Juniors, this focus is on you…I have had more requests to write on this topic than any other.

Junior Showmanship highlights the future of our sport. The Junior Ring was the starting point for many of our top handlers. Many of the Juniors who compete work for handlers,  while many others are entering this sport for the first time. This week, I would like to offer some opinions and suggestions on this very special and important element of our sport. 

Junior competition is different than conformation.  In Junior competition, the junior is the focus of the judging, not the dog.  With that being said, the overall look and appearance of the competitor should be a huge part of the judging critique.  From hair pulled out of faces, to appropriate clothes, to shined shoes, Juniors need to have their appearance spot on!

(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Girls-Children-Teen-agers-CUSTOM-MADE-pageant-interview-suit-dress-gown-/221480789904)

There is an unwritten dress code for Junior girls that lies between looking age appropriate and not looking like they’re going to a dance club.  Clothes that are too tight, too low, and too short are not appropriate for dog shows.  Girls, you are not going out with your friends.  Think about wearing something that your grandparents would approve of wearing to a country club or church.  

The flip side of this is wearing age appropriate clothes.  There are many fashionable suits and dresses that Juniors look fantastic in because they are on trend with cut-outs, asymmetrical lines, and stud details.  Mature professional handlers often wear very expensive suits, like St. John, at big shows such as Eukanuba and Westminster.   St. John and other designers in that niche target ladies much older than 18 or younger.  It is my personal opinion that St. John, Chanel, and other expensive designer suits and dresses should be reserved for mature handlers and ladies.

In regards to hair, girls you are bending over and running around a ring with your dog.  Hair should be tied up and completely out of your face.  Again, you are not going out with your friends, you are competing in a very professional environment.  The messy, loose strand looks are in but so are clean, sleek, neat looks like buns.  Get that hair off your face so you can see what you’re doing and where you’re going!

Now, for the boy Junior Handlers. Please stick to suits and sport coats and pants.  Boys you will look very sharp by adding a well-tied tie (you can spice this up with interesting knots) and a pocket square for major shows.  I am a personal fan of fun and interesting socks, but others are not, so know your judge.  Please make sure your pants fit appropriately and wear a belt.  Sagging  pants are not appropriate or professional at a dog show.  

Boys and girls, please make sure your shoes are shinned.   Comfortable, yet classy shoes are not easy finds, especially in child sizes (I have first hand experience being a size 3 in girls) so take care of those shoes!  Boys, I know that it is on trend to wear sneakers, like Converse, with suits to dances, however it is not appropriate to do so while competing in the show ring.  Keep in mind my previous comment, you want to impress your grandparents with  your choice of clothing at dog shows.

Juniors, dress the part, you are the focus, you are being judged.  Pick colors and patterns that compliment your dog, not deter from it.  When choosing the perfect outfit for a major shows, think about complimenting that perfect picture of you and your dog for the judge.  From head to toe, make that picture as perfect as possible but still look like a child or teenager in these professional, conservative competitions.