The Inside Track – Reflections on Judging

by Sylvia Hammarstrom

From the archives of The Canine Chronicle

            Having bred over 500 champions, I decided I would try to become a judge; to see dogs from the other side of the fence so to speak. Last year I requested my first four breeds: Giant and Standard Schnauzers, as well as Doberman Pinschers and Greyhounds. My first year as a judge, as a provisional, is almost over and it’s been a very interesting experience. Here in the U.S. a judge truly has to have a sure eye and a lot of confidence to make a decision on each dog in a few minutes. In Europe, as in most countries, you have as much as 5-10 minutes per dog – but then of course, you have to write down all of the good as well as the bad points–to critique each dog–whether it wins or gets last. It’s a good test of anyone’s knowledge of a specific breed and truly lots of fun for the judge, but it is very boring for all of the exhibitors who sit and wait till the real competition starts. This may take an hour if the class is big.

            The American judge, instead, has to make almost instant decisions which has its advantages. The first impression is often the right impression, but even more crucial is the dog with lots of attitude and showmanship will stand out, faults or no faults, and now you can see how important it is to breed for this characteristic.

            In breeds which the judge is very familiar with, he will, of course, be alert to the faults common to this breed. An all-rounder will judge differently and so we have three judges on the weekend with, possibly, three different winners.

            As a new judge, I was curious how my decisions would be. So far, I have found that soundness – good, solid gait with strong drive really is important to me. Especially as the three breeds I judge are true Working dogs. Breed type is, of course, most important. If it does not look like a Schnauzer or Doberman Pinscher, what good is it if it is sound? And the character – I find I’m as drawn to the stars as all judges seem to be. When that dog comes into your ring, strutting his stuff, alert, full of energy going around the ring with a good reach and drive, as well as balance and correctness for his breed – it’s easy to pick a winner.

            So, after a year of judging, I must say I love it. I can finally understand why everyone wants to become a judge and why the judges put up with so much from the exhibitors. I look at the old timers and think of all the experience they have and how natural judging comes to them. My dream is to one day be looked upon and judged with as much respect as I have gained in breeding my Schnauzers. Perhaps this is what it’s finally all about – whether you set out to breed the best in your breed, or show the best, or be an excellent judge, we all want to win the respect of our peers.

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Posted by admin on May 13 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Dog Show History, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.