Competition at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, was steep for competitors of all ages, as the show brings together the best Junior Handlers in the country. The 2025 Junior Handler lineup involved 103 entrants who competed in preliminary rounds of competition with their dogs on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11. The competition field was then narrowed down to eight finalists by judges Mr. Adam Peterson of Seagrove, NC, and Mrs. Kellie Williams of Riverview, FL.
17-year-old Taylor Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a 3rd-generation dog handler and breeder, and 5-year-old Old English Sheepdog “Sven” GCHS CH Bugaboo’s Let Be took home the coveted Best Junior Handler prize. Johnson handled Sven beautifully, showcasing her skill and experience in the ring during the Junior Showmanship Finals, which took place at Madison Square Garden for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Does Junior Showmanship Work?
The AKC Junior Showmanship program is open to kids and teens aged 9 to 18. Junior Handlers are assessed on how well they present their dog, rather than how well their dog corresponds to the breed standard.
Junior Showmanship has been part of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show since 1934. To receive an invitation to compete at Westminster, Junior Handlers need to win Best Junior Handler awards at a minimum of seven AKC conformation dog shows during the qualifying period the year prior. For many Juniors, competing at Westminster is a lifelong dream and a highlight of their time competing in the sport.
Junior Showmanship at Westminster
Watching Junior Handlers follow their dreams to compete at 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was heartwarming. Particularly moving was the obvious friendship between the Junior Handlers as they could be seen with tears of joy, hugging and congratulating each other as winners were announced during the preliminary rounds, and amongst the finalists.
Best Junior Handler
Name: Taylor Johnson
Breed: Old English Sheepdog
Dog Name: GCHS CH Bugaboo’s Let It Be
Owners: Colton, Heather, Douglas, Michaelanne, and Taylor Johnson
2nd Place Winner
Name: Brynn Moores
Breed: Flat-Coated Retriever
Dog Name: CGCHG CH Wingmaster Splendid Prince Hairy RN JH CGC
Owners: Joelle Prince, Elyse Moores, and Brynn Moores
3rd Place Winner
Name: Lila Holberg
Breed: Pointer
Dog Name: GCH CH Southern Summit Hot Gossip JH
Owners: Lila Holberg, Tina McDonnell, and Lydia Frey
4th Place Winner
Name: Samantha Abels
Breed: Havanese
Dog Name: GCHB CH Luv Bug N Brylee’s Conspiracy Theory
Owners: Michelle Abels, Samantha Abels, and Connie Banitt
Finalists
Four additional Junior Handlers were named finalists during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show:
Allison Gallant handled Great Dane GCH CH Cosmic Nobonz Get Ready To Mambo Italiano, owned by Karen Pacino, John Pacino, Allison Gallant, Tami Bradford, and Arthur Solnick
Lenore Hedemark handled Ibizan Hound GCHB CH Heron And Hound’s Vintage Vitis Vinifera Blanc RN FDC BCAT CGCA CGCU TKN ATT VHMA, owned by Sarah Wade and Meegan Pierotti-Tietje.
Addyson Blatt handled German Shorthaired Pointer GCHS CH Star K’s Mile Hi Rocky Mountain Devon, owned by Linda Stark and Richard Stark.
Barbara Mathews handled Russell Terrier GCH CH Wizard IZ Imperii Jamper, owned by Candace Lundin, Frank Zureick, and Barbara Mathews.
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, Johnson received a $10,000 scholarship to use at a post-secondary college or technical school of her 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.
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