Competition Rules

Tru North Grooming Show 2025

Eligibility & Guidelines: Tru North Cup and Rookie Rumble Competitions

🔹 Tru North Cup Eligibility

This prestigious competition welcomes open-level grooming professionals from around the world. Groomers from any country who are ready to showcase their skills at the highest level are invited to participate. Any breed, any style. Three finalists will rise - only one will claim the title.

🔹 Rookie Rumble Eligibility

This division welcomes novice and intermediate-level groomers who are not qualified for the Tru North Cup category. First timers to competitive grooming welcome. Any breed, any style, both levels compete for a place in the final six.

Dogs must have a minimum of six weeks of coat growth or enough to allow for a noticeable transformation during grooming.

Animals should arrive clean, dry, free of tangles, with their ears cleaned and nails trimmed.

The following areas may be pre-trimmed according to breed guidelines: sanitary region, and paw pads.

Only poodles may have their feet shaved prior to the competition.

All other trimming must take place within the competition timeframe unless otherwise instructed.

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

Judging & Awards Ceremonies

Finalist names will be announced at the conclusion of each class.

All finalists must attend the Saturday night awards ceremony with their dog.

Neat, presentable attire is expected of all participants attending the ceremony.

🏆 Rookie Rumble

On Friday and Saturday, judges will select three finalists each day from the competition ring.

On the Saturday evening awards ceremony, the Best in Show judge will then evaluate those six finalists and select the Rookie Rumble Best in Show, along with Rookie Rumble Best First Timer in Show and Rookie Rumble Best International in Show.

🏆 Tru North Cup

At the conclusion of the competition on Saturday, Judges will select three finalists and all three go to the Best in Show.

One groomer will be awarded the Tru North Cup Champion title during the final ceremony, along with Tru North International Best in Show.

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.

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.

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 - Rookie Rumble and Tru North Cup

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 International in Show and Best First Timer in Show

In the event that the overall Best in Show winner is not an international competitor, the judges will also select an additional winner to be awarded the title of Best International in Show. Best First Timer will also be awarded.

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

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.