Promoting Excellence In Dog Grooming
Any show can apply to join the Golden Scissor Award scheme, provided it follows our guidelines. As of 2026, the GSA are available to shows within the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
To be eligible, a show must offer at least one of the following classes at Open or Champion level: Asian Style, Handstrip, Poodle, Purebreeds, Spaniels & Setters, or Workshop. Classes may have separate sizes or types within the same category but cannot be merged.
Golden Scissor Awards are achieved at Open and Champion level. If a show uses different titles for these levels, this must be clearly stated within its rules, and The GSA must be informed so awards can be allocated correctly. Beginner, Intermediate, or mixed-ability classes are not eligible.
Shows must allow competitors to move up to Champion level at any time should they choose to do so. Competitors also have the option to remain in Open level until they achieve either three 1st place wins within their class or two 1st place wins plus a Best in Show award.
Once a competitor moves into Champion level, they must remain in that division for that category. If a competitor chooses to move up, they cannot move back down in that class at any future shows.
New Rule as of 1st July 2025:
There must be a minimum of three participants in any individual class for it to be eligible for a Golden Scissor Award.
Date commenced: 28th May 2022. See below for GSA appointed shows.
Currently the GSA is available for UK, Ireland and European shows only.
GSA in simple terms:
1st place = 1 Golden Scissor Award
Best in Show = 1 Golden Scissor Award
A total of 3 GSAs earns you either a Grand Champion or Supreme Champion title, depending on your current level.
Want to become a Golden Scissor Awarding show?
Please contact us to discuss whether your show qualifies. For new shows applying for GSA implementation from 2026 onwards, appropriate entries, classes, and judges will be required.
A written proposal outlining your plan of action must also be submitted. There must also be a minimum of six weeks between established GSA shows.
Grand Champion & Supreme Champion
To become a Grand Champion, competitors must achieve either three 1st place wins in a chosen category at Open level, or two 1st place wins plus a Best in Show award. This achievement then moves the competitor into the Champion division.
The Supreme Champion title is earned by achieving either three 1st place wins in a chosen category at Champion level, or two 1st place wins plus a Best in Show award.
Grand and Supreme Champions will be invited to an annual awards ceremony at The Grooming Conference, where they will receive a special award in recognition of their achievement.
What is a Grand Supreme Champion?
The prestigious Grand Supreme Champion title is awarded to competitors who have achieved titles in four out of the six eligible categories.
Who will be the first?
How do I get my GSA pin & certificate?
Golden Scissor certificates and pins are distributed at shows on the day through the show coordinator. If you have not received a certificate or pin from a previous show, please collect it from the Colin Taylor Products stand.
What shows are part of the GSA?
The following shows are part of the Golden Scissor Awards scheme. Please note that not all classes offered at each show are eligible for GSA awards.
2022 Shows:
The Great British Grooming Show
Mastergroom
Premier Groom
The Great British Groom Off
2023 Shows:
The South East Grooming Show
The Great British Grooming Show
Mastergroom
Premier Groom
The Scottish Dog Grooming Championship
The Great British Groom Off
2024 Shows:
The Grooming Show
The South East Grooming Show
The Great Scot Grooming Show
The Great British Grooming Show
Cymru Groom
Mastergroom
Supergroom (Open Only)
Premier Groom
Groomphoria
2025 Shows:
The Grooming Show
Supergroom (Open Only)
The Great Scot Grooming Show
The Great British Grooming Show
Cymru Groom
Mastergroom
Premier Groom
I’m a Groomer Get Me Out Of Hair (Open Only)
Groomphoria
2026 Shows:
The Grooming Show
The Welsh Grooming Show
Royal Kennel Club Dog Grooming Championships
Supergroom (Open Only)
The Great Scot Grooming Show
The Great British Grooming Show
Cymru Groom
Mastergroom
I’m a Groomer Get Me Out Of Hair (Open Only)
Windmill Grooming Masters (The Netherlands)
Groomphoria