SO YOU WANT TO JUDGE TOY DOGS Consider this first
by rod herner
T hat stranger in the ring, who is giving their handler definite instructions about which direction they should go, is seen in a different way by a Mas- tiff or a Doberman than by a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. The larger breeds might see the judge as a six foot person while through the eyes of Toy breeds, that same judge appears as a twenty foot giant! This situation is something that a “large breed” judge must take into consideration when judging Toy breeds. I know that I probably would react to a twenty foot giant ordering me around the ring with, “Which direction do you want me to go, and how fast?” and “Whatever you say”. With this perspec- tive in mind, it is understandable why we examine Toy breeds on the table, not to mention how much easier that becomes for the judge’s back and legs. (Toy breeders hope that the latter is not your primary reason for deciding to judge the Toys). When the toy breed enters the ring, address the handler with a pleasant, courteous voice that does not create a din. Actually, I’m sure that all exhibi- tors, regardless of the size of dog that they have on the lead, would appreciate that advice. In no way am I implicating that you can expect Toy dogs to be less stable than larger breeds, in fact, most Toys don’t realize how small they are. They should be ready to take on the world, no matter what the outcome may be. They should appear to own the ring and all that is in it. Of course, since the Toy Group is eclectic, there will be differ- ences in the demeanor of the terriers, the hounds, the spaniels, etc. You get
the idea, but in no case should they be shy or retiring. Be extra careful when examining Toys on the table. Again, use a dulcet voice or none at all. Too many judges use a heavy hand when going over Toys. As a judge who comes from a Toy breed, I always take care to be gentle and have a soft hand with the exhibits. Don’t turn the examination into a massage session. Extra consideration should be given to a first time entry. If he doesn’t stand perfectly still, that’s not a prob- lem. It is so important to have a dog’s first experience in the ring be an enjoy-
bites. I prefer to check for myself. Most Toy dogs are trained to allow for bite examination. Not all Toy breed bites should be checked with the same pro- cedure. Some can be properly checked without even opening the mouth. If you are judging Pugs, Japanese Chin, Brus- sels Griffon, Pekingese, Affenpinschers, English Toy Spaniels, or Shih Tzu, you should have either attended a well run seminar where proper bite examination is included or you should have been instructed by a quality breeder just how to go about checking the bite. A top winning dog’s career can be ruined by judge’s inconsiderate struggling to open a mouth. I’m sure that you have heard this statement many times before, but it deserves repeating. NEVER RE-EXAM- INE A TOY DOG ON THE GROUND. Put them back on the table a second time to check out whatever it is you wish to refresh in your mind. Remember that twenty foot giant! Last, but not least, whenever you are judging Toy breeds along with larger breeds in the same ring i.e. Junior Show- manship or Best in Show, please take into consideration that the Toy’s little legs cannot possibly cover the same amount of ground in the same amount of time as the larger dog. In Juniors, move the Toys and other smaller breeds together and for Best in Show, the dogs should be arranged from largest to smallest. The handlers usually take care of this themselves, but it is your job to keep on top of it. I hope you have fun judging the Toy breeds. It should be a fun time for both the judge and the Toy Dogs. I, personal- ly, enjoy being in the ring with them.
“NEVER re-eXAMine A toY doG on the GroUnd.”
able one. That also applies to the novice exhibitor. Be kind and helpful to them for they are the future of our sport. This same consideration should be given to a dog that shys away from you at first approach. Rather than excuse the dog as unable to examine, give them a sec- ond chance by softly touching and reas- suring them that all is well. Some of these exhibits may well be the result of a former heavy handed judge. Some can be resurrected with understanding and reassurance. Checking for the correct bite should not become a battle royal. If the exhibit denies you easy access to the mouth, have the handler show the bite. Some judges prefer to have all exhibitors show
t5 01 / 05$) 5 0:4 ' $"3:
Powered by FlippingBook