Contests & Prizes

at the The Tru North Grooming Show 2025

This is your moment. Show us what excellence looks like!

From creative styling to breed-specific classes, our 2025 competitions are set to be the most exciting yet.

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:

November 21–23, 2025!


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 AUGUST 4th!

Friday, November 21, 2025

ROOKIE RUMBLE ROUND 1

Groomers will have two opportunities to compete in the Rookie Rumble, taking place on Friday, November 21 (Round 1) and Saturday, November 22 (Round 2). This class is open to groomers who have not yet placed at the Open level.

Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete their groom — any breed, any style.

Ring Mentors will be present throughout the competition and available to offer guidance upon request as you work.

Following each round, three finalists will be selected (in no particular order), along with:

    •    One International Finalist Award

    •    Two First Timer Awards

All finalists are required to return for Best in Show presentations on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 PM, where the following titles will be awarded:

    •    Rookie Rumble Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble International Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble First Timer Award

    •    Tru North Cup International Best in Show

    •    Tru North Cup Best in Show

JUDGES: JONATHAN DAVID AND VICTOR ROSADO

MENTOR: LINDSEY DICKEN

TIME: 2.5 HRS

7:30 AM CHECK-IN

8:15 AM CHECK IN CLOSES

8:30 AM CONTEST START

9:30 PM 10 MINS SALLY BREAK

9:40 AM CONTEST RESUME

11:10 AM CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

12:00 PM AWARDS

Friday, November 21, 2025

SALON CREATIVE CONTEST by OPAWZ

The Salon Creative class is a special competition for groomers to showcase their creativity with designs and trims that can realistically be completed within 1-2 days in a salon setting.

For complete detailed rules, please visit www.opawz.ca/trunorth

JUDGE: Betty Huang

TIME: 2HRS

1:00 PM: CHECK-IN

1:45 PM: CHECK-IN CLOSES

2:00 PM: CONTEST START

3:00 PM: 10 MINS SALLY BREAK

3:10 PM: CONTEST RESUME

4:10 PM: CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

5:00 PM: AWARDS

This entry includes access to the Royal Canin Crown Classic Dog Show and the Canadian Pet Expo

PRIZE POOL

1st: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

2nd: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

3rd: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

FAQ image

Saturday, November 22, 2025

TRU NORTH CUP

The Tru North Cup will take place on Saturday, November 22. This class is open to all groomers, regardless of placement history or level. It is recommended that groomers who have not yet placed in the Open level, or won a Best in Show, to compete in the Rookie Rumble.

Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete their groom — any breed, any style.

Please note: Ring Mentors will not be available during this class. This division is designed for experienced groomers to demonstrate independent skill and execution.

Following judging, three finalists will be selected (in no particular order), along with Three International Finalist Awards

    

All finalists are required to return for Best in Show presentations on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 PM, where the following titles will be awarded:

    •    Rookie Rumble Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble International Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble First Timer Award

    •    Tru North Cup International Best in Show

    •    Tru North Cup Best in Show 

JUDGES: JONATHAN DAVID AND VICTOR ROSADO

TIME: 2.5 HRS

1:00 PM CHECK-IN

1:45 PM CHECK IN CLOSES

2:00 PM CONTEST START

3:00 PM 10 MINS SALLY BREAK

3:10 PM CONTEST RESUME

4:40 PM CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

5:20 PM AWARDS

PRIZE POOL

TRU NORTH CUP BEST IN SHOW

Sponsored by UKAL

1st: $1,500

TRU NORTH CUP FINALISTS

Sponsored by$500 for each finalist

TRU NORTH CUP INTERNATIONAL BEST IN SHOW

Sponsored by

1st: $500

FAQ image

Saturday, November 22, 2025

ROOKIE RUMBLE ROUND 2

Groomers will have two opportunities to compete in the Rookie Rumble, taking place on Friday, November 21 (Round 1) and Saturday, November 22 (Round 2). This class is open to groomers who have not yet placed at the Open level.

Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete their groom — any breed, any style.

Ring Mentors will be present throughout the competition and available to offer guidance upon request as you work.

