Among the days-long conformation events at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is also competition for the younger handlers. Junior Handlers competed for Best Junior at Westminster on Monday and Tuesday, February 2-3. At the end of the two day competition, Hadrian Towell was named Best Junior at Westminster.
Monday morning and afternoon had Juniors competing in the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Toy Group. Tuesday had Juniors competing in the Sporting Group, Terrier Group, and Working Group throughout the day. The evening at Madison Square Garden held the Junior Showmanship finals, crowning Towell Best Junior with his dog, 8-year-old Manchester Terrier (Toy) “Simon” GCHG CH Passport Sunkissed It’s A Yes From Me Bonchien.
Towell was crowned Best Junior under the judging of Mr. Michael Faulkner of Center Cross, VA. He came out on top after besting 99 entrants, which were narrowed down to eight finalists for Best Junior Judging on Tuesday night. Mr. Jason Hoke of Madison, WI and Mrs. Valerie Nunes-Atkinson of Temecula, CA judged the preliminary rounds of junior showmanship at Westminster.
How Does Junior Showmanship Work?
Junior Showmanship is a great way for kids and teenagers to get involved in the world of conformation. Between the ages of 9 to 18, Juniors are allowed to compete in this class, where they are assessed on how well they present their dog. This is different than regular conformation, where the dog is judged on how well it fits the breed standard.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show began in 1877, and Junior Showmanship has been a part of the show since 1934. While Westminster celebrates its 150th year in 2026, Junior Showmanship at Westminster celebrates its 92nd year.
In order for handlers to compete at Westminster, they must be invited. Junior Handlers need to win Best Junior Handler awards at a minimum of seven AKC conformation dog shows during the qualifying period of the year prior in order to be invited.
Junior Showmanship at Westminster
Best Junior Handler
Name: Hadrian Towell
Breed: Manchester Terrier (Toy)
Dog Name: GCHG CH Passport Sunkissed It’s A Yes From Me Bonchien
Owners: Kristen Henry, Douglas Denney, and Kellie Miller
2nd Place Winner
Name: Tatum Bartlett
Breed: Petits Basset Griffon Vendeen
Dog Name: “Spotify” GCHS CH M & M Stellar Spotify
Owners: Janice Hayes, Donna Moore, Eric Ciceron, Wendy Doherty, Janice Brown
3rd Place Winner
Name: Christine Roldan
Breed: French Bulldog
Dog Name: “Hero” GCHB CH Duval Bullies Hero CGC TKI
Owners: Julian & Prie Roldan, Christine Brown-Roldan
4th Place Winner
Name: Natalie Ryan Halfacre
Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Dog Name: “Cen” CH Wynmoor Blackpearl’s Alpha Centauri BCAT
Owners: Billie Kerfoot, Buffie Gonzales, Chante Gonzales, and Erin Kerfoot
Finalists
Four additional Junior Handlers were named finalists during the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show:
Samantha Abels, who handled Havanese “Mason” GCHB CH Luv Bug N Brylee’s Conspiracy Theory. Mason is owned by Abels, Michelle Abels, and Connie Banitt.
Cameron Johnson, who handled Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen “Thomas” CH Trio Bugaboo’s Peaky Blinders CGCA CGCU TKN. Thomas is owned by Johnson, Clint Livingston, Karen Livingston, and Taylor Johnson.
Taylor Stone, who handled Belgian Tervuren “Kai” GCHG CH Windsong Bonheur Well Spirited RA FDC BCAT DN CGC TKN ATT. Kai is owned by Stone, Alleyne Dickens, and Martha Schubert.
AriOnna Walker, who handled English Setter “Mystery” GCH CH Kaska’s Mystery Machine. Mystery is owned by Lindsey Cook.
Junior Handlers Win Scholarships
The AKC Junior Showmanship program aims to create the next generation of handlers, with a focus on helping kids and teens grow into well-rounded individuals. To support Junior Handlers as they pursue their goals after aging out of Junior Showmanship, scholarships are awarded to the Westminster Finalists.
As the first place Junior Handler winner, Towell received a $10,000 scholarship to use at a post-secondary college or technical school of their choice. The second place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship, third place receives a $4,000 scholarship, and fourth place receives a $3,000 scholarship. The remaining Junior Handler finalists will each receive a $500 scholarship award.
For kids and teens interested in participating in dog sports, consider learning more about how to get involved in Junior Showmanship.
The 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has crowned its Best in Show winner! Catch reruns of the coverage on demand and learn more about one of the most famous dog shows in the United States at westminsterkennelclub.org.