By Alex Benzegala, [email protected]
Orlando, FL – A Humboldt third grader is competing this week at the American Kennel Club National Championship Dog Show in Orlando, FL. Kayln Erickson, a third grader at Taft Elementary School in Humboldt, is the only handler from Iowa to qualify for the event in both Junior Handler and Owner Handler divisions. She will be showing a smooth fox terrier named Ben, who she has been showing since February of this year. According to Michelle Erickson, Kayln’s grandmother who has helped coach her, Kayln is the # 1 ranked Smooth Fox Terrier owner handler in the country. Michelle says she has come a long way in a short time.
With Kaylin competing in both Owner Handler and Junior Handler this week, Michelle explains the difference between the two divisions.
Kayln is in Orlando this week with Michelle and her mother, Erika Dunlavey who has been showing dogs her entire life and is also be competing at the AKC National Dog Show in the Owner Handler division. Competition is going on now and the Championship is on Saturday and Sunday December 18 and 19 and will be broadcasted live on akc.org.
Photo of Kayln Erickson at AKC Nationals courtesy of Erika Dunlavey