Juniors, (kids under the age of 18 years) are allowed to compete in most all dog sports and activities. In addition to usually having Junior Competitions, many also compete against adults. Below is information for those Juniors wanting to compete in Conformation.

United Kennel Club (UKC) Junior Handler Information

We encourage registering and participating in United Kennel Club (UKC) events. Professional handlers are not allowed. These events are very family oriented and not as highly competitive or high pressure as AKC events. The Iowa Kennel Club promotes a learning environment and family-based activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Young handlers and their dogs experience the rewards of responsibility in the fun environment of the UKC Junior Program.

The UKC Junior Program promotes the achievements of Junior members (ages 2-18) in several events offered by the United Kennel Club. Any purebred or mixed breed dog can compete with a Junior handler! Junior handlers enjoy strengthening the dog-handler bond while building good sportsmanship, confidence and communication skills. Active young handlers assure a bright future in the world of dogs as the knowledgeable and dedicated owners of tomorrow. Together with your parents, read the Official UKC Junior Rules and Regulations, then visit UKC's Junior Program and Rules online for more information, then submit the Application for UKC Junior Membership.

German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) Junior Program

The GSDCA Juniors Program was designed to stimulate interest, encourage participation, and support young handlers of German Shepherd Dogs. The GSDCA wants to encourage, teach, and support Junior handlers of German Shepherd Dogs as an important part of the future of this breed. Although the GSDCA has programs to recognize the success of it's Juniors, it believes that Juniors are motivated not by prizes but by the opportunity to exhibit in the sport, to learn and develop as handlers, and to met and enjoy new friends as they prepare for the future of the sport of dogs.

Juniors are judged on their ability to present (handle) their dogs the same as those who compete in the breed ring. The AKC recommends the loose leash temperament test be part of a judge’s evaluation of any junior handling a German Shepherd at either a specialty or All-Bred Show. Read More About AKC Junior Handling...

The GSDCA has a special, free membership available for Juniors who would like to join. Juniors also receive recognition for completing a title in a performance event (obedience, agility, herding, or tracking). Performance Award plaques are awarded at the National to any junior finishing an AKC performance title. A seminar is offered annually at the National Specialty Show. All interested juniors, parents, guardians, and sponsors are encouraged to attend. The seminar offers hands-on ring time and tutoring with experienced handler.

Junior Showmanship offers children between the ages of 9 and 18 years of age an opportunity to develop their handling skills, learn about good sportsmanship, and learn about dogs and dog shows. Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs as they would in the breed ring. Juniors may also gain recognition in companion, performance and coonhound events such as obedience, agility, rally, tracking, herding, earthdog, hunt tests, and lure coursing. To obtain a junior number, Register with the AKC...

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) wants to encourage, teach, and support Junior Handlers of German Shepherd Dogs as an important part of the future of this breed. The GSDCA has a special, free membership available for Juniors who would like to join.

• Juniors also receive recognition for completing a title in a performance event (obedience, agility, herding, or tracking).

• Performance Award plaques are awarded at the National to any junior finishing an AKC performance title.

• A seminar is offered annually at the National Specialty Show. All interested juniors, parents, guardians, and sponsors are encouraged to attend. These seminars offer hands-on ring time and tutoring with experienced handlers.
   

American Kennel Club (AKC) Junior Handler Information

We encourage and support Junior Handlers in Dog Shows! The future of the German Shepherd Breed must be passed on to our youth for the next generation. Below is a picture of Junior Handler Tiffany (Currently rated 2nd Nationally for German Shepherd Junior Handlers), who often trains, handles and shows a puppy we bred, now owned by Sharon Todoroff of Todorhaus German Shepherds. Blackhawk placed 6th in his puppy class at the 2017 German Shepherd Dog Club of America National Championships.

The best way to determine interest for prospective junior handlers is to allow them to learn what is involved in Junior Handling. Take them to a dog show, and additionally watch the Junior Showmanship classes at a dog show. These children will see for themselves how other kids participate in competition, develop friendships, and learn to compete and accept wins and losses in a gracious manner. AKC Junior Showmanship classes offer youngsters the opportunity to develop their handling skills, learn good sportsmanship, and learn about different breeds of dogs and the many different events in dog shows. Junior Handlers can also show dogs in other classes outside the Junior Showmanship class and other Showcase Events.

Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle their dogs within the same formats and guidelines as those who compete in the 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. Any dog entered must be eligible to compete in dog shows, obedience, or other events and trials. The dog must be owned by the child, a member of the child's family or member of their household. Many times junior showmanship classes are free (if the dog is entered in regular classes), or are offered at the reduced rate.

Junior Showmanship classes  and other Showcase Events are open to children from 9 to 18 years old and are divided into Novice and Open classes: All participants in Junior Showmanship classes must have an AKC Junior Showmanship Handler Number. Novice classes are for those children who, at the time entries close, have not won three (3) first-place awards in a Novice class at a licensed or member show.

To qualify as a win, more than one child must be in competition in a class. The Novice class gives youth who are beginners a chance to gain experience and confidence apart from the more seasoned youngsters. Open classes are for those children having three or more first-place wins; these are the more experienced Junior Handlers. A beginner can learn how to present their dog more effectively by watching these talented youngsters in the ring. The classes may further be divided into:

• Junior: At least 9 years old but under 12 years old on the day of the show.

• Intermediate: At least 12 years old but under 15 years old on the day of the show.

• Senior: At least 15 years old but under 18 years old on the day of the show.

Together with your parents, read the AKC Junior Showmanship Regulations. The next step is to visit the online AKC Junior Resource Center, then get a Junior Handler Number.