The Reading Room • Conformation Guides
For handlers ages 9 to 18, judged on handling — not the dog. Junior Showmanship is where the sport’s future learns the craft. Here’s how the classes work, what it takes to move up, and how to get started.
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What junior showmanship actually is
Junior Showmanship is a conformation class for kids — and the judge evaluates the handler, not the dog. Presentation, grooming, ring procedure, sportsmanship: the kid is the exhibit.
It’s open to boys and girls ages 9 to under 18 on the day of the show, and every competitor needs an AKC Junior Handler number (issued by the AKC — get it before you enter).
The classes: Novice, Open, Master
Juniors move up by winning. Here’s the ladder:
Junior Showmanship levels
Novice — for juniors who have not won three first-place awards with competition in Novice. This is where everyone begins.
Open — for juniors who have won three first places in Novice (with competition present). A Novice win that leads to a Best Junior with competition counts as one of the three.
Master — for juniors with 10 Best Junior wins with competition. The calendar follows the AKC National Championship eligibility year; after it passes, juniors return to Open for the next year.
Age divisions
Novice and Open classes are divided by age:
- Junior: 9 to under 12 on the day of the show
- Intermediate: 12 to under 15
- Senior: 15 to under 18
Clubs offering Junior Showmanship must also offer Best Junior Handler — the class winners compete for the day’s top junior.
The dog
The dog isn’t judged, but it has to be eligible: it must be owned or co-owned by the junior or the junior’s family — parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or a permanent household member, including step and half relations. Verify the current ownership rules with the official rulebook before entering.
Getting started
Get the junior number first. Apply through the AKC before entries close.
Find a handling class. Many local kennel clubs run low-cost junior handling classes — the single best preparation there is.
Watch a show. Go watch Junior Showmanship at a local show before entering. You’ll learn the rhythm, the dress code, and what judges reward.
Enter Novice and have fun. The first year is about learning. The wins come.
Glossary
- Best Junior Handler — The overall junior winner, chosen from the class winners.
- With competition — A win that counts only if other juniors competed — walkovers don’t move you up.
- Junior Handler number — The AKC-issued number every junior needs to enter.
- Master class — For juniors with 10 Best Junior wins; follows the National Championship calendar.
Sources: AKC Junior Showmanship, AKC Junior Showmanship Rulebook (REJRSH). Verify current rules with the official rulebook.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be for Junior Showmanship?
At least 9 and under 18 years old on the day of the show.
How do you move from Novice to Open?
Win three first-place awards with competition present in Novice classes at licensed or member shows. A Novice win that leads to a Best Junior with competition counts as one of the three.
What is the Master class?
For juniors who have won 10 Best Junior awards with competition. The class calendar follows the AKC National Championship eligibility year; afterward, juniors return to Open.
What are the age divisions?
Junior: 9 to under 12. Intermediate: 12 to under 15. Senior: 15 to under 18 — all as of the day of the show.
Does the dog have to belong to the junior?
The dog must be owned or co-owned by the junior or the junior’s family, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and permanent household members. Verify current rules with the official rulebook.
Is the dog judged in Junior Showmanship?
No. The judge evaluates the handler — presentation, grooming, ring procedure, and sportsmanship. The dog is the partner, not the exhibit.
How do I get an AKC Junior Handler number?
Apply through the AKC before entering shows. You’ll need it on every entry.
Track your progress on ThePetAdvisor
Track your junior’s wins, watch the climb from Novice to Master, and never miss a closing date.