November 21–23, 2025!
Canadian Pet Expo, The International Centre
6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8, Canada
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
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
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
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
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
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
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