The American Shetland Sheepdog Association

[1] All information in Tabs 1-9 and Tab 13 was compiled from the American Kennel Club website – http://www.akc.org; Tab 12 information was compiled by AS.S.A. Historian Pat Ferrell.

            Part of the mission of the American Kennel Club is to "Take whatever actions necessary to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs." The A.K.C.'s Junior Showmanship Program is just one example of the kennel club's commitment to fulfilling this portion of its charter statement.

                In the late 1920's a group of dog show exhibitors led by Mr. Leonard Brumby, Sr., decided to develop a special competition for children. The purpose of the competition would be to introduce a new generation of fanciers to the sport and to give children the opportunity to measure their skills against those of their peers. The children would be judged by how well they presented their dogs with respect to the nuances of the breed being shown. The first Children's Handling class was held at the Westbury Kennel Association show of 1932, and quickly became a popular feature at other A.K.C. events.

                In 1949 the Professional Handlers Association donated a trophy in honor and memory of Mr. Brumby to the winner of the Children's Handling Classes at the Westminster Kennel Club show. This trophy is still awarded to the winner of the Junior Handler competition at Westminster and is the most sought-after prize in the sport.

                Children's Handling classes were very informal when the program began. The judging of the classes would normally start whenever the first breed ring became available. The judges were usually professional handlers themselves, and the participants were allowed to use any dog that was available to them.

                In 1951 the name of the competition was changed from Children's Handling to Junior Showmanship. Twenty years later, in 1971, the American Kennel Club recognized the virtues of Junior Handler competition and granted official recognition for these classes at A.K.C. events.

                The Junior Showmanship program has grown and changed in dramatic fashion since its humble beginnings in 1932. The A.K.C. now has guidelines for participation and adjudication of this event. For example, juniors must be between 9 and 18 years of age to participate. They must win three first placements in the Novice class before advancing to the Open class. Judges must be approved by the A.K.C. to judge Junior classes, and the dogs that the junior handlers exhibit must be owned by them, a member of their family, or a relative.

                In 1999 the Junior Showmanship program was expanded to include performance events. Currently, a Junior Handler that handles a dog to a performance title will receive a certificate from the A.K.C. acknowledging this accomplishment.

                The American Kennel Club also awards Scholarships to deserving Junior Handlers to encourage them to continue on with their education. The A.K.C. awarded 38 Junior Handler Scholarships in 2002. The Board of the American Kennel Club has just increased the Junior Scholarship Fund from $60,000 to $100,000. This can truly be seen as affirmation of the A.K.C.'s commitment to the youth of our sport.

                Junior handlers become ineligible to compete in Junior Showmanship classes at the age of 18. In most cases, their participation in the sport of purebred dog does not cease once they have "aged out" of competition. From the ranks of Junior Handlers we find the future breeders, A.K.C. Club Members, approved judges and Registered Handlers who will be the caretakers of our sport in the future. We see many of these kids go on to pursue careers as veterinarians. One former Junior is now the CEO of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; others have gone on to serve as Board Members of the American Kennel Club. Still others have gone onto make their contribution to the sport as A.K.C. employees.

                While the Junior Showmanship program itself has gone through changes, the concept and reasons for its implementation have remained the same: to encourage participation in the sport by young purebred dog enthusiasts; to teach good sportsmanship, win or lose; and to educate the next generation of the fancy.

Everyone who has a Junior Showmanship number is automatically entered in the A.K.C. National Junior Organization.

2. What is a Junior Showmanship Number and do I need to have one to compete in A.K.C. events?

A Junior Showmanship Number is a number you use when you enter an event. It is used to track your wins, and determine eligibility for Open once three firsts with competition has been earned. In Performance Events your Junior number is linked to the dog's results to recognize your handling the dog to a title.

Juniors can look in the Events Calendar, which is delivered along with the A.K.C. Gazette or on the A.K.C. Website (http://www.akc.org), to see which shows are holding Junior Showmanship as well as all Performance Events.

Effective January 1, 2005 any boy or girl who is at least 9 years old and under the 18 years of age the day of the show.

Juniors can move into the Open class once they have won 3 first place awards in a Novice class. Competition must be present in all 3 Novice classes in order for the Junior to move up.

As of January 1, 2000 any individual who is listed as an agent is not eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship, nor any person who distributes rate cards otherwise advertises themselves as handling dogs for pay in the show ring, or accepts payment for handling.

8. Will a Junior lose amateur status if they work for a professional handler?

Junior Showmanship is intended to encourage Juniors to learn how to care for and present different breeds. Part of the educational process could include apprenticeship or assisting professional handlers. Juniors may take their employers' dogs into the ring while still retaining amateur status.

Each dog must be owned by the Junior Handler or by the Junior Handler's father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, or grandmother, including the corresponding step and half relations, or by a member of the Junior Handler's household.

To enter a dog in a Conformation Junior Showmanship Class it must be eligible for entry in an A.K.C. Dog Show or Obedience Trial. This includes dogs that have Indefinite Listing Privileges (ILP) or Limit Registration status.

11. Can a Junior handler show a spayed or neutered dog in Junior Showmanship Competition?

Yes. A spayed or neutered dog is not eligible for conformation competition, but it is eligible for obedience competition; therefore it can be handled in Junior Showmanship classes.

12. My dog that was entered is unable to go to the show, can I substitute?

One substitution per show is allowed. The dog must meet the same eligibility requirements as the entered dog. The substitution must be accompanied by an official A.K.C. entry form including the substituted dog's A.K.C. registration number. The substitution must be made at least one half hour prior to the judging of any Junior Showmanship Classes.

There are several ways to learn to show a dog, and probably a combination of all of these would provide for the most well rounded experience. You may attend breed handling classes given by your local kennel club. You could watch experienced breeders and handlers show your breed at a show, or you could ask a professional handler that shows your breed for some pointers when they have some free time. Beyond that practice, practice, practice.

There is not a special class, however Juniors are recognized for competing in all the Performance Events. The junior will enter the dog in the class in which it would normally compete for the event. In each of these events the dogs are scored individually on their performance. A Junior handling a dog to a Performance title will receive a certificate and a specially designed pin. The Junior is to obtain the Certification forms, fill it out and have the judge sign it.

15. How does a Junior record their participation in Performance Events?

It is the responsibility of the Junior to have a Junior Handler certification form filled out and signed by the judge on the day of the event. One copy is sent in with the judge's book and the Junior should keep one copy.

17. How old must you be to be eligible to apply as a Junior Showmanship Only Judge?

There is no minimum age for judging Juniors at a match. If you have substantial experience and would feel comfortable, and have been invited to judge, then it is okay.

The Junior Newsletter is now and e-newsletter. You must sign up to receive it. Past issues are archived online.

20. If a Junior is entered in the wrong class for their age, can the Junior change the entry after it has closed?

Yes. This transfer must be made at least one-half hour prior to the judging of any Junior Showmanship class at the show.

21. If a Junior from a Novice class of one wins Best Junior Handler at a show, does this win count towards moving towards the Open classes?

No. Only wins in either the Novice Junior, Intermediate, or Senior classes with competition will count.

The American Kennel Club licenses dogs shows (competitive exhibitions in which dogs are judged in accordance with an established standard of perfection for each breed) that test and evaluate the form and function of purebred dogs. In addition, at some shows the A.K.C. offers classes which evaluate the abilities of the participant on the other end of the lead, the young handler.

A.K.C. Junior Showmanship classes offer youngsters the opportunity to:

1. Develop their handling skills

2. Learn about good sportsmanship

3. Learn about dogs and dog shows.

Join the world of A.K.C. Junior Showmanship!

Juniors are important to the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership, and the more they learn, the more valuable they become. The values, attitudes and responsibility learned through Junior Showmanship will serve youngsters well throughout their lives. By putting time and effort into learning about their dog and how to present it, juniors are rewarded with a win.

