JUNIOR HANDLER PROGRAM
MISSION STATEMENT
The goal of The American Bully Kennel Club, Inc.’s (“ABKC”) Junior Handler Program is to
educate, mentor, and inspire young handlers to become skilled dog people who understand,
respect, and represent all breeds with knowledge, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
In Junior Handling competition, ABKC Judges are instructed to evaluate the handler’s ability
— not the quality of the dog being presented. Juniors are evaluated on how well they
present, control, and showcase their dog, with consideration given to their knowledge of
ring procedure, breed standards, and overall sportsmanship.
Learn the importance of breed standards, understanding correct structure, balance, and
movement in all dogs.
Develop showmanship skills to properly present their dogs with confidence and
professionalism.
Demonstrate responsibility and care, ensuring their dogs are conditioned, well-
presented, and respected in the ring.
Uphold sportsmanship and respect for judges, fellow exhibitors, and their dogs.
Connect with mentors within the ABKC community, preparing them to become the next
generation of breeders, handlers, and judges.
The ABKC Junior Handler Program is designed not only to teach youth how to handle but
also to prepare them as future leaders who will carry forward the registry’s values and
safeguard the future of the breeds represented in the show ring.
PROGRAM VALUES AND GOALS
1. Education: To teach young exhibitors about canine structure, breed standards, show
etiquette, terminology, and responsible ownership.
2. Sportsmanship: To promote respect, honesty, and fairness both inside and outside the
show ring.
3. Confidence and Leadership: To build self-esteem, communication skills, and leadership
skills that will benefit youth both within and beyond the dog show community.
4. Mentorship: To encourage collaboration between experienced exhibitors, judges, and
breeders who can guide and inspire Juniors as they grow in the sport.
5. Inclusivity: To ensure participation is open to all breeds, including purebred and mixed
breeds eligible for exhibition.
6. Judging Focus: In Junior Handling competition, the Judge’s evaluation should focus on the
overall performance and ability of the Junior Handler. The emphasis is on teamwork,
presentation, control, ring etiquette, and the Junior’s knowledge — not the conformation or
quality of the dog being presented.
7. Junior Participation, Eligibility, and Handling Ethics: Junior Handlers are encouraged to
participate in both Junior Handling classes and regular conformation classes to further
develop their skills and confidence in the ring. However, to maintain the integrity of the
ABKC Junior Handler Program:
Juniors may not receive compensation, monetary or otherwise, for handling another
exhibitor’s dog in any class.
Incident reports of a Junior Handler accepting compensation, monetary or otherwise,
for handling services in other conformation classes will be further investigated by the
Senior Executive Committee.
If it is determined the Junior Handler did in fact accept compensation, a suspension of
six (6) months will be issued. If the Junior Handler is found again to accept
compensation for professional handling services, the Junior Handler will no longer be
eligible to participate in the ABKC Junior Handler Program.
PARENT, GUARDIAN, AND MENTOR CONDUCT
Parents, guardians, and mentors play a vital role in supporting their Junior Handlers but
must allow Juniors to develop their own skills, confidence, and independence in the ring. To
preserve the integrity and educational focus of the ABKC Junior Handler Program:
Parents, guardians, or mentors may not contact judges on behalf of a Junior Handler
before or after a show regarding competition outcomes, placements, or future judging.
Parents, guardians, or mentors should not influence or attempt to influence judging
decisions, ring procedures, or program administration in any way.
Parents, guardians, or mentors should not directly communicate with or attempt to
influence other Junior Handlers regarding competition outcomes, placements, or
handling conduct.
The ABKC does not permit sponsorship of Junior Handlers by kennels, breeders, or
companies, as sponsorship may create unfair advantages or conflict with the
educational purpose of the program.
Juniors are encouraged to develop their handling abilities through their own work,
learning, and mentorship. While assistance from mentors and trainers is welcomed, it
must not cross into manipulation of outcomes or unfair advantage, such as securing
dogs from other registries for the sole purpose of enhancing a Junior’s competitive
success.
Handlers should exhibit dogs they are familiar with and have personally worked with or
conditioned whenever possible. Borrowed or co-owned dogs may be used only when
the arrangement supports the Junior’s learning experience — not competitive
advantage.
