The Welsh Grooming Show Rules:
8th Feb 2026 – The Angel Hotel Cardiff
Organised and run by : Charlotte Santini
Schedule:
Doors open to competitors 8am
Doors open to spectators 8am (must have a ticket)
Pre-judging 8:30
AM Competition starts 9am
Pre-judging 12:30
PM Competition starts at 1pm
Awards and ceremony 5pm
Classes
Beginners – under 3 years experience
Timings: 2.5hrs
Judges: Colin Taylor & Mathew Spry
Rules: No more than 3 years grooming experience that includes training, prepping. If placed 1st before you must go up to intermediate class.
Intermediate – over 3 years experience
Timings: 2.5hrs
Judges: Colin Taylor & Mathew Spry
Rules: Over 3 years grooming experience that includes training, prepping. If placed 1st before you must go up to open class.
Workshop Cross Breed & Pure Breed Class
Timings: 2hrs under 15’’ (measured from the withers)
Timeings:2.5hrts over 15’’(measure from the withers)
Judges: Peter Ensell & Costin Stoica
Rules: Competitors can use any breed of dog for Cross Breed & Pure Breed must be a pure breed. Hand strip dogs can be clipped or scissored. Poodles are allowed but not cut in breed standard trims. Colouring is not allowed.
Terrier Hand Strip
Timings: 2.5hrs under 15’’ (measured from the withers)
Timeings:3hrs over 15’’(measure from the withers)
Judges: Peter Ensell & Costin Stoica
Rules: Competitors can use stripping knifes. Dogs must be groomed to breed standard. Coloured chalk/spray/block or cream are allowed.
Clippers allowed on:
· Schnauzer: chest, ears, inside back leg and head
· West Highland Terrier: ears and chest
· Scottish Terrier: ears, chest and head
Gun Dog
Timings: 2.5hrs under 45cm (measured from the withers)
Timings: 3hrs over 45cm (measure from the withers)
Judges: Peter Ensell & Angela Caley
Rules: Competitors can use stripping knifes. Dogs must be groomed to breed standard. Coloured chalk/spray/block or cream are allowed.
Clippers allowed on:
· Cocker Spaniels ears and chest
· Setters ears and chest
Model Dog
Timings: n/a brought to show complete must be presented by 12:30pm
Judges: Georgia Fuller
Rules: Not eligible for BIS. Be adventurous, colour allowed
Pure Breed Scissor
Timings: 2hrs under 15’’
Timings: 2.5hrs over 15’’
Judges: Peter Ensell & Angela Caley
Rules: Clipper comb attachments are not allowed. Groomed to breed standard. No Colouring
Poodles
Timings:
Toy: 1hr45
Mini : 2hrs
Standard: 2.5hrs
Spray up extra 15mins
Judges: Mathew Spry & Peter Ensell
Rules: Feet, face and hygiene should be pre clipped. Clipper comb attachments are not allowed. Poodles with top knots are allowed a helper to hold the dog. Colouring not allowed. Groomed to breed standard
Extreme Creative
Timings: 2.5hrs extra 15mins to set up your backdrop ready for presentation
Judges: Georgia Fuller
Rules: Anything goes, but the dog must be able to move freely. No superglue. Keep your area clean of colour i.e. colour on the floor.
Asian Fusion
Timings:
2hrs under 15’’ 2.5hrs over 15” Beginners 2.5hrs all sizes
Judges: Georgia Fuller
Rules: Accessories are allowed including gems. Any interpretation is allowed of asian styles. Beginners, if you have placed 1st you must enter open class
Salon Creative and Carving
Timings: 2hrs under 15’’ 2.5hrs over 15”
Judges: Georgia Fuller
Rules: Accessories are allowed including gems. Colour is allowed up to 25% but, must not overshadow the groom. Beginners, if you have placed 1st, you must enter open class
General Rules:
· Dogs must have a long enough coat to show a visible difference before and after the groom (minimum 6weeks growth)
· Dogs must be freshly prepped, no knots in the coat
· Ears cleaned, pads and hygiene area pre clipped and nails trimmed.
· All grooming techniques are allowed – please check specific classes above for specific rules
· Late entry after 9am will be disqualified
· Please do not enter the ring unless you are a competitor (or a helper on the poodle top knot)
· Only competitive dogs allowed (or service dogs)
· Please do not touch other people’s dogs or equipment, we do not take any responsibility for any loss or damages to your property or dogs
· Classes can be combined if very small classes
Competitor Rules
· Competitors to provide their own dogs
· Clean up after your dogs
· Be prompt to your class ready for prejudging
· Dogs have a minimum of 6weeks growth
· Bring an assistant if you have more than 1 dog
· Don’t leave dogs unattended- if barking excessively you will be asked to remove your dog
· Any nicks, clipper burn or cuts cannot be placed
· We reserve the right to move entries up or down if placed in incorrect class
· Judges decision is final
· No abuse or Faul language to other competitors, spectators or judges- you will be removed
· If you have placed 1st in your class i.e. beginners or intermediate, then you must move up. We reserve the right to move you on the day if found to be in the incorrect category.
· You will receive your competitor number directly; this is your number for your grooming table and raffle too.
· MOST IMPORTANT RULE: ENJOY YOUR COMP AND EXPERIENCE, SMILE AND LEARN :)
Competitors staying at the hotel
· You can wash your dog in your room – please please clean up any hair after you. We have a prep room on the 1st floor (same as bedrooms) to blast and finish your dog.
· If you need to prep your dog in the day you may also use this room, please tidy up after yourselves and do not remove the equipment from the room. The equipment is on loan by The Groomers Salon including:
3x i9000 finisher dryers
3x extreme double k blasters
· Dogs are charged £15 per stay NOT per night
· Clean up after your dog, it is advised to bring Dr. Beckmann carpet stain remover and kitchen roll with you (just in case). Don’t use hotel towels for dogs
Spectators
· You need to book a ticket online- this is free
· On the day spectator will be £5
· Shopping you do not need a ticket
Seminars
· You can book your seminar online
· You can book each one individually or combines for the discount
· Tickets must be shown before entering the seminar
Golden Scissor Award:
Independent award scheme. Minimum of 3 competitors in a class to qualify, 1st place receives a Gold Scissor Award. 3 GSA you move up to champion class. All details can be found on their website: www.goldenscissorawards.org
CMB Awards:
Independent award scheme. These are points awarded to competitors who place 1st,2nd and 3rd.
1st place: 3points
2nd place: 2points
3rd place: 1point
BIS: 10Point
RBIS: 8 Point