Extreme Creative Grooming Competition

These rules, regulations, and guidelines have been adapted from the Creative Grooming Alliance and are designed to ensure a safe, fair, and professional competition that celebrates creativity, technical excellence, and—above all—the welfare of the dog. Mastergroom Canada reserves the right to interpret and enforce these rules in the best interest of the competition and its participants.

Groomer Participation & Conduct

Solo Project (Honor System)

This competition is intended to be a solo project. All grooming, coloring, and design work must be completed by the competitor. No assistance is permitted unless explicitly stated by the show.

Professional Conduct

Competitors must maintain professional, respectful conduct at all times. Unsafe, abusive, or disruptive behavior may result in disqualification.

Dog Eligibility & Welfare

Acceptable Breeds

All purebred and mixed-breed dogs are permitted.

Age Requirements

Dogs must be a minimum of 6 months old and no older than 10 years old at the time of competition.

Health & Condition

Dogs must be healthy and physically sound. Any dog showing signs of illness, injury, or distress may be excused at the discretion of the judges or show management.

Hydration & Comfort

Dogs must have access to water at all times. If a dog shows signs of stress, overheating, agitation, or fatigue, the competitor may be required to pause or remove the dog from the competition.

Handler Control & Safety

Competitors must maintain full physical control of their dog at all times. Designs requiring unsafe balance, climbing, or unnatural positioning are not permitted.

Product & Material Safety

General Product Safety

All products, decorative objects, coat coloring, and application methods must be non-toxic and safe for both the dog and stylist.

Human-Grade Products

Human-grade products may only be used if they are confirmed safe for canine use.

Adhesives

Glues and adhesives must be non-toxic and water-soluble.

Prohibited Materials

Duct tape, carpet tape, masking tape, or any material that pulls coat or causes discomfort during removal is strictly prohibited.

Decorations, Costumes & Props

Freedom of Movement

No costume, decoration, or application may restrict tail movement, leg movement, or normal jaw and mouth function. Muzzles or restrictive devices are not permitted.

Weight & Balance

Large or heavy objects placed on the dog are not permitted.

Inspection Requirement

All costumes and decorative elements must be easily removable for judge inspection.

Live Animals

No live animals other than dogs are permitted as props or contest entries.

Decorative Balance Rule

Decorative elements must enhance—not replace—fundamental grooming technique. Excessive reliance on decorations in place of coat work may result in point deductions.

Competition Timing & Preparation

On-Stage Finalization Period

Competitors will have one timed hour in the competition ring to finalize their creative design.

Pre-Competition Preparation

Full coat colouring and contouring may be completed prior to the competition, in accordance with the competition format.

Presentation Rules

Presentation Space

Each competitor is allotted a 6 ft × 6 ft area around their grooming table unless otherwise specified by the show.

Family-Friendly Requirement

All presentations must be suitable for a general audience. Themes, language, music, and visual elements must be family-friendly.

Lighting

Stage lighting must remain fully lit. Dimming for performance or dramatic effect is not permitted.

Cleanliness & Venue Protection

Grooming tables must be protected from glitter, glue, color, and similar materials. Competitors are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work area.

Prohibited Effects & Distractions

Confetti, streamers, poppers, explosives, or similar effects are prohibited. Props or audio effects that create sudden loud noises or cause distress to dogs are not permitted.

Judging Criteria

Judging will be based on the following elements (taking into account both pre-competition work and the final on-stage hour):

• Technical Execution: Precision and sharpness of clipper work; quality and control of scissor finish.
• Color & Decorative Application: Depth, saturation, separation, blending, and integration of decorative elements.
• Profile & Concept: Recognizability, balance, intricacy, originality, and creative use of color and materials.
• Difficulty & Execution: Complexity of the design and color application, including (where applicable) the amount of work completed during the competition timeframe.

Judging Scope & Transparency

Judging Scope

Judging is based on the dog, grooming execution, design, and overall presentation of the groom.

Pre-Competition Work Disclosure

Competitors may be asked to disclose whether major elements of the design were completed prior to the competition. Disclosure is for context only unless otherwise stated by the competition format.

Decorative vs. Grooming Clarification

Decorative elements must not be used to conceal unsafe practices or replace basic grooming skills. Judges may inspect any area of concern.

Judge & Show Authority

Judge Discretion

Judges may address situations not explicitly covered in these rules when animal welfare, safety, or competition integrity is at risk.

Immediate Disqualification

Immediate disqualification may occur for welfare violations, use of prohibited materials, unauthorized assistance, or failure to comply with judge or show directives.