Compete Against Some of the Top Talent in the Industry!
For your chance to win cash prizes, trophies, exclusive product bundles, and major bragging rights. Whether you’re aiming for the podium or just love the thrill of the ring, these contests are a true celebration of skill, artistry, and passion.
Limited entries available, don’t miss your chance!
More details on contest categories and prize packages coming soon.
Mark your calendars for:
April 3-5, 2026!
Canadian Pet Expo, The International Centre
6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8, Canada
Discover the Contests & Prizes Waiting for You
Ready to Compete? Here’s What’s Up for Grabs
CONTEST REGISTRATION OPENS January 10th!
The Tru North Spring Show includes all 4 Groom Team Canada sanctioned classes and will follow Groom Team Canada rules. In addition there are Salon Freestyle, Creative Freestyle and Model Dog.
All competitors are encouraged to review the Groom Team Canada Rules below.
Breeds by Class
Sporting Class Friday April 3rd
Acceptable breeds:
*See list of Breeds by Class for Open Division accepted breeds
*Please see show addendum for a complete list of acceptable breeds.
Styling: Grooming and styling must adhere to the breed profile recommendations as accepted in pure breed dog shows. Pet trims will not be considered in the judges’ evaluations. Entries groomed in pet styles other than accepted show styles, must compete in the free style class.
Time Frame: 2 hours
Free Style Class Friday April 3rd
Acceptable breeds:
• Any dog of mixed parentage
• Any purebred CLEARLY NOT groomed to the breed profile style o Examples: Cocker in a sporting trim with scissored legs, Shih Tzu in a puppy trim, Poodle in a Bedlington trim, Old English Sheepdog in a teddy bear trim
• Asian Fusion styles
• Poodle face and feet may not be shaved
Styling: Overall balance and symmetry. Profile is suited to dogs body, coat and structure. Overall finish is well executed.
Time Frame: 17” and under – 1:45 Over 17” – 2:00
All Other Purebred Class Saturday April 4th
Acceptable breeds: See list of Breeds by Class for Open Division accepted breeds.
Please see show addendum for a complete list of acceptable breeds.
Time Frames: Time frames are specific to each breed as per rule addendum.
Styling: Grooming and styling must adhere to the breed profile. Pet trims will not be considered in the judges’ evaluations. Entries groomed in pet styles other than accepted show styles, must compete in the free style class.
Wire Coat Class Saturday April 4th
Acceptable breeds: See List of Breeds by Class for Open Division accepted breeds. Please see show addendum for a complete list of acceptable breeds.
*Acceptable coat growth: Rolled or rotated coats on hand‐ stripped dogs are permissible; however the work in the ring must be sufficient to allow the groomer to make a distinct change in the appearance of the dog.
*Time Frames: Time frames are specific to each breed as per rule addendum. Time frames are specific to hand strip or clippered styling. Hand strip guidelines follow typical show styling.
Styling: Grooming and styling must adhere to the breed profile recommendations as accepted in purebred dog shows. Pet trims will not be considered in the judges’ evaluations. Entries groomed in pet styles other than accepted show styles, must compete in the free style class.
Exception: It is permissible to use a clipper and/or thinning shears and scissors, when body work is typically hand stripped, but breed profile is paramount and hand stripping encouraged.
Salon Creative Free Style Class Saturday April 4th
Acceptable breeds: All breeds and mixed breeds.
The Salon Creative Freestyle Competition celebrates creativity that belongs in the real grooming salon. Competitors will have 2 hours in the ring, and this time is expected to be actively and thoughtfully used to transform their dog into a creative, functional style—one that could traditionally be achieved in 1–2 days in a professional salon setting.
This class allows for pre-dyed dogs, as well as color application in the ring. If your dog arrives with color already applied, that work will be judged equally alongside the transformation completed during the allotted competition time. Judges will be evaluating the overall concept, execution, finish, and how successfully the look comes together as a complete salon-ready result, with clear consideration given to the work performed in the ring.
Grooming finishes and accessories are permitted, provided they do not cover more than 5% of the dog and do not distract from the grooming work itself.
Designs must be functional, wearable, and client-appropriate—a creative trim you would be proud to send home with a customer and that can be enjoyed for several days after completion.
While creativity is encouraged, overly extreme or avant-garde designs fall outside the intent of this salon-focused competition.
This class is about tasteful creativity, strong technical grooming, and realistic salon artistry—where imagination meets everyday practicality.
Timing: 2 hours
Poodle Class Sunday April 5th
Acceptable breeds:
All sizes, natural colours of purebred Poodles. This class may be split into two separate classes as follows:
17” and under, Over 17”
Times:
11” and under – 1:30
over 11” up to and including 17” – 1:45
over 17” up to and including 23” – 2:00
over 23” –‐ 2:15
An additional 15 minutes are allowed for Poodles with trims requiring a Spray up. (Continental, Scandinavian/Second Puppy, Puppy, and English Saddle). An additional person in the ring during that 15 minutes is NOT ALLOWED.
When splitting the Poodle class the following stipulations apply:
A competition must take place between the three finalists from each of the two Open Division Poodle classes to determine the placements of the combined Poodle class, for a final 1st, 2nd and 3rd for all Open Division Poodles. Only the Final place winners may be awarded points.
Styling:
All pet and show poodle styles are acceptable provided they respect the breed profile of the Poodle. All trimming and styling must be completed within the time frame of the competition. .
*Feet must be shaved prior to competition start time.
***Scissored feet such as in the German trim are permissible, but must be styled during the time frame of the competition
*Face must be shaved during competition time frame
*Small moustache or beard are permitted
*Scissored face styles such as Bichon or scissored type faces are prohibited
*Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions prior to the start of the class. The bubble may be pulled as well. Spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.
Model Dog Sunday April 5th
Model dogs are fun and unique way to be creative in grooming! Suitable for both breed standard trims and creative expressions. Model dog entries will be on display all weekend with the winners will be announced on Sunday.
This is a pre groomed contest. Model dogs can be presented at the registration desk where they will be appointed for positioning.
Final touch ups are permitted on site.
Divisions:
Purebred: Cut to breed standard trim. (toy poodle, bichon, schnauzer, etc.)
Freestyle: Cut to trims such as Asian fusion style, etc. Color may be used but must not cover over 25% of the dog.
Creative: No limit on style or the use of color! Accessories may also be used but the main focus should still be the model dog.
There will be 1 winner and 1 runner-up per division.
Purebred, Creative and Freestyle
There is no limit on the number of entries per groomer.
JUDGE: Nancy Bryson
Our Sponsors
The Tru North Grooming Show is Canada’s premier event for pet grooming professionals. A vibrant three-day experience packed with exciting competitions, hands-on education, exclusive show specials, and opportunities to connect with fellow groomers from across the country.
Copyright Tru North Grooming Show Canada. All Right are Reserved. 2026
The Tru North Grooming Show is Canada’s premier event for pet grooming professionals. A vibrant three-day experience packed with exciting competitions, hands-on education, exclusive show specials, and opportunities to connect with fellow groomers from across the country.
Copyright Tru North Grooming Show Canada. All Right are Reserved. 2025
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