Editorial: January 23, 2026
The Future of the Sport…Juniors
This week, our Editorial, which includes comments from Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sports Services, looks to the future of our sport with activities created for those juniors who participate in junior showmanship. The American Kennel Kennel has announced the 2026 AKC Regional Junior Showmanship Event schedule, which is listed below.
“These events will provide juniors (9-18) the opportunity to compete and develop skills within a structured, regional format, fostering participation in dog sports. They will follow the same judging format as the Limited Class Junior Showmanship Competition in accordance with the Junior Showmanship Regulations.
To participate, the junior must live in the region and have won first place in three or more Open Classes in Junior Showmanship competition at AKC licensed or member Dog Shows. This includes licensed or member Specialty Shows as well as All-Breed Shows. The Junior must be at least 9 years of age at the time of each qualifying win. A Junior Handler who will be 18 years old or older on the date of the show may still compete, provided he or she was under 18 years of age on the date of the last win required to qualify.
We look forward to lots of fun and educational opportunities to accompany these events this year!”
The event locations and qualifying dates are as follows:
New England Region
The Farmington Valley Kennel Club will host its event on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Qualifying Period: April 3, 2025 – April 4, 2026
Mid-East Region
The Gloucester Kennel Club of Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia Kennel Club, will hold its event on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Qualifying Period: March 20, 2025 – March 19, 2026
Southeast Region
The Greater Murfreesboro and Nashville Kennel Clubs will host their event on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Qualifying Period: July 24, 2025 – July 25, 2026
Great Lakes Region
The Waukesha Kennel Club event is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026. Qualifying Period: April 25, 2025 – April 24, 2026
Plains Region
The Nebraska Kennel Club will host its event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Qualifying Period: February 16, 2025 – February 15, 2026
South Central Region
The Mid-Del Tinker Kennel Club will hold its event on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Qualifying Period: February 27, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Northwest Region
The Greater Clark County Kennel Club event will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Qualifying Period: August 28, 2025 – August 27, 2026
Southwest Region
The Santa Barbara Kennel Club will host its event on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Qualifying Period: May 22, 2025 – May 21, 2026
For more information regarding this new initiative, please visit www.akc.org or contact juniors@akc.org.