IMHO – Judges Talk About Current Issues in the Sport

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130 – The Annual, 2019-20

By Elaine Lessig

Dr. Donald Sturz

 1. What did you like best about dog shows in the past that you wish still existed?

We often lament the changes that have occurred and yearn for all that was better in the past. In some cases, factors have in fact improved. Some things just seem better as time passes. Memories are often viewed through the flattering haze of time. That being said, one holiday wish for something I wish still existed in our world of dog shows would be more frequent conversations about conformation and breeding as I remember having and hear less frequently today.

2. What is there about dog shows presently that you wish would be better?

Presently, what I wish would be better is civility. People are behaving badly in many aspects of our daily lives. The dog show world is an inclusive arena that needs to not allow this to occur. The confidence that people get from hiding behind their screens and keyboards fosters ugly behavior that has no place in our sport. Dogs are a great unifier. Please don’t let ill-tempered, sad humans derail that.

3. What are your wishes for dog shows in the future?

My holiday wish for the future of our sport is that everyone has the opportunity to reflect on what ignited their passion for the sport in the beginning and to be able to recapture that feeling.

Polly Smith -AKC Judge

1. What did you like best about dog shows in the past that you wish still existed?

The best part of dog shows in times past was sitting around the ring with friends watching different breeds being judged all day long. We would discuss everything with great detail. Different opinions led to conversations that became ways to obtain important breed knowledge. When someone came out with a new dog or puppy, we all wanted to get a look at him and watch him in the ring. We all would question, debate, and laugh. That is the best way to learn.

2. What is there about dog shows presently that you wish would be better?

I wish the internet would go away. We have way too much negativity and lack of respect in the sport today. We have lost respect for each other. We think we can just say whatever we want. There are no filters. That goes for fellow exhibitors, judges, stewards, club members, and show chairs.

I have noticed that even on clusters with shows over several days, very few exhibitors stay for Best in show.

Exhibitors need to stay and watch the breed after their class is over. They are packed up and gone before the breed is ever called into the ring. We always spent the day at the show and watched all of the groups.

Click here to read the complete article
130 – The Annual, 2019-20

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jan 10 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.