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EGA Competition Rules

In case of any ambiguities in the rules, the EGA rules apply.

Official Categories

A competitor may enter any of the following 4 official categories:

Handstripping (Trimming)
Spaniels and Setters
Poodles A: Toy, Miniature and Medium size, Poodles B: Standard
Pure Breeds (other pure breeds not listed above)

Within the 4 official categories, you can choose from the following classes:

Open Class
Champion Class

Extra Categories

Competitors may also enter the following extra categories:

Beginners Class
Intermediate Class
Salon Style
Doodles & Mixed Breeds
Asian Style
Model Dog Asian Style
Model Dog Creative
Duo Challenge

These categories are not eligible for Best in Show. In these categories, only one general class is available.

By entering the competition, you also automatically compete for extra awards such as Best Groomer, Best Team, and other special prizes that may be awarded during or after the show.

Class Definitions

Beginners Class

This class is suitable for groomers with less than 2 years of experience in grooming and the specific breed they wish to compete with. Show experience also counts as experience.

A competitor may compete as a "Beginner" in several competitions for 12 months, even if they win. In the second year, they must move to "Intermediate Class" or "Open Class," even if they have not won.

In this class, breeds and techniques are divided as in the main categories, namely into:

  • Handstripping (Trimming)

  • Spaniels and Setters

  • Pure Breeds

  • Poodles

Participants can win 1st place 4 times. Only breeds falling into the 4 main categories are allowed, and all Poodles compete together regardless of size.

The grooming rules in this category follow the rules below. For example, for a Poodle in Beginners or Intermediate, the timing may differ, but the remaining rules are the same.

Transition to Intermediate after winning in one category does not allow the competitor to compete again in Beginners, even in other categories.

Note! The use of clipper attachments is not permitted.

Intermediate Class

This class is for groomers with more than 2 years of grooming experience.

A competitor may compete as "Intermediate" in several competitions for 12 months, even if they win. In the second year, they must move to "Open Class," even if they have not won.

In this class, breeds and techniques are divided as in the main categories, namely into:

  • Handstripping (Trimming)

  • Spaniels and Setters

  • Pure Breeds

  • Poodles

Participants can win 1st place 4 times. Only breeds falling into the 4 main categories are allowed, and all Poodles compete together regardless of size.

Transition to Open Class after winning in one category does not allow the competitor to compete again in Intermediate, even in other categories. Competitors who have already competed in Open Class may not compete in Intermediate Class even with a different breed.

The grooming rules in this category follow the rules below. For example, for a Poodle in Beginners or Intermediate, the timing may differ, but the remaining rules are the same.

Note! The use of clipper attachments is not permitted.

Open Class and Champion Class

In competitions where both "Open" and "Champion" Classes are scheduled, competitors must enter the class that applies to them based on their previous results.

In each of the main categories, a competitor may compete in one of the following two classes:

Open Class
For any groomer moving up from Intermediate Class or who has not yet competed in Champion Class.

Competitors in Open Class need three victories in a class of at least five competitors in order to advance to "Champion." Along with the award, they receive one certificate. When registering for "Champion," all three certificates must be presented.

Champion Class
"Champion Class" is for competitors who have already won their category in this class, and competitors who have won three times in Open Class in the same category with at least five competitors and only upon presentation of three certificates.

Time Limits

Comfort Break
GrooMasters includes a mandatory 10-minute break 1 hour after the start of each competition. This break allows dogs to stretch and hydrate, ensures their well-being, and gives them a break from standing on the table. Groomers may also use this time for a quick rest. This addition emphasizes our commitment to the health and comfort of all participants.

Beginners and Intermediate

Small and Large Breeds: 2:30 hours

Handstripping (Trimming) without clippers

  • Small and Medium Breeds: 2:30 hours (Border Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, etc.)

  • Large Breeds (Airedale Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, Irish Terrier): 3:00 hours

Handstripping (Trimming) with clippers

  • Small Breeds: 2:00 hours

  • Medium: 2:15 hours

  • Large Breeds: 2:30 hours

Spaniels and Setters

  • All Setters, American Cockers, English Cockers, Springers…: 2:30 hours

Poodles

  • Up to 45 cm: 2:00 hours

  • Over 45 cm: 2:30 hours

  • An additional 15 minutes is allowed for spraying a top knot.

Pure Breeds

  • Bichon, Bedlington: 2:00 hours

  • Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Bouvier: 2:30 hours

Salon Style, Doodles & Mixed Breeds

  • Small breeds up to 35 cm: 2:00 hours

  • Medium breeds up to 50 cm: 2:30 hours

  • Large breeds over 50 cm: 3:00 hours

Asian Style

  • Small and large breeds: 2:30 hours

Duo Challenge

  • Small and medium breeds (Bichon Frisé, Bedlington Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu): 1:30 hours

  • Large breeds (Old English Sheepdog, Afghan Hound, Standard Poodle): 2:00 hours

Model Dog Creative & Model Dog Asian Style

  • All breeds: 2:30 hours

Useful Information

  • Competitors must bring their own dogs in natural coat color and their own grooming equipment.

