What is Junior Showmanship?
AKC Junior Showmanship (often called “Juniors”) is a handling competition for kids and teens ages 9 to 18, separated into seven different classes. Unlike regular dog shows that judge the breed according to the breed standard, Juniors is all about the handler’s skills. Meaning, how well the kid presents their dog and how they work as a team in the ring. The AKC Junior Showmanship program promotes proper training and care of dogs to prepare kids to be responsible dog owners, ensure good sportsmanship, and create future success in the sport.
How is Junior Showmanship judged?
Judges focus on the handler, not the dog. The judge is looking for key presentation points, such as:
Handling Skills: How smoothly the junior moves with their dog around the ring. How they stack (position) the dog for the judge to evaluate. Their ability to follow the judge’s instructions.
Teamwork: The connection and cooperation between the junior and the dog. How well the handler keeps the dog focused and performing.
Ring Awareness: Knowing when and where to move in the ring. Keeping the dog visible to the judge at all times.
Presentation: The junior’s overall confidence and professionalism. Proper grooming and appearance of both the handler and the dog.
Am I eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship?
To compete, the kid must be between 9 and (under) 18 years old and must obtain a Juniors number prior to the day of the event to track their wins.
Juniors must be able to control their dogs at all times, and the dog must be:
—At least 6 months of age.
—Physically sound and up-to-date on all inoculations and health check-ups.
—Have an AKC number via one of the following:
—AKC registration
—Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program
—Foundation Stock Service (FSS)
In addition:
–Spayed females and neutered males are eligible to participate but females in season are not.
–Dogs that are blind are not eligible.
–No dog can compete if it is taped or bandaged or in any way has anything attached to it for medical purposes.
What if my child is not old enough to compete in Junior Showmanship?
If you have a child between the ages of 5 and (under) 9 years old, they may compete in a special attraction called “Pee Wees”, which is a pre-Junior Showmanship special class offered at select shows. This non-competitive class is an introduction to dog showing and is designed by AKC to give kids a fun, pressure-free experience in the show ring with a dog, with a focus on learning and enjoyment rather than competition. Pee Wee classes are an excellent way to introduce kids to the dog show world in a safe, supportive environment.