Capped numbers (first-come basis)
Intermediate
For dog groomers with 18 months to 3.5 years’ experience.
- Open entry
- No bathing available
- Capped numbers (first-come basis)
Open
For dog groomers with over 3.5 years’ experience who are not yet eligible for Champion level.
- Morning bathing slots available (pre-booked)
- Capped numbers (first-come basis)
Champion
For dog groomers who have won at least three Open classes in the same category at UK or international competitions.
- Morning bathing slots available (pre-booked)
- Capped numbers (first-come basis)
Timetable
|
Day |
Group |
Classes |
|
Thursday 5 March 2026 |
Working & Pastoral |
Class 3 – Poodles AM – Beginners & Intermediate PM – Open & Champion |
|
Friday 6 March 2026 |
Terrier & Hound |
Class 2 – Spaniels & Setters AM – Beginners & Intermediate PM – Open & Champion |
|
Saturday 7 March 2026 |
Utility & Toy |
Class 5 – Pet/Crossbreed/Workshop/Asian Style* AM – Beginners & Intermediate PM – Open & Champion |
|
Sunday 8 March 2026 |
Gundog |
Class 1 - Handstrip & Class 4 - Pure Breed Scissor/Other Pedigree Dogs AM - All levels combined
|
Equipment & Facilities
-
Grooming tables: Grooming tables provided by Artero
-
Competitors must bring their own tools
- No electrical supply available
Meet the 2026 Judges
Curious about who’s judging the Dog Grooming Championships? Explore our judges’ profiles to learn more about their experience!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who are the judges for this year’s Championships?
Meet the Judges
We are thrilled to introduce the expert judging panel for the Dog Grooming Finals at Crufts. Across four incredible days, our judges will oversee the competition, bringing world-class expertise, passion, and experience to every class.
Poodles (Thursday) Beginner & Intermediate:
- Mel Winters-Holmes, Dongseok Yoo, Kirsty Hunt
- Open & Championship: Allison Alexander, Marita Rodgers, Kirsty Hunt
Spaniels & Setters (Friday) Beginner & Intermediate:
- Mel Winters-Holmes, Dongseok Yoo, Mike Wildman
- Open & Championship: Amy Manser, Dongseok Yoo, Mike Wildman
Workshop (including Asian Style) (Saturday) Beginner & Intermediate:
- Mel Winters-Holmes, Georgia Ashton Fuller, Dongseok Yoo
- Open & Championship: Georgia Ashton Fuller, Lisa Hart, Ilse Frenk-Kleton
Handstrip (Sunday) Beginner & Intermediate:
- Mel Winters-Holmes, Dongseok Yoo, Becki Ensell
- Open & Championship: Luis Martin del Rio, Mich Dale, Becki Ensell
Pure Breed Scissor (Sunday) Beginner & Intermediate:
- Mel Winters-Holmes, Dongseok Yoo, Ilse Frenk-Kleton
- Open & Championship: Cheryl Howard, Ilse Frenk-Kleton, Sue Davidson
You can view a full breakdown of the judges' experience here
What grooming classes are included in the Championships?
The Championships feature five grooming categories, each split into four levels — Beginner, Intermediate, Open and Champion:
- Poodles
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop (including Crossbreeds and Asian Style)
- Pure Breed Scissor
What is the format of the event?
The competition features five categories, each divided into four levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Open and Champion.
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 Dog Groomer in Show, awarded on Sunday evening.
Will there be an Asian Fusion class?
Yes, Asian Style dog grooming is permitted as part of the Workshop class, provided there are no embellishments or accessories (such as jewels, glitter, or clothing).
What are the timings for the competition each day?
The Championships run from 8.00am to 5.30pm daily. The typical daily schedule is detailed below but this is subject to change.
Morning Session
- Pre-judging: 8:00am
- Class: 8:30am – 11:15am
- Judging: 11:15am – 12:15pm
- Finalists announced: 12:30pm
Afternoon Session
- Pre-judging: 1:00pm
- Class: 1:30pm – 4:15pm
- Judging: 4:15pm – 5:15pm
- Finalists announced: 5:30pm
What infrastructure will be in place at the event?
The competition will take place in a dedicated grooming ring in Hall 8 with 60 grooming tables and a large TV screen displaying live results along one side.
Will there be a bathing area for dogs?
Yes, you will have access to a separate room next to the competition area, equipped with four hot tubs, each with Artero cosmetics, nine tables, and a total of nine Artero blower-dryers to make getting ready easier and more comfortable for participants.
You will have 20 minutes for the bath and 60 minutes for drying.
Session start time: TBC
How many dogs will be the ring at once?
There will be up to 60 dogs being groomed in the ring simultaneously, creating an impressive and vibrant competition atmosphere.
What health and safety measures are in place?
- Judges and stewards will monitor dog handling at all times.
- A human first aider will be present in the hall.
- Veterinary support is available on-site, with the vet team based in Hall 3 and vet pods in Hall 4.
- A canine first aid kit will be available in the grooming ring.
- All competitors will be briefed on welfare and safety protocols.
- A regular scheduled break will be included for all dogs during the competitions, to give the dogs time to stretch their legs and relax.
- Non-finalist feedback will take place outside the ring, reducing the total time dogs spend on tables.
- Judges and stewards monitor dogs throughout to ensure no dogs are showing signs of fatigue, stress, or discomfort.
Are there prizes on offer?
Yes, Trophies, rosettes and prize cards will be offered as well as product prizes.
Can overseas dogs compete?
International dogs are eligible to compete and do not require an ATC number. As a reminder, entries have been extended to 20 Feb 2026
