A Saskatoon woman is heading to Spain in her quest to be named top dog — top dog groomer, to be precise.

Monique Malcolm, who works at It’s a Dog’s Life Pet Spa, is already one of the country’s best. She has earned a spot on Team Canada at the Artero Dog Grooming Championships to be held in Barcelona on October 13.

"This is the best in the world going," she said. "It's like the dog grooming Olympics."

'You can bring out the dog's attributes so he's beautiful.'- Monique Malcolm, dog groomer

Malcolm’s quest began in 2011 when she began competing with her dog at shows across North America, where she earned a reputation for high-quality grooming. That year, she brought her reputation to the Canadian nationals. She’s been winning ever since. 

Malcolm will not make the trip to Spain alone. She will travel with Badger, her American Cocker Spaniel. As she goes for the world title, Badger will be her model.

Monique Malcom

Monique Malcom (middle) is off to the world dog grooming championships in Spain. (Handout)

Grooming canines is not just about being good with a blow dryer and scissors. 

"It's kind of like an art form," she said. "There's a lot of sculpting involved. You can bring out the dog's attributes so he's beautiful."