Who may participate

Junior Showmanship classes are open to children from 9 to 18 years old and are divided into Novice and Open classes: All participants in Junior Showmanship classes must have an A.K.C. Junior Showmanship Handler Number. Novice classes are for those children who, at the time entries close, have not won three (3) first-place awards in a Novice class at a licensed or member show. To qualify as a win, more than one child must be in competition in a class. The Novice class gives those children who are beginners a chance to gain experience and confidence apart from the more seasoned youngsters. Open classes are for those children having three or more first-place wins; these are the more experienced Junior Handlers. A beginner can learn how to present their dog more effectively by watching these talented youngsters in the ring.

Judging criteria

                Juniors are judged on their ability to present, or handle, their dogs within the same formats and guidelines as those who compete in the breed ring. The quality of their presentation, not the dog, is judged. Juniors are encouraged to develop their handling abilities, dress appropriately, conduct themselves in a proper manner, and present their dog in a well-groomed condition.

What about the dog?

                Any dog entered must be eligible to compete in dog shows or obedience trials. The dog must be owned by the child, a member of the child's family or member of his household. Many times junior showmanship classes are free (if the dog is entered in regular classes) or are offered at the reduced rate.

How to get started

                The best way for prospective junior handlers to see what is involved in junior handling is to watch the Junior Showmanship classes at a dog show. They will see how children take part at all levels of competition, how they have developed friendships and have learned to compete and accept their wins and losses in a gracious manner. Talk to these young participants in our sport. You will be impressed by their knowledge, attitudes and their willingness to share their experiences with someone new to the sport. Another way to learn the basics is at your local dog club. Many clubs offer weekly handling classes. These informal sessions are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere and afford both dog and handler an opportunity to practice in a setting similar to an actual show.

                In order to receive Premium Lists (which detail date, location and judges of all classes at a particular show) for shows in your area, visit the Superintendent's office at any show. Or subscribe to the A.K.C. Gazette and you will receive, as a part of your subscription, the Events Calendar, a monthly supplement which lists all the A.K.C. events held throughout the country.

Junior Showmanship Regulations - A Guide to Junior Showmanship Competition for Juniors

Section 1. Amateur Class.
An individual listed as an agent is not eligible to compete in Juniors, nor any person who distributes rate cards or otherwise advertises themselves as handling dogs for pay in the show ring, or accepts payment for handling dogs.

"Participation in Junior Showmanship is intended to encourage Juniors to learn how to care for and present different breeds. Part of the educational process could include apprenticeship or assisting professional handlers. Junior may take their employers' dogs into the ring while still retaining amateur status."

Section 2.
Juniors are important to the sport of dogs. Juniors who learn about good sportsmanship, dogs, handling and dog shows will be valuable to the sport in the future. Junior Showmanship classes are offered at most dog shows. These classes are held so that young people can:

Section 3.
Junior Showmanship classes are judged on the ability of the Junior to handle his or her dog. The quality of the dog is not judged. Juniors will be asked to demonstrate:

Section 4.
Juniors are expected to know basic ring routines. They should be able to follow directions, use space wisely, and be familiar with gaiting patterns. Juniors should appear "ring wise," alert to what is going on in the ring, and should be prepared for changes in the routine of judging.

JUNIORS MUST BE ABLE TO CONTROL THEIR DOGS AT ALL TIMES. Any Junior who cannot control his or her dog will be excused by the judge.

Section 5. Appearance and Conduct.
Juniors should be clean, neat, and well-groomed. They should wear clothing that is comfortable to handle in and appropriate for dog shows. Clothing should not distract, limit or hinder the judge's view of the dog.

Dogs should be groomed and trimmed as they would be for the breed ring. Judges will not evaluate the quality of the grooming and trimming, but Juniors should make an effort to prepare their dogs properly. Unnecessary grooming of the dog in the ring to gain attention is not proper conduct. Juniors should appear confident, prepared, business-like and attentive. They should be courteous to both the judge and other Juniors. Juniors are expected to handle their dogs without disturbing the dogs of the other Juniors. Juniors should not crowd and they should not distract others by continued use of toys and bait. Juniors should be alert to the needs of their dogs. They should use firm but thoughtful hands in controlling and handling their dogs. Juniors should not be impatient or heavy-handed.

Section 6. Conflicts.
Juniors may have a conflict between the Judging of their Junior Showmanship class and conformation judging or another event. In this instance the Junior will have to make a decision as to where they will compete. A Junior may enter the Junior Showmanship class up until the time every Junior in the class has been examined and gaited. If a Junior starts to compete in the Junior class and requests to be excused to go exhibit in conformation or another event, he or she is permanently excused.

Section 7.
Juniors will be judged on their ability to present their dogs in the same way the dog is properly handled in the breed ring. Juniors will also be judged on their ability to make their individual dog look its best in both pose and motion. During all parts of the competition Juniors should handle their dogs in a quiet, smooth, efficient manner. Juniors should strive to make the DOG stand out as the most important part of the team effort.

Section 8.
Junior handlers should:

Section 9.
There are many ways Juniors can find help in learning about Junior Showmanship and handling their own dogs. In addition to the help of parents, Juniors may seek the advice of experienced breeder-exhibitors, professional handlers, handling instructors, and former Juniors. They may also learn from the A.K.C. breed videocassettes, books on handling, books on individual breeds, and by observing breed and group judging at dog shows.

Section 10. Substitution.
Juniors are limited to the substitution of one dog per show. The junior must have the A.K.C. number of the substitute dog.

Section 1. Definition and Purpose.
Junior Showmanship classes are non-regular classes which are judged solely on the ability and skill of Juniors in handling their dogs as in the breed ring. The purpose of Junior Showmanship Competition is twofold: to introduce and encourage Juniors to participate in the sport of dogs; and to provide Juniors with a meaningful competition in which they can learn, practice, and improve in all areas of handling skill and sportsmanship. It is important that judges of Junior Showmanship Competition understand the definition and purpose of these classes and take seriously their role in guiding the future guardians of the sport. JUDGES ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN JUNIORS AND IN JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP COMPETITION.

Section 2. Limited Status Junior Showmanship Judge.
Limited Status will allow the individual to judge Juniors only at a Specialty show of a breed they are approved to judge. Limit Status Judges may not judge Juniors at specialties for breeds they are not approved to judge, nor may they judge Juniors at all breed shows.

Section 3. Prerequisites for Judges.
(See Page 1, Section 4) Those who judge Junior Showmanship must be familiar with the Junior Showmanship Rules and Regulations as well as all other Rules and Policies that apply to all judges. The occupational eligibility requirements in Chapter 7, Section 1, of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows would apply to Junior Showmanship Judges, except that a professional handler may be approved. The Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges apply to individuals approved to judge Junior Showmanship and it is therefore necessary to be thoroughly versed in these areas.

Judges must complete all provisional requirements for Breed or Junior Showmanship. They shall have demonstrated successfully their ability to conduct their ring in a consistent, businesslike and safe manner that will instill confidence in exhibitors and spectators. A Procedural Report for the Judging of Junior Showmanship will be used by the Field Representative to discuss any recommendations or procedural deficiencies and submitted to the judge's file. Continuation of deficiencies may result in changing the approval status to Limit Junior Showmanship.

Section 4. Responsibilities of the Junior Showmanship Judge.
It is important for judges to be teachers by example. They should be prompt, courteous, patient and properly attired. Judges must be impartial and totally separate the handling ability of the Juniors they judge from any other consideration. As a judge of Juniors at an all breed event it is essential to be familiar with the appropriate presentation for every breed. Impartiality extends to eliminating from the judging process bias for or against the breed handled, friendships, external knowledge of a Junior's record of competition, or prior knowledge or assumption of the dog's training or preparation.

Judges should never solicit or offer to judge Junior Showmanship. No assignment should be taken which does not meet the time and distance requirements of 200 miles and 30 days as set forth in the Guidelines for Judges.

Chapter 11, Section 13, of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows would not apply to individuals approved to judge Junior Showmanship Only. However, if Junior Showmanship Judges plan to exhibit or handle dogs at a show, or if dogs owned by them are to be entered, the judge should not attend pre-show social functions with other judges for that show or attend the judges' luncheon the day of the show.

If a Junior co-owns a dog with a judge, the dog may be entered in Junior Showmanship Only, at an event where the judge is judging classes other than Junior Showmanship.

