DON’T PRE-JUDGE THE JUDGE! by Scott Toney, Midwood Japanese Chin
A friend, who is a 30–plus year exhibitor in the Non–Sporting Group, recently shared a story with me that validated my own beliefs and spurred me to action to write this article. Many years ago he felt the need to bring “new blood” into his breeding program and was look- ing for a male that had the pedigree and conformation to complement his own line. To make his task even more daunting, he wanted to find a young dog not only meeting these criteria, but also one with the potential to be a top special. Most of us know this is easier said than done! He enlisted several of his most trusted friends, including some judges, to keep their eyes open for him. About a year later, an AKC judge who was not even ap- proved to judge his breed, found the perfect dog in a junior class while judging in Europe. Long story short; introductions were made, my friend bought the dog and it did indeed go on to have a very long and successful ca- reer as a stud and show dog including multiple best–in–show wins. To some of you, this may not be an unusual story, and perhaps, you can relate to it through your own experi- ences. But, there are many long–time breeder–exhibitors who subscribe to the notion that only a breeder–judge could have found this exceptional 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 hiring an all–breed judge (or all–rounder) to adjudicate our spe- cific 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 the judge, not understanding breed type. I couldn’t disagree more with this mindset! “It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.” – George Eliot. While there are indeedmany respect- ed breeder–judges, there are also breeder–judges whose interpretation and vision of the standard is biased by their own breeding program. Some- times their home–bred dogs with incorrect characteristics are what inform their opinion as to what is the perfect specimen. Contrast that to an
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 re- gardless 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 breed- ing or a favored line, assess your dogs and educate you. “An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it.” –Mark Twain.
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 knowl- edgeable 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 passion- ate breeder–judges pres- ent at every AKC show.
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2019 • 63
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