American Kennel Club Announces Regional Junior Showmanship Events To Begin In 2026

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs – and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce that Regional Junior Showmanship Events begin in 2026. The AKC will approve up to eight all-breed clubs to hold the Junior Showmanship Regional Events throughout the calendar year of 2026.

“We are so excited to be able to offer regional events for juniors in the coming year,” says Mari-Beth O’Neil, AKC Vice President of Sports Services. “Having an opportunity for junior handlers to shine is important for the future of the sport.” Regional Junior Showmanship events will follow the same structure and judging format as the Limited Class Junior Showmanship Competition, in accordance with the Junior Regulations. These events are designed to expand meaningful opportunities for Juniors by offering a distinctive and prestigious experience that is more accessible in terms of time and travel. The goal is to encourage broader participation, foster skill development, and recognize the dedication of young exhibitors within the sport.

Junior Criteria for Entry:- The Junior must reside in the region- The Junior will have earned three first place wins in an Open Class with competition in the prior 12 months ending 3 months prior to the date of the event

Requirements for a club to host a Regional Junior Showmanship Event:

- Use of a Superintendent

- Should there be an entry fee, it should not exceed the regular event fee

- The Junior Regional must be held in conjunction with an all-breed event

- AKC will offer $1,000 in Scholarship funds for Best Junior to be matched by the club

Regions are based on the map below:

Clubs are encouraged to take part in this exciting opportunity to support the next generation of exhibitors by hosting a Regional Junior Showmanship Event in conjunction with their all-breed show in 2026. To be considered, please submit a Request for Consideration Form by December 5, 2025, to juniors@akc.org. We invite clubs to share how they plan to showcase and celebrate their Junior participants—whether through special recognitions, goodie bags, lunches, or other creative touches that make the event memorable and meaningful for these dedicated young handlers.

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Posted by Liz on Oct 30 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.