Junior Handling in Finland
© Heini-Maari Keränen 2007

Junior handling has been an official competition in Finland since the 80s. Trough the years the rules and the age groups have changed but nowadays we have the following system here in Finland.

There are two age groups, one for handlers at the age of 10 to 13 years old and another for handlers between the age of 14 and 17. The handler can start competing in the beginning of the year of his or her 10th birthday and is also allowed to compete until the end of the year he turns 17 years. So altogether one can compete in Junior Handling for 8 years in Finland.

Junior Handling competitions in Finland follow mainly the same manners as in other Nordic countries. All the competitors are judged, but usually written critiques are not given.

The judge picks out the five best handlers out of each group and then places them in order. In the end of the competition the Best Junior Handler of the day is chosen out of the winners of both of the age groups.

Junior Handling competitions are held almost in all of the official all breed and international dogs shows, often also in specialty shows and group shows. Every year there are 20 special junior handling competitions which usually are held at the biggest shows of the year. The best handler of each competition will be qualified to the Finnish Championship Final which is held in December in the Finnish Winner Dog Show. So there are the 20 best Junior Handlers competing for the win of Finnish Championship title. The winner of the year will be the representative of Finland at the next Cruft's International Junior Handling Finals. There are many well-known winners of the Finnish Championship Competition, who have continued their careers as successful handlers and breeders after their Junior Handling careers. For example Tanja Hakamo (Falamandus tibetan terriers), Piia Saares (Curiosity silky terriers & bearded collies) and Kati Rasku (the winner at Crufts in the 90s and the breeder of Refined whippets) to mention some.



 

I'd like to warmly welcome all of you young handlers to compete here in Finland. For any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Heini-Maari Keränen www.tietahtiin.com