soundness and showmanship and place the class. I continue this same process throughout each class. When the Win- ners class is brought back into the ring, I am given the wonderful opportunity to see all of my class winners lined up together! In my mind, I am asking myself which of these winners is wor- thy of championship points? Which of these class winners most closely con- forms to this breed’s written standard? In some cases, the decision is simple. In others, it is much more difficult! Best of Breed competition follows and after following the same pattern, I once again stand across the ring, put a frame around each dog and ask myself, “Overall, after a complete examina- tion, taking into account this breeds original form, function and its written standard, which of these exhibits most closely conforms? Which would I want to use in a breeding program?” I then arrange my winners and have them circle the ring one last time proclaim- ing the final placements! There is no greater thrill for this judge! For those of you who are unaware of the criteria to become a Judge at AKC conformation events, I would like to give you a brief synopsis. Even though the approval process has changed numerous times over the years, pro- spective judges are required to go through extensive education and train- ing for each breed for which they hope to gain AKC approval; AKC Institutes, Parent Club approved Breed Seminars, Hands on Evaluations, Breed Specific Tests, Intense interviews with Execu- tive Staff members and most recently, review of the application and qualifica- tions by a Judges Committee! Add to the list, attendance at Breed Nationals, Spe- cialties, Kennel visits and an ongoing association with trusted Breed Mentors. In theory, all of the above is necessary to insure quality of judging! I remember vividly, my first provi- sional assignment for breeds from my second application. These were breeds which I had admired for many years but never bred, owned, or handled.
“THE IMPORTANCE of havinG Great breed Mentors, a supportive and qualified aKc executive field staff and an onGoinG relationship with breed judGes and experts ensures a networK of peers FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION.”
About the Author My name
The responsibility of selecting winners was enormous. Exhibitors and breed- ers, with involvement in their respec- tive breeds for decades, now entered my ring in search of my opinion. It is that moment I realized that ALL of the education and preparation required was necessary to even attempt to pass judgment on these breeds. The impor- tance of having great breed mentors, a supportive and qualified AKC Executive Field Staff and an ongoing relationship with breed judges and experts ensures a network of peers for continuing edu- cation. The Art (?) of Judging Dogs is actually a never ending commitment to education, challenging oneself to understand not only the standard, but nuances, health issues and concerns of each breed for which you are approved! Not a responsibility to be taken lightly or handed out indiscriminately! Please don’t forget a couple of the basics of showing dogs. A clean dog is a must, unclean unforgiveable! Basic lead training is necessary even with puppies. Also, remember, WE ARE ALL ambas- sadors of our sport and of The Ameri- can Kennel Club. Let’s do our part in educating and welcoming newcomers into the wonderful world of purebred dogs! Our future depends on it!
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George Miluti- novich and I live in Fresno, Cali- fornia. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Cathy for 43 years. We have four married chil- dren and twelve
grandchildren. We were the proud owner/operators of The Lime Lite Res- taurant in Fresno from 1976 until our retirement in 2011. We have owned a variety of breeds during our lifetime including Pugs, Italian Greyhounds, a Cocker Spaniel, a Smooth Fox Ter- rier, a Boxer and for the last 24 years, Bichon Frise. We have shown our dogs in both conformation and obedience. Our breeding programs have been very limited but we have produced Group Winners and BIS winners in several breeds. I am currently the Vice President of The Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno, Chairman of the California Junior Handler of The Year Scholarship pro- gram, Lifetime Member, Vice President and Board of Director of the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, proud mem- ber of Take The Lead and many other clubs and organizations. I am cur- rently approved to judge the entire Toy Group, 7 Non-Sporting breeds, Juniors and the Misc. Class.
“the art (?) of judGinG doGs is actually a never endinG coMMitMent to education...”
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