The Juggling Act of Impartiality

Click here to read the complete article
288 – February, 2026

By Will Alexander

How does one be impartial and still have the perception of being impartial?

I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s not. Here’s an example. If I were to judge a class and my winner ends up being owned or handled by someone familiar with me, am I still perceived as impartial? Even if, in my opinion, their dog was the best dog in the class? I may be impartial in my heart of hearts, but would it look that way to others? You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

The definition of an impartial person is “Someone who is fair, unbiased, and treats all parties equally without favoritism or personal prejudice.” I take pride in being impartial. I take pride in telling people that anyone can show to me–as long as they don’t take the outcome personally. A longtime friend and mentor was ridiculed for their decisions. Some said they were swayed due to a prior relationship. An ex-family member by a previous marriage would exhibit under them, and often came away with a victory. The public perception, as one would imagine, was outrage–especially by those on the losing end. I often asked my friend how they felt about the perception of them and their decisions. “Damned if I do, and damned if I don’t,” was always their response.

Click here to read the complete article
288 – February, 2026

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=348836

Posted by AnthonyA on Feb 12 2026. 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.