Section 5. Safety.
Juniors with varying degrees of experience and dogs with great differences in size, temperament and training need safe ring conditions. Judges must make every effort to ensure the safety of the Juniors and their dogs during competition. Judges should arrange or rearrange competitors in order of gaiting speed or size of dog to avoid crowding and instruct Juniors to leave adequate space between themselves and the Junior in front of or behind them. Moving two dogs together (side by side) is discouraged as is any pattern which places any dog in close proximity to other dogs when lead control is at a minimum, e.g., on a loose lead, etc. In large classes judges should admit only as many Juniors into the ring as can be safely examined. Never hesitate to divide any class for any reason where the safety of the individuals or the dogs is involved. Likewise, do not hesitate to excuse from the ring any dog which is out of control, lame or which is otherwise ineligible to compete. Any dog showing signs of menacing or threatening behavior should be excused immediately. Any dog that attacks any individual in the ring shall be disqualified in accordance with Chapter 11, Section 8A, of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows. In the case of a disqualification the judge must inform the Junior that the dog is not eligible to be exhibited again at any A.K.C. event, and complete the necessary form for Disqualifying a dog for attacking. Advise the Junior to speak with the A.K.C. Field Representative about the reinstatement policy.

Section 6. Judging Routine.
The actual routine of judging is to be consistent with the procedures utilized when judging conformation. The number of Juniors, size of the ring, ring conditions, weather and time of day will influence the actual procedures used. Judges will strive to evaluate competitors in an appropriate and consistent manner. It is essential that only the gaiting patterns and procedures used in regular dog show classes be used.

It is the responsibility of the judge to be aware of the appropriate presentation for all breeds, which is to include knowledge of which breeds are normally examined on a table. Upon request, the Superintendent will provide the list of breeds entered in Junior Showmanship.

It is urged that the judge request each Junior to present their dog individually for examination, allowing the judge to observe the rapport between the junior and the dog while being set up on either the ground or the table. Judges should ask the Junior to show the dog's bite, although with younger Juniors judges should use their discretion. The procedure for completing the examination of the dogs should closely resemble that of breed judging but need only be cursory as the quality of the dog is not being evaluated. Judges should be consistent with every Junior, using the same gaiting patterns, the same procedural requests, and allowing each Junior approximately the same amount of time. Judges may revise the gaiting patterns when making final decisions. A judge should not confuse the ability of a Junior to take directions with the Junior's ability to handle his dog. Some freedom of expression and expertise should be allowed.

Judges should consider how their own movements in the ring might precipitate awkward and unusual handling results. For example, when examining the class as a whole in motion, the judge should be inside the circle; and when examining a class of standing or posed dogs the judge should not move from one side of the line to the other, creating unnecessary movements.

Judges should limit conversation with Juniors during competition to that which is absolutely necessary. However, judges should be prepared to answer Juniors' questions following judging and be able to provide positive comments and constructive criticism. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD QUESTIONS BE USED AS A MEANS OF TESTING A JUNIOR'S KNOWLEDGE. A suggestion: Should the Junior ask for comments following the judging, ask them to return with their dog, time permitting, and review their presentation.

Section 7. Conflicts.
A Junior may have a conflict with their dog in another class. The judge may allow a Junior to enter the ring up until the time they have examined and gaited every dog in the class.

Should a Junior request to be excused to go show in another ring, they are permanently excused and may not return.

Section 8. Judge's Examination and Evaluation.
The judge should examine and evaluate the class of Juniors in four basic areas: proper breed presentation, skill in the individual dog's presentation, knowledge of ring procedures, and appearance and conduct. The general rule in evaluating a handler's capabilities is ECONOMY OF MOTION. Handlers who use exaggerated motions and gestures in any phase of their presentation of the dog should be faulted. In essence, the judge should hardly be aware of the capable handler's presence while completing the dog's examination. In many respects a Junior Showmanship judge's principal consideration should be to find those Juniors who possess a "hand for dogs." Those handlers having this attribute neither over- nor under-handle their dogs. They present their dogs in a quiet, efficient manner. They are able to keep their dog's attention without dramatic or unnatural movements. They are able to gait their dogs in a collected trot, never distracting or interfering with the judge's vision of the dog.

Breed Presentation. While the judge must consider all areas important in evaluating the overall capabilities of Juniors, it is doubly important both that the Junior present his dog in the proper manner for the breed being handled and that the judge be cognizant of the proper presentation for that breed. It is imperative, therefore, that the judge have prior knowledge of the breeds which are to be presented and familiarity with the proper ways of handling those breeds. If the Show Superintendent or Show Secretary does not furnish a list of those breeds in the Judging Program, then the judge should request the list well in advance of the show date. In the individual presentation of the dog the Junior should demonstrate the ability to handle the dog as it is handled in the breed ring, showing the dog to its best advantage in pose and in motion. During all phases of handling the Junior's concentration should be on the dog and not on the judge, but not to the extent that the Junior is unaware of what is taking place in the ring. Remember, you are judging the handler, but time should be spent looking at the dog to gain insight as to how well it is being handled.

Knowledge of Ring Procedure. The judge shall evaluate the ability of the Junior to follow directions, use space wisely, and execute the requested gaiting patterns. Juniors should appear "ring wise,'' be alert to the judging progression and be prepared for changes in the judging routine.

Appearance and Conduct. The judge should be aware of the appearance of both the handler and the dog. The Junior should be suitably dressed for the occasion, wearing clothing that will not hinder or detract from the presentation of the dog. The dog should be groomed and trimmed in the manner associated with the breed for conformation. However, the judge should not evaluate either the dress of the handler or the grooming of the dog, but rather that an effort has been made. Excessive grooming of the dog in the ring to gain the judge's attention is inappropriate and should be faulted accordingly.

The judge shall evaluate the general conduct of Juniors in the ring. Juniors should appear prepared, confident, businesslike and attentive. They should be courteous to both the judge and their fellow exhibitors. Juniors are expected to handle their dogs without distracting the dogs of other competitors, and a Junior who crowds or disturbs other dogs should be faulted. A principle of Junior Showmanship is to afford the opportunity to learn the spirit of competition. Winning is important but is secondary to development of sportsmanship in competition. Judges who reward unsportsmanlike conduct or actions, regardless of a handler's other capabilities, compromise the very premise of Junior Showmanship.

Juniors should be alert to the needs of their dogs, realizing that the welfare of their dogs is important. Juniors are responsible for the control of their dogs at all times. However, Juniors who exhibit impatience or heavy-handedness with their dogs should be penalized.

Section 9. The Judges Book.
After the final placings have been made in each class, judges must mark their books indicating their placements. After all classes have been judged and all placements marked, including absentees and excusals, the book must be signed and returned to the Superintendent or Show Secretary. The judge has the sole responsibility for his book, for its correctness and for its safekeeping. He should take proper care in the recording of armband numbers of his winners, seeing they are in the right place and clearly legible. The safekeeping of the book should be entrusted to no one except him/herself.

Junior Showmanship Regulations - A Guide to Performance Events Competition for Juniors

Section 1. Eligibility as a Junior.
Any Junior up to the age of 18 is eligible to compete as a Junior in Performance Events. The Junior must obtain a Junior Number. The ownership requirements are the same as for participating in Conformation Junior Showmanship: the dog must be owned by the Junior Handler or the Junior Handler's father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, or grandmother, including corresponding step and half relations, or by a member of the Junior Handler's household.

Section 2. Classes.
The Junior will enter the dog in the class in which it would normally compete for the event. In each of these events the dogs are scored individually on their performance. A Junior will not receive credit for any qualifying scores in a class in which the dog has already successfully completed a title, with the exception of the Retriever Hunting Tests.

Section 3. Records.
The dog's score in these events will be linked to the Junior Handler's number through the use of the Junior Certification Form. This form can be obtained from the Show Secretary, Superintendent or Field Representative, or by contacting the American Kennel Club. (See the end of this section for a sample.) It is the responsibility of the Junior to have the Junior Certification Form filled out and signed by the judge on the day of the event for any qualifying score. The judge will retain one copy to be mailed in with his/her judge's book to the American Kennel Club while returning the other to the Junior.

