10/11/2026
The article linked below serves as a beginner's guide to Junior Showmanship, an AKC program designed for kids and teenagers under 18 to learn dog handling, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Below are the highlights from the article.
What is Junior Showmanship?
Unlike traditional conformation shows where the dog is judged against a breed standard, Junior Showmanship evaluates the youth’s skills (not what is on your leash). Juniors are judged on how appropriately they present and handle their specific breed.
Do you need a fancy show dog?
Nope!
• Your family dog just needs to be AKC registered (or have a PAL number —verifies it is purebred)
• Unlike the regular breed rings, spayed or neutered dogs are 100% allowed!
• No dog? No problem! As of last year, kids don’t have to own the dog they show. They can borrow a friend’s dog!
The competition is divided by age and experience level:
* Plush Puppy: under 5
* P*e Wee: Ages 5-9
* Junior: Ages 9 to 11
* Intermediate: Ages 12 to 14
* Senior: Ages 15 to 17
* Novice Class: For handlers with 0 to 2 first-place wins
* Open Class: For experienced handlers with 3 or more first-place wins
How to Get Started
* Visit a Dog Show: Attend local events as a spectator to watch the Junior ring and meet local club members.
* Get an AKC Junior Handler Number: Parents must request this free number online to track the child's show entries and official wins.
* Join Handling Classes: Local kennel clubs offer training classes where kids learn ring patterns, breed presentation, and dog focus.
* Dress Professionally: Junior Showmanship requires business casual or professional attire (slacks, skirts, dresses, and comfortable shoes with traction).
* Explore Other Sports: Beyond showmanship, juniors are encouraged to look into performance events like agility, AKC Rally, Fast CAT, and obedience, which have no minimum age restrictions.
Your child has told you they want to get involved in dog shows, now what? Here's how to get involved, even if you don't know where to start.
