Junior Program

The Mastiff Club of Florida is committed to our Junior Program through training, seminars, and events. We will do everything in our power to build character, integrity and Good Sportsmanship through example and education.  We offer Conformation Classes to prepare our youth for a successful show experience!

We see young and older kids that have that special connection with Mastiffs and would like to give them the opportunity to become involved in this sport. If you would like to Sponsor a first time exhibitor just click the Make a Donation button under their photo. Any amount will help a child with a desire to show! 100% of your donation will be applied to conformation classes, show attire, and entry fees!  Please be sure to write the child’s name when making a payment in the address 2 line. You will receive a photo of  his or her debut in the ring with a letter from them with their experience due to your generosity. These young exhibitors are our future!

The following was taken from the AKC Junior Showmanship page:

The American Kennel Club licenses dogs shows (competitive exhibitions in which dogs are judged in accordance with an established standard of perfection for each breed) that test and evaluate the form and function of purebred dogs. In addition, at some shows the AKC offers classes which evaluate the abilities of the participant on the other end of the lead, the young handler.

AKC Junior Showmanship classes offer youngsters the opportunity to:

1. Develop their handling skills
2. Learn about good sportsmanship
3. Learn about dogs and dog shows

Juniors are important to the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership, and the more they learn, the more valuable they become. The values, attitudes and responsibility learned through Junior Showmanship will serve youngsters well throughout their lives. By putting time and effort into learning about their dog and how to present it, juniors are rewarded with a win.

Junior Showmanship classes are open to children from 9 to 18 years old and are divided into Novice and Open classes. All participants in Junior Showmanship classes must have an AKC Junior Showmanship Handler Number. Novice classes are for those children who, at the time entries close, have not won three (3) first-place awards in a Novice class at a licensed or member show. To qualify as a win, more than one child must be in competition in a class. The Novice class gives those children who are beginners a chance to gain experience and confidence apart from the more seasoned youngsters. Open classes are for those children having three or more first-place wins; these are the more experienced Junior Handlers. A beginner can learn how to present their dog more effectively by watching these talented youngsters in the ring.

The classes may further be divided into:

• Junior:  At least 9 years old but under 12 years old on the day of the show.
• Intermediate:  At least 12 years old but under 15 years old on the day of the show.
• Senior:  At least 15 years old but under 18 years old on the day of the show.

Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs within the same formats and guidelines as those who compete in the breed ring. The quality of their presentation, not the dog, is judged. Juniors are encouraged to develop their handling abilities, dress appropriately, conduct themselves in a proper manner, and present their dog in a well-groomed condition.

Any dog entered must be eligible to compete in dog shows or obedience trials. The dog must be owned by the child, a member of the child’s family or member of his household. Many times junior showmanship classes are free (if the dog is entered in regular classes) or are offered at the reduced rate.

The best way for prospective junior handlers to see what is involved in junior handling is to watch the Junior Showmanship classes at a dog show. They will see how children take part at all levels of competition, how they have developed friendships and have learned to compete and accept their wins and losses in a gracious manner. Talk to these young participants in our sport. You will be impressed by their knowledge, attitudes and their willingness to share their experiences with someone new to the sport. Another way to learn the basics is at your local dog club. Many clubs offer weekly handling classes. These informal sessions are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere and afford both dog and handler an opportunity to practice in a setting similar to an actual show.

In order to receive Premium Lists (which detail date, location and judges of all classes at a particular show) for shows in your area, visit the Superintendent’s office at any show. Or subscribe to the AKC Gazette and you will receive, as a part of your subscription, the Events Calendar, a bimonthly supplement which lists all the AKC events held throughout the country.

Good Things To Know

RESPECT & MANNERS
Eye contact with the judge, and NEVER EVER put yourself between the judge and your dog.

If you are first in line, ask the handler behind you if they are ready to go.

DRESS
Your apparel and the entire way you present yourself to the judge are very important. Dress formal and professional.
NO high heels…   NO low cut tops…    NO low cut jeans….   NO short or tight skirts!!

CONFIDENCE
Brings you a LONG way!!!
Your “look,” your posture, your eye contact, your “attitude".
LOVE what you are doing and let it show. Smile LOTS.

STAY FOCUSED
Pay attention to what is going on, remember the first and last dog, and be ready for your turn. Do not chit chat with others, Keep your eye on the judge and your dog at all times. Watch what the judge asks the other handlers to do, as she may ask a sneaky question,   like: repeat the pattern the last girl did. If you are not paying attention, you will not know what to do.

Show the Judge what she wants to see: this could be face, fronts, rear. You need to watch and read the judge, and know what she is looking for at certain times

DOG RELATIONSHIP
How you treat your dog is extremely important. Talk to your dog. Never hit your dog. Do not raise your voice. Treat your dog like your best friend.  You and your dog should be presented as a team.

KNOWLEDGE of DOGS:
You may be asked questions on dog anatomy, Breed- specific questions about the breed you are showing, or other dogs in the ring, dog faults, and dog show questions about groups.

SPORTSMANSHIP:
A judge may place you at the end of the line, making it look like you are last, JUST to judge your sportsmanship, facial expressions and attitude. —Basically judging your reaction.  Remember the show results are NOT final, until the ribbon is handed out.  KEEP SHOWING your best.

PROCEDURES:
You will be asked to do different patterns – —Down & Back, Triangle, Reverse Triangle, ‘T’, Down & Back in Pairs, Self- Stacking,  L’s, show the bite or teeth, ground or table presentation.

PROPER PRESENTATION of YOUR DOG:
Every dog has its BREED REQUIREMENT, for grooming, stacking, moving and attitude.
You MUST be able to properly present YOUR breed to the judge.