Host event: Oslo Dog Convention, NOVA Spektrum, Lillestrøm, Norway
Event dates: 27–28 November 2026
Proposed grooming competition dates: Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2026
Proposed competition hours: 10:00–18:00 each day
Welfare framework: Scandigroom follows the IGS Welfare Guidelines.

Scandigroom is designed to promote professional grooming skills, technical excellence, ethical handling, and animal welfareconscious competition standards.

Held during the Oslo Dog Convention in Norway, Scandigroom aims to offer an international competition environment where professional performance and dog welfare are treated as equally essential.

The purpose of grooming in this competition is to:
• maintain the dog’s health, cleanliness and comfort;
• enhance the dog’s natural structure and coat qualities;
• demonstrate professional technique in a respectful and safe manner;
• encourage welfare-conscious grooming practices within the international grooming community.

The welfare of the dog is the highest priority throughout the competition. Technical achievement must never be obtained at the expense of the dog’s physical or emotional wellbein

This competition applies the IGS Welfare Guidelines to all competition activities, including preparation, pre-judging, grooming time, judging, staging, photography, demonstrations, awards and public presentation.

By entering the competition, each competitor accepts that:
• the dog’s welfare comes before timing, ranking, prizes or public performance;
• welfare pauses are permitted and must never be treated as failure;
• a dog must never be left unattended on a grooming table;
• any form of restraint must allow normal breathing, balance and body posture;
• equipment must never choke, suspend, compress or panic the dog;
• harsh, rough, intimidating or unsafe handling is not permitted;
• judges, stewards, educators and organisers are expected to model welfare-conscious standards;
• the Organising Committee may stop or interrupt a groom if a dog’s welfare is at risk.

An IGS Animal Welfare Delegate or appointed welfare officer may be present during the competition. Their role is supportive, preventive and protective. They may advise competitors, support judges, request a welfare pause, and recommend that a dog be withdrawn if needed.

Competitors must enter under the correct category and level. The Organising Committee reserves the right to reassign a competitor to another level if the declared level does not match their known experience, previous results or professional status.

Competitors must always conduct themselves professionally and respectfully toward dogs, judges, stewards, organisers, fellow competitors and the public.

Competitors must provide their own dog, grooming tools, grooming table and equipment unless otherwise stated by the organiser.

Competitors must be at least 18 years old. Competitors under 18 may only participate with written parental or guardian consent and must be supervised according to the organiser’s requirements.

All dogs entered must be healthy, fit to participate, and able to tolerate the competition environment without excessive stress.

Dogs must not be entered if they show signs of:
• infectious disease;
• parasites;
• untreated skin lesions;
• pain or lameness;
• respiratory distress;
• severe anxiety or panic;
• extreme fatigue;
• aggressive behaviour that cannot be safely managed;
• any condition that could compromise their welfare or the safety of others.

The organiser, judges, ring steward or welfare delegate may refuse entry, pause participation or withdraw a dog if welfare or safety concerns are identified

All dogs must comply with Norwegian legal requirements, venue rules, and event health regulations.

Dogs travelling to Norway from abroad must comply with all relevant import and travel requirements, including identification, passport, rabies vaccination and anti-echinococcus treatment where applicable.

Dogs belonging to breeds or types prohibited under Norwegian law cannot be accepted. The competitor is responsible for ensuring that all documents are valid and available for inspection if requested.

The competition will include the following categories:

1. Hand Stripping

2. Spaniels & Setters

3. Poodles
o Toy, Miniature & Medium
o Standard / King Poodle

4. Pure breeds

5. Salon Freestyle / Commercial

The Organising Committee may merge, split or cancel classes depending on the number of entries, provided that fairness and judging consistency are maintaine

The following levels are available:

A competitor may enter the Beginner level if all of the following conditions are met:
• has less than 3 years of professional grooming experience (full-time equivalent);
• has never won 1st place in an Intermediate, Open or Champion class at a recognised grooming competition;
• has not won 3 or more 1st places in Beginner classes at recognised grooming competitions;
• does not regularly teach professional grooming courses or seminars;
• does not hold a judging licence for grooming competitions.

Students enrolled in a grooming training programme are eligible for Beginner provided they meet the above criteria. A competitor who no longer meets these requirements must enter Intermediate or a higher level.

A competitor must enter Intermediate if they no longer qualify for Beginner and do not yet qualify for Champion.

Intermediate competitors typically meet one or more of the following criteria:
• have between 3 and 7 years of professional grooming experience (full-time equivalent);
• have won up to 2 first places in Beginner classes at recognised competitions;
• have previously placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Beginner classes;
• compete regularly but have not achieved the results required for Champion level.

