The Do’s and Don’ts of Approaching The Judge

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152 – August, 2021

By Jane Myers

You pay your entry fee, take your chances, and hopefully, the judge is well-educated in your breed. Your entry fee is the fee to evaluate your dog. You are paying for one judge’s opinion. What if you disagree? What if, in your opinion, the judge is way off base? When, if ever, is it appropriate to approach the judge about the placements?

Having been on many sides of this dilemma (Breeder, Owner, Handler, AKC Rep, and Judge), my first question would be, why? Is it because you didn’t win? Or is it because you genuinely feel the judge is way off base with his/her opinion? My second question would be, are you qualified to have this conversation? How long have you been in the breed? Are you a breeder? If so, for how long? How many champions have you bred? If you are a handler, how long have you been exhibiting this specific breed? How many dogs have you finished in this breed to Champion or Grand Championship (Ch. or GCh.)? Judges have spent a significant amount of time and energy learning a breed, talking to mentors, going on kennel visits, going to the National or seminars, and completing online education. What are your qualifications?

I can only speak for myself but marching into the ring with your hair on fire and asking the judge what he/she didn’t like about your dog really isn’t the best way to start a conversation.

You ask the judge, “Why did you put up the other dog?” But this really doesn’t fly either.

Been there, done that–didn’t work!

Click here to read the complete article
152 – August, 2021

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