Junior Showmanship: The Stories Behind the Scenes

In the bustle of Madison Square Garden, before the Tuesday Group judging began, eight Junior Handlers made their final preparations: brushing hair on beloved dogs, completing pre-show rituals, adjusting show leads, and taking deep breaths before stepping onto the green carpet. As Michael LaFave welcomed them into the ring, spectators, mentors, and friends roared, watching as the future of the sport graced the carpet, determined, poised, and ambitious. This is Junior Showmanship.

For Junior handlers, competing in Junior Showmanship Finals at the Westminster Dog Show is the pinnacle. It is the ultimate goal achieved after countless hours of practice and preparation, and the opportunity to take to the storied carpet with their best friend. It is the culmination of endless hours of dedication and triumph in the Preliminary round. This year was no different, and as those duos took to the floor at the 150th Annual Westminster Dog Show, the energy and emotion were palpable.

If you have ever watched the Westminster Dog Show, either at home or in person, you may have asked yourself how do people even begin to show dogs? For many, Junior Showmanship is the answer. Junior Showmanship is a unique competition in which handlers, aged nine to 18, compete against one another. Unlike a typical Conformation dog show, the handler is judged, rather than the dog, on their overall presentation and polish, showing their dog to the best of their ability without distraction. Throughout the year, Juniors compete at their local dog shows, working tirelessly to win seven Best Junior Handler awards and earn their “golden ticket” invitation to Westminster in the mail.

Many of the Junior handlers competing at Westminster are individuals whose annual tradition was to spectate until they decided, I want that to be me. They have joined local dog clubs, met mentors and breeders, and now have their own dogs to train, groom, and exercise, honing their skills daily. Some are second or third-generation breeders and handlers, going to shows with their parents since they were very young. Many others stumbled into it through teachers, neighbors, or 4-H leaders. From there, they compete at varying degrees. Some show mostly full-time, working as assistants to professional handlers or traveling with their families. Others are “weekend warriors,” attending local shows on weekends and holidays. No matter the Junior handler’s path, they are all invaluable assets and represent the future of the sport many of us hold so dear.

Behind the scenes, however, the true value of Junior Showmanship is revealed. In the ring, Juniors learn to win and lose with grace, make lifelong friendships, develop a strong work ethic, and enjoy a healthy amount of friendly competition. Beyond the ring, Juniors learn discipline, strength, and endurance as they spend endless hours training, preparing, and practicing with their dogs. They meet with mentors, bathing, walking, and grooming dogs for hours on end, honing their craft and learning from the best in the business. They attend handling seminars to polish their skills, and study breed standards, each possessing an immense depth of knowledge to ensure the best attributes of their dog shine, while the less correct are not accentuated. Junior handlers also have many opportunities to win or apply for college scholarships and flourish in higher education thanks to their developed transferable skills.

While Junior Showmanship is a stepping stone for the world of Conformation, it builds a foundation of invaluable life skills and opportunities even for those who step away from the dog world after “aging out” at 18. The dog show community is unwavering, and those who step back into the sport after college or a career are met with a feeling as though no time has passed.

At every Junior Showmanship competition, these skills and dedication come to the forefront, but at Westminster, there is another level reached. When the Junior handler steps onto the green carpet, there is an immense feeling that all of their time and effort was worth it—they have accomplished the ultimate dream. It is a time of joy, reflection, gratitude, and excitement. By the time the Junior has made it to Finals, they’ve won in their own right. Any further ribbon is icing on the cake of the wonderful moment. Additionally, many of the Juniors are showing beloved pets, adding to the emotional impact of the experience. If it is their final year, this feeling is only amplified. It can be bittersweet to take that last spin with their Juniors dog, knowing there is so much more in the sport for them, but a chapter is closing. Many remain in the sport as breeders, owner-handlers, or professional handlers, and some even apply for Junior Showmanship judging licenses, giving back to the competition that shaped them.

