01Approval

By registering for one or more categories and/or one or more seminars at Diamex Master Groomer, the participant declares that he/she has read and accepted all the articles of these rules.

02Registration and fees

COMPETITION

Registration for the competition must be completed exclusively through the registration form available on the website: www.diamexmastergroomer.com

Registration is individual, nominative and non-transferable. It cannot be exchanged or transferred in the event of absence.

Registration and payment are done via our online store, which directly validates your registration. However, if you are unable to register through the website, you can also do so by email. Payment will then be made by bank transfer (any bank fees are at your expense). Your registration will only be validated upon receipt of the payment in our account, within a maximum of 3 days.

The registration deadline is March 24, 2027. However, once capacity has been reached, registration may close at any time without prior notice. Registrations received after the deadline may be accepted, subject to the availability. In that case, the registration fee for the categories will be increased by 20%.

Participants who wish to cancel their participation must do so by email before 18 March 2026. After this date, no reimbursement will be made.

SEMINARS

Registration for the seminars must be completed exclusively through the registration form available on the website: www.diamexmastergroomer.com.

Registration is individual, nominative and non-transferable. It cannot be exchanged or transferred in the event of absence.

Registration and payment are done via our online store, which directly validates your registration. However, if you are unable to register through the website, you can also do so by email. Payment will then be made by bank transfer (any bank fees are at your expense). Your registration will only be validated upon receipt of the payment in our account, within a maximum of 3 days.

The registration deadline is April 10, 2027. However, once capacity has been reached, registration may close at any time without prior notice. Registrations received after the deadline may be accepted, subject to the organizer’s approval and availability. In that case, the registration fee for the categories will be increased by 20%.

Participants who wish to cancel their participation in seminar(s) must do so by email before 18 March 2026. After this date, no reimbursement will be made.

The seminars consist exclusively of demonstrations and theoretical lessons. As no practical work is planned, participants do not need to bring a dog or any equipment.

VISITORS

Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the event during the weekend.

Visitors wishing to cancel their reservation must notify us by email before March 24, 2027. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash and supervised by their owner at all times. Please also ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.

03Official categories

The competitor may enter the following category:

BEGINNER

A competitor is considered a beginner if they have less than two years of experience. Dog shows count as experience.

A competitor may participate as a beginner in several competitions over a period of 12 months, even if they win. In their second year, the competitor must move up to the Intermediate category, even if they have not won in the Beginner category.

Once a competitor moves up to the Intermediate category following a win in the Beginner category, they will no longer be permitted to compete as a beginner.

The competitor must participate with a purebred dog, adhering to the breed standard and applying the appropriate techniques.

For the applicable techniques and rules, please refer to the “General Grooming Rules” section of the category correspon-ding to the breed of the dog presented.

Beginner Timing

All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

INTERMEDIATE

A competitor is considered an intermediate if they have more than two years of experience. Dog shows count as experience.

A competitor may participate as an intermediate in several competitions over a period of 12 months, even if they win. In their second year, the competitor must move up to the Open class, even if they have not won in the Intermediate category.

Once a competitor moves up to the Open class following a win in the Intermediate category, they will no longer be permitted to compete as an intermediate.

The competitor must participate with a purebred dog, adhering to the breed standard and applying the appropriate techniques.

For the applicable techniques and rules, please refer to the “General Grooming Rules” section of the category correspon-ding to the breed of the dog presented.

Intermediate Timing

All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

OPEN AND CHAMPION CLASSES

The categories divided into Open and Champion classes are as follows:

HAND STRIPPING, PUREBRED, SPANIEL & SETTER, STANDARD POODLE, AND TOY & MEDIUM POODLE

In these categories, competitors must enter the class corresponding to their previous results.

For each category, competitors may participate in only one of these two classes:

OPEN: This class is open to competitors who have moved up from the Intermediate category, either after winning first place or after competing in the Intermediate category for 12 months.

CHAMPION: This class is open to competitors who have won three gold medals in the same category in the Open class. These victories must have been achieved in classes with at least five competitors. Each gold medal is accompanied by a certificate; competitors must therefore present at least three certificates in order to qualify for the Champion class.

Notes:

Only those 5 categories are eligible for the All Around and Best in Show awards. The class in which a competitor must enter (Open or Champion) is determined separately for each category. A competitor may therefore compete in the Champion class in one category and in the Open class in another.