A competitor may not remain in Intermediate after:
• winning 3 first places in Intermediate classes in the same category at recognised competitions; or
• winning Best in Show, Best Groomer in Show, or an equivalent overall title.

Competitors meeting either of these conditions must enter Open or Champion, as determined by the Organising Committee.

A competitor must enter Open if they have advanced professional or competition experience but do not yet qualify for Champion.

Open competitors typically meet one or more of the following criteria:
• have more than 5 years of professional grooming experience (full-time equivalent);
• have won 3 first places in Intermediate classes in the same category at recognised competitions;
• regularly compete at national or international level;
• teach professional grooming courses, seminars or workshops;
• have previously judged grooming competitions on a non-Champion level.

Open competitors remain eligible for Open until they meet the Champion criteria

A competitor must enter Champion if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
• have won 3 first places in Open classes in the same category at recognised grooming competitions;
• have won a Champion class at a recognised grooming competition;
• have won Best in Show, Best Groomer in Show, Groomer of the Year, or an equivalent overall title at a recognised national or international competition;
• have represented their country in an official international grooming team competition;
• have been approved by the Organising Committee as a Champion-level competitor based on documented competition results.

The Organising Committee may request evidence of competition results and reserves the right to reclassify a competitor if their declared level does not correspond to their documented experience or achievements.

Salon Freestyle / Commercial will be offered in:
• Beginner
• Open

This category is designed to encourage practical, wearable, commercially relevant grooming styles while still rewarding technical quality, balance, coat finish and dog comfort.

This category is for wire-coated breeds traditionally groomed by hand stripping.

The coat must have sufficient growth to allow visible transformation. Dogs should not be pre-patterned to the point that the competition work is minimal.

Permitted techniques may include hand stripping, carding, blending and breed-appropriate finishing. Clippers may only be used where appropriate for the breed and style.

The dog must not be over-stripped. Skin irritation, redness, discomfort or excessive coat removal may result in penalties or withdrawal

This category is for spaniels and setters traditionally groomed according to breed-appropriate presentation.

The dog must have sufficient coat growth to demonstrate visible grooming work. Permitted techniques may include carding, stripping, thinning, blending, clipping of appropriate areas, and scissoring according to the style and breed.

Excessive removal of coat, skin irritation, forced positioning or rough handling will be penalised.

This category is open to Poodles in recognised sizes. Poodles will be divided into:
• Toy, Miniature & Medium
• Standard / King Poodle

The dog must have enough coat to allow a visible transformation. Face, feet and tail base may be prepared before the competition according to the style chosen, unless otherwise specified by the organiser.

Only recognised breed-standard Poodle trims are permitted in this category. Commercial, salon-style, freestyle, creative or fantasy grooming styles are not allowed. The groom must reflect correct breed presentation and demonstrate technical skill in accordance with accepted Poodle grooming standards.

Hair spray may only be used minimally and only where appropriate, such as for the topknot. The coat must remain combable and safe for the dog.

This category is for salon-style grooming on purebred or mixed-breed dogs.

The final groom should be realistic, wearable, balanced, comfortable for the dog, and suitable for a professional salon environment.

The style may be creative, but must remain welfare-conscious and practical.

Colouring, bleaching, permanent accessories or any product or decoration that may affect the dog’s skin, coat, breathing, movement or comfort is not permitted.

Accessories may only be used if they are lightweight, non-permanent, safe, comfortable and removed immediately if the dog shows discomfort.

Dogs must arrive:
• clean;
• dry;
• free from mats and tangles;
• with clean ears;
• with nails clipped or filed;
• with sanitary and paw pad areas safely maintained where appropriate.

The coat must be long enough to demonstrate a clear transformation.

The dog must not be excessively pre-groomed, pre-patterned or shaped before the competition. Any visible pre-set pattern may result in penalties or disqualification.

For hand-stripped or rolled coats, appropriate maintenance may be allowed, but enough work must remain for fair judging

The organiser will provide grooming tables for all competitors. All tables will be stable, clean and fitted with a non-slip surface.

A bathing and drying area will also be made available to competitors during the event, subject to the organiser’s schedule and usage guidelines.

Competitors must bring their own safe, professional grooming tools, equipment and products unless otherwise specified by the organiser.

All tools must be safe, clean and suitable for the dog’s coat and skin.

