Rich Smith

Richard has been involved with dogs from an early age. As a youngster he was showing his mother’s Pekingese at many shows – a highlight was being placed at the prestigious Crufts dog show with a Peke when he was only 15.

At the age of 19 he decided he wanted to groom full time and learn how to groom all breeds to a professional level. He went to London to study at a grooming school then opened The Doggie Stylists in February 2002.

Since opening the salon, Richard has improved his grooming skills further by studying at one of the top grooming schools in the Country, attending seminars nationwide and going on various courses.

Richard has completed his Level 3 City & Guilds Certificate in Dog Grooming and is now moving on to the Higher Diploma qualification.

His speciality in the Salon is the Bichon-Frise, with scissoring them being his preferred method. As not all groomers can achieve this look successfully this service is in high demand.