Section 4. Awards.
The American Kennel Club will acknowledge any Junior who successfully completes a title. The Junior must have been the handler of record for all qualifying scores leading to the title in that event. All qualifying scores and titles must have been completed after January 1, 1999.

Since the Junior Recognition Program began in January 1999, recognizing Juniors who obtain titles on dogs in the Companion and Performance Events, dozens of certificates have been issued to Juniors.

The majority of certificates have been issued for dogs with titles in Obedience and Agility. However, we have many Juniors participating and working towards titles in all of the events, including Hunt Tests and Field Trials, Earthdog, Lure Coursing and Herding.

The biggest shortfall we have encountered is that the completed Junior Handler certification forms are not being received in the A.K.C. Event Records department and therefore, the dogs' records are not being updated to indicate that a Junior handled the dog. Many juniors who have met the criteria to receive a certificate have not because of lost/misplaced paperwork. The A.K.C. Event Record and Judges Education Departments now have the ability to update a dog's record to include the junior handler's number, even after the event has been closed out.

We strongly urge Juniors to keep records of their wins, titles, legs, etc., and to maintain their copy of the Junior Handler Certification forms. In the event that the original yellow form is not received by the A.K.C., we will accept a copy of the Junior's copy.

Title certificates for dogs are processed by the A.K.C.'s computer system. Junior Recognition certificates are processed manually, and therefore, will be issued after the dog's certificate has been issued. If you come across a Junior who has not received their certificate, please have them call us at (919) 816-3776. We will be happy to review the Junior's record and the dog's record to determine which forms are missing. Junior Handler Numbers can also be assigned immediately over the phone (during business hours) at the above phone number. Copies of missing or late Junior Handler Certification forms can be mailed to:

A.K.C.
Event Operations
Attn: Juniors
5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
phone: (919) 816-3776
e-mail: juniors@akc.org

Supplies of blank Junior Handler Certification forms can also be obtained from the above address or phone number.

The American Kennel Club is proud to offer a Junior Showmanship Scholarship Program. The criteria for awarding the scholarships includes the following:

1) applicant's need;

2) applicant's academic achievement; and

3) applicant's involvement in the fancy.

Each applicant is required to submit current school transcripts, as well as an essay including a description of his or her experiences and interests in purebred dogs, including an explanation of how the individual perceives his or her future role in the fancy. This essay is an opportunity for you to explore the influence that purebred dogs have had in your life to date and /or where it may lead you in the future.

Preamble-- The Shetland Sheepdog, like the Collie, traces to the Border Collie of Scotland, which, transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, was reduced to miniature proportions. Subsequently crosses were made from time to time with Collies. This breed now bears the same relationship in size and general appearance to the Rough Collie as the Shetland Pony does to some of the larger breeds of horses. Although the resemblance between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Rough Collie is marked, there are differences which may be noted. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog. He must be sound, agile and sturdy. The outline should be so symmetrical that no part appears out of proportion to the whole. Dogs should appear masculine; bitches feminine.

Size, Proportion, Substance - The Shetland Sheepdog should stand between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. Note: Height is determined by a line perpendicular to the ground from the top of the shoulder blades, the dog standing naturally, with forelegs parallel to line of measurement.

Disqualifications-- Heights below or above the desired size range are to be disqualified from the show ring.

In overall appearance, the body should appear moderately long as measured from shoulder joint to ischium (rearmost extremity of the pelvic bone), but much of this length is actually due to the proper angulation and breadth of the shoulder and hindquarter, as the back itself should be comparatively short.

Head - The head should be refined and its shape, when viewed from top or side, should be a long, blunt wedge tapering slightly from ears to nose.

Expression-- Contours and chiseling of the head, the shape, set and use of ears, the placement, shape and color of the eyes combine to produce expression. Normally the expression should be alert, gentle, intelligent and questioning. Toward strangers the eyes should show watchfulness and reserve, but no fear.

Eyes medium size with dark, almond-shaped rims, set somewhat obliquely in skull. Color must be dark, with blue or merle eyes permissible in blue merles only. Faults-- Light, round, large or too small. Prominent haws. Ears small and flexible, placed high, carried three-fourths erect, with tips breaking forward. When in repose the ears fold lengthwise and are thrown back into the frill. Faults-- Set too low. Hound, prick, bat, twisted ears. Leather too thick or too thin.

Skull and Muzzle - Top of skull should be flat, showing no prominence at nuchal crest (the top of the occiput). Cheeks should be flat and should merge smoothly into a well-rounded muzzle. Skull and muzzle should be of equal length, balance point being inner corner of eye. In profile the top line of skull should parallel the top line of muzzle, but on a higher plane due to the presence of a slight but definite stop. Jaws clean and powerful. The deep, well-developed underjaw, rounded at chin, should extend to base of nostril. Nose must be black. Lips tight. Upper and lower lips must meet and fit smoothly together all the way around. Teeth level and evenly spaced. Scissors bite.

Faults-- Two-angled head. Too prominent stop, or no stop. Overfill below, between, or above eyes. Prominent nuchal crest. Domed skull. Prominent cheekbones. Snipy muzzle. Short, receding, or shallow underjaw, lacking breadth and depth. Overshot or undershot, missing or crooked teeth. Teeth visible when mouth is closed.

Neck, Topline, Body - Neck should be muscular, arched, and of sufficient length to carry the head proudly. Faults-- Too short and thick.

Back should be level and strongly muscled. Chest should be deep, the brisket reaching to point of elbow. The ribs should be well sprung, but flattened at their lower half to allow free play of the foreleg and shoulder. Abdomen moderately tucked up. Faults-- Back too long, too short, swayed or roached. Barrel ribs. Slab-side. Chest narrow and/or too shallow. There should be a slight arch at the loins, and the croup should slope gradually to the rear. The hipbone (pelvis) should be set at a 30-degree angle to the spine. Faults-- Croup higher than withers. Croup too straight or too steep.

The tail should be sufficiently long so that when it is laid along the back edge of the hind legs the last vertebra will reach the hock joint. Carriage of tail at rest is straight down or in a slight upward curve. When the dog is alert the tail is normally lifted, but it should not be curved forward over the back. Faults-- Too short. Twisted at end.

Forequarters - From the withers, the shoulder blades should slope at a 45-degree angle forward and downward to the shoulder joints. At the withers they are separated only by the vertebra, but they must slope outward sufficiently to accommodate the desired spring of rib. The upper arm should join the shoulder blade at as nearly as possible a right angle. Elbow joint should be equidistant from the ground and from the withers. Forelegs straight viewed from all angles, muscular and clean, and of strong bone. Pasterns very strong, sinewy and flexible. Dewclaws may be removed. Faults-- Insufficient angulation between shoulder and upper arm. Upper arm too short. Lack of outward slope of shoulders. Loose shoulders. Turning in or out of elbows. Crooked legs. Light bone.

Feet should be oval and compact with the toes well arched and fitting tightly together. Pads deep and tough, nails hard and strong. Faults-- Feet turning in or out. Splay feet. Hare feet. Cat feet.

Hindquarters - The thigh should be broad and muscular. The thighbone should be set into the pelvis at a right angle corresponding to the angle of the shoulder blade and upper arm. Stifle bones join the thighbone and should be distinctly angled at the stifle joint. The overall length of the stifle should at least equal the length of the thighbone, and preferably should slightly exceed it. Hock joint should be clean-cut, angular, sinewy, with good bone and strong ligamentation. The hock (metatarsus) should be short and straight viewed from all angles. Dewclaws should be removed. Faults-- Narrow thighs. Cow-hocks. Hocks turning out. Poorly defined hock joint.

Feet as in forequarters.

Coat - The coat should be double, the outer coat consisting of long, straight, harsh hair; the undercoat short, furry, and so dense as to give the entire coat its "standoff" quality. The hair on face, tips of ears and feet should be smooth. Mane and frill should be abundant, and particularly impressive in males. The forelegs well feathered, the hind legs heavily so, but smooth below the hock joint. Hair on tail profuse. Note: Excess-hair on ears, feet, and on hocks may be trimmed for the show ring. Faults-- Coat short or flat, in whole or in part; wavy, curly, soft or silky. Lack of undercoat. Smooth-coated specimens.

