The Class of 2013 Rear L-R: Ashlee Clagett, Mallary Ross, Raquel Wright Front L-R: Marianna Gonzales, Abigail Adams

The DPCA Juniors Program was established in 2013, to recognize that our children are the path to the future of the sport of purebred dogs. The primary goal of the program is to encourage, support, and promote Junior handlers to participate in the sport of purebred dogs, to become active in the DPCA and to continue as an integral part of the future of the sport.

Juniors are important to the future of the sport of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more valuable they become to society.

The 2013 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Junior Handler finalists included Karlee Howard with Risiko and Ania Kelly & Gunner. Karlee went on the place third in tough competition. Congratulations ladies! [/caption]

The 2013 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Junior Handler finalists included Karlee Howard with Risiko and Ania Kelly & Gunner. Karlee went on the place third in tough competition. Congratulations ladies!

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 train, groom and present it, Juniors are rewarded with many life lessons. One of the charters of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America is “to otherwise preserve and protect the Doberman Pinscher and to do all things possible to bring its natural qualities to perfection,” and the DPCA Juniors program strives to teach that lesson early.

The highlights of the DPCA Juniors Program are:

DPCA National Specialty:

The DPCA offers a variety of training seminars and activities to our Juniors, at no cost, during National week.

Juniors are offered an opportunity to compete in the Junior Showmanship event at the DPCA National, where a scholarship, framed certificate, DPCA gold-tone medallion, as well as a perpetual Bronze Trophy are offered for Best Junior Handler.

“Class photo” of all Juniors entered in Junior Showmanship at the National for publication on the DPCA Website & “Pipeline”.

Junior Jamboree Party and handling seminar for all Juniors, future Juniors and Pee Wees attending the DPCA National.

Showcase/Exhibition at the DPCA National for the year’s Top 20 Juniors, with personally inscribed rosettes given to the AKC Top 20 Doberman Junior handlers of the year.

Best Junior Handler at the National:

1. Best Junior Handler Scholarship ($500)
2. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America offers the Official Gold Toned Doberman Pinscher Club of America Medallion 2 ½ inch Featuring A Doberman Head on the Obverse & a Full Doberman on the Reverse
3. Foxfire Dobermans offers a Perpetual Trophy, a bronze sculpture of a Doberman & Globe on a base~“Take On The World”~ by Danny Quest. Offered through the Doberman Pinscher Club Of America at its National Specialty only. The winner will receive a commemorative certificate. Each winner will have their named inscribed on base which is donated and created by Heartwood Dobermans

Scholarships or Awards:

1. The DPCA offers a $500 scholarship to the Junior who wins Best Junior Handler at each DPCA National.
1. The DPCA offers either a $500 scholarship OR a $500 Award to any Junior who attends Westminster or the AKC National Championship Show with a Doberman. Click on the “Scholarship or Awards” tab for more information

Pee Wee Class:

The Juniors Program will assist the Public Education Committee in hosting a Pee Wee class at the DPCA National Specialty. The event will follow AKC guidelines, and entries can be made on the day of the class.

Junior Liaison:

A DPCA member is available to answer all inquires and offer advice to juniors and parents who are currently involved, or want to participate, in the sport.

Membership Fee:

The DPCA offers a reduced fee to become a Junior member of the DPCA.