Competition Rules

Tru North Grooming Show 2026

TheTru North Spring show is a Groom Team Canada sanctioned event and therefore will follow strict Groom Team Canada rules and guidelines.

Entry(Novice) level to Intermediate Division:

Four 1st placements to advance to the Intermediate Division (with a minimum of four contestants in each class for the win to qualify.)

Intermediate to Open Division:

Three "Best in Show" or "Best All Around Groomer" titles from the Intermediate Division.

Six 1st placements from the Intermediate Division (with a minimum of four contestants entered and judged in the class for the win to qualify.)

Four group placements from tiered shows.

We hope these changes will enhance your grooming competition experience and inspire more growth and camaraderie in our vibrant community.

General Rules: Canadian Grooming Competitions

Groom Team Sanctioned Classes

Show Structure, divisions and awards

Structure:

Multi-Division Competition - Open, Intermediate and Entry (Novice) Divisions compete separately for the titles of first, second and third in their respective division classes.

Competition Level Divisions:

Open: Open to all competitors. Recommended for groomers with advanced styling skills, previous successful competition experience and professional conformation show exhibitors with expert styling skills.

Intermediate: Restricted to competitors who have not won 3 Best in Show or 3 Best All Around Groomer titles from the Intermediate division or six 1st placements from the Intermediate division at any show (with a minimum of four contestants entered and judged in the class for the win to qualify). Recommended for groomers with Intermediate styling skills or conformation show ring exhibitors (Have groomed and handled a breed to champion).

Entry (Novice): Restricted to competitors who have not won four 1st placements from the entry division at any show (with a minimum of four contestants entered and judged in the class for the win to qualify). Recommended for groomers who have never competed before and/or possess novice-grooming skills. Handlers, conformation show exhibitors, and grooming instructors are not permitted to compete in the Entry (Novice) division. This does not apply to new handlers who have not handled a breed to championship.

Groom Team Canada Points

Class placement points (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) will only be awarded to Open Competitors. Groom Team Points are only awarded to Open Division for the following classes, Poodle, Terrier(hand stripped), Sporting and Purebred. Placements from each class will be placed in their own category (i.e.: Poodle points into the Poodle category). Shows that are not able to host at least one full class of Open division competitors (2 or more) will not be eligible for Groom Team Canada Points. Mixed Breed will no longer count for Groom Team points.

Awards
All divisions are judged simultaneously. The placements (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) are awarded in each division. Only Open Division receives points.

Best In Show
Best in Show will be chosen from all First Place winners. Best in Show will not qualify for Groom Team Points.

Best All Around Groomer
Best All Around Groomer will be chosen from all 3 divisions as established by the placements. In order to be eligible for Best All Around Groomer award, the contestant must enter a minimum of three sanctioned classes. Specialty classes are not included. Best All Around does not qualify for Groom Team Points.

1st place = 3 points
2nd place = 2 points
3rd place = 1 point

1st tie breaker = highest number of placements
2nd tie breaker = highest number of entries defeated
If an exact tie still exists, the prize will be divided.

It’s not just about winning once, it’s about showing excellence.

Code of Conduct: Sportsmanship

The Tru North maintains an environment of camaraderie, fun, and valuable learning for all competitors and attendees. Good sportsmanship is essential, including contestant and pet behavior in the hotels. Damage to hotel rooms will be addressed under this rule.

Any competitor displaying unsportsmanlike conduct (as determined by the show committee) in the ring, hotel, or in public during the event weekend will be subject to:

Immediate disqualification from all remaining competitions for the weekend, including finals, with forfeiture of all entry fees.

Immediate forfeiture of any awards and prize money.

Grievances & Disputes

Any issues involving judges, contestants, or spectators should be reported immediately to show staff or the ring steward.

Questions or concerns regarding a competitor’s eligibility — or that of their dog — must be brought to the attention of show management as soon as possible.

Photos & Final Notes

Contestants are encouraged to take photos with their awards and dogs after the awards ceremony.

In cases where these guidelines do not cover a specific situation, the Tru North Cup Show Committee reserves the right to make a final decision.

Event Rules & Conduct Guidelines

✔️ General Expectations

Late arrivals will be disqualified if the class has already started; no refunds will be issued.

Participants are responsible for bringing their own grooming tools and dog.

Coaching from outside the ring is strictly forbidden and results in immediate disqualification.

Use of phones, headsets, or any electronic devices in the competition ring is not allowed.

Any form of aggressive handling of animals will result in immediate dismissal.

Contestants must wear closed-toe footwear — flip-flops and sandals are not allowed.

No smoking, flames, or coat singeing permitted.

Beverages must be kept in sealed containers to avoid spills.

All booking are non refundable and final.

No reference materials, such as images or diagrams, may be used in the ring.

Dogs must remain in the ring until the end of judging, unless released by the ring steward.

Contestants who withdraw from a class automatically forfeit all awards, including ribbons, trophies, and other prizes, which must be returned to show officials immediately.

Registration is Open

Awards

Pre Judging

All dogs will undergo a pre-judging inspection prior to the start of the competition. Dogs may be dismissed at this time if they exhibit insufficient coat growth, signs of parasites, or evidence of excessive pre-trimming.

All divisions are judged simultaneously.
The placements (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) are awarded in each division.
Only Open Division receives points.

General Judging

Competitors will be evaluated based on the breed and trim of the dog they have chosen to enter. Once the grooming time concludes, judges will thoroughly examine each dog. Breed-specific trims will be assessed according to the CKC breed standard. Judges will also consider overall finish, balance, and symmetry.

Any competitor observed handling a dog roughly may receive a warning; a second warning will result in disqualification. Clipper burns, nicks, or cuts will result in significant penalties.

Best in Show will be chosen from all First Place winners.
Best in Show will not qualify for Groom Team Points.

Best in Show

Competitors must arrive with their dogs prepared for final presentation to the judges. While re-bathing is permitted, no additional trimming is allowed at this stage. Judges will conduct a final review of all entries and select the Best in Show. Competitors are encouraged to present themselves in professional, show-ready attire.

Best All Around Groomer will be chosen from all 3 divisions as established by the placements.
To be eligible for the Best All Around Groomer award, the contestant must enter a minimum of three sanctioned classes. Specialty classes are not included.
Best All Around does not qualify for Groom Team Points.

Best First Timer

Each class will award a first timer, this award goes to any competitor who has not yet competed in any other contest.

1st place = 3 points
2nd place = 2 points
3rd place = 1 point