SEENWORSTAFF

MY HONEST OBSERVATIONS , MY HONEST OPINIONS

Having never shown before , not knowing what to expect , totally naive , you soon get your eyes opened !!!...... The following is a summary of my present views , which will be amended should they subsequently change. No names will be given nor reference made to any particular shows .

In the short space of time that I have been showing  , I have made the following observations , from may I add , personal witness and experience . Ambiguities in Judging which I feel are not within the direction and requirements as set by the Kennel Club are recorded and on collation of such evidence or persons in breech thereof , submitted  forthwith to the relevant authority ............

 

Joking aside , couldn't resist the above statement as an opening to this subject , just  to set the mood and ruffle a few feathers ...... Seriously though  showing your dog can be very enjoyable and rewarding ,  however this can sometimes be tarnished by questionable Judging , its easy for some to say ' Its only a bit of fun and it doesn't matter if you win or loose . Thats all well and done when the floors anyones !!!!!

In my opinion , a dog show is enjoyable ' COMPETITION ', you can have as much fun as you like when your there , but at championship level where expenses ( entry ,travel , accommodation , food ) for one dog at one show can be £100 , I wouldn't describe it as fun , No .

Lets face it everyone is after the same thing to have their dog awarded a place , or at the highest level Cruft's qualification places  , CC's or RCC's , its that acknowledgement that you have a good dog , a  dog which is judged to be the best exhibit for that breed type at that show , well supposedly .....

When I entered my first dog show I didn't know what to expect , I certainly never expected to get a third thats for sure , I was delighted to say the least , especially as the Judge was a Breed Judge . You always get one person though , the one who tells you he knew what would win and why , I wasn't interested and thought it was just sour grapes , being more than happy with my place . Sadly the more shows you attend you soon learn that these people are sometimes right and its not because its the best dog but for other reasons that places are awarded .

I have may I say ,  shown under some very good honest Judges and hope to many more , Judges who do judge as close to the breed standard as they can get , those who dont' judge a dog because its THEIR colour , THEIR size , THEIR build ,THEIR type , or THEIR mates , but honestly assess each dog to that of the breed standard and award places accordingly . These Judges are those to be respected and supported by attendance .... I would also like to add at this point that those Judges whom I have shown under and consider worthy of respect are not neccessarily only those Judges who have awarded my dog a place .

It doesn't take you long to suss out the who's who's .............the good from the bad..........the honest from the dishonest...........and the ones who just follow what others have placed before . 

Personally I feel that a Judge is sometimes given the excuse of , that it's his interpretation of the breed standard or that's what he like's as an excuse for  irregular Judging , that should not be . In this country we have laws , if everyone interpreted them differently chaos would arise , so why should judging dogs be any different .When Judges bring their own  preferences into the ring , whatever they are , its wrong . Judges should remember they are judging to the breed standard not what THEY breed or like themselves . or if they owe one of their mates a ticket !! .In the show ring there must be common ground between every exhibit and every Judge for the system to work fairly and honestly . 'Thats the Breed Standard '..........

At shows I often talk to people from other breeds and its quite sad to learn that these judging irregularities have always gone on in every breed , including that of money changing hands for CC's , something which I personally can not verify , and hope never have the course too. Despite achieving champion status with their dogs , some of these people sadly  left the show ring because they could no longer tollerate the politics and the hidden agendas ...........The Enjoyment had gone !

Fortunately for me I still enjoy the show ring , at least for the time being , I have , if I'm honest  become quite cynical and  no doubt you can tell !!!!  . 

Not to worry , I'm hoping that justice will prevail  the good guy's win and the bad guy's get S..T on ! Well that's what's supposed to happen isn't it , but then again 'The Devil takes care of his own ...........

Finally I will say that should I encounter or discover any dishonesty in the ring ,  for which I have proof , I like my dog , will not let go  !!!!  The old police head will come out and I will dig until I get to the bottom of it ! .  

To those Judges who have the opportunity to read this , 'PLEASE' be honest with yourself and if you know you dont always PLAY BY THE RULES , either stop judging or PLAY FAIR . For those Judges who do play by the rules , carry on your doing a GREAT JOB and you should be proud of yourselves .

So go on if you dont already show get out there and give it a go , just remember everythings not always as it seems , support the good Judges , bin the rest , you decide !!!!! But whatever you do' ENJOY' . 

Below an extract from the Kennel Club Judges Training guidance ;

Code of best practice for judges

A code of best practice has been introduced this year setting out the Kennel Club’s expected standard for judges regarding integrity, impartiality, age and health issues.

The overall and stated object of the Kennel Club is to promote in every way the general improvement of dogs and this objective also applies to Judges.

The overall aim and objective of a Judge at whatever level, from Companion Dog Show to Championship Shows/Trials, is to provide value for the time, training effort and money which the exhibitor/competitor puts into presenting their dog.  Moreover, the decision of Championship Judges in particular will ultimately effect the future development of a particular breed and/or respective discipline concerned.

There is therefore an expectation that Judges will be competent and may be trusted.  Judging is not a right but a privilege.  Judges should be respected by the exhibitor/competitor.  To that end the following Code sets out the relevant aspects that Judges should be capable of demonstrating.

Integrity

1.1    Judges should act honestly and impartially when undertaking an appointment.

1.2    A dog should be placed only on merit according to the Breed Standard or Competition Regulations.  Judges should be prepared to provide a critique on placings (Field Trial Judges excepted).

1.3    Judges should conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the standing of a Judge at all times whilst at a show/trial ad in any other capacity which might have a bearing on the interests of the canine world.

1.4    Judges are referred to the factors set out below which may be said to affect their standing and may result in exclusion from Judging lists or future judging contracts or withdrawal from an agreed appointment;

1.4.1    Criminal Convictions

1.4.2    Threatening Behaviour

1.4.3    Misrepresenting or abusing authority

1.4.4    Not judging in accordance with the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations

1.4.5    Not judging according to Breed Standards

1.4.6    Harsh Handling

1.4.7    Breach of Kennel Club Rules and Regulations

1.4.8    Using the name of the Kennel Club in an unauthorised manner.