This is a wonderful topic, and one that hits home for me. Recently there were a couple of weekends of shows, and while I would have gotten a price break if I
had entered them all, I decided to only enter under judges whose opinions I actually respect. Now, I have done some winning under the other judges, but I felt
their choices were so inconsistent that I really questioned whether they were judging the breed or the other end of the lead. I would prefer that the judges
judge my dogs. There was also one judge who made particularly desparaging comments with regard to the overall quality of the breed, and I for one was
completely insulted. This particular judge rarely travels out of her "comfort zone" and really hasn't seen enough of the breed to make blanket
statements like that. Having been to Nationals in 2006, Premiere every year for the past 4 years, and being more of a student of the breed, I know there are
some exceptional examples of the breed....I was insulted for all the breeders out there that are producing the kind of quality I try to produce.
I also actually look for judges I have never shown to. I would rather take 5 Champion wins under 5 different judges to earn that Grand than to chase 2 judges I know like my dog.
Some made comments about judges having a particular "type" of dog they like...well, of coarse they do! As a judge it is about creating an image in your mind of what the breed should look like. A written standard is subject to each persons individual interpretation. Recently I showed 3 of my dogs (2 bred-by's) to a particular judge and he made the comment that they are "his type of dogs". I think I vaguely remember showing to him once a few years ago, and I don't remember if I won or not, but it was a very pleasant surprise to hear him say that his idea of the breed is very similar to mine.....almost a shame he doesn't judge around here more often! But I was very pleased with the wins I did get under him.
Also recently a friend of mine started coming to shows with me. I was quite flattered at some comments he made, and it really made me look at why I show. He said that he was impressed that despite the fact that I always seem a bit stressed preparing for shows, driving to shows, and waiting to go in the ring, when I am actually in the ring, I am focusing on my dog and making it a fun happy experience for my dogs, regardless of whether I win or loose. His exact words were "its like you flip a switch". I turn off all the stress and just enjoy the ring time. Hearing him say that made me feel great....after all, I want my dogs to enjoy what they are doing.
Having already said that I know there is a great deal of quality in this breed, there is one thing that troubles me a bit. It seems that if someone has a dog that they really believe in, and are doing well with, they expect the entire world to love their dog too. I have been witness to people getting downright nasty if anyone says the slightest thing against their dog......how dare anyone point out one flaw in their Top 10 dog?!?!? That, to me, is very poor sportsmanship. In all reality, isn't it the opinion of the judges the only opinion that matters? Does every single spectator or other exhibitor have to love their dog too?
All in all, I think we all go to shows hoping to win our respective classes. No one goes and pays their entry fee hoping to take second place. But we all need to remember that the shows are posted to a public website for all to view, and open to all to enter. This is supposed to be a hobby, a recreation to be enjoyed.....most importantly, our dogs should enjoy it...they could care less about some flimsy piece of ribbon...all they know is mom or dad is happy......if your dog works well for you, let him/her know it, win or loose....and if not, its probably your fault. Next time, be better prepared....actually spend some time with the dog you spent a thousand dollars on! You can't buy the kind of bond that creates a dog that wants to work for you!
Just my two and a half cents!
Stephanie
I also actually look for judges I have never shown to. I would rather take 5 Champion wins under 5 different judges to earn that Grand than to chase 2 judges I know like my dog.
Some made comments about judges having a particular "type" of dog they like...well, of coarse they do! As a judge it is about creating an image in your mind of what the breed should look like. A written standard is subject to each persons individual interpretation. Recently I showed 3 of my dogs (2 bred-by's) to a particular judge and he made the comment that they are "his type of dogs". I think I vaguely remember showing to him once a few years ago, and I don't remember if I won or not, but it was a very pleasant surprise to hear him say that his idea of the breed is very similar to mine.....almost a shame he doesn't judge around here more often! But I was very pleased with the wins I did get under him.
Also recently a friend of mine started coming to shows with me. I was quite flattered at some comments he made, and it really made me look at why I show. He said that he was impressed that despite the fact that I always seem a bit stressed preparing for shows, driving to shows, and waiting to go in the ring, when I am actually in the ring, I am focusing on my dog and making it a fun happy experience for my dogs, regardless of whether I win or loose. His exact words were "its like you flip a switch". I turn off all the stress and just enjoy the ring time. Hearing him say that made me feel great....after all, I want my dogs to enjoy what they are doing.
Having already said that I know there is a great deal of quality in this breed, there is one thing that troubles me a bit. It seems that if someone has a dog that they really believe in, and are doing well with, they expect the entire world to love their dog too. I have been witness to people getting downright nasty if anyone says the slightest thing against their dog......how dare anyone point out one flaw in their Top 10 dog?!?!? That, to me, is very poor sportsmanship. In all reality, isn't it the opinion of the judges the only opinion that matters? Does every single spectator or other exhibitor have to love their dog too?
All in all, I think we all go to shows hoping to win our respective classes. No one goes and pays their entry fee hoping to take second place. But we all need to remember that the shows are posted to a public website for all to view, and open to all to enter. This is supposed to be a hobby, a recreation to be enjoyed.....most importantly, our dogs should enjoy it...they could care less about some flimsy piece of ribbon...all they know is mom or dad is happy......if your dog works well for you, let him/her know it, win or loose....and if not, its probably your fault. Next time, be better prepared....actually spend some time with the dog you spent a thousand dollars on! You can't buy the kind of bond that creates a dog that wants to work for you!
Just my two and a half cents!
Stephanie