Following each round, three finalists will be selected (in no particular order), along with:

    •    One International Finalist Award

    •    Two First Timer Awards

All finalists are required to return for Best in Show presentations on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 PM, where the following titles will be awarded:

    •    Rookie Rumble Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble International Best in Show

    •    Rookie Rumble First Timer Award

    •    Tru North Cup International Best in Show

    •    Tru North Cup Best in Show

JUDGES: MACKENSIE MURPHY AND LINDSEY DICKEN

MENTOR: NADIA BONGELLI

TIME: 2.5 HRS

7:30 AM CHECK-IN

8:15 AM CHECK IN CLOSES

8:30 AM CONTEST START

9:30 PM 10 MINS SALLY BREAK

9:40 AM CONTEST RESUME

11:10 AM CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

12:00 PM AWARDS

ROOKIE RUMBLE

Sponsored by

ROOKIE RUMBLE BEST IN SHOW

Sponsored by

1st $1000

ROOKIE RUMBLE INTERNATIONAL BEST IN SHOW

Sponsored by

1st $200

ROOKIE RUMBLE BEST FIRST TIMER IN SHOW

Sponsored by

1st $200

ROOKIE RUMBLE FINALISTS

Sponsored by

6 GIFT PACKS and RIBBONS

ROOKIE RUMBLE INTERNATIONAL FINALISTS

Sponsored by

3 GIFT PACKS and RIBBONS

ROOKIE RUMBLE FIRST TIMER FINALISTS

Sponsored by

3 GIFT PACKS and RIBBONS

Sunday, November 23, 2025

TAG TEAM TAKEDOWN

Grab your grooming partner and get ready to double the fun in the Tag-Team Takedown! In this high-energy event, teams of two groomers will work simultaneously on one dog, combining their skills and creativity to deliver a polished final look.

Each team will have 1.5 hours to complete their groom — any breed, any style.

To amp up the fun, teams are encouraged to: 

•    Choose a team name   

•    Dress in coordinated costumes   

•    Bring themed props or party favors for their judges

Whether you go glam, goofy, or totally out of the box, this is your moment to shine together. 

Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.

Have fun, be bold, and show us what teamwork really looks like!

JUDGES: NANCY BRYSON AND WYNNE WONG

TIME: 1HR30 MINS

Schedule:

8:00 AM CHECK-IN

8:45 AM CHECK IN CLOSES

9:00 AM CONTEST START

10:00 AM 10 MIN SALLY BREAK

10:10 AM CONTEST RESUMES

10:40 AM CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

11:20 AM AWARDS

PRIZE POOL

Sponsored by

1st: $500

2nd: $300

3rd: $100

Sunday, November 23, 2025

EXTREME CREATIVE CONTEST by OPAWZ

Groomers will show off the full extent of their creative grooming skills including full-body dyeing, coat carving, creative styling, and so much more!

For complete detailed rules, please visit www.opawz.ca/trunorth

JUDGE: Betty Huang

TIME: 3HRS

10:00AM: CHECK-IN

10:45PM: CHECK-IN CLOSES

11:00AM: CONTEST START

12:00PM: 10 MINS SALLY BREAK

12:10PM: CONTEST RESUME

2:10PM: CONTEST END AND JUDGING BEGINS

3:15PM: AWARDS 

This entry includes access to the Royal Canin Crown Classic Dog Show and the Canadian Pet Expo

PRIZE POOL

1st: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

2nd: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

3rd: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

FAQ image

Sunday, November 23, 2025

MODEL DOG CONTEST by OPAWZ

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.

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.

All registered model dog contestants can enjoy 10% OFF select model dogs and wigs on opawz.ca.

Please email [email protected] after signing up with the subject line "Tru North Model Dog Contest Entry"

There will be 1 winner and 1 runner-up per division.
There is no limit on the number of entries per groomer.
The model dog should not have been entered into a previous OPAWZ model dog contest.

For complete detailed rules, please visit www.opawz.ca/trunorth

JUDGE: Nancy Bryson

 

Model dog check-in times: Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday from 9am-3pm, Sunday 10am-1pm.

1:00PM: CHECK-IN DEADLINE

2:00PM: JUDGING

2:45PM: AWARDS

This entry includes access to the Royal Canin Crown Classic Dog Show and the Canadian Pet Expo

PRIZE POOL

Purebred

Winner: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

Runner-up: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

Freestyle

Winner: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

Runner-up: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

Creative

Winner: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

Runner-up: Trophy + Rosette + TBA

FAQ image

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.

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