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-- Dear Judge . . . (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthread.php?threadid=439879)

Dear Judge . . .

This should heat up an already hot Sunday afternoon.

While considering the finer points of various breeds prior to next week's assignment, I fugred I would ask you, the breeders/exhibitors, what's "really" important to you.

So, finish this phrase . . . "Dear Judge, in <state the breed>, would you please pay more attention to . . . "

I'll start.

Dear Judge, in Standard Poodles, would you please pay more attention to the squareness of the dogs. A shorter ribcage and longer loin, doesn't equate to a proper length in both, which are needed to give that elegant flowing gait my breed is known for. And while you're at it . . . tail sets and shapes really are important to us.

Now it's your turn . . . !

__________________
David Arthur
Aircastle Standard Poodles
http://aircastlekennels.com

Dear Judge......

Border Collies in UKC have a different standard than the dogs in Akc. The UKC standard is based on the UK standard, the AKC standard is based on the Austrailian standard.

The dogs from these 2 distinctly different breeding bloodlines do not appear to the eye to be the of the same breed!

Some examples:

The height for the UKC standard is "Ideal height at the withers for males is 21 inches, slightly less for females".

AKC is the height at the withers varies from 19" to 22" for males, 18" to 21" for females.

We all know a difference of 2 inches can seem like a mile from a judges viewing advantage point!

UKC standard on ears is very different too!!!

Ears are medium size, broad at the base and taper towards the tip. May be carried drop, semi-erect or prick, and need not be matching. Are sensitive in their use.

(thank you nekki danley for pointing out to me that "DROP EARS" are acceptable in UKC!!!)

Ears are of medium size, set well apart, one or both carried erect and/or semi-erect (varying from 1/4 to 3/4 of the ear erect). When semi-erect, the tips may fall forward or outward to the side.

Very few judges will have the opportunity to judge "working registered dogs" (American Border Collie Association) ABCA does not support the conformation exhibiting of Border Collies. If a BC becomes a conformation Champion in any registery after 1/1/04 ABCA will rescind all registrations by that dog and any of its desendants!
( I know they will they have revoked several of my dogs registrations now!)

__________________
OLD OAKS BORDER COLLIES
WORKING STOCK DOGS
OLD OAKS RANCH PERFORMANCE HORSES
BUCKING BULLS AND SPORTS CATTLE

Dear Judge

Dear Judge,,,,,,, When looking at Rat Terriers... Well Bent means well bent,,,, The standard says

"The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. The stifles are well-bent"

.... so yes punish a straight rear but do not reward an OVER angulated dog because it is not straight... BOTH are incorrect.

Over angulated is not preferred in the standard.

Oh,,, and 9:10 ratio for legs to back IS almost square...

Look at the other end of the lead,, there is a dog.

Ken of KnD

David,,, you wanted a warm up.

In the general description part of the standard, the word "muscular" is followed by "active and agile". Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not supposed to resemble ottomans, they should be a fit and athletic breed.

They should also be able to move freely, and front end structure is just as important as rear end. And a large head does not make up for structural flaws. There is no part in the standard which calls for exaggeration.

__________________
UACH UWPCH UCDX CH MACH DayDream London Calling CDX RAE OF AD PD2 CL3-R CL3-H CL3-S CGC TC TT
UWP UAGII AKC/UKC CH Flyin DayDream Londons Burning CD MX MXJ OF AAD CGC TT
Flyin The Jolly Roger

Dear Judge, in Rat Terriers, would you please pay more attention to breed type.

If it looks like this:

http://photos.imageevent.com/hurricanedeck/dogshows/goldencoloradooctober2010/websize/CH-Kendall.jpg

Or this:

http://photos.imageevent.com/hurricanedeck/dogshows/longmontjuly2011rmrtc/websize/DSC_0336.JPG

Instead of this:

http://photos.imageevent.com/hurricanedeck/funtimeathdk/websize/Rat%20Terrier%20from%20ARTA.jpg

It is not a good representation of breed type.