The following are not permitted:
• unsafe or damaged equipment;
• products that change the natural colour of the coat or skin;
• excessive hair spray or coat stiffening products;
• products that irritate the skin, eyes, respiratory tract or mucous membranes;
• strong fragrance products that may affect the dog’s comfort;
• any equipment or restraint that restricts breathing or causes distress;
• any tool used in a rough, punitive or unsafe way.

Chalk, powder or volumising products may only be used where appropriate for the breed and must not prevent judges from combing or assessing the coat. The organiser may inspect products and equipment at any time.

Restraint must be minimal, safe and proportionate.

A dog must be able to:
• stand naturally;
• sit or rest during welfare pauses;
• breathe normally;
• move its head without choking;
• show normal balance and posture.

The following are strictly prohibited:
• leaving a dog unattended on a table;
• suspending or lifting a dog by the neck;
• tightening a grooming loop in a way that restricts breathing;
• using double restraint to force posture;
• holding the muzzle shut to suppress stress;
• forcing a dog to continue when it is panicking, exhausted or in pain;
• shouting at, hitting, shaking or intimidating the dog.

If a dog shows signs of distress, the competitor must reduce pressure immediately and may request a welfare pause.

A mandatory welfare pause of at least 10 minutes will be included during each competition session.

During the welfare pause:
• the dog may drink water;
• the dog may rest, sit or lie down;
• the competitor may calmly reassure the dog;
• no grooming work may be performed unless authorised for welfare or safety reasons.

Additional welfare pauses may be requested by the competitor, judge, steward or welfare delegate. A welfare pause should never be considered a failure.
If the pause is justified by the dog’s needs, it must not be penalised.

The Head Judge and Welfare Delegate may decide whether the competitor’s timer is paused, extended or continued, depending on the situation and fairness to other competitors

Final timing must be confirmed once the full programme, number of entries, class structure and judging schedule are known.

Hand Stripping
• Small breeds: 2 hours
• Medium breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Large breeds: 3 hours Spaniels & Setters
• All sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes

Poodles
• Toy & Miniature Poodles: 2 hours
• Medium Poodles: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Standard Poodles: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Optional additional topknot finishing time may be granted if announced before the class begins.

Pure Breeds
• Small and medium breeds: 2 hours
• Large breeds: 2 hours 30 minutes

Salon Freestyle / Commercial
• Small and medium dogs: 2 hours
• Large dogs: 2 hours 30 minutes

A mandatory 10-minute welfare pause will be included in every competition session. This pause is not counted as grooming time. The competition clock will be stopped for all competitors during the mandatory welfare pause.

During the welfare pause, the dog may drink water, rest, sit or lie down, and the competitor may calmly reassure the dog. No grooming work may be performed during this pause, except where authorised by the Head Judge or Welfare Delegate for welfare or safety reasons.

Additional welfare pauses may be requested by the competitor, judge, steward or Welfare Delegate if a dog shows signs of stress, fatigue, discomfort or any welfare concern. Such pauses must never be considered a failure. If the pause is justified by the dog’s needs, it must not be penalised. The Head Judge, in consultation with the Welfare Delegate where appropriate, may decide whether the timer is paused, extended or continued, depending on the situation and fairness to other competitors.

Competitors must be present in the competition area at least 30 minutes before their class for check-in and pre-judging.

Before each class begins, judges will examine each dog.

Pre-judging may include:
• confirmation of category and level;
• confirmation of breed or coat type;
• assessment of coat growth;
• assessment of coat preparation;
• check for pre-patterning;
• identification of health or welfare concerns;
• documentation of scars, missing coat, moles, skin lesions or other relevant features;
• before photos.

The judges or welfare delegate may refuse a dog before the class begins if the dog is not fit to compete

During competition time, competitors must work independently.

The following are not permitted during the class:
• coaching from outside the ring;
• written or visual grooming instructions;
• use of mobile phones, headphones or electronic communication devices;
• disruptive conversations with the audience;
• advertising or promotional behaviour inside the judging ring;
• rough or unsafe handling;
• behaviour that distracts other competitors or affects dog welfare.

Competitors must keep their area clean and safe throughout the class. Hair must be removed from the table and floor as instructed by the ring steward.

Judging will be based on a 100-point system.

