And however tempting, let`s make sure we `name no names` on here! (;o)

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

Answers

Someone who knows the breed standard through and through and judges to it.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

What procedures do judges need to go through to get approved to judge a certain breed in England?

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

Gloria, can you answer Sheila`s question? I`m not up to speed on all the various criteria.(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

I do think that a really `good` judge has an `eye` for it. I think it is possible to judge proficiently and fairly with a thorough knowledge of the breed standard, and good judging technique, but some lucky folk seem to have a natural `gift`. I`m finding it difficult to explain what I mean. I suppose the best way I can think of describing it is that you can, for instance, teach someone to draw, but that`s not the same as being naturally artistic. Can you get my drift?(:o)

I say this because I had a dear friend who was able to pick out a good dog (any breed) with such ease. She also happened to be a fantastic artist - so maybe natural form and balance was simply second nature to her.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

From an exhibitors point of view I think there are additional criteria.

For instance, a judge needs to be able to spot novice handlers in the ring, put them at ease, and make the necessary allowances so that their lack of showmanship isn`t reflected in their judging of the dog.

It is also vital that each exhibitor feel that their dog has received the same amount of undivided attention from the judge, and any others in the ring. It is utterly dejecting to look up when you are moving your dog for the judge, for instance, and see that they are looking elsewhere. It does happen!

A good judge isn`t intimidating, nor should they be too theatrical and flamboyant. Also, particularly in the UK where it is more common to judge and show, a judge has to be detached.

A couple of years ago I took one of my dogs under a judge who from the `showing` point of view I didn`t like at all. I was quite dubious about whether or not I should be bothering, as I really didn`t like this person. However, it was a show I wanted to attend, and it seemed pointless not to take a dog, so I did. This person, who I had taken such an instant dislike to (very unusual for me) thoroughly suprised me by being totally professional, extremely polite, thorough and fair. Though on this occasion my dog wasn`t placed, I left the ring feeling that this judge had been very even- handed, and that they had given my dog every consideration. (:o)

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

I think you summed it up beautifully in your last paragraph Roz, that is all one can ask that we come out of the ring feeling we have had a fair assessment of our dogs [win or not] and have been treated in a reasonable manner, that isnt allways the case.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

Yes, I hate it when a judge is looking elsewhere when you are moving your dog! Far too many judges also judge soley based on grooming. The best groomed dog wins. then others make their placements based on the handlers importance. First place goes to the most prominant handler in the ring, second to the second most prominent and so on... It can make it very hard for the novice handler. Especially at big shows and specialties, they can be a joke almost at times.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001