Color - Black, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany); marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan. Faults-- Rustiness in a black or a blue coat. Washed-out or degenerate colors, such as pale sable and faded blue. Self-color in the case of blue merle, that is, without any merling or mottling and generally appearing as a faded or dilute tri-color. Conspicuous white body spots. Specimens with more than 50 percent white shall be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate them from competition. Disqualification-- Brindle.

Gait - The trotting gait of the Shetland Sheepdog should denote effortless speed and smoothness. There should be no jerkiness, nor stiff, stilted, up-and-down movement. The drive should be from the rear, true and straight, dependent upon correct angulation, musculation, and ligamentation of the entire hindquarter, thus allowing the dog to reach well under his body with his hind foot and propel himself forward. Reach of stride of the foreleg is dependent upon correct angulation, musculation and ligamentation of the forequarters, together with correct width of chest and construction of rib cage. The foot should be lifted only enough to clear the ground as the leg swings forward. Viewed from the front, both forelegs and hindlegs should move forward almost perpendicular to ground at the walk, slanting a little inward at a slow trot, until at a swift trot the feet are brought so far inward toward center line of body that the tracks left show two parallel lines of footprints actually touching a center line at their inner edges. There should be no crossing of the feet nor throwing of the weight from side to side.

Faults-- Stiff, short steps, with a choppy, jerky movement. Mincing steps, with a hopping up and down, or a balancing of weight from side to side (often erroneously admired as a "dancing gait" but permissible in young puppies). Lifting of front feet in hackney-like action, resulting in loss of speed and energy. Pacing gait.

Temperament - The Shetland Sheepdog is intensely loyal, affectionate, and responsive to his owner. However, he may be reserved toward strangers but not to the point of showing fear or cringing in the ring. Faults-- Shyness, timidity, or nervousness. Stubbornness, snappiness, or ill temper.

General Appearance
Symmetry	10
Temperament	10
Coat	5	25
Head
Skull and stop	5
Muzzle	5
Eyes, ears and expression	10	20
Body
Neck and back	5
Chest, ribs and brisket	10
Loin, croup and tail	5	20
Forequarters
Shoulder	10
Forelegs and feet	5	15
Hindquarters
Hip, thigh and stifle	10
Hocks and feet	5	15
Gait
Gait--smoothness and lack of wasted motion when trotting	5	5
Total		100

2006 APPLICATION FOR SPONSORSHIP TO ATTEND EITHER WESTMINSTER OR AKC EUKANUBA INVITATIONAL

1. The A.S.S.A. will provide three (3) $500 sponsorships to the top ranked Open handlers (Junior, Intermediate, or Senior) - one from each of the three A.S.S.A. geographic zones (East, Central, and West) based on the junior showmanship statistics compiled for the Junior News and Views website (http://www.jrnewsandviews.com/herdingstats.htm#SHTLND) as of October 11, 2005 for Eukanuba and as of December 1, 2005 for Westminster.

In the event the first ranked junior in a zone does not qualify for Westminster or AKC Eukanuba Invitational entry (qualifications for each show appear below), the second ranked junior in that region will be sponsored if he/she qualified for Westminster or Eukanuba. Only the top two ranked Open handlers in each geographic region will be considered. If none of these six individuals is qualified for Westminster or Eukanuba entry, no sponsorship will be awarded.

4. The statistics ranking and Westminster or Eukanuba qualifications must be earned showing a sheltie

6. Sponsored juniors must present a report of the Westminster or Eukanuba experience to the A.S.S.A., either in the A.S.S.A. Bulletin Board’s next issue or at the A.S.S.A. annual meeting that spring

7. In the event the junior is unable to compete at Westminster or Eukanuba, he/she must return the $500 to the A.S.S.A. treasurer within ten days of the Westminster or Eukanuba show

8. The juniors parent or guardian must also sign this form accepting the money and conditions and agree to return the $500 if the junior does not compete or does not compete with a sheltie

9. Note that juniors are only eligible to win a sponsorship from each class division (i.e. you can be sponsored once as an open junior, once as an open intermediate, and once as an open senior)

Making a career choice that you will be happy with is not easy. There are many things to consider before you can really make the right choice for yourself.

Of course there are practical matters, such as educational requirements, that should influence the decision you make.

However, choosing a career that will allow you to do something you enjoy is very important.

Do you have a love for dogs? If so, there are many choices available to you that will allow you to combine a career with the love you feel for these wonderful animals!

As you read through this information, please remember the following:

We wish you the best in your search for a rewarding and satisfying career!

Professions in the Sport of Purebred Dogs

Handler

To understand what a handler does, you should understand what a dog show is and how it works. The sport of conformation, or dog showing, is a competition to determine which dog conforms the best to its breed standard. A breed standard is a written set of requirements that describe how a dog of that breed should look and behave. Only registered purebred dogs are allowed to compete in dog shows. Purebred dogs are dogs whose parents and ancestors are of the same breed.

Dogs from the same breed compete against each other to become Best of Breed, which is the dog that best meets the requirements of its breed standard on that day of competition. Some dog shows stop here. These are called specialty dog shows. All-breed and group dog shows go further. Dogs that win Best of Breed go on to compete for Best in Group. The American Kennel Club divides the more than 150 breeds it registers into seven groups. The seven winners of Best in Group then go on to compete for Best in Show.

At dog shows, the competition takes place in show rings. The show ring is the physical space where the dogs are shown and judged. A handler accompanies a dog into the ring and shows the dog to the judge by standing the dog for examination and moving around the ring with the dog. It may seem simple, but a handler's job is not as easy as it seems! The skill of handling a dog to show off its best qualities, while at same time not getting in the way of the judge's ability to observe the dog, is one that requires years to master. Professional handling can be a full-time job.

Professional handlers are paid to handle other people's dogs at shows. One of the most popular reasons to hire a professional handler is to help a dog receive the title of Champion. To become a Champion, a dog needs a certain number of points. Dogs receive points based on how well they do during the competition with other dogs of their same sex. This requires several trips to different dog shows. Once a dog receives its championship, the owner can "campaign," or compete with, the dog to accumulate more Bests of Breed, group wins and Bests in Show. All this requires time and travel, so many owners are happy to hire a professional handler to accomplish these things for them. Negotiating contracts between owners and the handler, filling out the necessary forms to participate in dog shows, and coordinating a travel schedule are also part of a handler's job.

In addition to showing, handlers spend their time preparing dogs for shows, which involves grooming and conditioning, with some training. Most professional handlers have assistants that do much of this preparation work. In fact, if becoming a professional handler interests you, consider becoming a handler's assistant. This is an excellent way to start acquiring the necessary hands-on experience and knowledge required of a professional handler. A.K.C. Junior Showmanship is another way of getting hands-on experience. To participate, you must be between 10 and 18 years of age. In A.K.C. Junior Showmanship, the handler is judged on how well the dog is handled in the show ring, not on the show quality of the dog.

Professional handlers usually charge their clients a per-dog per-show fee and travel expenses, with an additional fee to keep dogs in their kennel when they are not being shown. If the handler acts as an agent, negotiating potential breedings and related matters, he or she may also collect an additional fee. Even though the income potential may seem high, the expenses are substantial. Only after you have paid for travel expenses, maintaining your kennel, and salaries for your assistants, will you be able to draw your own salary.

To be happy as a professional handler, you will need a strong love for the sport of purebred dogs. You will also need to enjoy frequent travel. Strong interpersonal skills are a must, since you will deal with many different people, especially clients. You may not have much free time, but many of your social contacts in the dog show world have the potential to become good friends.

Judge

A judge at a dog show decides how well the dogs in the show ring match their breed standard. Even though the job of a judge may be simple to understand, judging dogs is no simple task. As with becoming a professional handler, becoming a dog show judge takes years of experience and in-depth knowledge of purebred dogs. Some dogs that enter the show ring may not be good specimens of the breed. However, most dogs that enter the show ring are good specimens, and it takes a very trained eye to notice all the details that make one dog better than the others.

If your goal is to judge, you will need to start learning as much as you can about purebred dogs. Often people start out with one or two breeds they are interested in. They own a dog or two of their favorite breed, and they learn all about the breed. They may enter the dog in shows and maybe even act as the dog's handler.

