Hi Kelly
Yes Junior Showmanship is a seperate class. Actually it consists of 4 classes. Novice Junior (10 to 14 years old), Open Junior (those who have one 1st place 3 times), Novice Senior 15 to 18 years old)and Open Senior (same # of wins as in junior). Yes you have to pre-register for your class, at the same time you are registering for the regular confirmation or obedience classes.
AKC has a website and I looked there and searched for the rules and they are here...
http://www.akc.org/dic/juniors/rejrsh.cfm?page=2
Just copy and paste to that. Or go to the site, and search for Junior showmanship.
At the show here last May I noticed that there was a kiosk, and there was a pamphlet about Jr showmanship. It sure would be nice if you could get a hold of one of those. It would be a lot easier reading than the AKC site I posted. It's written in legaleze.
I showed in Jr Showmanship as a youth and loved it. I got my very first 2nd place rosette there. I almost wore all the writing off it "petting" and admiring it all the way home. I was hooked! Jr showmanship is a great place to learn. The judges are usually very patient, and willing to offer advice (of course after the judging). But they generally do a good job, letting your kids know what's right and what's wrong.
Do you have confirmation classes you can attend?
Noreene Angel & Jake
