It’s been almost a week since she hosted the long-awaited Novogroom Dog Grooming event in Mayfield, but organiser Hannah Grice from New Lambton says she’s still receiving positive feedback about it.
The inaugural edition, at the Mayfield Scout Hall, attracted 50 competitors from across the country, with more than 70 breeds of pooches being blowdried, trimmed and teased for a chance at winning thousands of dollars worth of prizes and titles.
From Terriers to Poodles, Spaniels to Hounds, the two-day event saw more than 100 dogs transform from ordinary to glam between 8.30am and 5pm, until one talented trimmer was awarded the “ulti-mutt” honour of top groomer.
This year’s overall winner was Ally Cosentino from Sydney.
Her Bedlington Terrier won Best in Show, chosen due to the difficulty of the groom and how well the groom aligned with the breed standard.
“It was a great weekend, with some very high-quality grooming skills on show,” says Hannah.
“We have a few dog-grooming competitions every year but they are mostly in the big cities which can be time consuming, and expensive. That’s why I brought Novogroom to Newcastle.
“I’m so happy with how well the weekend went, we’re hoping to do it again next year.”
Hannah was first introduced to dog grooming in 2015.
“I volunteered for a local groomer who taught me everything I needed to know,” she explains.
“I am now a certified pet stylist, and completing my masters.
“I have two grooming salons and a grooming academy, Woof Avenue and Newcastle Grooming Academy.”
According to the World Pet Association, judges of dog grooming competitions are looking for “balance, symmetry, uniformity, and style of trim”.
“In most categories there is a standard you need to follow to keep the dog in breed standard,” says Hannah.
“Our creative and salon freestyle class is where you can go all out!”
The dogs, she says, have a “type” too.
“A dog needs to be well behaved with a good coat and sometimes need to be good at travelling as they travel Australia competing.
“The dogs are trained at a young age and these dogs love the attention,” Hannah says.
“The dogs get breaks to stretch their legs and have a drink etc.
“It’s always humanity before vanity.”
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