  • The organization provides tables.

  • Competitors must be in the ring 30 minutes before the competition for “prejudging.” During this time, the organization will take a photo of the dog and place it on your table.

  • Competitors must go to the photo studio immediately after the competition for “after” photos.

  • In each class and category, 3 competitors will be placed.

  • Before each competition, competitors may request a comment from the judge or all judges if desired; this will be provided after each class in a designated area.

  • Best In Show will be selected from the 10 first-place class winners of the 4 official categories.

  • Best All Round Groomer is the individual competitor who scores the most points by winning in the 4 official categories. In case of a tie: the winner is the competitor with the highest placement in the individual official categories. If still tied, the Organizer decides.

  • Best Team: The best team is the team that scores the most points in the 4 official categories.

  • PGACR Trophy: Best transformation – Judges select the best before/after transformation. In case of a tie, the PGACR president decides the winner.

Announcement of Finalists and Award Schedule

  • After each competition segment, finalists will be announced. Exact times can be found in the competition schedule on groomasters.cz.

  • Saturday morning competition: Finalists announced around noon.

  • Saturday afternoon competition: Finalists revealed at the end of the competition, followed by awards for extra categories such as "Beginners Class."

  • Sunday morning competition: Finalists announced around noon.

  • Finalists of official categories must return on Sunday.

  • Prestigious awards for main categories will be held Sunday evening. It is a ceremonial event honoring the skills and artistry of all participants.

  • Attendance is mandatory for all finalists in official categories at the Sunday awards ceremony to receive their prizes.

  • All competitors are encouraged to perform their best, and we look forward to celebrating your hard work and results.

Grooming Rules

  • All dogs must be washed before the competition.

  • Ears and nails must be groomed; the dog’s belly, genitals, and rear may be pre-groomed for hygiene according to the breed standard.

  • Dogs must have at least 8 weeks of coat growth; Poodles must have at least 5 cm of coat length.

  • No visible line or pattern from previous grooming is allowed. The dog’s coat must be long enough for the groomer to create a noticeable difference in appearance.

  • Competitors with dogs showing visible lines or groomed less than two months prior should be aware that they have little chance to win.

  • All grooming techniques are allowed if the chosen technique suits the dog’s coat type. If any issue arises during the competition, raise your hand, and the head judge will assist.

Handstripping / Spaniels & Setters

  • For trimming classes, stripping knives are allowed.

  • Dogs must be groomed according to the breed standard.

  • For Terriers, (colored) chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed.

  • Clippers are not allowed except for:

    • Scottish Terrier – chest, head, and ears

    • West Highland Terrier – chest and ears

    • Cockers and Setters – chest and ears

    • Schnauzer – chest, head, inner rear legs, and ears

  • Breeds that must be handstripped but whose coat doesn’t allow it may compete in Mixed and Salon class.

Poodles / Pure Breeds

  • Dogs must be washed and blow-dried for fluffiness.

  • Clippers with guards are not allowed.

  • Poodle muzzles and paws should be shaved before the competition starts.

  • Poodles must be groomed in a style recognized by the breed standard.

  • For Poodles with top knots – participants may ask for external assistance in holding the dog.

  • Coloring is not allowed.

Salon Style

  • This category is for all mixed breeds or breeds such as Poodles that you want to style, e.g., as a Bichon. This class is for commercial work – dogs seen in salons daily.

  • Allowed: Clipper cuts, scissor cuts, short commercial (salon) cuts. For trimming breeds, clippers and scissors are allowed.

  • Not allowed: Coloring, Asian styles, accessories. No purebred dog in standard grooming is allowed in this class.

  • Breeds: Common salon breeds seen daily – e.g., Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Terriers, Schnauzers, Cockers, Poodles, and similar dogs.

Team Competition

  • 4 groomers from any country, including mixed-country teams, may form a team. Team points can only be earned in the 4 official classes:

    • Handstripping

    • Pure Breeds

    • Spaniels & Setters

    • Poodles

  • To form a team, you need 1 member in each class, regardless of whether in Open Class or Champion Class.

  • The best team is the one that scores the most points in the 4 official categories. In case of a tie, the judges decide the winner.

  • Competitors may participate in only one team. Registration must be done as follows:

    1. Each team member registers individually on the GrooMasters website.

    2. Once all members are registered, 1 member emails info@groomasters.cz with:

      • Names of team members

      • Who competes in which class

      • Team name, e.g., Hairy Groomers

    3. After proper registration, you will receive an email with your team number. Only then is the team fully registered.

Doodles & Mixed Breeds

  • This class is suitable for all Doodle-type breeds, crossbreeds requiring scissor cuts, and dogs styled to resemble another breed (so-called breed transformation).

  • Included breeds:

    • Doodle types (Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Cockapoo, Bernedoodle, etc.)

    • Other crossbreeds requiring full-body scissor cuts

    • Dogs styled to resemble another breed (e.g., a Poodle groomed in Bichon or Bedlington Terrier style)

  • Style and techniques:

    • Full-body scissor cutting is expected – clippers may only be used for hygiene trims and paw pads.

