Pup Cup Dog Grooming Competition Runs 10-12 July in Coffs Harbour
The Pup Cup dog grooming competition returns to Coffs Harbour Exhibition Hall from 10 to 12 July 2026, with professional groomers from Beginner through Masters classes competing across scissor, poodle, gundog, and hand-strip disciplines. For Pup Cup Coffs Harbour 2026, Updated 7 July 2026.
The Pup Cup organisers say the three-day event is free for the public to spectate and shop vendor stalls, though only competition dogs and service animals are permitted on site. Entry sessions cap at 20 competitors, with standard entry fees of $90 after the early-bird window closed 1 June.
NSW groomers get a mid-winter showcase; owners get a live look at professional handling standards.
What happens across the three days
The Pup Cup spans purebred scissor work, gundog styling, hand-stripped terriers, poodle classes, and creative categories. Group winners advance to a Best in Show final combining top performers from each discipline.
Organisers pitch the event as networking for salon owners, stylists, and dog show exhibitors, with sponsors demonstrating tools and products on the exhibition floor. That matters in a year when welfare headlines make transparency valuable.
Why competitions matter amid regulation debate
news.com.au investigations into WA grooming footage kept welfare on the front page through June 2026. Competitions do not replace licensing, but they publicly reward skilled, calm handling under judge scrutiny.
Owners comparing salons can note whether local groomers train through events like Pup Cup or PIAA AusGroom, which ran in Melbourne in March 2026. Our selection checklist translates headlines into booking questions.
Visiting Coffs Harbour as an owner
When tip: confirm prices, hours, and availability locally before you commit.
Pets stay home except registered competition or service dogs. If you are holidaying on the Mid North Coast, treat the hall as education, not a drop-in groom. Watch how pros manage table time, drying, and scissor control on unfamiliar dogs.
Find everyday salons on the dog groomer directory and read how to choose a dog groomer before your next appointment.
Competition season outlook for 2026
Once tip: confirm prices, hours, and availability locally before you commit.
PIAA AusGroom already set the national tone in Melbourne. Pup Cup extends visibility for NSW and Queensland stylists who cannot travel south each winter. Expect social coverage from vendors promoting fear-free tools and low-stress drying gear.
We will add results if organisers publish Best in Show winners after 12 July.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pup Cup 2026 in Coffs Harbour?
10 to 12 July 2026 at Coffs Harbour Exhibition Hall, per thepupcup.org.
Can I bring my pet to watch?
No. Only competition dogs and service animals are allowed on site.
Is spectator entry free?
Yes. The Pup Cup website states public spectating is free across the three days.
More grooming news at dog-grooming.online/news.
Source: ABC News.
In Australia, availability and pricing shift by state and season. Use our directory and guides to shortlist businesses near you, then call or message to confirm hours, services, and any surcharges before you visit.
With you compare options, check opening hours, payment methods, and whether walk-ins are accepted. A quick phone call commonly saves a wasted trip and helps you pick the best fit for your budget and timeline.
By Dog Grooming Online Team
See also this official Australian reference for background.
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