Competing in Junior Warrants

Once a dog reaches the age of six months the time has come to start looking towards his future show career. For most dogs, aiming for challenge certificates and champion status is still a dim and distant dream - if a dog wins a challenge certificate before the age of twelve months it cannot be used towards the title of champion - so why not try and achieve his Junior Warrant?
What is a Junior Warrant?
A junior warrant is a title that all dogs between the age of six and eighteen months can compete for. Thought of as a junior championship it will show that your dog has the quality to hopefully go on to be a future champion in his breed.How the Points are Earned
Until you know the system it may be a little hard to follow but basically your dog will have to first win his class whether it is at a championship show or an open show after this the rules can change:If a class is won at a championship show where challenge certificates (CC’s) are on offer in his breed then he will gain three points for winning a class.
One point is earned for a win at a championship show without CC’s on offer for his breed or at an open show.
If your dog wins best of breed at an open show he can claim one point if he wasn’t able to claim a point for his class win due to low numbers in the class.
There has to be three dogs present in the breed before a dog can claim his points for winning a class.
Organise your Campaign
Read both the weekly canine publications carefully and look out for all shows that have classes for your breed. You may think that you have a whole year to gain twenty five points but competition is tough and time goes by so quickly. Enter as many shows as possible and as many classes as possible. In breeds that are numerically low in numbers you may be winning your classes but not have enough dogs present to be able to claim your points.Sportsmanship
Be a good sportsman, we all know stories of exhibitors not taking their dog into the ring in order to stop someone winning a point. Perhaps, if you know this happens in your breed, it may be a good idea to not tell others you are collecting points for the junior warrant.How to Claim
You can download a form from the Kennel Club website. When you have 25 points send the completed form to Clarges Street and it will be processed. Your dog’s name will be printed in the next Kennel Gazette and a certificate is sent for your records. It is advisable to print off the form when you are ready to start competing and keep your records up to date.Celebrate
While you are campaigning your dog you will be in the company of other exhibitors doing exactly the same thing. You will begin to share information and cry on each other's shoulders when the going gets tough. Once you have achieved your points step aside to give others a chance, unless your entry is needed to make up the necessary numbers – be thoughtful of other exhibitors. Also, remember the cakes and share your success!Other Competitions and Awards
Once you have achieved the honour of a Junior Warrant with your dog you are entitled to have the letters ‘JW’ after his name. This will be shown in show catalogues and rightly shows that your dog is having a successful show career.You will find that when entering general open and championship shows that there are classes for junior warrant winners. Highly placed dogs in these classes can then go forward to compete in the yearly Junior Warrant winner competition where the final round is held at Crufts each year.
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi looking for ringcraft classes in South Manchester area. Any help would be appreciated thank you. Ann
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi I'm looking for ringcraft classes near Wigan skelmersdale and ormskerk thank you
Re: When to Start Training to Show?
Does anybody know of ring craft lesson in Ringwood or Wimborne area. Many thanks.
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi, I am looking for any ringcraft training classes in. We are based in West Bromwich. Thank you
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
We are looking for any ringcraft classes in the Argyll or Lochaber or Renfrewshire area We have a four and a half month old Golden…
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi I have recently moved to Cornwall, I used to run Top Dogs Ringcraft in Bedford and Bletchley. At long last I have found a fabulous venue…
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Looking for ring craft in the North East for to show my new puppy can anyone help much appreciate
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Does anyone know of any Ringcraft classes for a beginner in Beds/Bucks borders area? I have been told about Top Dogs Ringcraft in Wooton on…
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi, any ringcraft classes in herefordshire please, I am totally new to the showing side of owning dogs but would love to learn more , thank…
Re: Find a Ringcraft Club
Hi I’m in west Oxfordshire and looking for ring craft clubs. I know there one in kingham but I have young children and I’d get back too…