Magali Delaye

Magali Delaye is a highly respected national and international dog grooming judge, accredited by the European Grooming Association (EGA) and judge for the SNPCC French Grooming Championships. She brings over 40 years of hands-on grooming experience and 33 years as a terrier breeder, specializing in Airedale Terriers, Fox Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers.

Magali began grooming at a very young age, learning stripping and breeding techniques within her family kennel founded by her mother in 1965. By the age of 10, grooming tools were already in her hands, and at 15 she was working professionally. She later trained with renowned breeders across several countries, developing deep expertise in multiple breeds and grooming styles.

Her competitive career began in 1991 and includes an impressive list of achievements, among them three “Best of the Best” titles, won at the Ciseaux d’Or (1999 and 2006) and the AEEC Championship in Spain (2008). She has earned numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals across stripping, commercial Poodle grooming, salon styles, coat transformations, and creative grooming of mixed breeds—both nationally and internationally.

At just 19 years old, Magali opened her first grooming salon, later managing two salons before a temporary pause due to illness in 1998. She resumed her professional activity in 2000 within the family business, expanding into additional breeds, including the Miniature Poodle. In 2004, she founded her own advanced grooming school, dedicated to continuing education and helping experienced groomers reach top competitive levels.

In 2007, in recognition of her outstanding career and expertise, Magali was appointed international judge, notably supported by Mijo Klein, founder of the Ciseaux d’Or. Since then, her greatest passion has been judging, teaching, and mentoring future champions, while remaining accessible to groomers seeking to grow and refine their skills.

Driven by passion, knowledge, and generosity, Magali Delaye continues to play an essential role in advancing and elevating the art and profession of dog grooming worldwide.