The majority of owners and exhibitors, including professional handlers, fail I think, to give any consideration to the many problems faced by judges today. Nor do they consider how judges strive to solve these problems. Moreover, many novice judges–having little experience with any of a hundred puzzling problems which might come up–do not know how to respond in certain situations or answer the questions when put to them.
There’s nothing new about dogs entering this country from Eastern Europe with questionable documentation. We’ve had rabies scares, among other things. But this is not a rabies-free country to start with. So, aside from a few fatal disease outbreaks, what’s the harm…right? NOT! But that’s another story.
German Wirehaired Pointers were developed in Germany in the late 1800s. It is a rugged, versatile hunting dog that can work in different terrains. This medium sized breed is known for his distinctive protective wire coat with facial furnishings.
We asked 3 experienced AKC judges 2 questions about current issues affecting our sport. Here’s what they had to say…
What’s worse than serving on a Breed Standard committee? How about an Illustrated Standard committee? This has become an essential plank of the purebred education package over the past few decades and many clubs are currently into their second or third revision of this delightful task.
Security, are the doors locked, the area swept for listening devices and a guard on every exit? All secure? All right then, at ease. Be seated and we can begin this briefing.
Sussex is a beautiful county in England. Despite being relatively close to the ever-sprawling metropolis of London, it has somehow managed to retain most of its rural charms and still abounds with hedgerow-bounded fields, woodland and charming picture postcard villages.
We waited somewhat patiently for the announcement over the PA system. “Junior Showmanship will be held in Ring 3 at 2 PM.” You had to pay attention because the time, ring, and judge were never part of the judging program. It depended on when available handlers had time between showing their dogs to serve as judges. Back then everyone stayed all day so it worked just fine. There was no such thing as entering Junior Showmanship ahead of time; you just showed up at the ring.
Teddy was part of the local dog establishment and he was also, many times, a dinner companion or house guest to many of us during or after the shows.
