BeachFest Championship welcomes competitors of all experience levels, though it’s generally best suited for groomers in the Intermediate and Open divisions. This class is limited to purebred dogs and serves as the only BeachFest competition eligible for participants seeking certification evaluations from an NDGAA/AKC certifier. 

Rules

• Time Limits: BeachFest follows GroomTeam USA’s official time standards by breed. (Competitors may reference the GT USA timing chart for breed-specific allowances.)

• Coat Type Restrictions:
  Short-coated and double-coated breeds are not permitted in this class.

• Eligible Breeds & Trims:
  All AKC-recognized breeds listed here are acceptable and must be shown in their appropriate breed-standard trim except for breeds whose coat types fall under the restricted categories above.

  • Wire-coated breeds must be hand-stripped.

  • Jacketed breeds (e.g., setters, spaniels) must be carded and/or hand-stripped.

  • Clipping and scissoring may be used only as allowed within that breed’s official standard.

  • Breeds requiring a haircut may be scissored and clipped accordingly.

• Enhancements:
  No artificial coloring, embellishments, or decorative accessories are allowed.

The BeachFest Mentored Competition is created for Novice and Intermediate groomers who want hands-on guidance as they learn the ropes of competitive grooming. Competitors work with purebred dogs while receiving in-ring support from an experienced mentor who circulates throughout the class. This format gives participants the chance to ask questions, get real-time feedback, and build confidence, making it the perfect entry point for anyone beginning their competition journey.

Rules

• Time Allowance: All competitors receive 2.5 hours, regardless of breed or size.

• A mentor will be available to advise participants during the competition. Competitors may ask questions when the mentor approaches their table. Mentors may not physically handle or groom any dog.

• Short-haired and double-coated breeds are not permitted.

• All AKC-recognized breeds may be shown in breed-standard trims, except for breeds with the restricted coat types noted above.

  • Wire-coated dogs can be hand-stripped or clipped.

  • Jacketed breeds, including setters and spaniels, can be clipped, carded and/or hand-stripped.

• Color application and accessories are not allowed.

The Freestyle Championship is open to groomers of all experience levels, though it is most suitable for competitors in the Intermediate and Open categories.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 2 hours.
  

• Short-coated and double-coated breeds are not permitted.

• Eligible dogs include mixed breeds requiring a haircut or hand stripping, as well as purebred dogs being groomed in a style that does not follow their traditional breed profile.

• Any pet trim is allowed.

• Purebred dogs may be styled in any non-standard trim, including Asian Fusion, teddy bear styles, and other creative pet grooms.

• Purebred dogs may also be transformed to resemble an entirely different purebred breed. For example, a poodle may be groomed in trims such as Retro, Daisy, Town and Country, or styled to emulate another breed like a Bedlington Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, or similar.

• Wire-coated and jacketed breeds may be clipped, carded, or hand-stripped as long as the end result is noticeably different from the standard breed profile.

• Limited accessorizing is allowed, and color may be used as long as it does not exceed 20 percent of the dog’s coat.

The Freestyle Mentored Competition is built specifically for Novice and Intermediate groomers who want real, in-the-moment coaching while they compete. This division offers direct access to an experienced mentor throughout the entire class, giving competitors the chance to ask questions, get feedback, and learn techniques right in the ring. It’s a supportive, instructional environment designed for groomers who want to try creative trims with the confidence of having a professional guide at their side.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 2.5 hours for all dogs, regardless of breed or size.
  
  

• A mentor will circulate throughout the competition to offer guidance. Competitors may ask questions when the mentor is at their table. Mentors may not physically touch or groom any dog.
  
  

• Short-coated and double-coated breeds are not permitted.
  
  

• Eligible dogs include mixed breeds that require a haircut or hand stripping, as well as purebred dogs groomed in a style that does not follow their breed profile.
  
  

• All pet trims are allowed.
  
  

• Purebred dogs may be styled in non-standard trims such as Asian Fusion, teddy bear styles, or similar.
  
  

• Purebred dogs may also be styled to resemble a different purebred breed. For example, a poodle may be groomed in trims like Retro, Daisy, Town and Country, or styled to emulate a Bedlington Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, and other comparable breeds.
  
  

• Wire-coated and jacketed breeds may be clipped, carded, or hand-stripped as long as the final trim is clearly different from the standard breed profile.
  
  

• Light accessorizing is allowed, and color may be used as long as it does not exceed 20 percent of the coat.

Clipper It Down is open to groomers of all experience levels, with all participants competing together in one unified division. This class focuses on clipper technique, giving groomers the opportunity to demonstrate their precision and creativity using clippers as the primary tool for the entire groom and only allowing scissors at the very end.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 2 hours.
  
  

• All clipper work must be completed in the ring during the competition. No pre-clipping is allowed.
  
  

• Any trim style is permitted. Competitors may follow the breed standard or design a pet trim that best suits the dog's structure.
  
  

• Color and accessories are not allowed.
  
  

• Poodles must have their feet and faces clipped within the allotted grooming time.
  
  

• Pads and sanitary trims must be done before the class begins.
  
