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Conformation Junior Handling at AthleticDogs.com
Junior Handling
Junior handling, or junior showmanship, is a version of conformation designed to introduce the younger generation to the sport. Junior dog handling was first formally introduced in 1932 at the Westbury Kennel Club in Long Island, New York. The next year, the Westminster Kennel Club in New York launched a children’s handling class as well. It wasn’t until 1971 that the AKC recognized Junior Showmanship as a sanctioned class. Now, junior handling is recognized through all major kennel clubs throughout the world, including the AKC, CKC, UKC, the Kennel Club (UK), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale clubs.
The purpose of junior handling is to teach kids sportsmanship, ring procedures and
showing techniques while providing a glimpse into careers in dog handling, raising,
and training. Junior handler competitions judge the handlers themselves, rather than
the quality of the dogs. They are classified by age group and can compete with any
breed of dog (some organizations even allow mixed-
Kids as young as two years old are allowed in the ring by some organizations and junior eligibility usually ends at age 18. The major sanctioning organizations for junior handling, and their age limits, include:
- AKC allows 8 to 18 year olds.
- CKC allows 4 to 18 year olds.
- 4-
H allows 9 to 18 year olds. - The Kennel Club (UK) allows 6 to 24 year olds.
- UKC allows 2 to 18 year olds.
Junior handler competitions are organized much like other conformation shows. The junior handlers are divided into age and experience classes. They enter the ring in order of dog size and must move around the ring according to the instructions of the judge. The judge watches the junior and evaluates his or her ability to follow instructions, understand ring procedure, and present the dog correctly.
While Junior Handling competitions are restricted to youth participants, many young
handlers also enter adult show classes in both conformation and performance trials
(agility, obedience, flyball, etc.). Participation in dog sports is an excellent
extracurricular for any youth. Not only do they learn about working with dogs and
develop a close bond with their own, but training for any dog sport teaches patience,
self-
Check out the performance sport training products at AthleticDogs.com to get your Junior Handler off to a great start!
