International Junior Handler Final at Crufts
© Auður Sif Sigurgeirsdóttir 2007

Every year around 30 Top junior handlers of their own country compete against each other in the International Junior Handler Final which is held at Crufts, the world's biggest dogshow. Usually the Nordic countries send their representatives to this competition.

Every competitor sends his/her own personal information along with a choice of  2 breeds he would like to handle in the competiton. A breed he/she prefers the most and then a 2nd choice. The organizers supply a dog to every junior handler for the competition.

Usually the final is held on the last day of the show, Sunday. The junior handlers meet their dogs the same day around two hours before the competition starts. This gives them the oppurtunity to get to know their dogs and bond with them before entering the ring.

The junior handlers enter the ring in the countries´ alphabetical order. Then they are judged individually one by one and once everyone is done, they all leave the ring to get a different breed. Then they all enter the ring again with the other breed and once again, are judged individually. They all leave the ring, get their first dogs and everybody enters the ring again. Then the judge shortcuts the junior handlers to 10-12. Finally the judge places three handlers from 1-3 and the winner becomes the International Junior Handler of the Year. 


Nordic representatives at Crufts

At the international finals two Nordic representatives have won the finals, 1989 Swedish Lena Ekbom and 1990 Swedish Pernilla Wistad. Moreover, in 2000 and 2003 Icelandic Audur sif Sigurgeir respectivley Swedish Pernilla Sandström were runner ups. Danish Vibe Borregard Madsen was placed 3rd in 2004.

Nordic representatives 2008:

Denmark - Karine Grønfeldt Kryh (17 yrs)

Finland -

Iceland - Rakel Osk Thrastsdottir (17 yrs)

Norway -

Sweden -
 

JH at Crufts 2007; a portion of the line up

JH at Crufts 2007; the 12 short listed handlers