Junior Handling
The American Kennel Club has events that evaluate the form and function of purebred dogs. They also sponsor classes that test the abilities of the person on the other end of the lead, the Junior Handler. AKC Junior Showmanship classes offer kids the opportunity to develop their handling skills, learn about good sportsmanship, and learn about dogs & dog shows. Juniors are so important to the future of the sport of dogs and to responsible dog ownership.

Junior Showmanship classes, open to 10 to 18-year-olds, are divided into Novice and Open classes. Novice classes are for those who have not won three first place awards at a licensed or member show. This class gives beginners a chance to gain experience and confidence separate from that of those more learned. Open classes are for kids who have gotten three or more first place wins.

At dog shows, youth classes may be divided into Junior (10 to 13 years) and Senior (14 to 18 years). Juniors are judged on their ability to present their dogs. That means that the dog is not the one being judged! But, their handling abilities are looked at as well as their ability to dress and act properly, and to present their dog in a well-groomed condition. Any dog entered in Junior Showmanship must be eligible to compete in dog shows or obedience trials. The dog also must be owned by the child, a member of the child's family, or a member of his or her household.

Learning this sport can be fun at your local 4-H showmanship clubs, which you can find out about from your local 4-H agent at the Cooperative Extension Service in your county. The basics to this sport can also be learned at your local dog clubs, as many offer weekly handling classes. Such classes allow both dog and handler a chance to practice in a setting similar to an actual show. To see what is involved in this field, kids should get out there and watch the Junior Showmanship classes at a show. Then they can see how kids take part at all levels of competition and how they have developed friendships. They also can observe how others their age have learned to compete and graciously accept both their wins and losses.

For more info on Junior Showmanship Rules and Regulations or geographical lists of dog clubs, contact the American Kennel Club at: 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 or send an email to info@akc.org. You can also call the AKC at (919) 233-9767. If you subscribe to the American Kennel Club Gazette, you will get an Events Calendar which lists all the AKC events held throughout the country. This magazine, which is published monthly, costs $29.93 a year. Just write to Circulation Subscriptions: P.O. Box 37903, Raleigh, NC 27690-2954.

This is Kristy Cain and her Golden Retriever, Corbin (on left). They are shown competing in Junior Showmanship in Hobbs, New Mexico in February 1999. Kristy and Corbin have been quite successful in Junior Showmanship. In fact, they finished their Novice Junior requirements in just a few shows! This pair also can be found busy in Obedience Classes, training to compete in those events as well. Kristy is a member of the Permian Basin Obedience Training Club of Texas where you can find her featured in their Juniors' Corner. She is also the daughter of Kim Cain, of Mystic Golden Retrievers (and our little Lord Alfie's breeder!). More currently (on right), Kristy and her Golden Mystic Hot Pursuit "Chase" have five Best Juniors this year to date in limited showing and 6 points on Chase.
	Not to be shown up, Kristy's sister, Kelsey, has been very busy as well in the ring. Here she is below with Golden Flynt, or more formally, Mystic Tronst Rock This Cntry. In 2002, Kelsey and Flynt had several Best Juniors and qualified for the Eukanuba Classic 2002. In 2003, in just two weekends of showing, they picked up two more points and went reserve the other two days to half-brother Chase.