Tatum Bartlett celebrates her 2025 AKC National Championship Best Junior Handler win and the journey behind the moment.
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Tatum Bartlett: It is most certainly a dream come true! I remember growing up and attending this show, and watching as the older kids made it to the Finals and placed. I would be in such awe of their talent, poise, and composure. You never think that one day it could be you standing in their place, and then it is! Even now, it has not settled in and is a win that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Tatum Bartlett: Orlando is always full of electricity. There is a certain energy in the air that is unlike any other show. Everyone arrives with their dogs on top of their game, so you cannot go into competition with any expectations to win. I was confident in the aspects of the competition that I could control, which are being confident as a team and putting our best effort on display. The Preliminaries were tough, as anticipated. They were full of talent and a competitive edge that really shines through at prestigious shows like the AKC National Championship. Advancing past the Preliminaries at shows of this caliber is no easy task, so my dog, Spotify, and I had to be ready to work hard and stay on our toes.
Tatum Bartlett: I was lucky enough to have most of my family there along with my mentors. My dad watched virtually and we quickly called backstage after taking my win photo. There were a lot of tears shed and lots of emotion felt through the screen! Shortly after, our family group chat began to flood with messages of excitement and support. I am beyond grateful to have a family that has been so unwavering throughout my journey.
Tatum Bartlett: After showing in the Finals that evening, we went back to the hotel and enjoyed some Chick-Fil-A and watched a movie in bed. Spotify and I shared some chicken nuggets and fries, and we attempted to soak up what had just happened! It was the perfect celebration for us—relaxing after a long and thrilling day.
Tatum Bartlett: Spotify and I have been showing consistently as a team for the past two years and we have been able to create an incomparable bond with one another. It only felt right to do this with him! He loves to float on the blue carpet and soak up the energy that the AKC National Championship has to offer. I had full trust in him to put forth a quality performance, and he did that and more. It was a true testament to his love and devotion towards me!
Tatum Bartlett: Our journey as a Juniors team has strengthened our bond in ways I will be eternally grateful for. When we first started out as a team, we still needed to figure each other out, but there was always a spark there. By spending time together, working through little tweaks with Janice Hayes, and growing our relationship, we fostered that spark and turned it into a partnership that I will never forget. Our bond has not once been defined by ribbons or rankings, but by the trust, admiration, and respect we have for each other. Being awarded this honor with Spotify meant so much because of how he gave me his entire heart when it mattered the most.
Tatum Bartlett: Junior Handling has taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. Early on, I learned how to win and lose with grace, how to take care of an animal, and how to have a strong work ethic. It has instilled resilience, responsibility, discipline, and sportsmanship into my life. What Junior Handling has also done is brought me closer to my family, especially to my mother and my late grandmother. We share a unique passion for the sport of purebred dogs, and my time competing in Juniors has allowed us to spend more time together on the weekends and over the summer.
Tatum Bartlett: I appreciate how both judges completed their assignments with care and respect. They both gave every handler in their rings many opportunities to showcase their handling abilities and their relationships with their dogs, which speaks volumes to me. Additionally, both judges had smiles on their faces throughout the duration of their assignments, which demonstrated such encouragement for the future of our sport. It was an honor to have been awarded by two incredible and devoted dog women.
Tatum Bartlett: My advice to Juniors competing in next year’s show is to stay present and remain focused on your dog. At the end of the day, dog shows are all about the partnership you share with your beloved pet. You owe it to them to have a fun time in the ring and not overwhelm them with the stresses and nerves that arise with competing at a show like Orlando. Remember that any emotion you feel travels straight down the lead, so be confident and enjoy yourselves!
Tatum Bartlett: I will conclude my career in Junior Showmanship in August of next year, but I plan to remain involved in the dog world for the rest of my life through breeding, judging, and attending shows whenever I am able to! When I finish high school, my dream is to attend college and study to become a veterinarian.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