  

• All clipper types are permitted, including snap-on combs.
  
  

• Scissors may be used only during the final 10 minutes for light finishing work. Use of scissors at any other time will result in disqualification.

The Silhouette Trim competition is open to groomers of all experience levels. This class focuses on enhancing the natural outline of double-coated breeds without cutting excessively into the coat. Competitors must shape, neaten, and balance the dog’s overall silhouette while preserving breed-appropriate texture and length.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 1 hour.
  
  

• Only double-coated breeds may be entered in this competition.
  
  

• The goal of the class is to refine the dog’s outline while maintaining the integrity of the coat. Excessive thinning, sculpting, or cutting deep into the coat is not permitted.
  
  

• Trimming should focus on neatening feathering, shaping the outline, removing bulk, and improving symmetry without altering the breed’s natural appearance to such a degree it no longer resembles the breed.
  
  

• All tools such as clippers, thinning shears, chunkers, straights, curved shears, rakes, carding tools, and deshedding tools may be used as appropriate.
  
  

• Color and accessories are not permitted.
  
  

• Pads and sanitary areas may be trimmed prior to the start of the class.
  
  

• Any grooming done outside the intended silhouette refinement (such as extreme sculpting or non-standard stylizing) may result in penalties or disqualification at the judge’s discretion.

Model Dog With a Twist is open to all competitor levels and brings a playful, real-salon feel to the ring. Competitors must bring their own model dog and a fully brushed-out wig, ready to style. At the start of the class, each participant will draw a card with a popular everyday salon request, and whatever style they pull is the trim they must complete on their model dog. It’s fast, fun, and the perfect way to show off practical grooming skills groomers see daily.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 1.5 hours.
  
  

• Competitors must supply their own model dog and a pet length wig that is pre-brushed and ready for styling.
  
  

• At check-in, each participant will randomly draw a commonly requested salon trim. The drawn style is the one that must be executed on the model dog.
  
  

• Any tools suitable for model dog grooming may be used unless otherwise restricted in BeachFest’s general competition guidelines.
  
  

• Color and accessories are not permitted unless they naturally appear on the purchased model dog or wig.
  
  

• All grooming must be completed within the ring during the competition time.
  
  

• The finished style should clearly reflect the trim drawn at random. Judges will evaluate technique, balance, adherence to the drawn style, and overall execution.

The Model Dog Showcase is open to groomers of all experience levels and highlights artistry, preparation, and finish work completed outside the ring. Competitors arrive with a fully groomed and completed model dog that is ready for immediate presentation. This class is ideal for groomers who want to demonstrate precision, creativity, and salon-quality detail work without the pressure of timed in-ring grooming.

Rules

• Model dogs must arrive fully groomed and completely finished. No additional grooming, trimming, styling, or adjustments may be performed once the model dog enters the ring.
  
  

• Competitors must supply their own model dog and wig.
  
  

• All work must have been completed prior to check-in. Any in-ring grooming, brushing, scissoring, or clean-up will result in disqualification.
  
  

• Color and accessories are permitted to achieve the desired final appearance, as long as the dog appears as a natural breed (for example, using color to achieve the look of a Schnauzer).
  
  

• Judging will be based on technique, balance, creativity (within BeachFest’s standard competition limitations), overall finish, and how well the groom reflects a polished final presentation.
  
  

• Competitors may not handle or touch up their model dog during judging unless instructed by the judge for inspection purposes.

The Creative Beach competition invites groomers of all levels to let loose, transform a dog live in the ring and showcase their wildest, salon-worthy imaginative trims. Think bold color, bling, texture, possibility. It’s all about taking a dog from everyday to extraordinary in just 2 hours.

Rules

• Time Allowance: 2 hours.
  

• Any breed or mixed breed is eligible.
  

• All styling (clipping, scissoring, texturing, color application, accessories, props) must be completed within the 2-hour ring time. No major pre-styling before ring time except standard prep work (bathing, drying, basic clean-up).
  

• Safe, pet-approved color, glitter, hair extensions, props and accessories are permitted — provided they do not hinder the dog’s movement, vision, ears, legs, tail, or safety (based on standard creative grooming safety guidance). Groom Expo+2trunorthgroomingshow.ca+2
  

• Color coverage: While full artistic freedom is encouraged, color MUST be non-toxic and pet safe and must not attempt to lift natural coat pigment unless previously approved or within show rules. American Kennel Club+1
  

• Accessories/props: Permitted, but must be easily removable for judge inspection and must not be so heavy or large as to impair the dog’s posture or movement. groomexpowest.com
  

• The finished trim must demonstrate strong technique (clipper/scissor finish, balance, proportion), creative styling (color, texture, design), and overall visual impact (how the concept works as a whole). Judges will evaluate all these elements. Groom Expo+1
  

• Dog preparation: The dog must arrive clean, dry, detangled, and free of mats or finish defects. Sanitary trim and pads may be done before the class begins; other major sculpting/trimming must take place during the competition. Groom Expo+1
  

• Presentation: Once time is called the competitor must stop grooming. Competitors are usually given a short window to set presentation pose or adjust slide for audience/judges; any further grooming after that may lead to penalty or disqualification.

