The Judges View with Linda More
by Kimberly Silva Garrett
What made you decide to become a judge?
As with many other judges, it’s a natural progression in a life spent with dogs and dog events. It keeps me in contact with the dogs and the people and continues to teach me more about the many breeds.
Who, if anyone, has influenced your style of judging? How have they had an impact of your judging style?
I have always admired those judges who visibly enjoy judging, and remain friendly, patient and courteous with exhibitors and kind with the dogs while striving to do an informed and objective job of evaluating the entries. Those are the people I hope have influenced my style of judging.
Describe your favorite dog show memory or moment.
There simply isn’t just one such moment, though on the short list would be judging the Herding Group at Westminster, and judging my original breed’s national twice.
What breed do you feel has the most depth of quality? Why?
I can’t single out one breed – different areas of the country offer “pockets of quality” in various breeds. Some breeds are easier to breed true than others which certainly has an impact on depth of quality.
If you had to pick just one show to judge, which show would it be?
Certainly Westminster would be right up there, but there are some other marvelous shows that are also an honor to judge. It is the presence of a lot of quality dogs that make a show the most enjoyable to judge.
In your opinion, what is the best dog you have judged to date and why?
Again, not possible to pick just one. Ch. Torums Scarf Michael, Mick, the Kerry Blue was outstanding for his breed, the beautiful Pointer bitch, Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, Holly is another such, but those are just two of the famous ones and there are others less well-known. As for why, to be that good I think a dog must possess excellent breed type, put its breed-specific correct structure to superb use in motion, and radiate good temperament and sheer overall quality. As one favorite breed standard puts it, “difficult to define but unmistakable when present.”
What do you enjoy most about judging?
The opportunity to see and admire (and pat!) the dogs, and the mental exercise of evaluating them. After that, being able to spend time, and discuss dogs, with other judges, breeders and exhibitors.
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on Jul 11 2012. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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