The Judges View : Chris Walkowicz

by Kimberly Silva Garrett

What made you decide to become a judge?

While doing several sweepstakes I found I love the mental challenges of judging.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your style of judging? How have they had an impact on your judging style?

So many, too many to name!  Like a lot of German Shepherd Dog judges, I walk as the dog is going around the ring.  Foot timing tells you a lot about the individual dog.

I think I’ve taken bits from several judges I admire, along with developing my own style.

Describe your favorite dog show memory or moment.

Finding a new exhibitor who has a great dog.  This happened recently when I put a newbie’s seven month-old Giant Schnauzer pup to Best of Winners. Neither had stepped in a ring before.  The dog finished that weekend – the look on the owner handler’s face was priceless.  She is hooked!

What breed do you feel has the most depth of quality?

I think several breeds have different strengths.  Out of the three groups I judge, I find good shoulders displayed to a greater depth in a class of German Shepherds.  I also find good depth of quality in Aussies and Boxers.  Temperaments, movement, and silhouettes are consistent.

If you had to pick just one show to judge, which show would it be?

Any National specialty!  It’s such an honor, and the quality is great.

In your opinion, what is the best dog you have judged to date and why?

Oh, Lordy.  I’m not going to name any current or recently shown dogs.  Several come to mind, but one of my favorites was the dog I gave the first Best In Show I judged:  Ch. Charisma Jail House Rock, the Standard Schnauzer.  Another was the Boxer, Ch. Bayview Some Like It Hot.

What do you enjoy most about judging?

The dogs, followed by having a good time and making sure all the exhibitors in my ring also have a good time.  I enjoy helping a nervous handler relax.  After all, we all started in the same place!

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Posted by admin on May 14 2012. Filed under Current Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.