To participate in the Junior Showmanship Program a child has to be between the ages of at least 9 years old and under 18 years old on the day of the show. They must have applied for and received an AKC Junior Handler’s number. If you meet those requirements and go to class to learn how to show your dog, then you should be ready to enter a Junior Showmanship class at a dog show.
Judging criteria
Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs within the same formats and guidelines as those who compete in the breed ring. The quality of their presentation, not the dog, is judged. Juniors are encouraged to develop their handling abilities, dress appropriately, conduct themselves in a proper manner, and present their dog in a well-groomed condition.
What about the dog?
Any dog entered must be eligible to compete in dog shows or obedience trials. The dog must be owned by the child, a member of the child’s family or member of his household. Many times junior showmanship classes are free (if the dog is entered in regular classes) or are offered at the reduced rate.
The CSPCA encourages our Juniors by offering them free membership to the club. The only requirement is that you must fill out the application and write to renew your membership each year until you age out. Many of our specialty clubs offer discounted entry fees for Junior Handlers. We also offer grants to help pay for the expenses to those that quality to go to the Westminster Kennel Club Show, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Show and to our National Specialty Show.
To find out more about Junior Showmanship, please click on this link to the AKC website:
Junior Showmanship Awards and Grants
If you have any questions about Junior Showmanship please contact one of the following people:
CSPCA Juniors Advisor:
Doug Hobbs
hobbsgv@gmail.com
