- Have shown dogs in conformation shows for at least 12 years.
- Have bred at least five litters in the breed for which they are applying to judge.
- Have bred at least four champions in the breed they are applying to judge.
- Steward at least six AKC dog shows during the three years prior to applying to be a judge.
- Judge at least six AKC sanctioned matches, sweepstakes or maturity/futurity shows. (These are practice or special shows that run like regular shows but no points towards championship title are giving out.)
- Watch the AKC video on the breed they are applying for.
- Attend a seminar at the AKC Basic Judges Institute within two years of applying.
- Pass written exams on dog anatomy and dog show procedures.
- Interview with an AKC Field Representative.
- Complete the AKC new judge application.
Pretty intense, hunh? I'm sure that dog show judges do their best to pick the dog that is closest to the ideal dog. Unfortunately, no dog is perfect and judges have to make some tough decisions as to which dog to choose. What if the dog has an ideal head but his feet are slightly easty-westy? Is he ranked above the dog that has great a expression but a thin, lackluster coat? Or the one with the beautiful gait but is a little too long?
You can find a lot of judge bashing online. But if you look hard enough, you can also find some helpful information. There are internet groups that rate judges with comments like "likes typey dogs" or "doesn't like sables." The premium always lists who's judging, so it might behoove you to look the judge up before entering a show. Once you've been showing for a while you'll get to know which judge is which.
Another good idea is to create your own spreadsheet. Mine looks like this (but longer):
Kelley's AKC Judge Log
| ||||
Judge's Name
|
Date
Shown
|
Comments
|
Awarded
|
Show
To Again?
|
[Name Redacted]
|
9/20/2013
|
Said
Jedi "typey" dog and should do well once we "pull it all
together," also said GSDs were her "Heart Breed."
|
1st
place puppy, beat another puppy
|
definitely
|
[Name Redacted]
|
9/21/2013
|
Foreign,
hard to understand. Jedi and other dogs shied away from her. Rough on dogs during bite exam.
|
1st
place puppy, no other puppies
|
no
|
[Name Redacted]
|
9/28/2013
|
LOTS
of running; ran 2X around ring before exam. Hubby said he heard a snide
comment. Took time to look at each dog.
|
2nd
place puppy, only 2 puppies in the class
|
maybe
|
Who knew that showing a dog was so much work? Not me! -- K
Tomorrow's Topic: Kooky Things Show People Do
No comments:
Post a Comment