Kids compete against other handlers in their age group.
It is soley for a learning experience, but can have a competitive edge to it as you get into the higher classes. Any dog AKC registered will be eligible to compete in Junior showmanship provided that the Junior handling either owns the dog or the dog is owned by a member of the juniors' familiy. It should not matter the quality of the dog nor the breed being handled. The only requirement pertaining to the dog's quality is that the dog CAN be shown in either conformation or obedience. The conformationdog has the advantage over the obedience dog only because it is of exceptional quatlity.