Some people may volunteer to become ring stewards. Ring stewards help the judge in the show ring with organizing the paperwork and ribbons. After acquiring lots of experience with the breed, perhaps they may ask to judge at their local kennel club's match show. A match show is like a dog show, except no points are given. It is held just for fun and experience. Once you are knowledgeable about your breed, you can consider applying to the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) to approve you as a judge for your breed. As you learn about other breeds, you can apply to the A.K.C. for approval to judge additional breeds.

Making a living as a dog show judge is not really an immediate possibility for most people. As you slowly demonstrate your judging ability, more assignments may be given to you. Most people have another job for many years before they try to make a living from judging.

To give you a better idea of the experience you need before applying to become a new breed judge, here are some of the prerequisites: at least 10 years of involvement in the sport; breeding and raising at least four litters of one breed; and producing at least two breed champions from those litters.

What you can do now is go to dog shows. Compete in A.K.C. Junior Showmanship. Join a local kennel club. Talk to breeders and consider getting a dog of your favorite breed. Learn as much as you can, and judging might be in your future!

Show Superintendent

Show superintendents perform the detail work involved in dog shows. Show superintendents are companies, even though some of the individuals are referred to as show superintendents, too. As the number of dog shows increases every year, so does the need for show superintendents.

Office staff and field staff divide the work of the show superintendent. The field staff are sometimes responsible for setting up and tearing down the ring equipment, which includes the partitions that form the rings, tables and chairs, as well as the boxes of materials prepared by the office staff. The office staff are responsible for producing the premium list and catalogs, as well as supplying the ribbons and trophies. Office staff also receive the entry fees that exhibitors send with their entry blanks from the premium list. The premium list is a booklet that includes the names of judges attending the show and the trophies offered, with a few entry blanks. The catalog includes information on the individual dogs entered, including the sire and dam (father and mother), date of birth, and registration number. The names of the breeders and owners of the dogs are also listed.

The local kennel club contracts the show superintendent about a year in advance of the show. Show superintendents usually receive a standard fee plus an additional amount based on the number of dogs entered.

The best way to learn this business is to work for an established show superintendent. Only after several years of experience can you start your own business.

Professional Field Trialers

Professional field trialers train and handle dogs for field trials. Field trials offer practical demonstrations of a dog's ability to perform in the field the functions for which it was bred. Field events are open to pointing breeds, retrievers, spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds. Events vary according to breeds and the specific functions they were bred to perform, but in each case, dogs compete against each other for placements and points toward their championships.

To succeed at this profession, field trialers must know how to train dogs to compete. Getting started as a field trialer requires working for an established trainer and learning the skills proficiently. Professional field trialers keep dogs for years in order to train them. The salary depends on how successful a field trialer is, which is largely determined by the success of the dogs in events. Some of the most successful field trialers who train and handle 20 to 30 dogs at a time, can earn a healthy income.

A.K.C. Staff

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) is the principal purebred dog registry in the United States. It is also the leading regulatory agency for dog shows and performance events. The A.K.C. has more than 500 employees.

To fulfill the A.K.C.'s responsibility to oversee the sport of purebred dogs, the executive field staff attend dog shows and performance events, serving in many different roles. An extensive background in purebred dogs is a must for the executive field staff.

The A.K.C. GAZETTE, published monthly, has a staff of editors, as well as an art and design department. Other A.K.C. jobs are as diverse as customer service, finance and accounting, and computer software development.

Other A.K.C. departments include advertising, public relations, public education, canine legislation, and a library. There are many career opportunities available.

Service Professions

Groomer

Groomers are the barbers and beauticians of the dog world. Bathing, brushing, combing, trimming and styling a dog's coat are only some of the responsibilities of a groomer. Cleaning ears and cutting nails, as well as cleaning teeth and getting rid of fleas, are also part of a groomer's job. Several breeds have unique requirements that groomers must also learn.

Many groomer's clients are members of the dog show fancy, meaning people who are actively involved in the sport of purebred dogs. Groomers are an important part of the process in getting dogs ready for the show ring.

Grooming show dogs requires special bathing, clipping and brushing techniques. Pet dogs, which are also part of a groomer's clientele, usually do not require the same level of attention as show dogs.

Many groomers learn on their own. Some start as groomer's assistants and learn by observing the groomer. Nevertheless, the best place to learn is probably at a grooming school, especially if your experience with dogs is limited. The courses do not usually last more than a few weeks, financial aid is often available and most of the time the schools will help you find a job after you successfully complete the coursework.

Grooming has the potential of generating a comfortable income. There is plenty of flexibility in this career. You can work out of your own home and set your own hours. You can work part-time or full-time. You can also choose to work at a grooming shop, or open up your own shop. Some animal hospitals and pet supply stores offer grooming services.

To be happy as a groomer, you must be willing to deal with the occasional difficult dog and client. You also must be willing to invest the time it takes to build a solid base of clients. If you enjoy working with dogs hands-on, grooming can be a rewarding profession.

Trainer

Dog obedience trainers teach dogs how to respond to commands. They also teach dog owners how to train their own dogs. As long as people continue to own and enjoy dogs, there will always be a need for dog obedience trainers. Dog owners who give their dogs at least the most basic obedience training are much happier with their pet dogs. The neighbors and the community are better off, and the dogs are happier, too!

There are many opportunities available for dog trainers, including basic and advanced obedience training; training dogs to work with the blind, deaf and disabled; training dogs to search for lost people, drugs and bombs; and training dogs to work in movies, television and theater. However, all of these opportunities start with the basics.

Some trainers are lucky enough to learn directly from other established and well-known trainers. Some trainers learn by going to a school for dog obedience trainers. Regardless of the method, to become a competent and successful dog obedience trainer requires hard work, years of experience and a strong love of working hands-on with dogs almost every day.

There are some trainers who make a living just from teaching individual dogs the basics, but most trainers make a living teaching owners. Trainers of dogs that compete in field events are a notable exception. Field events test how well certain breeds help their owners hunt. This kind of training is very specialized, so many owners choose to hire a professional.

Once a dog obedience trainer is proficient in teaching the basics and advanced training, such as giving hand signals instead of voice commands, the trainer may consider specializing in one or more of the kinds of training mentioned above. These specializations take even more time to learn and master, but there is a demand for them.

Animal Behaviorist

Animal behaviorists are to dogs what therapists and psychologists are to humans. They analyze behavior problems in pets and recommend solutions to their owners. As the number of pets and pet owners continues to increase, the demand for animal behaviorists will grow, too. The ability to make a living in this field is limited to those people who have extensive knowledge and experience.

This is a relatively new field, and there are still only a small number of practitioners. A solid academic background in animal behavior and extensive experience in dealing with a variety of animals in hands-on situations are necessities. Even if you specialize in only one or two animals, such as dogs and cats, acquiring the amount of knowledge and experience necessary to be competent will take years.

Dog Sitter

Much like a baby sitter, a dog sitter takes care of a dog in the dog's home while its owner is away. In addition to making sure the dog has food and water, dog sitters are sometimes asked to take care of miscellaneous things such as picking up the mail, feeding the fish or watering the plants.

Reliability and trustworthiness are essential to being a dog sitter. Basic dog knowledge is helpful as well.

Fees are usually based on a per-visit/time-spent basis with additional fees for taking care of any miscellaneous duties. Even though many dog sitters only work part-time, there are opportunities to work full-time, especially in urban areas. Some people have started their own full-time dog sitting agencies, with several part-time employees. Dog sitting is a growing field.

Dog Walker

Dog walkers do just what their name implies -- they walk other people's dogs. In many urban areas, it is not uncommon to see a dog walker with three or four dogs going to the local park during the middle of the day. Dog walkers are less common in rural areas, but suburban areas also seem to be developing a need for them.

As with dog sitting, reliability and trustworthiness are essential for dog walking. Patience in handling several dogs at once, a willingness to be outside in all kinds of weather and a love for dogs are important.

Fees are usually based on a flat hourly rate. Again, as with dog sitters, many dog walkers only work part- time. However, there are definitely opportunities to own a dog-walking business with part-time employees.

Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels for dogs are like hotels for humans. Dog owners temporarily place their dogs in boarding kennels when, for whatever reason, they must be away from home.

Some of the job opportunities that are available by working in a boarding kennel include owner, manager and assistant. Owning your own boarding kennel and having someone else manage it may be the most ideal situation, but to start out, assisting or managing a kennel is more likely.

Since operating a kennel requires many different tasks to be completed on any given day, kennels always need assistants. Some of the tasks that kennel assistants perform are cleaning and disinfecting runs and crates, as well as giving the dogs food and water. Occasionally assistants bathe and medicate dogs, too. Additional tasks include providing dogs with exercise, playtime and love.

Kennel managers run the overall day-to-day operations. These include dealing with clients personally, receiving and releasing dogs from the kennel, ordering food and supplies, overseeing maintenance of the facilities and supervising the assistants.

Fees are charged per-dog per-day with other fees charged for additional services. Even though owning and operating a kennel may provide enough income to make a living, many kennel owners do provide additional services to supplement their income. These additional services can make the difference between just getting by and making a comfortable living. Some of the additional services include professional grooming, extending boarding services to cats and other animals, and providing transportation for dogs to and from their homes to the veterinarian, airport and other locations. Kennel managers and assistants are usually expected to perform these additional services, too.

Retail Professions

Dog Food and Pet Accessories

Dog food companies and companies that make pet accessories are closely linked to the dog world. As with any other large corporation, they offer many different career opportunities.

Typical jobs range from clerical to management to sales. Many of these companies also have special jobs for those people who want more involvement with the dog world. Some have representatives who travel to dog shows across the country. Many companies sponsor dog-related events and programs, allowing regular and direct contact with the world of dogs. Salaries at many of these companies are competitive.

Novelty Items

Creating and selling dog-related novelty items can be a fun and profitable way to make a living. However, it may take some time and hard work to invent a unique product that people will want to buy. Some common novelty items include dog figurines, jewelry, toys and T-shirts.

Many dog-related novelty items are sold at dog shows and in dog supply catalogs. Both provide access to the people who are most likely to be interested in your product. At dog shows, vendors of novelty items rent booth space from the local dog club. As dog show spectators and exhibitors walk around, they wander past the vendors and almost always purchase something. If your dog-related novelty item is a success, consider renting booths at shows nationwide. Many of the same people you find at dog shows also receive dog supply catalogs. Catalogs are advantageous because you can reach more people at once than at a dog show.

How much or how little you make selling these dog-related novelty items is mostly up to you. It depends on the popularity of the product, whether you work part-time or full-time and how well you market your product.

Pet Supply Stores

Pet supply stores offer a wide variety of products for pets and their owners. In addition to pet food, most pet supply stores sell toys, books, pet furniture and other pet-related items. Employment opportunities include owner, manager and support staff.

As with any small business, owning a pet supply store requires specific management skills. As owner, you would be making business decisions that must enhance your store's income potential. To acquire these skills, consider taking a course on how to run a small business. Many local community colleges offer such courses.

Managing a pet supply store involves running the day-to-day operations. Some of the responsibilities include ordering merchandise and other supplies, bookkeeping, paying bills and delegating work to support staff. As a member of the support staff, some of your responsibilities would include stocking shelves, installing and maintaining displays, helping customers choose what products to buy, working the cash register and general cleanup.

Many pet supply stores offer additional services, such as professional grooming, to supplement their income. Some pet supply stores also work together with local animal shelters and dog clubs to educate the public about responsible pet ownership. These events are not only good for the community, but are also good for business by enhancing the pet supply store's status and introducing its services to potential customers. As a manager or member of the support staff, you would also be involved with these additional services.

Salaries are sometimes modest, but enough to make a living. If you enjoy working with people and want to learn more about animals, especially dogs, you may want to consider working at a pet supply store.

Health Care Professions

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are the first people who probably come to mind when anyone thinks about a career with dogs or other animals. The job of a veterinarian is similar to that of a human physician, except that veterinarians work on animals. Some people might argue that veterinarians actually have a harder job than human physicians. While human physicians only have to know the human body, veterinarians have to know about many different kinds of animals, not just one. Also, animals cannot tell you their problems, which makes accurate diagnosis hard.

Just as there are many kinds of physicians for humans, there are many different kinds of veterinarians. Some examples of veterinary specializations include such diverse disciplines as dentistry, chiropractic, dermatology, pharmacology and ophthalmology. A veterinarian may choose to specialize in general animal care, although he or she usually specializes in either large or small animals. Large animals include farm animals and horses. Small animals include dogs, cats and other common pets.

To become a veterinarian requires dedication, education and expertise. Starting in high school, you will need an interest and a very strong background in math and science. Potential veterinary students must complete four years of undergraduate school. Pre-veterinary studies include math and science, with a large emphasis on biology and chemistry, as the major components.

After you have successfully completed your pre-veterinary studies you will be ready to go to veterinary school. It takes four years of full-time study at an accredited veterinary school to receive a DVM degree, which stands for doctor of veterinary medicine. After receiving their DVM degree, veterinary school graduates must pass a licensing exam before they can work as veterinarians.

Once veterinary school graduates pass their licensing exam, they are ready to start their new careers as veterinarians. Usually these new veterinarians are not able to afford the costs involved in establishing their own practice or clinic. Some of the many start-up costs include purchasing or leasing space and equipment, as well as acquiring the necessary office and medical supplies. A common situation for a recent veterinary school graduate would be going to work at an established veterinary hospital for several years, and then perhaps becoming an equal partner with the other veterinarians who own the hospital or setting up a clinic of his or her own.

A typical day for a veterinarian who specializes in small animals might include checking on a dog or a cat that was just neutered the day before, performing surgery on a dog to remove a tumor, seeing clients, ordering blood tests, administering vaccinations, diagnosing illnesses and handling emergencies.

Veterinarians, almost without exception, make a comfortable living. It's important to keep in mind that even though their income has the potential to be lucrative, veterinarians have numerous costly expenses to maintain their practices. These expenses include insurance premiums and salaries for veterinary technicians and assistants.

A strong love for animals is necessary to be happy as a veterinarian. There are moments of satisfaction, such as when you are able to help an animal recover from an illness. There are also moments of frustration, such as when you have done all that you can, but you have no other choice than to euthanize the animal. Overall, the rewards can far outweigh other considerations, as long as you are willing to make the required commitments of time, energy and money to become a veterinarian.

Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Veterinary technicians and assistants share many of the same responsibilities. Since these two jobs are similar, sometimes the term "veterinary assistant" is used to describe both positions. However, veterinary technicians have additional training. Without the important help that veterinary technicians and assistants provide, veterinarians would have an almost impossible job.

A veterinary assistant's job is to assist the veterinarian with miscellaneous tasks. These may include caring for animals staying at the hospital or clinic overnight, helping clients, general clean-up of the facilities and clerical work.

If the veterinary hospital or clinic is large, veterinary assistants may only specialize in one or two things. If the veterinary hospital or clinic is small, veterinary assistants are often expected to perform a variety of tasks all by themselves. Most of these tasks are usually learned on the job.

Veterinary technicians are responsible for many of the same tasks as veterinary assistants. Additional responsibilities include operating laboratory and surgical equipment. Many of the technical skills required of a veterinary technician can be learned on the job working as a veterinary assistant. However, many schools now offer classes to become a certified veterinary technician.

Both jobs require a love of animals and an interest in veterinary medicine. Veterinary technicians and assistants must also be able to work in an office environment and deal with both pleasant and not-so-pleasant pets and their owners. Salaries vary, but usually range from modest to competitive.

Veterinary Science and Research

Veterinary science and research is a large field that offers several career opportunities. Some of the people involved in veterinary science and research have an occupation directly related to veterinary medicine, such as veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Many others, such as corporate executives, fund-raisers and clerical workers, do not. However, all these people are working toward the same goal.

In general, veterinary science and research is dedicated to improving the health and lives of animals. Many different kinds of companies support and sponsor studies to develop new methods of treating and preventing illness. Some examples are pharmaceutical companies, dog food companies and universities. Other funding sources include private donors, government agencies and charitable organizations, such as the A.K.C. Canine Health Foundation.

