Grooming will again have a place alongside the show rings and dog sports at Crufts in 2027. The Royal Kennel Club's 15 October programme announcement gives owners and professionals an early planning outline, with important differences between the main online entry date and the grooming competition timetable.
Two entry dates need separate reading
The organiser's announcement schedules Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham from 4 to 7 March 2027. Main online entries are due to open on Monday 16 November 2026. The same notice says grooming competition entries opened on 14 October. That earlier date does not mean all Crufts entries are already open; check the relevant competition's own conditions before making arrangements.
Grooming returns in Hall 3
The organiser says the grooming competitions return for a second year and move to Hall 3, in partnership with Artero. The announced programme includes hand stripping on Thursday, spaniel and setter grooming on Friday, and poodles on Saturday, with the overall winner presentation scheduled for Sunday. These are plans for the upcoming show, not results. We have not verified an individual entry's acceptance or remaining places.
Choose a programme for your interests
The wider schedule includes agility, flyball, obedience, rally and heelwork to music. For a prospective visitor, that offers a way to compare working partnerships and different canine activities rather than treating the event only as a breed show. Further times and events remain to be announced; use the official Crufts website for updates. This outline does not establish admission arrangements for a visitor's own dog.
Bring the learning back to everyday care
A competition programme can help owners prepare questions about coat care and handling, while businesses can identify professional interests to follow. It cannot establish which treatment suits a particular dog or which local groomer offers it. Our appointment guide and directory can help start that separate conversation. Confirm current services, the dog's needs and arrangements directly with the business.
UK organiser announcement dated 15 October, checked 20 October 2026. No winner, ticket availability or endorsement is claimed. Corrections: support@groomnear.com.
