The annual British Dog Grooming Championship, sponsored by Bestpets, took place on Sunday (Octobe 28)r at the Warwickshire Event Centre. The event was organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), the UK’s leading trade association for dog groomers.

Linda Barker, of Barkers, Bletchingley, Surrey, was crowned as Groomer of the Year 2018, as well as being the Advanced and Experienced Group winner. Linda’s outstanding grooms on a Handstrip Schnauzer and scissored Standard Poodle saw off competition from dozens of other talented groomers.

Beth Kranz was named Newcomer of the Year.

Alongside the competition, over 50 trade stands were in attendance, kept busy by the hundreds visiting the show; and the seminars and demonstrations, sponsored by Christies Direct, left people in no doubt that groomers love to learn and improve their skills.

Other highlights included the BDGA’s tombola which raised over £400 for the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Animal Cancer Trust. The members’ area, a VIP section exclusively for BDGA members and sponsored by insurance brokers, Jelf, was also well attended throughout the day.

The full list of winners can be found on the Pet Industry Federation website at www.petfederation.co.uk.  

Official photographs from the event will be available at www.groomersgallery.com

The date for the 2019 British Dog Grooming Championship is Sunda, October 27.