The Judge/Breeder/Exhibitor Conundrum – Part 2

Dog Show Judges, “Obviously some ethical rules are clear”

Dog Show Judges, “Obviously some ethical rules are clear”

The Peach Blossom Cluster committee is not a whining group of people. Within hours of the Governor’s announcement that the Georgia National Fairgrounds, host venue for the Peach Blossom Cluster, would be closed through the end of June

Restaurants are closed and who wants takeout every night? We know you’re cooking! The Canine Chronicle wants the recipe for the favorite dish you are making while you are waiting for dog shows to start again. Send it to us and we’ll share it with everyone in the fancy! Don’t cook? Send us the recipe […]

Several months ago word got back to me that a couple of my fellow exhibitors were complaining that someone of my “stature and prominence” should not be showing. The conversation led to a broad discussion of other judges… those who do, vis-à-vis those who do not exhibit their own dogs and the effect this has on the fancy. The person who chose to bring this topic to the table was amazed as I began to rattle off judges, many of far more prominence and stature in their respective breeds than I, who regularly exhibit.

During this time of quarantine, Zoom can place you anywhere in the world. But, let’s face it, where do most of us want to be right now?

I see light at the end of the tunnel! My prediction is we will all be together again sooner rather than later. While we are still seeing show cancellations, we are also seeing clubs that are trying to move forward and have their shows as scheduled. We need to support the club decisions on both ends of this spectrum, not judge anyone, and make the best decision for ourselves and our dogs when it comes to attending the shows being held. Those that have not worked on a show committee cannot possibly understand the magnitude of the decision to cancel a dog show.

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.

While the statements above may sound logical and convincing, basing your disinfection program on these misconceptions can put your animals in danger.

In the immediately preceding issue of this magazine, the subject of breed standards and their central purpose was revisited and broached from various perspectives. Some discussion was offered as to how, and to what extent, we go about interpreting what is meant by the written word and the role which these descriptions play.

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