Bay Colony Dog Show

Click here for an outline of family fun activities

What kind of dogs will you see at a dog show? All kinds! Giant dogs, tiny dogs, bald dogs, hairy dogs, dogs with long pointy noses and dogs with flat noses, dogs who can't bark (Basenjis), huge dogs taller than you (Irish Wolfhounds), big dogs with big sloppy mouths and even tiny dogs with cute hair ribbons and hairspray!

RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS... Did you know that kids can compete in dog shows all over the world? Here are some details on Junior Showmanship from the American Kennel Club:

In 1997 the AKC developed a National Junior Organization program to recognize and support the unique relationship between a child and a dog, to encourage responsible dog ownership and to secure a place for young people in the fancy of today as well as in the future.

Before you can compete in any AKC event as a junior, you must obtain a junior handler number. This number allows the AKC to track your results in every event you compete in as a junior. You can obtain a number by filling out an online form.

In Junior Showmanship, juniors between the ages of 10 and 18 are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs in the show ring. An AKC-approved judge will evaluate how well the junior shows the dog. (In adult conformation classes, dogs are judged by how well they match up to the breed standard. In adult classes, the dogs are evaluated, not the handlers.)

Junior Showmanship classes are divided by achievements and by age. Any dog registered with the AKC, or one that has an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number, may compete in Junior Showmanship. However, you, a member of your family, or a member of your household, must own the dog you are showing.

Juniors of any age may also earn recognition in Companion and Performance Events such as obedience, agility, earthdog, lure coursing, and herding. In these types of events, juniors enter their dog in the appropriate class; there are not separate classes for juniors and all dogs competing in Performance Events are held to the same standards and criteria.

Before you enter the ring, let me offer you a few suggestions. Attend a local dog show, watch the Junior Showmanship classes and talk with the young participants and experienced adults. Local dog clubs are good sources for information and beginning handling classes. You can locate an AKC-affiliated club in your area by clicking here.

Once you are an active member of the National Junior Organization, you are eligible to apply for scholarships to continue your education past high school. Last year, the AKC awarded $60,000 to qualified juniors.

Have a great time showing and competing in events!

Hey kids! Click here to download and print out a fun AKC Safety Scramble game! If you finish it correctly, bring it in to the show's Club Booth on Saturday and Sunday for a free treat! Link:

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/safety_scramble.pdf

Link to AKC's For Kids Only