Panama’s junior dog handlers are securing international recognition across Latin America, with one competitor named the nation’s top junior handler every year since 2017. Camila, who competes alongside her Italian greyhound Li, recently added Central American, Panamanian, and Guatemalan championship titles to her record, according to interviews with the family.
The success highlights a growing competitive dog handling culture in Panama, where three generations of one family have built a presence in canine exhibitions regulated by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and the Club Canino de Panamá.
Junior Dog Handlers and Family Legacy in Canine Sports
Camila began working as a handler at age two, following a path established by her grandmother and continued by her mother. In junior handler competitions, judges evaluate the child’s relationship with the dog rather than the dog alone. The handler must demonstrate control, communication, and an understanding of breed standards across ten recognized groups classified by function.
“I have been the best junior handler in Panama since 2017, since the ranking started again in Panama,”
Camila said. Her dog Li holds titles including Best Central American Champion, Panamanian Champion, and Guatemalan Champion.
Junior handlers focus on movement, coat presentation, and keeping dogs alert and engaged during judging. Camila said she talks to her dogs constantly in the ring and uses toys and different types of food to hold their attention.
Competition Structure and Breed Standards
Canine exhibitions in Panama operate under international rules that promote responsible breeding, animal welfare, and preservation of breed standards. Dogs accumulate points through wins, known as rosettes, which count toward championship titles at different life stages: puppy, junior, adult, and veteran.
Panama participates in a global network of exhibitions, including world, Central American, Latin American, and European events. The competitions draw participants from multiple countries and require extensive preparation.
“Above all, lots of practice, many hours of practice, getting along with the dog, not forcing it to work beyond what it can give, going little by little,” Camila said,
noting her specialization in Italian greyhounds.
Panama to Host First Americas and Caribbean Exhibition in 2030
Panama will host the first Exhibition of the Americas and the Caribbean in 2030, a milestone event expected to bring significant tourism to the country. The announcement marks a major step for Panama’s standing in international canine sports.
Before that, the Club Canino de Panamá will hold national canine exhibitions on October 24 and 25 at the Casa Club in Parque Omar. These events provide local handlers and breeders opportunities to earn points toward championships.
The family behind Camila’s success describes canine exhibitions as both a hobby and a passion centered on purebred dogs. Her mother said the family has always emphasized care and love for animals of all species, with dog shows serving as their primary competitive outlet.
Beyond trophies, handlers say the competitions teach respect for animal behavior and the importance of meeting each dog’s needs.
“Knowing a dog is understanding its needs, respecting its behavior, and giving it a healthy life full of affection,” Camila said. “I love living with them and I love teaching people about how good dogs are.”
Each breed carries unique characteristics, but handlers emphasize a shared capacity for loyalty and companionship that makes dogs part of the family. The upcoming national exhibitions and the 2030 Americas and Caribbean event position Panama as a growing hub for canine sports in the region.
