| Re: disqualification? First of all we need to get some terms straight. Disqualification is a very serious word. Each venue (AKC, UKC, USRC, etc) have their own set of rules. In AKC, a dog, in the conformation ring, can be disqualified for having one or more disqualifying faults, ie 2 or more missing teeth. Under that kind of situation all is not lost as 2 more judges have to also find the two or more missing teeth. In this kind of disqualification, assuming it become permament, all is not lost as the dog can do any other AKC event, such as obedience or agility.
A dog can be DQ'd for being blind, deaf or changed in appearance.
The other way a dog a can be disqualified is for attacking or attempting to attack a person in the ring IN THE JUDGE's OPINION!!!!! So if the judge thinks your dog has attacked or attempted to attack a person, your dog is disqualified FOR LIFE. That means, game over, go home and never return to an AKC event again.
What you are really asking is if the judge can EXCUSE your dog from the ring for this nasal thing. The answer is, probably not. You have already said that your dog is acting fine, then there is no reason for the judge to suspect. Besides, the judge can not act unless the dog is showing signs of rabies, distemper, has open wounds, stitches or bandages.
Disqualified is a very serious word with serious meaning and implications. Excused usually means, "better luck next time" with no serious implications.
__________________ Francis
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