Our Expectations Are Reasonable

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154 – June, 2022

By William Given

Our judges, I think, have fair expectations of us. They want us to bring them good dogs. They expect us to bring them healthy dogs in good physical condition. They rightly expect our dogs to be clean and properly groomed. Our dogs should be reasonably trained and able to hold a stack long enough for the judge to complete their hands-on exam, and our dogs should be able move on a loose lead.

As the exhibitor, when you enter the conformation show ring with your dog, you have the right to certain realistic expectations concerning the examination and evaluation of your dog by the judge. You have paid an entry fee, perhaps traveled a great distance, spent a lot of money on gas, paid for lodging and eating out, and all for the opportunity to have a professional assessment of your animal. It is okay for you to have reasonable expectations–the American Kennel Club has expectations of judges, also. What then are some of the expectations you justifiably have of every judge?

Rules and Breed Standards

First and foremost, the judge should be thoroughly familiar with the rules, policies and guidelines that apply to dog shows and judging. It is important that they are equally familiar with the breed standard for each and every breed they are licensed to judge. It is not enough that the judge was sufficiently knowledgeable about the breed standard at the time he or she was tested by the AKC; it is equally important that the judge has remained current or even increased their breed expertise since testing. On the night preceding the show, I think it is a fairly common practice among many judges to review the standards for the breeds they will judging.

Although it would be a fair expectation that judges again review the standards sometime the morning of the show, it is a part of the routine for a great many judges. I know this to be true because I have often observed these men and women in the club’s hospitality room with their packets of standards preparing over a morning cup of coffee. This is a very good idea for provisional judges. During this preparation period, judges often fix in their mind the breed characteristics and traits they are expected to look for as well as make notes of any disqualifying faults they might encounter.

Also, with regard to the standard, it is reasonable to expect that each judge should carry his or her packet of breed standards to the ring so that he or she may refer to them in the event a question arises regarding a breed characteristic or fault of one of the dogs entered under them. It is far better to see what the standard says than to vaguely remember what one thinks it said. Exhibitors should appreciate that a judge is willing to consult the standard before making their placements.

Focus in the Ring

Click here to read the complete article
154 – June, 2022

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jun 10 2022. 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.