Any reports of inappropriate conduct or attempts to influence judging decisions by a
parent, guardian, or mentor may be reviewed by the Senior Executive Committee and
could result in suspension or disqualification of the Junior Handler from the program.
The ABKC encourages all adults involved to focus on mentorship, education, and positive
reinforcement — allowing Juniors to learn, grow, and succeed on their own merit.
THE GOAL OF THE ABKC JUNIOR HANDLER PROGRAM
The ultimate goal of the ABKC Junior Handler Program is to inspire and develop the next
generation of confident, knowledgeable, and ethical exhibitors and judges who value
structure, breed preservation, and community spirit.
Through positive mentorship and education, ABKC Juniors will help promote the mission of
the American Bully Kennel Club: celebrating dogs that embody correct type, temperament,
and structure within every recognized breed.
PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
The ABKC Senior Executive Committee oversees the administration, review, and
implementation of the Junior Handler Program and reserves the right to make updates as
needed to preserve the integrity and intent of the program.
Website: https://abkcdogs.net
© 2025 The American Bully Kennel Club, Inc. All rights reserved.
The ABKC Junior Handler Program is dedicated to educating and inspiring young exhibitors by promoting confidence, responsibility, sportsmanship, and a positive bond between handler and dog. The mission is to help Juniors develop the skills and knowledge necessary to present their dogs safely, effectively, and with professionalism in the show ring.
This program emphasizes that the quality, structure, or conformation of the dog being exhibited is not being judged. Evaluation is based solely on the handler’s ability, technique, ring awareness, attitude, and understanding of proper show procedures.
Age Divisions & Advancement
• Half‑pint Showmanship Class: 2–4 years
• Limited Showmanship Class: 4–8 years
• Novice Showmanship 8–13
• Open Showmanship 8–13
• Novice Showmanship 13–18
• Open Showmanship 13–18
Advancement Within a Division:
Handlers may move from Novice to Open within their age division once they demonstrate consistent proficiency and experience.
Mandatory Reset When Moving Up by Age:
When a handler ages into a new age group, they must begin at the Novice level of the new division regardless of previous accomplishments.
Any dog, whether intact or altered, with or without registration papers may be entered in this class. The handler is the only participant of the team that is being evaluated.
NOTE TO PARENTS: It is extremely critical that you exercise care when choosing a dog for your child to handle. Dogs can be very excited when in the ring, therefore please choose a dog that is experienced, mannerly, and that your child has a rapport with. It is of utmost importance that we avoid any injuries or incidents that may negatively impact our children and/or the dogs. If you have questions about whether a dog is suitable for the age/size/experience of the child, please contact one of the ABKC judges listed at www.theabkcdogs.org
Judges evaluate Junior Handlers based on handling ability, teamwork, ring awareness, sportsmanship, and presentation skills. Judging is focused on the handler, not the conformation of the dog.
Teamwork & Control:
• Dog remains under control.
• Handler and dog work as a coordinated team.
Presentation & Handling Skill:
• Efficient stacking and posing.
• Ability to highlight the dog’s strengths.
Movement & Gaiting:
• Proper speed and control.
• Accurate execution of patterns.
Ring Procedure & Knowledge:
• Understanding of ring etiquette.
• Ability to answer simple handling-related questions.
Appearance:
• Dog clean and properly presented.
• Handler neat and non-distracting.
Sportsmanship & Conduct:
• Respectful behavior.
• No interfering with others.
Prohibited Actions
A Junior Handler may be excused or disqualified for:
1. Rough or unsafe handling.
2. Interference with another exhibitor.
3. Disrespectful behavior.
4. Loss of control of the dog.
5. Any action compromising ring safety.
Judging Procedure
Ring Entry & Setup:
• Enter counterclockwise with the dog on the left.
Individual Presentation:
• Stack dog for examination.
• Perform gaiting patterns as instructed.
Class Placements:
• Placements awarded based solely on handling ability.
Best Junior Handler – Eligibility
Only first‑place winners from Novice 8–13, Open 8–13, Novice 13–18, and Open 13–18.
Point Schedule
Point Schedule (as listed on the ABKC website):
• 1st Place – 15 Points
• 2nd Place – 10 Points
• 3rd Place – 5 Points
• Best Junior Handler (With Competition) – 25 Points
• Best Junior Handler (Without Competition) – 10 Points