Conspiracy Theories

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186 – March, 2026

By Caroline Coile

“He knows the judge.” “She slept with the judge.” “They used to be lovers.” “She repays wins with assignments.”

Visit any group of losing entrants after a show, and you’ll hear the most imaginative, behind-the-scenes explanations of why their dogs lost–except for one: “They had a better dog, presented better.”

But at risk of arousing considerable ire from one faction of exhibitors, I should not say “any” group of losing exhibitors. Because as much as it pains me–being one myself–these comments are more likely heard from owner-handlers and weekend warriors. I should know. I’m very good at coming up with Six Degrees of That Crooked Judge scenarios myself.

Sometimes these relationships may even be true. But more often, I suspect they’re not. No, I’m not so naïve as to think none are in play, probably at every single show. But not for every single Best In Show, or group placement, or Best of Breed, and certainly not at the class level at your typical all-breed show. Most judges have pride in their own ability to judge dogs, not degrees of relationship–and they try to do so, most of the time.

Everybody likes to complain. They complain about their job, their co-workers, their employees, their employers–so what’s the harm in complaining about their losses?

Click here to read the complete article
186 – March, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Mar 19 2026. 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.