THE ART(?) OF JUDGING DOGS! by GeorGe Milutinovich A s a Toy Group judge, I am often asked, “What made you want to start judging dogs?” Occasion- Everything comes to a stop as we stand respectfully, hands over hearts, as the National Anthem is played! Show time has now arrived and the first class is called into the ring.
on the table for examination. I believe this is a most crucial time for the Toy Dog. An unpleasant table experience, a heavy handed judge, a misguided bite examination or an adjudicator’s gruff persona, can easily cause temporary or permanent harm to a novice dog or seasoned competitor. Following the table exam, I ask the exhibitor to take their charge down and back and then one final time around the ring. By this time, I have completed an assessment of the dog and filed the results in my “mental computer”. I then complete the same process with each remain- ing dog in the class. When the entire class has been examined and judged, I stand across the ring from the line- up and begin the placement process. Many years ago, a very dear friend and respected judge suggested mentally “put a frame” around each dog. The exhibits which most closely conform to your mental picture of the perfect dog will be evident! I then factor in
ally, a bold individual will ask, “Why do you think you are qualified to judge dogs?” These are two fair questions and deserve sincere, honest answers. After years of asking and begging for a dog as a child, my parents finally relented and when I was 16 years old, I purchased my first dog, a 6 month old AKC registered Pug. Even though I was a complete novice in the Dog world, I was anxious to prove to my family and friends, my complete com- mitment to responsible dog ownership. I was, however well aware of the impor- tance of buying an AKC registered dog, complete with certified pedigree! The early Obedience classes, Conformation classes, fun matches, all breed shows, specialties and an association with dedi- cated fanciers, breeders and handlers sparked an enormous thirst for knowl- edge and a lifetime of enjoyment! Now, 47 years later, the love affair with pure bred dogs continues! I have progressed from an awkward teenag- er, to a fancier, an exhibitor, a breed- er and for the last 12 years, a judge! I have developed an insatiable love of our sport, the competitive aspects of dog shows and the relentless pur- suit of finding the exhibits which most closely conform to their breeds written standards. Let’s take a few minutes and put you in the head (or thought process) of this judge, as he arrives at the show site for his assignment in Anytown, USA. After a brief greeting with the AKC Field Rep, Show Chair and Superintendant, I am off to my ring to assess the size, condition, surface and configuration of my ring. A quick introduction and conversation regarding preferred ring procedures to my ring steward follows.
In my mind, I am reminded of my commitment to the original purpose of a Dog Show, to compare and select breeding stock. This is perhaps the most important facet of judging dogs. A competent judge must be well aware of each breeds original purpose, its form and its function! Yes, even in Toy breeds, where many are thought to be simply companions or pets. Traditionally a judge is expected to judge 25 dogs per hour, or roughly 2 ½ minutes per dog. There is much to assess during that short period of time. My first impression of each exhibit cer- tainly is formed on the initial go around, assessing overall balance, carriage, reach, drive and topline My usual pro- cedure is to take the class around the ring together with the first dog placed
“....Mentally ‘PUT A FRAME’ around each doG.”
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