Junior Handling at European Dog Show
Junior Handling at European Dog Show 2026 will be one of the most prestigious competitions of the year. In September, young handlers from across Europe will gather to compete in the art of showing dogs in the best way possible. The winner will be crowned Europe’s Best Junior Handler. Registration is open!
For three days, the event will be filled with joy, skill, and optimism as young people from across Europe showcase their handling abilities in the ring.
Junior Handling is more than a competition – it’s a springboard into the future of the dog world. Among these dedicated young participants you’ll find tomorrow’s breeders, judges, board members and other key roles within the dog community. Don’t miss the chance to watch and cheer on these impressive young talents!
Registration is open!
Do you want to compete in one of Europe’s largest junior handling events on 4–6 September? How exciting! By participating in any of the qualifying rounds, you’ll have the chance to make it all the way to Sunday’s grand final.
Take the opportunity – register now and show us how to handle and cooperate with our four-legged friends in the best possible way.
Registration shall be submitted no later than 21 July 2026.
The entry fee is SEK 320.
Register now for the qualifying competitions
Registration for already qualified finalists
Participants who have qualified directly through European kennel clubs, register separately. An official invitation will be sent directly to each kennel club’s designated contact person for registration to the final.
How the competition is organised
The competitions is open to youth aged 10–18 and takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (4–6 September).
Qualifying Competitions (4–6 September)
- One qualifying competition per day
- Different judges each day
- The judge selects the day’s Top 3
- These three advance to the Sunday final
- Participants who have qualified for the final may not take part in any further qualifying competitions on subsequent days.
Grand final – 6 September
Sunday’s grand final will be held after that day’s qualifying round, and the winner will be crowned Europe’s top junior handler.
The final includes:
- One officially nominated representative from each national kennel club belonging to the FCI European Section.
- Those who qualified through the 4–6 September qualifying competitions
Scheduling of the competitions will be coordinated jointly by Sveriges Hundungdom (the Sweden Canine Youth Organisation) and Svenska Kennelklubben (the Swedish Kennel Club).
Bringing your own dog?
Dogs participating in Junior Handling do not need to be entered in the dog shows but must meet the general requirements applicable to dogs participating at the event.
Welcome to an unforgettable weekend!
Junior handling at the European Dog Show 2026 will be an event filled with passion, joy, and show. We are very much looking forward to celebrating Europe’s future stars of the dog world together with you.
See you in September – when Europe’s top junior handler will be crowned!
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please send us an Email at: handlingeds2026@skk.se