Beginner: should have less  than 2 years full time grooming experience. No breed specialists allowed. The contestant can compete as beginner in several contests for 12 months even if they place first. 
In this class, all breeds and techniques are permitted but show organisers may divide the beginner class into the four main categories. If this is the case and a beginner wins in one category and moves to intermediate, they are not allowed  to compete again in beginner, even in different categories.
After 12 months the beginner must compete in the intermediate class even if they haven't placed first. 

Intermediate: over 2 years  full time grooming experience. No breed specialists allowed.The contestant can compete as intermediate in several contests for 12 months even if they place first.
In this class, all breeds and techniques are permitted but show organisers may divide the intermediate class into the four main categories. If this is the case and an intermediate wins in one category and moves to open, they are not allowed  to compete again in intermediate, even in different categories.
After 12 months the intermediate must compete in the open class even if they haven't placed first.  Contestants who have already competed in open classes can not enter intermediate.

Open: anyone with less than 3 firsts or two firsts and a Best in Show within any set class. Breed specialists should enter this class. 

Champion: anyone that has already placed first in champion class in their category can not move back to Open .Any contestants that  have won three first places in open class in the same category must provide evidence of their wins to enter the champion class. 

If a competitor decides to enter a class above their usual level e.g open into champion then they will NOT be permitted to go back to the lower level at future shows.

Beginner: Any breed or cross breed any trimming or stripping techniques.

Intermediate: Any breed or cross breed any trimming or stripping techniques.

Salon Freestyle Pure Breed:  Any pure breed in a salon style e.g. clipped body (Poodles in clipped lamb trim also included), scissored drop coats. Non Asian style and no accessories. Should a dog be considered, by the judges, to be in an Asian style e.g  flared legs or donut muzzles then they will be moved to Asian Classic class if there is space available. If there is no space available then they will not be considered in class placings. 

Salon Freestyle Cross Breed:  Any cross breed in a salon style e.g. clipped body, scissored  coats. Non Asian style and no accessories. Should a dog be considered, by the judges, to be in an Asian style e.g  flared legs or donut muzzles then they will be moved to Asian Classic class if there is space available. If there is no space available then they will not be considered in class placings. .

Classic Asian: Any breed is eligible. Classic Asian influenced styling e.g. head shapes - figure 8, princess, asymmetrical, mushroom, popped/pom pom ear. Leg shape - flared or trumpet legs - column legs are not permitted.  Carving is not permitted except for shapes such as 'bubble' or 'diaper'. No colouring or glitter is permitted. Accessories are permitted but should be kept to a minimum. 

Salon/ Asian Creative: Any breed is eligible. All carving is permitted. Pre colouring, on no more than 20% of the dog,  is permitted. Glitter and chalk is not permitted due to the building rules.  Frills, jewels and hair pieces  are permitted.

Hand Strip: Terriers or other wire coated breed. Must be hand strip technique.

Spaniel & Setter: Any Spaniel or Setter.  Must be hand strip  technique.

Poodles: Accepted breed trim only, can include Dutch trim. Face and feet should be clipped prior to the competition. Comb attachments are not permitted in this class. An assistant may be used when spraying up top knots.

All Other Pure Breed: Breeds such as Bedlington, Bichon, Bouvier, Kerry Blue, Lowchen, Cesky Terrier. Comb attachments are not permitted in this class.

Model Dog: Competitors should bring a completed model dog to be displayed. There are two categories in this class - Breed Standard/ Classic Asian or Creative. The full judging panel will decide on placements. The winner(s) of this class is not eligible for Best in Show. 

All groomers are responsible for their dogs care and well being during their time at the event. Inappropriate or unsafe handling will result in immediate disqualification.

Dogs must NOT be left in vehicles if the weather is hot, the organisers reserve the right to break into a vehicle if necessary and the responsible person risks potential banning from future shows.

All groomers are responsible for their own health and safety during the event.

There is no electricity at your table.

Your choice and usage of tools and equipment will be taken into account as part of the judges marking criteria.

Dogs hair must be long enough to allow the groomer to make changes to it's physical appearance. Dogs must be freshly bathed and dried with a knot free coat.

Ears should be clean and nails trimmed prior to the competition.

Dogs hygiene areas and underpads may be clipped according to breed standard prior to the competition. Poodles in breed trim may have face and feet clipped prior to the competition.

Please allow time to prepare yourself and your dog to be ready for pre judging.

Competitors arriving more than 15 minutes after the class start time will not be allowed to participate.

Judges and organisers reserve the right to disqualify any dog or groomer entered in the wrong class.

Any offensive, improper or aggressive language used towards judges, event organisers or staff will lead to disqualification and removal from the event.

Once the results of the competition have been declared, if a competitor is found to have been entered in the wrong class they will be disqualified and any prizes withdrawn.

Awards will be given at the end of the day, if you are not there to collect them you will be responsible for any postage costs.

Please ensure you clean up after your dogs and dispose of waste in the bins provided.

A rubbish bag for use during the competition will be provided at your table - please use it!

Any complaint should be in writing to the show organisers by midnight on 10th August 2025.

Entry fees are non refundable and will close at midnight on Thursday 7th August 2025.