Good Judge Criteria

[TrishB]

Please give your criteria for a "Good Judge". What makes them a good judge? What examples can you give that displayed to you that a judge was fair and qualified?

Please DO NOT enter names of judges. Please keep this thread generic.

[Judi W]

Of course. This is toooo easy. The best judge's are the ones that agree with me whether my breed, or not and whether my dog is in the ring or not. They must recognize type and correct structure more than they recognize handlers.

A good judge shows consistency in their understanding of the standard, their placements, and enjoys their assignments. A good judge is also courteous and respectful of the exhibitors and their entries. A good judge also does not accept assignments to judge breeds that they are uncomfortable with or don't like.

A good judge also does not smooze with handlers before their assignment. Whether or not it affects their placements, it gives the impression of inpropriety and is discouraging to the other exhibitors. Show up at your ring when it is time for your assignment to start, prepare you judge's book, make sure you pen works and smile and nod, but stay away from that chatting up with the handlers.

I added the "not" before smooze. Major

[Sharon Marples]

I think Judi covered most of the items I had thought of. One other thing is that a good judge will give each handler the same time spent in their exam of the dog. They will treat each exhibitor with the same patience, understanding and respect as they would expect as an exhibitor themselves.

One example of unfairness that I have personally seen is when a judge goes over a professional handler's dog, really givng it the once over and doing a good hand's on exam. Then almost skips the hands on exam on the next dog when it is handled by an amateur, not giving it the same type exam as they did on the previous (professional handlers) dog.

True, maybe the professional has a much better dog, but that exhibitor paid their entry fee and is deserving of as much time spent on their dog as any other exhibitor, professional or amateur.

Sharon

[TrishB]

So where do you find the better judges? At the local, regional or national levels?

And of course, any judge that agrees with me that my dog is the best, is a good one!! ;) hehehe :D

[Sharon Marples]

I don't think there is any particular "level" to find the best judges, we have found them at all levels.

I know of breeder-judges who will play politics and I know of all breed judges who will play politics.

I also know of both who don't play the politics, but choose the dog they feel is the best on the particular day they are judging it. Those are the ones who get my entries!

Of course, I too REALLY like the ones that have used MY dogs!:D :D

Sharon

[Judi W]

Sharon,
Hate to cast a sad idea, but don't forget the judges who don't play politics, attempt to be honest, nice as can be but just plain don't have an eye. Best of intentions, poor judging.

I agree with Sharon. Good and bad judges can be found at small local shows and at large venues. Also, judges can change depending upon their time in life, or the assignment and even basically non-political judges are swayed on occasion depending upon circumstances. Doesn't always mean malice, just a bad day or a confused judge, or...............

[Sharon Marples]

So true, Judi, that thought had slipped my mind.

And as you said, judges change their thought process over time or "forget" certain things about our standard. I have had one judge give me a major one month give the same dog the gate with no ribbon two months later!

You just never know what type of day they are having!:( I still fee it is all a part of the game....after all, they are only human too!

Sharon

[Judi W]

You just have to enjoy it and
May the best dog win - at least now and then...............:D