The 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show may be in the books, but the remarkable depth of talent among this year’s Junior Showmanship participants has left a lasting impression.

With more than 100 entrants and $20,000 in scholarships at stake, Junior Showmanship is a unique competition in which the handler is judged rather than the dog. All participants are between 9 and 18 years of age, and they must each win seven Best Junior Handler titles to qualify to show at Westminster. Winning or placing in Junior Showmanship elevates the individual to a unique class of alumni, including 2025 Best in Show winner Katie Bernardin who was Best Junior Handler in 2004. It signifies immense dedication to the sport and the possession of great talent to even qualify to exhibit at the prestigious event. For many, placing is the ultimate dream.

This year, the competition was judged by three veteran Junior Showmanship judges—all professional handlers and once junior handlers, themselves. They judged their respective assignments with the knowledge of having been in the shoes of the young and talented competitors. The two preliminary judges each selected four finalists, advancing eight accomplished junior handlers in total and leaving finals judge, Mrs. Elizabeth Jordan Nelson, with a tough decision.

After a thorough examination and much thunderous applause, she made her placements: First to Taylor Johnson, handling her five-year-old Old English Sheepdog. Second to Brynn Moores, handling her ten-year-old Flat-Coated Retriever. Third to Lila Holberg, handling her two-year-old Pointer. And Fourth to Samantha Abels, handling her two-year-old Havanese. The other finalists were Allison Gallant, Lenore Hedemark, Addyson Blatt, and Barbara Mathews.

With this level of competition, judges are splitting hairs when deciding their placements as each competitor has proven themselves immensely talented and deserving. So what makes the difference? I am incredibly grateful to have spoken to the 2025 Westminster Best Junior Handler, Taylor Johnson, to find out just that.

How did you first become involved in Junior Showmanship, and what was the moment you knew you wanted to pursue it seriously?

I was born into the sport and am the third generation of my family to partake in AKC competitions. I started showing at the breed level at the age of six, and when I was 10, I started juniors. I always knew that breeding and showing dogs was something I wanted to pursue.

What makes Junior Showmanship special, as opposed to the typical conformation ring?

Junior Showmanship makes you a better handler. As you get older, you start to notice the little details when presenting a specific dog or breed and hone these skills.

How has competing in Junior Showmanship impacted your life?

It has been my hobby through childhood and has kept me connected to the sport. Dog shows, in general, have taught me so much responsibility.

What does the sport mean to you and your family?

This sport has had an impact on our family for over five decades. We have dedicated our lives to the sport of AKC purebred dogs. It’s something that takes a lot of hard work, but we view it as a passion we all get to share.

How does your connection with your dog impact your showmanship?

The connection between a junior handler and their dog is essential. It’s the time and effort put in before you go in the ring that brings out the best in the ring! I had the best partner, and we both got to spend time together doing what we loved.

What is it like to show at The Westminster Kennel Club? Have you competed at the show before?

I have competed at The Westminster Kennel Club before. I have placed Second and Third in Junior Showmanship, and I won the breed with my Old English Sheepdog, “Sven,” last year. It’s the Super Bowl of dog shows and something everyone looks forward to.

How did you prepare to compete at Westminster, and what is your routine to get ready for the ring?

Every week my dog was bathed, dried, and trimmed. He did roadwork three times a week, and of course, we spent time together with him just being a dog. On the day we showed, I kept the routine exactly the same.

How did you feel when you walked onto the floor of Madison Square Garden?

It was electric! The energy there is so exciting and exactly what I expected! I felt lucky to even have the opportunity to be there.

What happened after you were awarded Best Junior Handler?

It was a lot of emotion for me. I felt proud that I achieved a goal I set when I started in juniors, sad that it would be the last time I competed as a junior with my dog, and of course, so beyond honored given the talent of juniors and the individuals in the ring.

What’s next for you?

I am active in helping raise and show our Bugaboo Old English Sheepdogs. I start college in the fall, and I feel this is just the beginning of my involvement in AKC dog shows.

Do you have any advice for junior handlers or others who may want to begin showing in Junior Showmanship?

Watch breeds, ask questions, and be kind. Working with dogs will help you grow and develop an amazing group of individuals, friends, and family.

Taylor’s success at this year’s show is a testament to her unwavering dedication and time spent perfecting her craft. While she may have just won the most coveted Junior Showmanship award, her commitment to the sport isn’t slowing down. She was already traveling to her next show while we were wrapping up this interview!

Junior Showmanship not only fuels the passion of second and third-generation exhibitors, but it also opens doors for first-generation handlers—like many of the finalists this year. If you or your family are interested in Junior Showmanship, the opportunities are vast, thanks to the generosity of the senior members of the sport and organizations like the historic Westminster Kennel Club. Reach out to your local dog club, attend a nearby dog show to connect with exhibitors, or check out the AKC and Westminster websites for more information. For aspiring junior handlers, a moment on the Green Carpet isn’t just a pipe dream. As Taylor shared, with dedication and effort comes electric success!

For more information on Junior Showmanship:

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

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