HANDSTRIPPING

Stripping knives are allowed.

Dog needs to be groomed according to the breed standard.

Colored Chalk powder/block/spray and cream is allowed.

It is not allowed to use clippers except:

Scottish Terrier: Chest, head and ears West Highland Terrier: Chest and ears Schnauzer: Chest, head, inside of back legs and ears

Handstripping Timings - without clippers

Small or medium dog: 2 hours 30 minutes
Large dog: 3 hours

Handstripping timings – with clippers

Small dog: 2 hours
Medium-sized dog: 2 hours 15 minutes
Large dog: 2 hours 30 minutes

POODLES

(Miniature, Medium and Standard)

The dog needs to be washed and fluff dried.

Clipper guide combs are not allowed.

Poodle muzzle and feet should be shaven prior to the start of the competition.

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

The Modified Continental Clip may be accepted, provided that it remains unmistakably derived from the Continental Clip, preserves the characteristic breed outline and does not conflict with correct show presentation or the essential requirements of the breed standard.

In order to give all poodles the same opportunity despite of their sizes, it was decided to separate the class in “Mini Dwarf and Toys” and “Standards”. That way we will have two Poodle classes. Each class should still have no less than five competitors

Contestant who grooms their Poodle with Top Knots may request the assistance of an outsider to hold the dog.

Coloring is not allowed.

Poodles Timings*

Up to 35 cm: 2 hours
35–45 cm: 2 hours 15 minutes
Over 45 cm: 2 hours 30 minutes

*An extra 15 minutes are allowed to create the top knot.

PURE BREED (Scissoring)

The dog needs to be washed and fluff dried.

Clipper guide combs are not allowed.

Dog must be groomed in a style recognized in the breed standard.

Coloring is not allowed.

Pure Breed Timings

Bichon and Bedlington: 2 hours
Other breeds*: 2 hours 30 minutes

*(Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Bouvier, etc.)

SPANIEL & SETTER

Stripping knives are allowed.

Dog needs to be groomed according to the breed standard.

Colored Chalk powder/block/spray and cream is allowed.

It is not allowed to use clippers except: Cockers and Setters: Chest and ears

Spaniel & Setter Timing

All Spaniels and Setters: 2 hours 30 minutes

04Other categories

The competitor may enter the following category:

ASIAN STYLE

The competitor must create an artistic, creative, and exuberant Asian-style groom, with particular emphasis on demonstrating excellent scissoring skills.

This category is not intended for commercial grooming. Instead, it encourages a personal interpretation of Asian style, with original silhouettes, volumes, and shapes, while maintaining a harmonious and cohesive overall result.

Accessories such as bows, ribbons, decorated collars, clothing, and other ornamental elements are permitted and strongly encouraged. However, they must be added during the competition and remain visible at all times.

The competitor may participate with a dog of their choice, whether purebred or mixed-breed, and regardless of its size.

Colouring and painting are prohibited in accordance with Belgian legislation.

Asian Style Timings

Small or medium dog: 2 hours
Large dog: 2 hours 30 minutes

DOUBLE MASTER GROOMER

The duo category highlights the collaboration between two groomers working together on a single dog.

The judges will assess not only the quality of the grooming, but also how well the two participants work as a team. They will take into account organisation, the division of tasks, communication, technique and the harmony of the final result.

Competitors may participate with any dog, whether purebred or mixed-breed and regardless of size, using the grooming technique that best suits them.

Double Master Groomer Timings

Small or medium dog: 1 hour 30 minutes
Large dog: 2 hours

STUDENT CLASS

The Student Class is intended for groomers who are still in training. It allows them to gradually discover the world of competitions and put into practice the knowledge and techniques acquired during their training, in a supportive and encouraging environment.

This category places emphasis on learning, progress, and gaining experience, rather than on ranking. It offers students the opportunity to gain confidence, perfect their practical work, and receive constructive advice.

The competitor must participate with a purebred dog, adhering to the breed standard and applying the appropriate techniques.

For the applicable techniques and rules, please refer to the “General Grooming Rules” section of the category correspon-ding to the breed of the dog presented.

Student Class Timing

All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

WORKSHOP

This category is dedicated to commercial grooming as it is practiced daily in salons.

