KENNEL NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 198, 22 July 1937, Page 15

KENNEL NOTES

THE JUDGING OF DOGS. (By “Fancier.” The judging of pedigree dogs is a most difficult task; in fact,, people who undertake to adjudicate in classes of nify kind of live stock olten find themselves in an unenviable position. Ringside critics arc inclined to overlook the fact hat although no responsibility is attached to tlieir own impressions, the opinions of the judge are expressed for all to sec. When a judge’s services arc being engaged, careful consideration is always given to his qualifications. in this country when a man or woman is considered knowledgeable enough to judge a breed or breeds of dogs, the New Zealand Kennel Club Committee go into his breeding and parade and show activities, and he is, if they think so, approved and put on the list of approved judges, whether he be an all-breed man or just a specialist in one breed or type such as terriers or toy dogs; but no matter how careful any club is in the selection of a judge for its show, there will always be found one or two exhibitors who disagree with his decision. If you don’t win the first time out there is no need to bo disgruntled ; after all, it is only one man’s opinion on your dog. Showing a dog, particularly one you have bred yourself, is a fascinating game. Considering the numbers of pedigree dogs bred and sold here, we get remarkably few dogs at showsMany people will not show because they are so fond of their companion that they hate to think of his having to be benched for . a doy or two; others think that dog shows are cruel; this idea is hard to understand, and we even get a few who will not show because they think the judge will not appreciate tlieir dog. Ringsidors sometimes criticise the judge’s awards. Although no judge can claim to be perfect, he is handling the dog and he must therefore get a better idea of its points than someone just looking on. Many dogs look like pictures when viewed sideways on, as a ringsider sees them; but perhaps when the judge stands over them they lack spring of rib or substance. There are many points like these_ to he thought of before you criticise a judge. There is a standard of points laid down for every breed, and a judge must be conversant with these; hut you will find that hardly two people translate this standard in precisely the same way. Judges are only human and they are bound to have their likes and dislikes as to certain types in a breed. Some judges are very particular as to the weight of a cocker spaniel, while others do not seem tp pay much attention to that factor. The greater the experience a judge has the more he is sought after by clubs and exhibitors, and his knowledge of judging is improved by the more shows at which he judges. The more capable the judge, the fewer the criticisms levelled at his descisions. Prizes are sometimes withheld from an exhibit which to a casual observer seems a pretty fair specimen of its breed. Closer examination, however, would probably reveal some fault not permissible in a show dog. Many and difficult are the problems which rise before a dog judge. He gets classes consisting only of very poor specimens out of which he has to pick the best, he gets classes of top-notch-ers with very little to turn the scales in either direction. Again, he may be confronted with a good dog badly prepared or “put down” and handled by a novice with no knowledge of ringcraft, against a poorer specimen perfectly prepared and handled. Handling can hide a multitude of sins, and clever show preparation has won many a class. It is no good going to a judge and saying “but you should see my Fido at home, he stands most beautifully.” The whole point is that the judge’s decision must be made from his viewing and examination of the dog while it is in the ring. He cannot see the good points of your dog if it will not walk on a lead and has to be dragged round the ring on its hind parts. • The answer is: For ten minutes every day, put your dog on a lead, make him walk or trot when desired without walking round on his two hind legs, and teach him to stand still, looking alert, when he is told to. Rome was not built in a day, and show champions are not made that way either. Another point worth attending to is the trimming of your dog’s coat; it is worth spending 7s 6d or 10s 6d as the case may be to get your dog trimmed by an expert. A great deal can he learnt by watching; see how the experts handle their dogs in front of the judge. Their keynote is concentration from the moment they enter the ring till they lenve it. Let your dog slacken and look loose and the judge is sure to pick that minute to look at him. However, skill comes with experience, and the average judge will not be too hard, on a novice. Most doggy people, if approached, arc only too pleased to give a novice tips on trimming and handling; so go to it, exhibitor to be, and get your dog ready for tile approaching season of spring shows, and good luck to you!