AKC Jr News -- April/May 2005


	April/May 2005

2005 Junior Scholarship Recipients

AKC was overwhelmed with the response to for the 2005 Junior Scholarships. This year 138 applications were received. Eligibility requirements include, being a US citizen or permanent resident, being a student at an accredited institution. Criteria for awarding scholarships included: 1) Applicant's Need, 2) Applicant's Academic Achievement and potential, 3) Applicant's involvement in the fancy. Additionally, each applicant had to submit an essay describing their experience in the fancy and the significance that purebred dogs have had in their past or may have in their future. Read more.

2005 Westminster Junior Showmanship

In 2005 the requirements for entry for the Junior Competition changed to 10 Wins in Open with Competition. The entry for this Westminster was 81. Eric Ringle, who participated as a Junior Handler with Great Danes, and Don Carmody, a former Great Dane handler, judged the preliminary classes. See photos of the event.

Lessons from Holly

By Shanna Wilkinson

As the wind rushed passed my face, Holly flew over the next jump. I looked up "only two more jumps to go," I thought to myself. "Turn" I yelled in an excited voice as Holly turned just in time to clear the triple. "Go, Go," I whispered, holding my breath and hoping that she didn't run past the last jump. Holly knew exactly what to do; it was as if our hearts were one. After Holly flew over the last jump, she leaped into my arms and gave me a big, wet, sloppy kiss. I heard screams come from my loved ones and friends. I couldn't be happier. We had a clean run and we got our excellent jumpers title three days before I turned 18. Read more.

Our First Rally Trial

by Kelly Murphy

My name is Kelly Murphy, and I am 16 years old. I have been training dogs for about ten years. I am currently training my 5-year old Australian Shepherd named Wessel. We began training in Rally-O in 2002, and started competing when it was a non-regular class.

At the obedience club we belong to, Port Chester Obedience Training Club, a bunch of the members began talking about having a trial on the first of January, when Rally became a titled event. I heard all about the planning of this event, and became extremely excited as the date came close. Read more.

My Best Friend

By Anna Vandergrift

Archie is a great dog. I didn't want to train him at first because I wanted a bigger dog. When we found a puppy on the road, I started training it. We had to sell it because it ate chickens. I couldn't stop training so I started training our pug (Archie). Archie turned out to be a great companion and obedience dog. Read more.

Juniors in Obedience

By Elizabeth Vandergrift

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Vandegrift and I am a junior handler in AKC and a 4-H-er. I have been asked to share with you what it is like to show dogs in obedience.

In AKC there are six classes: pre-novice, novice, graduate novice, open, graduate open, and utility. Three of these classes, novice, open, and utility can be titled in; these are called regular classes. The others are called non-regular classes. To title in any of the regular classes you have to go to three different shows with three different judges at your level and score over 170 out of 200 points. Read more.

Regional and State Competitions Offering Scholarship Funds for Juniors

A number of junior handlers were recently awarded scholarships and other prizes through regional competitions in Kansas and Kentucky. Congratulations to these juniors! Read more.