Junior Handing is an AKC event included in Conformation shows, but specifically for children and youths ages 8 to 17. In this activity, the handler's skill is judged rather than the breed conformation of the dog. This provides another way for the young people to enjoy the sportsmanship of showing dogs. Many amateur and professional handlers start as Junior Handlers.

ABTC Junior Showmanship Program

The Belgian Tervuren is still a fairly uncommon breed, but in encouraging and promoting Junior Showmanship, the ABTC was a pioneer. For many years the Club has been giving a trophy to the outstanding Junior Handler of the Year.

The junior winning the trophy must be a member of a family belonging to the American Belgian Tervuren Club, Inc. or hold their own membership. We use the AKC definition of a family as Mother, Father, Brother, and Sister and corresponding half and step relationships.

Age restrictions are at least 8 years of age and under 18 years of age. The ABTC point scale allows for accomplishments in Junior Handling as well as in Breed Conformation, Obedience, Tracking, Agility, and Herding.

Juniors earn points from the ABTC only for exhibiting a Belgian Tervuren. To get credit for points, a junior must send a record of the class they showed in, how many exhibitors/dogs were present, the win/ placement they received, and the dates and names of the shows directly to the Junior Showmanship Chairman within 3 weeks of exhibiting. Each Junior is responsible for turning in their accomplishments.

If you do not win or place, but still exhibited in any activity, send that information in also, and you will receive points for exhibition.

Also, if you do not know how many entries were in your class, still send in your win or placement and it will be recorded.

For Example:

Jane Smith and her Terv "Winnie" competed in junior showmanship at a 2-day show. In Junior Showmanship she placed 3rd in Open Senior. There were 8 Open Seniors present. Jane beat 5 juniors, and earned 5 points plus 3 points for placing. The next day, Jane won Best Junior. She earned 5 points + 7 (# of juniors in Open Senior not including herself) for winning her Open class, plus 10 points for BJH. The whole weekend she earned 30 points! 

John Ford showed his Terv "Bee" in Obedience. Bee really behaved, and was awarded 1st in his class, and finished his CDX. John earned 5 points for winning his class, plus another 10 points for finishing a performance title!

Junior Showmanship Point Schedule:   

To obtain points toward an award, print out copies of the following form page, complete, and mail within 3 weeks of exhibiting to:

Kate Eldredge

ABTC Junior Showmanship Chairperson