Suggested score breakdown:
1. Suitability of the chosen style for the dog – 10 points
2. Difficulty and technical ambition – 10 points
3. Ability to enhance structure and balance – 10 points
4. Modernity, professionalism and suitability of the style – 5 points
5. Respect for breed standard or commercial suitability – 15 points
6. Quality of scissoring, clipping, stripping, blending and finishing – 20 points
7. Balance, symmetry and smoothness – 20 points
8. Presentation of the dog and welfare-conscious handling – 10 points

Judges may apply penalties for:
• unsafe handling;
• poor table safety;
• excessive product use;
• pre-patterning;
• unfinished work;
• lack of cleanliness;
• poor coat preparation;
• visible discomfort caused by grooming choices;
• failure to follow category rules.

Dog welfare may override all technical scoring. A technically excellent groom may be penalised or disqualified if obtained through unsafe or unethical handling

The following may lead to penalties, interruption or disqualification:
• dog left unattended on a table;
• restraint restricting breathing or balance;
• dog showing respiratory distress;
• dog showing repeated panic, pain or extreme fatigue; • rough handling;
• shouting, punishment or intimidation;
• skin irritation caused by technique or product use;
• visible injury during the competition;
• refusal to take a welfare pause when instructed;
• refusal to follow the Welfare Delegate’s or Head Judge’s instruction;
• use of prohibited products;
• unsafe equipment; • falsified documents;
• entering a dog that is unfit to compete.

The Head Judge, in consultation with the Welfare Delegate and Organising Committee, has authority to disqualify a competitor for welfare or safety reasons.

Judges must act fairly, respectfully and independently. Judges must not judge a competitor where there is a direct conflict of interest, including close family, employment, business partnership, regular training relationship, sponsorship conflict or other relationship that could affect impartiality.

If a conflict of interest exists, the judge must declare it to the Head Judge before judging begins.

The Head Judge’s decision on conflicts of interest is final.

Awards may include:
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category and level;
• Best Beginner;
• Best Intermediate;
• Best Open;
• Best Champion;
• Best Salon Freestyle / Commercial;
• Best in Category;
• Best Groomer in Show;
• IGS Welfare-Conscious Grooming Award –
This special award recognises the competitor who best demonstrates the principles of the IGS Welfare Guidelines throughout the competition. It is presented to a groomer who consistently prioritises the dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing, uses calm and respectful handling techniques, maintains safe working practices, responds appropriately to the dog’s individual needs, and serves as a positive example of welfareconscious grooming. This award may be granted regardless of competition placement and reflects excellence in both professional grooming and animal welfare. Awards may be adjusted depending on the number of entries. The organiser reserves the right not to award a placement if the minimum standard of safety, welfare or technical quality is not met.

The judges’ decision is final regarding technical scoring and placements.

A competitor may submit a procedural or welfare-related concern to the Organising Committee within 30 minutes of the end of the relevant class.

Appeals based only on personal disagreement with judging taste or ranking will not be accepted.

The Organising Committee will review procedural or welfare concerns with the Head Judge and Welfare Delegate where appropriate.

By entering the competition, competitors agree that the organiser may take photographs and videos for documentation, judging, promotion and educational communication.

Photos may be taken before and after the groom. Flash photography close to the dog’s face is not permitted if it may cause stress.

Dogs must not be forced into uncomfortable poses for photos, awards or public presentation.

If stage lights, applause, crowd pressure or noise cause distress, the dog may be removed from the stage or presentation area without penalty.

The competitor remains responsible for the dog at all times.
The competitor is responsible for:
• the dog’s welfare;
• safe handling;
• valid documents;
• suitable equipment;
• cleaning their area;
• preventing incidents involving people, animals or property;
• respecting Norwegian law and venue rules.

The organiser may require competitors to hold appropriate professional or personal liability insurance.

The organiser will make reasonable efforts to provide: • a safe competition ring;
• clear class timing;
• trained ring stewards;
• access to drinking water for dogs;
• welfare pause structure;
• a designated quiet or rest area where possible;
• emergency contact procedure;
• veterinary contact or emergency plan;
• fair judging procedures;
• clear communication before and during the event.

The organiser will also appoint a Head Judge and, where possible, an IGS Animal Welfare Delegate or welfare officer.

By submitting an entry, each competitor confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these rules.

Participation in the Scandigroom implies agreement with: ¨
• these competition rules;
• the IGS Welfare Guidelines;
• venue rules;
• Norwegian animal welfare and dog management requirements;
• instructions given by judges, stewards, the Welfare

Delegate and the Organising Committee. Failure to comply may result in penalties, disqualification, removal from the competition area or refusal of future entries

The Organising Committee reserves the right to amend these rules before the event if required for legal, logistical, safety or welfare reasons.

Any updates will be communicated to registered competitors as early as possible.

In all cases, the dog’s welfare remains the first priority.