Please do not confuse commercial grooming with Asian style that, on the other hand, is a creative and artistic approach characterized by original shapes, carefully sculpted volume and a more fanciful interpretation.

Competitors may enter with either a purebred or a mixed-breed dog. However, a purebred dog may not be groomed according to its own breed standard. The competitor may instead create a trim based on the standard of another breed, such as a Bichon-style trim on a Poodle.

Breeds frequently in this category: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, etc.

Workshop Timings

Small or medium dog: 1 hour 30 minutes
Large dog: 2 hours

05Timings of the categories

To ensure the dogs’ comfort and well-being, a compulsory 5-minute break will be scheduled every hour. Dogs must be allowed to rest on the ground so that they can stretch their legs, relieve themselves and relax.

See the list of timings below:

ASIAN STYLE

Small or medium dog: 2 hours
Large dog: 2 hours 30 minutes

BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND STUDENT

All breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

DUO AND WORKSHOP

Small or medium dog: 1 hour 30 minutes
Large dog: 2 hours

HANDSTRIPPING (without clippers)

Small or medium dog: 2 hours 30 minutes
Large dog: 3 hours

HANDSTRIPPING (with clippers)

Small dog: 2 hours
Medium-sized dog: 2 hours 15 minutes
Large dog: 2 hours 30 minutes

POODLES*

Up to 35 cm: 2 hours
35–45 cm: 2 hours 15 minutes
Over 45 cm: 2 hours 30 minutes

*15 minutes’ extra time for top knots.

PURE BREED

Bichon, Bedlington: 2 hours
Other breeds*: 2 hours 30 minutes

*(Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Bouvier, etc.)

SPANIEL & SETTER

All Spaniels and Setters: 2 hours 30 minutes

06General grooming rules

Dogs will need to be washed (except for the handstrip dogs).

The ears and nails need to be groomed and the dog’s underbelly, genitals and hind quarters may be previously groomed for reasons of hygiene, according to the breed standard.

Any evident line or pattern should not be visible. Dog’s coat must have, at least, two months' growth. The hair must be long enough to allow the groomer to make a difference in its appearance.

Contestant competing with dog showing evident line or groomed less than two months earlier should be aware that he/she will not have any chance to compete for victory.

All grooming techniques are allowed, as long as the chosen technique suites the type of the dog’s coat.

07Competitor

On the entry form contestant must add the breed of the dog to be groomed and, for Poodle categories, also what cut will be done.

Signature in acceptance of all rules is required.

Contestant must be in the ring 30 minutes prior the start of the competition with their own dog and tools.

Contestant is not allowed to talk to other contestants and/or the audience during the contest.

Contestant is not allowed to use mobile phone and/or any electronic device during the competition.

If contestant is sponsored or work for a brand, will not be judges by a judge working for the same one. Only the two other judges composing the Jury panel will.

Chalk use is allowed, however Judges must be able to comb the entire dog's body during prejudging as well as at the end of the competition and no trace of it should appear on judges' hands after the judgment, as a disqualification can occur.

On Poodle hair spray can be used only on top knot, as the comb must slide smoothly during the judgment.

Too much hair spray and the use of texturing shampoo or conditioners can penalize Purebred contestant’s dog that cannot be smoothly combed.

Coat thinning comb should be used on Spaniel and Setter without exaggerating.

On handstrip dogs, legs, underbelly and hears should not be done previous the competition.

Any indecorous or aggressive language used towards the judges as well as a dog handled in rough or unsafe manner may lead to disqualification.

Possible disqualification will be executed by the President of the Jury.

When competition ends, contestant should remove all hair, equipment and products from the grooming table as well as moving all stuffs on the floor under the table, to allow the judges an easy approach to the tables for the judgment .

A comb should be placed on the table for the judge to use during judging.

Contestant may comb their dog before and after the judging panel has evaluated the dog.

Contestant should stack their dog to present to judge. Dogs not in judgment must not be kept stuckss.

Any possible complaint must be in written, presented before the end of the event and will cost 25€.

08Judgement

Pictures of the dogs will be taken before and after the competition.

The judges will examine each dog during prejudging and final judging and will take in consideration the following issues:

Suitability of chosen style to the dog Difficulty degree of the clip Ability to camouflage defects and enhance beauty Up to date with today’s modern grooming styles Respect for todays breed standard* Quality of scissoring, shaving and or stripping after passing a comb Balance, symmetry, and smoothness Presentation of the dog to the judge

Judges may, at their discretion, refuse to award prizes.

