Breeders and Judges Symposium K9 Cruise 2009

The purpose of this Breeders and Judges symposium is to share information that would be beneficial to those who breed and show their dogs in the AKC venues. Questions were submitted to a panel of judges and the responses were discussed with the audience. There is no particular order for the questions and responses as presented below.

. If there is a DQ for height, why don't all the dogs get measured? The AKC says a judge can look at 25 dogs in an hour. The judges generally only measure those dogs that appear to either be bigger or smaller than the majority of the dogs in the ring.

.What should an exhibitor do if they feel the judge is not following the standard for their breed? Exhibitor's can ask the Ring Steward to see the breed standard being used up. If it appears the wrong standard is being used, it can be addressed then with either the AKC representative or the venue representative if it is not an AKC show. The judging of a dog to the standard is still subjective by the judge. The judge is common in that they felt that the worst person reading the standards is actually the breeders and that there is a high percentage of breeders that do not know the standard for their own breed.

.Why don't the judges comment on our performance in the ring? AKC judges are not allowed to make any comments on your dog or on the winners they have chosen.

.What are the judges really looking for? The judges commented that their eyes are really in their hands. They feel with their hands for the structure of your dog. They also make an assessment and evaluation on each dog. It is more then just a general observation.

.What is the most irritating thing an exhibitor can do? Not listening to the judge; stringing a dog up with his collar; moving too fast in the ring; giving the dog bait when a judge is looking at the dog and is ready to look at the teeth and the bite -- very disgusting; seeing unsportsmanlike behavior.

.Important tip for exhibitors: do not over correct your dog's position -- the judges know what you're trying to hide!

.DQ's or disqualifications must be stated in the standard for your breed.

.Is it okay for a puppy to sit during examination by the judge? Yes puppies are granted extra leniency. Putting up your puppies in the ring is a great chance for you and the puppy to grow and improve; while the adult dog is seen as it is as good as it gets.

.Do professional handlers have the edge in the ring? Yes, professional handlers do have the edge because what they are doing is their job. Professional handlers are wonderful trainers. They have knowledge of many breeds and they always make a better first impression in the ring. Owners fussing with their dog in the ring or in line shows the judge exactly what is wrong with your dog.

.The first time around in the ring, the judge is making their choice. What can you do to show off your dog better? Practice, practice, practice.

.What can a parent breed club to make it comfortable for a judge? The breed clubs should have information, pictures, and speakers available for the judges' education about your breed. Parent breed clubs have the responsibility of educating the public and the judges. It is the breed clubs responsibility to decide whether or not the exhibitor or the judge opens the dogs mouth to determine the bite. It is the breed clubs responsibility in the standard to determine where the line is for a disqualification or excusal of a dog from the ring.

.What is considered bad temperament? Judges consider a DQ for temperamental when a dog is menacing or threatening to bite. Showdogs should be approachable!

.For a specialty, what would help the judges? The show committee should coordinate with the information ahead of time for the judges. The committee is responsible for transportation from the airport to the hotel, to the restaurants, to the show venue, and back to the airport. There should be one person as a major contact for each judge. The judges also said they would rather have a judges' dinner, or rather then gift bags.

 

Thank you to all the judges, AKC representatives and breeders that shared their information on the K9 dog cruise 2009.