Junior Handling National Championships

The first ever Junior Handling National Championship was held at the CKC's 100th Anniversary Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the summer of 1988. In 1989, the Nationals moved to the Credit Valley Kennel and Obedience Dog Club where it was hosted for nine years until 1999, when the CKC Junior Kennel Club Council decided to make the Nationals a true nation-wide event. In 2000, the first Nationals outside of Ontario were hosted in Calgary, Alberta. Since then Junior Zone Finalist have competed for the coveted Best Overall Junior in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Eligibility

The top four Juniors in each age class are invited* to the Junior Handling Zone Finals to compete for the chance to represent their home zone at Junior Nationals. Only the Best Overall Junior from each zone moves forward to the National Championships.
_{*Conformation participants must have completed at least 3 CKC Junior Handling competitions to be eligible.} 

What is a Zone?

Zones are geographic areas across Canada, just like the boundaries of provinces. In total, there are 14 CKC Junior Handling Zones with a Junior Kennel Club Council representative to assist competitors for each zone. Not sure which zone you are in? Check out "Zone Divisions" on page 46 of the Junior Handling Rules and Regulations. 

Crufts International Junior Handling Competition

Follow your passion to the international stage! CKC's Best Overall Junior in Conformation is invited to attend the annual International Junior Handling Competition (IJHC) in beautiful Birmingham, England. How far could your love of dogs take you?

See Canadian Junior Handling National Champion, Colton O'Shea, as he wins the 2014 IJHC.

Awards

The Best Overall Junior in Conformation at the Junior Handling National Championships receives a keeper trophy, a premium ad donated by Canadian Dog Fancier, an invitation to represent the CKC at the Crufts International Junior Handling Competition in Birmingham, UK, and a $2500 bursary.

The Best Overall Junior in Obedience at the Nationals receives a keeper trophy, a premium ad donated by Canadian Dog Fancier, and a $1000 bursary. 

The Wenrick Award for Sportsmanship is awarded to the Junior Nationals competitor who embodies the fairness, positive attitude and dedication that lay at the heart of Junior Handling. This award is voted for by the competitors.
 

Junior Handling National Champions of the Past

This year's Junior National Championships were at the beautiful Club Canin Chomedey on September 16th
 
We are thrilled to announce this year's winners!
 
Conformation :
1st Laurence Giguère - Quebec
2nd Mia Gandera – Ontario East
3rd Panagiota Rounis – BC Southwest
4th Hailee Lavigueur – Ontario North
 
Obedience :
1st Brooke Fitzpatrick - Saskatchewan
2nd Tayanna Meier – BC Interior
 
Sportsmanship award : Jamie Leeder – Alberta
 
Thank you to all the wonderful Junior Handlers who came out and professionally presented and handled their entries. Congratulations to each of you for a job well done.
 
Thank you also to all the judges and fellow competitors who support Junior Handlers throughout the year!