As mentioned above, this field offers career opportunities to people with many different kinds of skills and backgrounds.

If your skills include administration and office support, perhaps you should consider a clerical or management position in a department at a pharmaceutical company involved in finding a cure to a genetic disease in your favorite breed.

If your skills include math and science, perhaps you should consider becoming a veterinary technician at a university conducting research on improving life expectancy for older dogs. The list of possibilities goes on and on.

Salaries in this field vary significantly, as do the kinds of jobs.

Regardless, there should be plenty of opportunities to find a career in veterinary science and research that will allow you to earn a sufficient income.

Law Enforcement Professions

Animal Control Officer/Humane Officer

Animal control officers work for animal control agencies. These agencies are either contracted or created by cities and towns to enforce animal control laws. Some examples are pet-licensing laws that require dog owners to obtain a license from the municipality and an identification tag for their dog, as well as leash laws that require dog owners to walk their dogs on a leash in public. Animal control agencies and officers may also pick up lost/stray animals and catch dangerous ones.

In addition to enforcement of laws, animal control agencies and officers try to find good homes for the stray dogs and cats they pick up. They also try to find the owners of lost animals. Investigating allegations of animal cruelty is yet another function they perform.

Humane officers work for privately funded humane organizations educating the public about responsible pet ownership. A municipality will often contract a humane organization to act as its animal control agency. In this case, the humane officers assume the role of animal control officers. If the local city or town creates its own animal control agency, the humane officers will often work closely with the animal control officers to achieve their mutual goals.

Salaries for these positions are comparable to those for police officers. To be successful in this field, you have to be able to work hands-on with people and animals. Animal control officers and humane officers provide an important and often forgotten service to the community.

Animal Shelter Staff

Animal shelter staff is often comprised of a large number of volunteers. These volunteers help with the more basic and time-consuming tasks, such as exercising the animals, cleaning their holding areas and helping people who come to the shelter to adopt a dog or cat.

Volunteers often fill a large number of staff positions at animal shelters because many shelters do not have large budgets, so they need to dedicate the funds they do have to caring for the animals.

Members of the animal shelter staff who do receive a salary are responsible for managing the animal shelter. Some of these salaried employees include managers, clerical workers and accounting/finance positions. However, even some of these positions can be filled by volunteers, sometimes leaving very little room for salaried employees. Availability of these salaried positions depends on the size of the animal shelter, as well as the size of its budget.

Salaries for animal shelter staff are modest, but it is possible to make a living. If you enjoy caring for dogs, this field is worth considering.

Police/Military K-9 Units

Police and military K-9 units use dogs to search for illegal drugs, bombs and explosives, missing persons and people who become trapped after natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Sometimes police K-9 units also use dogs to apprehend criminals attempting to escape arrest. Military K-9 units use dogs during war to help with guard duty and to send and receive important messages.

Members of police and military K-9 units are responsible for the dogs in their care. Both the dog and the police/military handler work together as a team. The handler regularly trains with the assigned dog and gives the dog exercise and companionship. They also practice old commands and learn new commands.

Professional trainers are often responsible for teaching the dogs and handlers, but, after that, the handlers take over daily reinforcement.

Salaries are sometimes slightly higher than what an average police officer or a member of the military would make because of the specialized nature of the work. In addition to first becoming a police officer or a member of the military, you will need special training to work with these kinds of dogs.

Artistic Professions

Writer

Writers have many kinds of opportunities available to them in the dog world. Some outlets for dog writers include magazines, newspapers and books.

There are several general-interest dog magazines across the country that cover a variety of subjects, including how to choose a dog and basic training. Also, there are many dog magazines that target the dog fancy, such as the A.K.C. GAZETTE, and include such topics as how to breed a healthy dog and important news from dog shows. Both kinds of dog magazines are usually open to hiring novice writers, as long as those writers have some dog knowledge.

All kinds of newspapers nationwide, from daily to weekly and big to small, usually have a regular pet column. Even if they do not have a regular pet column, most have feature articles about pets. Here again, novice writers have an excellent opportunity, especially with the smaller newspapers, as long as they have some dog knowledge.

Dog books are numerous and cover a wide variety of subjects. Topics include introductory dog-care information, advanced training techniques and individual breed histories. In addition to nonfiction books, the demand for fiction dog books is growing, especially children's books. With such a large number of areas to cover, there will always be space for ambitious dog writers. Of course, the more detailed the subject matter, the more specific the writer's knowledge of dogs must be.

Another outlet for dog writers are dog food companies and other dog-related retail companies. These companies provide different kinds of brochures and other handouts about their products and on basic dog care.

To be a successful dog writer, you must first become a competent writer. Learning to write well does not just happen. It requires years of practice and begins with learning the basics in school. Once you feel that your writing skills are up to the challenge, you will need to acquire experience. Writing for the school newspaper is a good way to start.

Salaries will range from modest to comfortable. It will all depend on your level of expertise in both writing and dog knowledge, as well as what kind of material you are writing and who will be paying you. Making a living as a writer is not always easy, but it is possible for those who have skill and determination.

Photographer

The number of photographers specializing in animal imagery is growing rapidly. While some focus on wildlife or farm animals, many others focus on family pets. There are even some who focus exclusively on dogs, though that number is small.

Many animal photographers do not start out with the intention of becoming an animal photographer. The art of photography itself is what usually attracts people. Only after they have learned their craft and can make a living do they begin photographing animals exclusively. However, as the field becomes more established, this pattern may change.

You can learn about photography on your own as a hobby, from a friend or by taking classes at a local college or photography studio. Whichever way you choose, it will take time and money to learn the basics. It will take even more time to learn how to photograph dogs and other animals.

If you would like to focus on dog photography, one of the most common places to find work is at a dog show. Many dog clubs hire an official photographer to take pictures of all the winners. You can also meet people that would be interested in your work by renting booth space at the show. Other common outlets for dog photography are dog books and magazines.

Your salary will depend on whether you work part-time or full-time and how well you market yourself. However, quality is most important. Animal photography is an art. If done well, people will pay for it.

Illustrator

Illustrators specializing in animals have much in common with animal photographers. Some focus on wildlife, many others focus on pets such as cats and dogs. Some prefer a very realistic approach, while others specialize in cartoon-like illustrations. Both animal photographers and illustrators share many of the same clients, as well as the same outlets for their work. Additional outlets for animal illustrators include note paper, clothing, calendars and other similar products.

Illustration is an art that must be learned and done well before considering it as a career choice. While there are people that make a living as animal photographers, the market for animal illustrators is smaller. However, many animal illustrators do make a good living. Talent and self-promotion are vital to your success in this field.

· Additional Resources

For more detailed information about specific dog-related careers and jobs, contact these organizations:

Professional Handlers Association
17017 Norbrook Drive
Olney, MD 20832
301-924-0089

National Dog Groomers Association of America
P.O. Box 101
Clark, PA 16113
724-962-2711
www.nationaldoggroomers.com

Animal Behavior Society
Indiana University
2611 East 10th St. 170
Bloomington, IN 47408-2603
812-856-5541
www.animalbehavior.org

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
17000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
856-439-0324
www.petsitters.org

American Boarding Kennels Association
1702 East Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-667-1600
www.abka.com

American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-925-8070
www.avma.org

National Animal Control Association
P.O. Box 480851
Kansas City, MO 64148
www.nacanet.org

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128
212-876-7700
www.aspca.org
Professional Photographers of America
229 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 2200
Atlanta, GA 30303
1-800-786-6277
www.ppa.com

The Graphic Artists Guild
90 John St., Suite 403
New York, NY 10038
1-800-500-2672
www.gag.org

Recommended Reading List

The following books contain more information about dog-related careers and jobs:

*Barber, Kim. Career Success With Pets. New York, NY: Howell Book House, 1996

*Miller, Louise. Careers for Animal Lovers and Other Zoological Types. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1991

*Pavia, Audrey. Careers With Dogs. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 1998

The following books contain general information about purebred dogs:

*American Kennel Club. American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training. New York, NY: Howell Book House, 1991

*American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book, 19th Edition Revised. New York, NY: Howell Book House, 1997

*American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book for Kids. New York, NY: Howell Book House, 1996