IN THE hotly contested world of pooch pageants, a hyperactive Tweed Heads South poodle has emerged as the Jennifer Hawkins of the canine world.

Eighteen-month-old Chantelle and her Currumbin Valley groomer Vanessa Parsons took out four categories at Brisbane Ekka's Royal State Champion Dog Grooming competition this month.

Up against 25 competitors all of whom, unlike Chantelle, had the advantage of being trained showdogs, the pair took out the Poodle Masters, Poodle Group, Queensland Royal State Champion and Best In Show, at what is considered one of the most prestigious such competitions in the country.

"It just shows you can turn any dog into a show dog with good grooming," said Vanessa this week, as Chantelle wriggled about in her arms and licked her face.

Chantelle was not speaking to the media, but her spokesman and owner Steve House said his pet was keeping her paws on the ground despite her new celebrity status.

Mr House said one of Chantelle's hobbies was taking a joy-ride in the back of his kayak on the Tweed River in her own fluorescent-yellow life-jacket.

In a beauty regime to rival a glitter strip trophy wife, in the six-months leading up to the Ekka Chantelle's black bouffant was regularly washed, conditioned and blow-dried and her nails manicured.

On competition day, Vanessa and Chantelle rose at 3am to put the final touches on her look including a coat of dog nail polish, shaving her ears and trimming her tail.

It's the second year in a row that Vanessa has taken out so many awards at the Ekka, last year teaming up with a highland terrier.

Chantelle and Vanessa will advance to the Sydney Royal Show in April, vying for the title of Australian Royal Champion, the canine equivalent of the Miss Australia pageant.

Vanessa established Country Canine's Grooming Salon 23 years ago.