Differences in style between countries shall be taken into account.

HANDSTRIPPING

There should be no visible pink of bald patches. The hair must be removed with the lay of the coat and without causing pain. Removing the undercoat by a carding tool is allowed only after the handstripping has taken place. Rolling coats are acceptable; however the work done in the ring must be sufficient to allow the groomer to make a distinct change in the dog’s appearance.

If clippers are used to trim the soft coat on the head, the ears, the front of the neck, or on the insides of the back legs, these areas must be trimmed neatly and smoothly with the appropriate blade. The clipper work should blend smoothly with the furnishing or feathering rather than stick out.

Excessive scissors use will be penalized.

POODLES

The quality of the clipper work whether the feet, face and tail are clipped with the appropriate blade. All clipper work should be smooth with no tufts of hair around the lips , eyes, pads of the feet.

PURE BREED AND SPANIEL & SETTER

If thinning shears are used: the areas that are thinned should blend smoothly and create a natural appearance.

POINTS

In the four main categories, as well as in the other categories, judging is based on a points system.

Each judge awards 10 points for the first place, 8 points for the second, 6 points for the third in each class.

Each judge will have his/her own place list. Adding up the points of all judges, the President of the Jury will obtain the final place list. Just in case of tie the President of the Jury will discuss with the judges to establish the place list.

HANDLING (presentation of the dog)

Judges may give a warning to any competitor who is seen handling a dog in a rough or unsafe manner. A second warning will constitute disqualification.

OTHER

If the competitor makes clipper burns, nicks or cuts he can’t be placed as a winner.

09Prizes and awards

Competitors placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in each category will receive a Diamex Master Groomer trophy, a certificate indicating their ranking, as well as equipment and products provided by our generous sponsors.

Competitors in the Open and Champion classes will also receive a certificate indicating their ranking.

ALL AROUND!

The All Around Award goes to the contestant who has accumulated the most points in the official categories (Handstripping, Pure Breed, Spaniel & Setter, Standard Poodle, and Toy & Medium Poodle). In the event of a tie, the winner will be the contestant with the highest placings in these categories.

BEST IN SHOW

The Best in Show Award goes to the contestant among the first 10 winners of the official categories (Handstripping, Pure Breed, Spaniel & Setter, Standard Poodle, and Toy & Medium Poodle), whose overall performance was judged the most outstanding.

BEST TEAM (Best Team)

The Best Team Award goes to the contestants from the same team who have accumulated the most points in the official categories.

A team must be made up of 4 contestants in each of the following official categories: Handstrippping (Open or Champion) Pure Breed (Open or Champion) Spaniel & Setter (Open or Champion) Standard Poodle or Toy & Medium Poodle (Open or Champion)

To register a team, please send an email to laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com with the following information: The team name The names of each member (4 people per team) The category associated with each member

Please note that for a team's registration to be validated, each member of the team must: have registered for the competition have paid their registration fee

In the event of a tie, the winning team will be the one whose contestants have obtained the best rankings in these categories.

A competitor may be part of several teams, provided that they do not represent the same category in each team.

10Acceptance of the terms and conditions

By entering the competition, each competitor acknowledges having read and understood all the provisions of these rules and agrees to comply with them. Validation of the registration constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of the rules, the participation requirements, and the judging procedures applicable to the selected category.

Each competitor is responsible for carefully reading the rules before finalizing their registration, particularly the descriptions of the categories, the permitted techniques, and the specific criteria applicable to each category. The choice of category is the sole responsibility of the participant. Under no circumstances may the organizer be held responsible for an error in registration, a misinterpretation of the rules, or the selection of a category that does not correspond to the technique performed by the competitor.

Any registration made in an unsuitable category may result in the competitor being judged in the category selected at the time of registration, or may lead to a change in ranking or disqualification, in accordance with the provisions of these rules. No change can be guaranteed after the registration deadline.

Competitors are therefore advised to carefully check the accuracy of the information provided and ensure that the selected category corresponds to the technique they intend to present. In case of doubt, or for any request for clarification regarding the rules, categories, or permitted techniques, competitors are advised to contact the organizers before registering at the following email address: laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com.