Page 192 - ShowSight - September 2019

Don’t Pre-Judge the Judge
BY SCOTT TONEY, MIDWOOD JAPANESE CHIN continued
To some of you, this may not be an unusual story, and perhaps, you can relate to it through your own experiences. But, there are many long-time breeder-exhibitors who subscribe to the notion that only a breeder-judge could have found this excep- tional example of “their” breed. Relating all of the above to the conformation ring and the judge hiring process gives us the opportunity to examine the value of hir- ing an all-breed judge (or “all-rounder) to adjudicate our specific breeds. Many times I’ve heard show or breed club members insist that there is no way an all-rounder is qualified to judge their breed whether at an all-breed show or a specialty. Or, if their dog loses while showing to an all-rounder, they ascribe the loss to “generic judging” or
“IT IS A NARROW MIND WHICH CANNOT LOOK AT A SUBJECT FROM VARIOUS POINTS OF VIEW.”
- GEORGE ELIOT
the judge not understanding breed type. I couldn’t disagree more with this mindset!
While there are indeed many respected breeder-judges, there are also breeder- judges whose interpretation and vision of the standard is biased by their own breed- ing program. Sometimes their home-bred dogs with incorrect characteristics are what inform their opinion as to what is the per- fect specimen. Contrast that to an all-round judge who has an excellent knowledge of canine structure, a keen mind for attention to detail, and an eye for proportion, balance and beauty; a judge who has thoroughly absorbed the standard, been mentored by a variety of knowledgeable and objective breeders, and has a love for your breed despite not breeding them. Who then is
better qualified to judge your exhibit? To be clear, we are blessed to have a large number of competent and passionate breeder-judges present at every AKC show. It’s always a special feeling to have your dog judged by an expert who has been hands-on with your breed from mating through maturity. It’s a given that we should continue to hire, show to, and learn from them.
But, don’t discount the all-breed judge who excels at his or her job! A brilliant judge is a brilliant judge regardless of their breed background. Embrace the opportunity to hire these judges for your shows and your specialties. Learn from them, and let their experience that has not been prejudiced through their own breeding or a favored line, assess your dogs and educate you.
190 • ShowSight Magazine, SepteMber 2019
©Matthew Palmer