Stories from the 2026 Junior Finalists

This year’s Junior Finalists represent tremendous hours of commitment to the sport they love deeply, but each reached the green carpet in their own way. They hail from all across the country, and vary in age and the breeds they show, but all are united by a passion for Junior Showmanship. While their next steps may look different, too, they each were deeply shaped by the dog sports they have dedicated themselves to.

This year’s Best Junior Handler is 15-year-old Hadrian Towell, who resides in Norfolk, Virginia. For the Towells, dogs are a family affair. Their journey began when Hadrian was a baby, and his sister, Annessa, wanted to learn to show the family Bouvier de Flandres. The family eventually kept a puppy out of her, named Soleil, who is now nearly as old as Hadrian. Together, Soleil and Anessa started competing in 4-H and showing in AKC events, which was their first introduction to Junior Showmanship. Hadrian’s older brother, Cortlund, began showing soon after. They had some great mentors, and almost every sibling after Cortlund started showing dogs by their ninth birthday. Hadrian is the sixth child in his family to show dogs.    

For Hadrian, much of the fun of dog shows comes from the mentors and friends he surrounds himself with. “Moving to Virginia was hard at first because we left our dog show friends in the Midwest. Now that we have made friends in Virginia, it’s a lot more fun. Wins are always more exciting when you have people to celebrate them with. Also, the breed I picked, Manchester Terriers, has been a great experience. The Manchester people have been extremely supportive, and I’ve had the opportunity to handle some great dogs, like Simon.”

For Hadrian, winning at Westminster was the pinnacle, but he is not slowing down any time soon. In fact, he’s already readying his new dog, with Simon retiring after their Best Junior Handler win. Regarding his evening competing at Madison Square Garden, Hadrian said, “I’d do everything the same, so I could do it all over again.”

To those who want to start their own Juniors journey, Hadrian suggests, “Find a local show, go to it, and introduce yourself. See if there are any local clubs in your area that you can join. If you can, try to find an experienced mentor in a breed you’re interested in. Learn more about them and take your mentor’s advice on choosing the best dog for you. Their advice will be instrumental in your long-term success.”

Seventeen-year-old Tatum Bartlett from San Francisco, California, placed Second in Junior Showmanship Finals this year. Her foundation in dog sports is generational, going back to her great-grandmother, Janet Souza, who became involved in the purebred dog world in the 1960s. This began a four-generation family passion for Irish Wolfhounds, and they have since bred Irish Wolfhounds and Whippets under the Limerick prefix for nearly 55 years. Tatum’s earliest childhood memories consist of weekend trips to shows with her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, accompanied by a van full of Irish Wolfhounds. When she was five, they decided to have her take one of their dogs in the ring for the first time, and she has been in love with the sport ever since.

When asked about her experience showing dogs, Tatum said, “Dog shows have taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. Early on, I learned how to win and lose with grace, how to care for an animal, and how to have a strong work ethic. It has instilled resilience, responsibility, discipline, and sportsmanship into my life. Dog shows have also brought me closer to my family, especially to my mother and late grandmother. We share a unique passion for the sport of purebred dogs, and my time competing in Juniors has allowed us to spend more time together on the weekends and over the summer.”

For her, Westminster is the crown jewel. “It is so exciting to see all of the dogs at the top of their game and be a part of a show with such a rich history. Just qualifying for the competition is an accomplishment in itself.” She has always admired her favorite dogs as they graced the green carpet at Madison Square Garden, and it was a dream come true to be able to do the same this year with Spotify, her Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. “Whether you are at the Javits Center or The Garden, the atmosphere is electric, and you can feel the anticipation from exhibitors and spectators alike. For me, it means getting to showcase my skills and my dog on one of our sport’s biggest stages, and that is a massive honor.”

To Junior handlers, Tatum offers the following advice: “Ask questions, go outside of your comfort zone, and never stop learning! No matter how much you know, there are always more questions to be asked and lessons to be learned. The most unique part of our community is the access you have to the best in our sport. Reach out to them, study their craft, and create connections. I grew up watching handlers like Bill and Taffe McFadden, Janice Hayes, Amy Rutherford, Alicia Morrison Jones, and Valerie Nunes-Atkinson. I examined their every move: their quiet hands, their impeccable conditioning, and how they work through each of their dogs’ quirks. I was, and still am, mesmerized by their ways. I am lucky to have been able to spend time in almost all of their set-ups and have the most enriching conversations, asking questions about presentation, breeding, and husbandry.”

