Where skill meets style at the pinnacle of UK dog grooming
The Crufts Dog Grooming Competition is one of the UK's most prestigious grooming competitions, celebrating excellence, skill and creativity across the dog grooming community.
Taking place across all four days of the Crufts show, the Competition – in partnership with Artero – bring together talented groomers from across the UK, from rising stars to seasoned professionals, all competing for top honours.
Each day focuses on a different dog grooming category, with competitors judged against others of a similar experience level. The competition culminates on Sunday evening with the crowning of the Best Dog Groomer in Show.
Eligibility criteria
To enter the Crufts Dog Grooming Competition, competitors must:
- have competed in at least one previous dog grooming competition
- be able to provide details of one previous competition as part of your application
Dog grooming categories
Competitors entering the Open and Champion levels can choose from six specialist categories:
- Asian Style
- Poodles – Standard and Toy/Mini judged separately
- Spaniels & Setters
- Handstrip
- Workshop
- Pure Breed Scissor
There are also standalone Beginner and Intermediate classes, open to any breed and any trim.
The top three competitors in each class will be announced in the Dog Grooming Ring, before the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are awarded in the Main Arena.
And for those competing at Open and Champion level, there’s an even bigger prize in sight. The 1st place winner in each category will progress to the Best Dog Groomer in Show finale on Sunday evening, where they’ll compete for the ultimate title.
Competition levels
From first-time competitors to seasoned professionals, choose the level that matches your experience and get ready to take your place in the Crufts dog grooming ring.
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)
Before you enter: competitors must have competed in at least one previous dog grooming competition. Details will be required during the entry process.
Timetable
|
Day |
Group |
Classes (am) |
Classes (pm) |
| Thursday 4 March 2027 |
Gundog |
Handstrip (Open+ Champion) Beginner |
Pure breed 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 provided
-
Bring your own tools and equipment
- No electrical supply will be available