Abstract Runway is open to competitors of all experience levels and showcases bold pattern work, sparkling accents, and runway-ready creativity. Dogs arrive fully groomed with their abstract designs already completed. This class focuses on presentation, theme execution, and the artistic balance of lines, shapes, contrast, and movement as the dog walks the runway.

Rules

• Abstract designs must be completed in the ring, as well as additions such as rhinestones. 

• Minimal temporary color is allowed. Color must be pet-safe, non-toxic, and easily removable.
  
  

• Bling, sparkles, rhinestones, and lightweight accents are permitted as long as they do not interfere with the dog’s comfort, mobility, vision, breathing, or ability to walk the runway.
  
  

• Heavy, restrictive, or oversized accessories are not allowed.
  
  

• Each design must have a clear theme and a title.
  
  

• Dogs may be any breed or mixed breed.
  
  

• Competitors will present their dog in the ring for judging. Judges will evaluate line work, symmetry, creativity, contrast, theme consistency, finish work, and overall visual impact during movement.

• Dogs must arrive to the runway completely finished and fully groomed. No regrooming, trimming, carving, scissoring, or reshaping may occur after judging. Competitors are allowed to replace bling as needed.
  
  

• Once judged, competitors may not make any changes that alter the structure or shape of the groom. Any structural grooming performed after will lead to disqualification.

• Groomers should also come dressed to impress in runway attire!

Partners In Crime is a lighthearted, team-based grooming challenge where two groomers work together on a single dog. This class is all about teamwork, creativity, and having as much fun in the ring as possible while still keeping the dog’s safety and comfort top priority. Competitors are encouraged to laugh, play, entertain the judges, and fully lean into the chaos. Bribes for the judges are not only allowed, they’re celebrated!

Rules

• Time Allowance:
  
  

• Each team consists of two groomers working on one dog. Teams may divide the work however they want, as long as they maintain safe handling and professional technique.
  
  

• Standard BeachFest safety rules apply. Safe tools, proper handling, pet-safe products, and safe grooming practices are required at all times, even amidst the chaos and fun.
  
  

• Any breed or mix may be used. Any trim is allowed unless otherwise restricted by BeachFest’s general guidelines.
  
  

• Teams are encouraged to have fun, interact with the judges, hype their dog like it’s a superstar, and keep the atmosphere light and entertaining.
  
  

• Legal, non-monetary bribes for the judges are allowed. Examples include snacks, stickers, tiny gifts, custom notes, funny props, etc. Cash, gift cards, or anything of financial value is strictly prohibited.
  
  

• Excessive or distracting props are not permitted unless cleared by BeachFest staff, but small themed items, humorous touches, or team “costumes” are allowed as long as they do not interfere with grooming safety. 

• Costumes and themes will add presentation points during judging.
  
  

• Judges will evaluate teamwork, technique, finish quality, creativity, showmanship, theme cohesion (if used), and overall entertainment value.
  

• The dog must remain the priority at all times. Any unsafe handling will result in penalties or disqualification.

Cutthroat Grooming is BeachFest’s wildest, most unpredictable grooming showdown—part competition, part comedy, and full-on Saturday night entertainment. This class throws groomers into a fast-paced, game-show-style challenge where strategy matters just as much as skill. Competitors bring a prepped dog and nothing else. Every tool they’ll use must be grabbed—literally—when the clock starts. Think baking show chaos… but with a room full of groomers sprinting like their career depends on it. It’s rowdy, it’s ridiculous, and you absolutely do not want to miss this one of a kind event!

Rules

• Time Allowance: 2 hours.
  
  

• Competitors must arrive with a clean, dry, brushed-out dog. Pads and sanitary areas may be done beforehand. No trimming or shaping prior to the start.
  
  

• No personal tools of any kind may be brought into the ring. All grooming tools and supplies will be provided by BeachFest. You get what you get, and you have to make do!
  
  

• At the start of the competition, every competitor must run to the supply tables and grab whatever tools they can before the others do. Once something is gone—it’s gone. Lucky you if you snag scissors… unlucky you if you end up with three combs and a chunker that squeaks.

• Negotiating between groomers for certain tools is allowed.
  
  

• Groomers must have an assistant hold their dog at the start while they gather tools. Once they return, the assistant must step out.
  
  

• Any style is allowed: pet trim, salon trim, breed trim, modified groom, creative-lite—if you can do it with whatever random tools you managed to snatch, go for it!
  
  

• Standard BeachFest safety rules still apply. Safe handling, safe products, and calm, respectful treatment of the dogs are non-negotiable—even during the chaos.
  
  

• No throwing tools, tackling, shoving, or body-checking other groomers. This is Cutthroat Grooming, not a hockey match.
  
  

• Judges will score based on technique, finish quality, creativity with limited resources, adaptability, humor, and overall entertainment value. Yes, making the judges laugh will help you.
  
  

• Crowd participation is encouraged. Bring the energy!!