“Another bit of advice is to find a breed that you are passionate about. Our sport needs young and dedicated breeders who can continue to preserve our beloved dogs. I remember falling in love with PBGVs after watching Janice Hayes handle them at local shows. I wanted to learn more about them and possibly even show them, so I decided to reach out to Janice, who was generous not only with her knowledge but also in sharing Spotify, my Junior Showmanship dog, with me. I spend my weekends working for Janice, watching her not only handle, but condition and take care of the breed. Most importantly, I am able to ask questions about the breed, which deepens my understanding of the PBGV.”

Christine Roldan from Jacksonville, Florida, is 18 years old. She placed Third at this year’s Westminster Dog Show. While Christine grew up surrounded by dogs, it wasn’t until 2018 that her parents went to a National event, and since they didn’t have a babysitter, she came along. Christine’s parents encouraged her to try Junior Showmanship, so she studied, practiced, and placed First in her class. Ever since then, she wanted to show, and when their French Bulldog had her first litter with a singleton puppy, her parents gave him to her, and he became Christine’s show dog and best friend.

For Christine, showing dogs has never been just a hobby; it’s something she’s always been passionate about. After arriving home from school, she’d go outside to practice, watch videos, constantly ask for advice, and at shows, she would watch other Juniors and handlers so she could learn and improve. During long and difficult shows or unpleasant experiences, the joy of showing and the accomplishments earned always kept her in it. “Showing dogs gave me confidence in myself. It helped me communicate more clearly, gave me a new sense of dedication, helped me meet so many wonderful people, and of course, helped create the irreplaceable bond between my dog and me. I take what I’ve learned from him into every ring I enter.”

For her, Westminster is the goal. It is the big stage that every handler dreams of competing on. She would watch it on TV every year and say, I want to be there someday, competing with the best of the best. “To be able to make it there was a dream. I was happy to take it in and even more so to be there with my best friend, Hero. It was an absolute honor to compete with such talented kids, and it is a moment I will truly treasure for the rest of my life.”

To new Junior handlers, Christine says, “Have fun! Be open to advice and criticism! Of course, as a Junior you want to win, but it should be fun for you and your dog as well. Take advice from those who offer it. It is important to know there is always room to learn and improve, and you can do that while still staying true to yourself. Juniors are the future of the breeds, so soak up as much information as you can. Make connections, friends, and have a good time.”

Natalie Halfacre from Charlottesville, Virginia, is 17 years old. This year, she placed Fourth in Junior Finals. She first started in dogs at eight years of age, accompanying her mom, sister, and one of their dogs to a preservation breeder’s home. There, while playing with a litter, she fell in love with a particular puppy. Her parents surprised her later that week with the same puppy, whom she named Ash. After taking Ash to a couple of obedience classes, the breeder discussed the opportunity to pursue Conformation with her. Natalie attended her first match at nine years old and enjoyed it so much that she entered her first dog show. After her first three-day circuit, she was “bitten by the dog show bug,” as one might say.

For Natalie, showing dogs has been an amazing experience. “Like anything, it comes with ups and downs, and it has definitely not always been easy. Juniors has been a challenging learning process, but it has taught me so much, including how to manage stress, take care of an animal, and take care of myself. I have also made some of my closest, lifelong friends through this sport and further strengthened my relationship with my mom. The memories we have made, I will never forget. Most importantly, Juniors has taught me how to handle losing and to keep pushing forward, even when things get really hard.”

Westminster means so much to her now at 17, but it also meant just as much to her as a ten-year-old girl who would come home from school, sit on the couch, and watch Juniors compete at the Westminster Dog Show almost every day. From the moment she learned about dog shows, winning Best Junior at Westminster has always been one of her biggest goals. She is immensely grateful to the individuals in her family and dog show family who have helped her pursue it. “As people often say, Westminster is the Super Bowl of dog shows, but it is really so much more than just a competition. It is a place where people come together to celebrate the sport, celebrate their passion for dogs, and everything that makes this community so special.”