    • Grooming must be balanced, symmetrical, and smooth, highlighting the dog’s structure.

    • Transformations should be as faithful as possible to the target breed’s appearance.

Asian Style

  • In this category at GrooMasters, you will be judged on Asian appearance, creative flair, and grooming/cutting techniques.

  • Accessories such as bows, ribbons, decorated collars, and clothing are not only allowed but encouraged if applied during the competition time and visible throughout.

  • This class is open to all breeds and purebred dogs of all sizes. Dogs should be styled in typical Asian fashion, inspired by round, short-legged, conically trimmed legs and round faces.

  • Coloring is allowed on up to 25% of the body.

Model Dog Asian Style

  • In this category at GrooMasters, you will be judged on Asian appearance, creative flair, and grooming/cutting techniques.

  • Accessories such as bows, ribbons, decorated collars, and clothing are encouraged if applied during the competition time and visible throughout.

  • This class is for all breeds and purebred dogs of all sizes. Dogs should be styled in typical Asian fashion, inspired by round, short-legged, conically trimmed legs and round faces.

  • Coloring is allowed on up to 25% of the coat.

  • An artificial model dog must be used – live dogs fall under the standard Asian Style category.

Model Dog Creative

  • In this category, your creativity can run wild! The competition is on an artificial dog (model dog) with no restrictions.

  • Creativity is entirely up to you – inspired by nature, fashion, fairy tales, or modern art.

  • All grooming and cutting techniques are allowed, including colors, glitter, decorations, airbrush, creative accessories, and costumes.

  • The judges will evaluate creativity, originality, technical execution, cleanliness, and overall impression.

  • This category is the perfect opportunity to show your true artistic soul!

Duo Challenge

  • A competition in which two groomers work simultaneously on one dog. Judging is based on coordination and teamwork, technical execution (scissor cutting technique and balance).

  • Coordinated outfits and accessories are welcome but not required.

  • Winners will receive the Best Grooming Duo trophy.

Competitors

  • On the application, competitors must indicate the dog’s breed, and for Poodles, also the style to be performed. Signature agreeing to all rules is required.

  • Competitors must be in the ring 30 minutes before the start of the competition with their own dog and tools.

  • Competitors must not speak with other competitors and/or the audience during the competition.

  • Competitors must not use mobile phones and/or any electronic devices during the competition.

  • If competitors are sponsored or work for a brand, they will not be judged by a judge working for the same brand. They will be judged only by the other two judges forming the jury.

  • Use of chalk is allowed; however, the judge must be able to comb the entire dog’s body during prejudging as well as at the end of the competition. Chalk marks remaining on the judge’s hands may lead to disqualification.

  • Hair spray on Poodles may only be used on the top knot; the comb must slide smoothly during judging.

  • Excessive hair spray or use of texturizing shampoo/conditioner may result in penalties if the dog cannot be combed smoothly.

  • A stripping comb should be used on Spaniels & Setters without overdoing it.

  • For hand-stripped dogs, legs, belly, and ears should not be pre-done before the competition.

  • Any rude or aggressive language toward judges, or rough or unsafe handling of the dog, may result in disqualification.

  • Disqualification will be carried out by the Head Judge.

End of Competition

  • Competitors should remove all hair, equipment, and tools from the grooming table. Place the comb on the table so the judge can use it during judging.

  • Competitors may comb their dogs before and after the judges have evaluated them.

  • Competitors should present their dog to the judge. The end of judging will be announced publicly, after which competitors may release their dogs.

Judges

  • Three judges will evaluate each category.

  • Judges may not judge their relatives or employees.

  • Judges working for a brand may not judge participants sponsored by or working for the same brand.

  • Judges may not leave the competition ring during the event without permission from the Head Judge.

  • Champion Class must be judged strictly.

Judging

  • Photos of dogs will be taken before and after the competition.

  • Judges will evaluate each dog during prejudging and final judging, considering:

    • Suitability of the chosen style for the dog

    • Level of difficulty of the cut

    • Ability to mask faults and enhance beauty

    • Knowledge of current modern grooming styles

    • Respect for the current breed standard*

    • Quality of cutting, clipping, and/or hand-stripping after combing

    • Balance, symmetry, and smoothness

    • Presentation of the dog to the judge

    • Considering international differences in styling, e.g., USA or Scandinavian styles

  • The judges’ decision is final and binding. All participants are requested to be sportsmanlike and respect the jury’s final decision.

Points

  • In all categories, scoring is point-based. Each judge awards:

    • 10 points for first place

    • 8 points for second place

    • 6 points for third place

    • 4 points for fourth place in each class

Declaration

  • As a competitor, I hereby confirm that I have read the competition rules and regulations and agree to abide by them. Competitors entering dogs with less than 8 weeks of coat growth or visible lines from previous grooming should be aware they will be penalized and have a low chance of winning.

  • I acknowledge that the competition organizer has the exclusive right to use any images (photo or video), data, and names of competitors for the promotion of future events.

Registration Fee

  • Any registrations not paid by the due date will be canceled. After this date, fees increase by 20%, which is the “on-site” price. Registration fees are non-refundable.

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