Page 247 - ShowSight - February 2020
P. 247

                  Judging the
BERGER PICARD
BY DENISE DEAN
Iwould like to say a few things about judging this wonderful breed. They are coming along nicely in the shows with several best in show in the first few years of being AKC. We have
been lucky to finish many and really pleased with our home bred dogs.
A little background, I have been judging since 1997 and am approved for the Herding group, Working group and the Non-Sporting group. My original breed is OES and have been breeding them and Bernese Mountain dogs since 1979. We have finished over 120+ champions and National Spe- cialty winners and the number one BMD dog in the breed in 1988. All my dogs have been owner handled, so I think that gives me an interesting look at judging.
You will find many novice handlers in the Picard ring, so please remember that for many this is their first show dog. This breed requires tons of socializa- tion but should stand and be okay with being exam- ined but may not be overly friendly with the judge. Please do not fault a dog that just stands there but please do not give ribbons to a dog that shies and cowers for the judge.
I have been very pleased with the most of the dogs I have seen as they are very consistent in type and movement for a rare breed. It is a very ancient breed from France and many very nice dogs are being imported. They are thought to be behind the Briard and have some similarities but should not be a big or heavy as a Briard. I think in many ways that are built more like a Sight Hound with long, strong muscles instead of blocky ones. >
 ShowSight Magazine, February 2020 • 245


























































































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