Her biggest piece of advice to a Junior would be to build self-confidence, beyond just handling your dog. “As a Junior, it can feel like every time you step out of the ring, someone is ready to point out something you did wrong. While feedback can be helpful, it can also get overwhelming and make you doubt yourself. I have learned that it is important to listen, but not let every opinion affect your confidence. At the end of the day, you have to trust yourself. Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from continuing to show up, learn, and believe in yourself even when things feel tough!”

Junior Finalist Samantha Abels is 18 years old from Plainfield, Illinois. She was born into dog shows, and her mom, Michelle Abels, has been breeding and showing Havanese for 18 years. She started showing in the breed ring when she was five, but didn’t start showing in Juniors until she was 14. “I never could’ve imagined that I would skyrocket in Juniors the way I did! I ended my Junior career as the number one ranked All-Breed Junior Handler in the country in 2025.”

Her experience in dogs has been life-changing. She could not imagine her life without dog shows and the wonderful people she has met in the community. She loves the sport with all of her heart and intends to continue this journey throughout her life.

Regarding Westminster, Samantha said, “Westminster is my favorite show of the year. It is such an amazing feeling to be surrounded by beautiful, well-bred dogs and talented handlers. Showing in Juniors at Westminster has been more rewarding than I had ever thought possible. I have made Finals two years in a row, and I placed 4th in 2025.”

For those wanting to start competing in Junior Showmanship, Samantha advises, “Have fun and work hard. This is an opportunity to grow and connect with your dog. Win or lose, it is always about the dog! Love your dog and savor every minute of your beautiful journey.”

Taylor Stone, an 18-year-old from Rougemont, North Carolina, was another Finalist this year. She followed a less “traditional” path and was introduced to the sport of dogs by one of her good friends, Dr. Kate Bremser of Sweetpea English Springer Spaniels. She lent Taylor one of her Springers as a Juniors dog, and she never looked back.

Taylor spent much of the last few years traveling and campaigning her Belgian Tervuren to become one of the top Herding dogs, while also ending the year as the number one AKC Junior. This was a challenge, and the long days, little sleep, and tens of thousands of miles she drove alone were very physically and mentally demanding, but she would do it again a thousand times. For her, the relationships developed and knowledge gained are priceless.

To Taylor, “Westminster is everything. It’s the show where everyone gathers to exhibit their best dogs, so receiving a golden ticket in the mail is always a reward. I am fortunate not only to have been invited, but also to be able to afford everything else that comes along with traveling to New York City.”

For those who want to start their own Junior Showmanship journey, Taylor emphasizes that “the best first step is to find a local kennel club that can help you get started in Conformation classes. Meet lots of people, because most of them will want to help you grow. After that, continue learning and practicing, and don’t give up. There are going to be people who will put you down when you start winning, but under no circumstances let them get to you. It’s a hard life, and it’s not as secure as an office job, but you can make a career out of this if you’re passionate enough.”

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Johnson from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was also a Finalist this year. She was born into the sport as a third-generation breeder and handler. Her first time in the ring was at five years old, showing their Old English Sheepdog, Breeze. Cameron loves traveling around the country with her family to dog shows.

“Westminster is such an exciting show with the best of the best competing there. Walking out on that green carpet at Madison Square Garden is electrifying!”

To future Junior handlers, Cameron encourages, “Stay positive, find good mentors, watch handlers you admire, you can learn a lot from them, and remember, at the end of the day, you go home with the best dog.”

If you or your family think Junior Showmanship may be a good fit, the first step is to connect with your local dog club. Thanks to a recent amendment to AKC rules, Junior handlers may now exhibit dogs they do not own, so even if your family does not have the capacity for their own dog, Junior Showmanship is not out of reach. The dedicated breeders, owners, and handlers of the dog world will be there for you, the future of our sport. All you have to do is take the first step.

For more information:

https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/junior-showmanship/

https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/junior-showmanship-explained/