One Man’s Opinion – Politics & Copouts

Don’t bitch when a good one beats you. Try harder next time, or get a better dog. Do not show under judges you feel are incompetent.

Don’t bitch when a good one beats you. Try harder next time, or get a better dog. Do not show under judges you feel are incompetent.

All dog judging poses risks. Especially judging field events, as I learned on numerous occasions during the 15 or so years that I judged all three types of hunt tests although even in such sedate and highly controlled worlds as the show ring or at performance events there are perils. Judges are always at the mercy of the elements at field events or outdoor shows and it is almost always too hot, too cold, too rainy, too windy or too snowy for comfort. It is frequently necessary to deal with irate handlers or owners in the field or at performance events who are incensed because you failed to give their dog a qualifying score even though the dog’s performance was light years away from the minimally accepted standards for that event or in the show ring, because their dog wasn’t the winner. It is always necessary, particularly at field events, to make the test run smoothly and fairly for all dogs which means being something of a diplomat because of the need to try to keep everyone, including your staff, happy and as comfortable as possible. If your staff is unhappy, they can sabotage the most beautifully designed test or test site and the success or failure of a test design is always ultimately the judge’s responsibility.

Last month we demonstrated the power of three little words judges use to describe themselves, how exhibitors perceive them, and the impact they have on their judging. Now the tables get turned. We asked two newer breeder-judges and a judges’ education chair to share their specific descriptions of good judges and the judging community in general. These questions were asked and answered prior to the April edition of The Canine Chronicle being published.
Did those responses coincide or collide? This look into the minds of members of the judges’ community and those who breed, teach, judge and exhibit, presents a unique and remarkable insight to our dog show world in 2021.

The Canine Chronicle has yet another great photo to share this week for #ThrowbackThursday. Can you guess the respected judge and talented breeder pictured in this week’s throwback? Guess Who? Don’t forget! Do you have a fun photo that you would like to share for #ThrowbackThursday? Email Cheslie at cheslie@caninechronicle with your photos.

Showing the bite to the judge. #missingteeth – This latest episode of the “Cromicles” cannot be missed!

Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! This week Will gives us Will’s Top 10 Things my dogs think about.

I’m sure most of you are aware of the pilot program that AKC has announced which will allow mixed-breed dogs to compete in Junior Showmanship. AKC’s goal, as I understand it, is to enable as many juniors as possible to participate in our great sport. Many fanciers have asked if the ownership requirement might also be addressed. Currently, the junior showmanship guidelines require that the dog being exhibited also be owned by the junior. I am in the process of getting clarification regarding how this pilot program will be administered and will share that information with you as soon as it is available.

It is with great regret that we report the passing of respected judge and breeder, Martin Doherty of Ontario, Canada. Mr. Doherty was closely involved in breeding purebred dogs since the early 1970s. He successfully bred Old English Sheepdogs and PBGVs under the Auriga prefix. He also bred and owned Irish Wolfhounds, Lakeland Terriers, and […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that GoodPup, a dog training over video chat service, is the official sponsor of the new Virtual Home Manners (VHM) Program. The program is designed to help teach dogs proper manners at home. Teaching their dogs to behave at home is important for owners, mentally stimulating for […]

The Premium List for the 2021 Tarheel Cluster of Dog Shows is available online now. This consists of the Cary Kennel Club, Alamance Kennel Club, Durham Kennel Club, Raleigh Kennel Club, and Fayetteville Kennel Club. The shows are to be held at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, March 10th through Sunday, […]