Im Mai 2027 wird die World Dog Show in Tulln stattfinden. Sowohl auf der CACIB Schau, wie auch an den vier Tagen der World Dog Show wird es Juniorhandling Bewerbe geben. Wir erwarten internationale Teilnehmer:innen, weshalb wir im Vorfeld um ein kurzes Interview und die Beantwortung der wichtigsten Fragen im Zuge eines „Country Spotlights – WDS Special Edition Austria“ gebeten wurden.
Natascha Dodan durfte als Präsidentin der JHA („Junge Hundefreunde Austria“) die Fragen im Namen des Vorstandes beantworten.
Could you briefly introduce Junge Hundefreunde Austria and its core role in supporting and developing young handlers across the countries?
The JHA is the national junior handling club in Austria; we are an associate member of the ÖKV (Austrian Kennel Club). The JHA was founded in 2003 and is dedicated to promoting the next generation of dog enthusiasts and fostering the bond between dogs and children. Our primary focus is on junior handling and organizing competitions at dog shows. We organize an annual training camp and are happy to assist children who are looking for a dog to participate in junior handling competitions. Working with our young cynologists is very important to us, which is why we maintain close contact with the juniors and always have an open ear for them.
What are the official age divisions structured in Austria, and what are their respective age limits?
We have two age groups:
Age Group 1: 9–12 years
Age Group 2: 13-17 years
Children can get a “taste” of the event earlier and compete in Age Group 0 outside of the official competition. These children receive small gifts. At the World Dog Show, however, there will be only one age group, as specified by the FCI.
How is the National Champion title awarded each year in Austria?
Throughout the year, the juniors earn points toward their placements; the child with the most points in each age group is our annual champion. An awards ceremony honoring all the children who placed is held every year at the final exhibition during Best in Show in Wels.
What is the exact process for selecting the Junior Handler who represents Austria at Crufts, the World Dog Show (WDS), and the European Section Show (EDS)?
The annual winner rankings serve as the basis. The final decision rests with the board, which takes into account not only the annual winner rankings but also other factors: for example, the child’s age—is he or she mentally ready for a major international competition? English proficiency—very young children might feel lost if they can’t communicate properly. Is it possible for the child to travel with and compete using their own dog? Children who frequently compete with their own dogs might still struggle at Crufts. Is there a child who will soon be “too old” and whom we want to give one more chance? A fair selection process is very important to us.
Are there any specific rules, judging preferences, or ring procedures in Austria that differ from standard FCI rules?
No. In connection with the EDS in Wels in 2019, we updated the rules to align with the FCI guidelines. Of course, we must act in accordance with animal welfare standards, which include, for example, a collar that is wide enough and has a stop. In addition, at regular shows, we have a 2-hour time slot during which juniors can arrive for the preliminary competition. This allows children to exhibit in the ring without stress and also participate in the junior handling competition.
What are the 3 or 4 breeds most frequently seen in Austrian Junior Handling rings?
I’d say that, generally speaking, it tends to be the smaller breeds. It’s certainly a bit difficult to make truly representative statements on this, since our competitions don’t include a huge number of juniors. Terriers are very popular, as is FCI Group 9. All breeds are welcome here, but it’s important to us that the junior maintains control over their dog at all times.
World Dog Show Special Questions
What does hosting the World Dog Show mean for Junge Hundefreunde Austria, and how are you preparing for this massive international event?
We are very pleased to have the opportunity to host this major competition and that the ÖKV has entrusted us with organizing it. For us, this involves a great deal of planning: We looked into how other countries have organized these competitions in the past and decided which elements make sense and which we would like to implement as well. These include, for example, individual time slots for each participant. Based on the FCI guidelines, we’ve compiled detailed information that we’ll publish in advance. This way, no questions should remain unanswered. It’s important to us to invite judges who are closely involved in the sport and who are passionate about junior handling. We hope we’ll succeed in this, and we’re optimistic!
What essential rules or ring expectations should international handlers keep in mind when competing in Austria during the WDS?
Obviously, the animal welfare regulations in effect throughout the entire show must be followed. All relevant information can be found on the World Dog Show’s FAQ page. This includes questions about specific breeds, as well as guidance on choosing the right leash, etc. The “golden rule,” as some may know it, will not apply in this context; even for ring poses, the primary focus will be on the typical poses seen in the breed rings.
What key qualities do you hope the judges will focus on during the World Dog Show Junior Handling competition?
unior handling is a competition—of course, everyone wants to win and works hard toward that goal. I have the utmost respect for that. For me personally, however, it’s especially important that the handlers treat each other fairly and respectfully. I also love seeing the joy they get from working with the dogs. I know that a competition like this is very exciting and requires a lot of concentration, but I still think it’s wonderful when the team is having fun, the dog is praised, and you can see in the handler’s face just how much joy this work brings. The dog’s well-being should always be the top priority, and I’m sure the judges will keep that in mind.
Are there any special events, welcome packages, or networking activities planned for young handlers and their families attending the WDS?
Here’s what we can reveal so far: We’re preparing a small goodie bag for each participant. In addition, we’d like to host a small “get-together” at the junior handling ring on Sunday. A small buffet will be set up, and food and drinks will be provided. We hope this will foster a little interaction in the ring. In addition, we, as the organizers, will have a booth right on site and will be available to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
What message would you like to share with every international Junior Handler stepping into the ring at the World Dog Show in Austria?
I know that Austria has caused some uncertainty in the past regarding purebred dog breeding. We’re doing our best to ensure this competition runs smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at any time 
We’ll do our best to address them all! Hopefully, this will clear up any uncertainties, and we’ll be happy to welcome you to the JH Ring.
If you want, feel free to share a closing thought directly with the juniors and members of this group:
An entire team is working hard to make sure each and every one of you has a great time. Our entire board is deeply committed to this; we’ve all been active in the dog world for many years. Veronika Kubasta (Vice President) and I have both competed in junior handling for years and were then able to switch to the other side—as junior handling judges, but also as board members of Junge Hundefreunde Austria. We’ve since gained a new perspective on things—we’re both moms, which allows us to bring an additional viewpoint to the table. Mak Dodan (Show Coordinator) literally took his first steps at a dog show, and Andrea Haider (Board Member) has already had her own children compete and successfully shows her own dogs. We’ve also welcomed Celise Stone to the board, who has always supported junior handlers in Europe and has taken them to many shows both at home and abroad. Most of us already organized the junior handling at the EDS 2019 and can build on that experience. Junior handling is close to all our hearts, and we can’t wait to make this event a special one!
