Two American Kennel Club institutions began in the year 1934. The first was the AKC library, which officially got its start in the offices located at 221 Fourth Avenue in New York City when three sections of bookshelves were built into one end of the “Club Room.” That unassuming start took place just five years after the first edition of The Complete Dog Book was published, but it was 45 years since the AKC Gazette (America’s oldest dog magazine) first appeared on the scene. Today, the AKC Library and its Museum of the Dog are located in state-of-the-art surroundings at 101 Park Avenue. The second significant beginning that took place more than 90 years ago offered an exclusive competition for young exhibitors at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The Children’s Handling Grand Challenge Trophy was presented for the very first time when Mr. Charles Trayford bestowed the inaugural award upon Miss Betty Anne Clark of Philadelphia. Known as Junior Showmanship today, the competition remains no less significant all these years later, and the system that encourages young handlers to compete and care for purebred dogs continues with tremendous support from AKC and its member clubs.
The AKC website shares the detailed story of how Junior Showmanship got its initial start in America: “In the late 1920s, a group of dog show exhibitors led by Mr. Leonard Brumby, Sr., decided to develop a special competition for children. The purpose of the competition would be to introduce a new generation of fanciers to the sport and to give children the opportunity to measure their skills against those of their peers. The children would be judged by how well they presented their dogs with respect to the nuances of the breed being shown. The first Children’s Handling class was held at the Westbury Kennel Association show of 1932, and quickly became a popular feature at other AKC events.”
That popularity continues unabated in the 21st century. Junior Showmanship remains an essential part of contemporary dog shows in America—and all around the world. Competitions exist in many countries now, and both Crufts and the World Dog Show have joined Westminster and the AKC National Championship with prestigious competitions for those talented young exhibitors who are fortunate enough to receive an invitation. Here in the US, several all-breed clubs have even come together to create a foundation that provides support (and scholarships) through achievement-based initiatives and “Best of the Best” competitions. The AKC is also considering ways to develop a nationwide network of similar foundations that would encourage and support participation from young enthusiasts, not only in Conformation but in Companion and Performance events as well.
Through the articles and interviews assembled in this edition, SHOWSIGHT has endeavored to celebrate the dedication, determination, and devotion of today’s Junior Handlers. We hope you enjoy!
