About
The VCA Junior Program was established to recognize that our children are the future of the sport of purebred dogs. The primary goal of the program is to encourage, support, and promote Junior handlers to actively participate in the sport, become involved with the Vizsla Club of America, and remain integral to the future of purebred dog sports.
Juniors play a crucial role in the future of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more valuable they become to society.
The values, attitudes, and responsibilities gained through Junior Showmanship will benefit youngsters throughout their lives. By dedicating time and effort to understanding their dog, and learning how to train, groom, and present it, Juniors are rewarded with invaluable life lessons.
The Program
Each year, the VCA will honor the Top 5 VCA Junior Handlers in AKC Sports (Field, Hunt, Agility, Rally, and Conformation) as well as the top Versatile Vizsla, recognized for excellence across three disciplines. The recognition ceremony will take place annually at the VCA National Specialty.
To qualify for recognition, VCA Juniors must:
- Be VCA junior members for the qualifying period
- Achieve qualifying wins with a Vizsla
VCA Junior Showmanship Invitational Stipends:
VCA will offer stipends to eligible VCA Juniors for qualifying and being invited to attend the AKC National Championship and/or Westminster Kennel Club Junior Showmanship invitational events.
For the AKC National Championship Junior Showmanship Invitational, the VCA will provide up to three stipends of $300 each to cover travel expenses.
To qualify for a stipend, VCA Juniors must meet the following criteria:
- Fulfill AKC requirements, including qualifying class wins and maintaining a 3.0 GPA
- Be VCA junior members for the requisite qualifying period
- Have achieved qualifying wins with a Vizsla
- Compete with a Vizsla at the AKC Junior Showmanship Invitational
For the Westminster Kennel Club Junior Showmanship Invitational, the VCA will offer up to four stipends of $500 each for travel expenses.
To be eligible for a stipend, VCA Juniors must meet these conditions:
- Meet WKC criteria, including qualifying Best Junior wins
- Be VCA junior members for the required qualifying period
- Achieved qualifying wins with a Vizsla
- Compete with a Vizsla at the WKC Junior Showmanship Invitational
How to apply for a VCA Junior Showmanship Invitational Stipend
Pee Wee Class:
The Juniors Program will assist the National Specialty Committee in hosting a Pee Wee class at the VCA National Specialty. The event will follow AKC guidelines, and entries can be made on the day of the class.
Junior Liaison:
A VCA member is available to answer all inquiries and offer advice to juniors and parents who are currently involved, or want to participate, in the sport.
Membership Fee:
VCA offers a reduced fee to become a Junior member of the Vizsla Club of America.