IJA Scoring System

SCORING SYSTEM

The scoring system was created in 1989 by Vivian and John Nash, owners of Nash Academy, co-founders of the International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competitions. 

The scoring system awards individuals on their achievements in bathing, grooming, and styling dogs by coat types in the pure breed, freestyle, rescue me, and creative styling classes. 

 

The system scores competitors on technical skills, profile knowledge, and difficulty achieved during the competition. In addition, overall image, including grooming attire and tools, rapport with the competition dog, safety for the pet, professionalism, sportsmanship, and presentation, are also judging considerations.

 

ABOUT IJA LEVELS

 

LEVEL 5: Certification Title and Rank: Dog Grooming Judge 

Elite skills in the art of teaching and judging bathing, grooming, and styling skills.

 

This level is equivalent to a Judge, teacher, and evaluator of technical skills, expressions, and profiles in the art of bathing, grooming and styling the canine.

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It is awarded to individuals with elite technical skills and knowledge of canine anatomy and pure breed standards to achieve ultimate expressions and profiles on the canine. 

*Qualifies to judge National and World Competitions

 

LEVEL 4: Certification Title and Rank: Canine Styling Specialists

Specialist in the art of bathing, grooming, and styling the canine.

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It is awarded to individuals with specialist technical skills and knowledge of canine anatomy and pure breed standards to achieve ultimate expressions and profiles on the canine. 

*Qualifies to compete in World Competitions.

 

LEVEL 3: Certification Title and Rank: Expert Canine Stylist

Expert in the art of bathing, grooming, and styling the canine.

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It is awarded to individuals with expert technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve expert expressions and profiles on man's best friend. 

*Qualifies for the state, regional, and national competitions.

 

LEVEL 2: Certification Title and Rank: Master Canine Stylist

Master in the Art of Bathing, Grooming and Styling the Canine

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Awarded to individuals with master technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve master expressions and profiles on man's best friend. 

*Qualifies for the state, regional, and national competitions.

 

LEVEL 1: Certification Title and Rank: Novice Canine Stylist

Novice in the Art of Bathing, Grooming and Styling the Canine

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It is awarded to individuals with novice technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve novice expressions and profiles on man's best friend. 

*Must qualify for state, regional and national competitions.

 

ABOUT TIERS

 

Tier 3

It is awarded to competitors who achieve and maintain the highest scores at their current level and frequently score at the next level.

 

Tier 2 

It is awarded to competitors who consistently achieve and maintain scores at their current level.

 

Tier 1 

It is awarded to competitors who consistently achieve and maintain scores at entry-level to the tier.