Thanks David! Great to get this off of our chests. :-)

Dear Judge,

Also, when judging Rat Terriers, there are 2 varieties standard and MINIATURE. Please, don't over look the little ones. Pre the breed standard they are small-to-medium hunting terrier so the little ones do count.

Also, if our minis are not almost square they can look like a TRT.. big NO NO.

__________________
Darla@KnD Kennels Rat Terriers
"The Best Little Whole House Of Rat Terriers In Texas"
Home of:
UKC GrCh KnD's Diamond In The Ruff
a.k.a.
"The Rock"
www.kndkennels.com
www.imageevent.com/kndkennels

You asked for it....

Dear Judge, here is my 2 cents worth.
Rat T's : They are not Min Pins they are not and repeat not supposed to have a hackneyed gate. The forearm, upper arm and blade should be approximately equal in length. Nor are they roach backed. With Black and Tans, and dilute colorsfawn, blue, chocolate (not well known as a dilute but it is), etc, let your hands talk to your eyes about weight and structure. Some of these doggers are well put together but fool the eyes. Pay more attention to how the dog moves.

Toy Fox Terriers: are supposed to be square. They do not have necks like Arabian horses with long legs, they do not hit their chins with their front feet like Min Pins (no disrespect to the Min Pin, they are the only breed that the standard says should have a hackney gait).
They are first and foremost ...terriers and will and do act like terriers (not lap dogs with no prey drive) Don't count them out because they want to smell the floor, bark at other dogs, or otherwise embarrass the exhibitor on the other end of the lead. Think instead animation not a robot. Don't automatically dismiss the White and Tan. They are a recognized color combination and deserve recognition for quality.

__________________
Kathleen Chance

Well said, Kathleen!

Dear Judge, in Toy Fox Terriers, would you please pay more attention to the terms "compact" and "square" in our breed standard. A seven-pound square dog can be built like an Italian Greyhound and still bear a passing resemblance to a TFT, but these dogs usually have fine bones, swan necks, and over-angulation that would keep them from working in close-quarters vermin control. Whether or not people believe that TFTs were ever used to go to ground, these traits are not correct. These dogs should look as if they can work--and many still have the instinct to do so--so determining if they are "self-possessed, spirited and determined" as required by the standard is a great idea. Also, please remember that "muscle-bound" does not equal "muscular." Some of our dogs do agility and weight pull; this is not a couch pillow dog. Finally, please keep in mind that while TFTs are a head breed, dogs don't run on their heads. Everything is equally important--so a dog with a great head and a lousy everything else shouldn't be the winner in the ring unless every other dogs is equally mediocre.

Oh, and Judge? Thanks for everything you do--judging is a thankless job most of the time. This little litany is intended to help everyone involved, not to be a fruitless rant based on the quality of my dogs relative to others and the dogs being put up in any particular ring.

__________________
Kimberly Egan
LoupGarou (mostly) Toy Fox Terriers

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

AKC and UKC Ch. UAG1 'PR' LoupGarou Kajun-Fox Beausoleil CD, RA, NA, NAJ, CGC
AKC Ch. And UKC GRC La Isla's Wickfair Watersprite, #7 Toy Fox Terrier 2011
U-Ch. 'PR' LoupGarou Cajunization
U-Ch. 'PR' LoupGarou Christmas Bayou
U-Ch. 'PR' LoupGarou Bay Toys Kyrie Eleison
U-Ch. 'PR' Stardust Saints Geaux Marching
Showboat Saintsational Season, HT, BN, CGC

RIP Roger Dodger Over and Out. Your time on this Earth was far too short. God bless and God speed.

Dear Judge

Dear Judges,
If at anytime under UKC's jurisdiction you witness handler misconduct or dog attack/bites, please have the courage to DQ and /or officially report such to the sponsoring club and UKC at once.

Dear Judge,

DOBERMANS: Please, please, please check the entire mouth - Dobermans have a mouth DQ, and if you don't look past the bite, you may never find a dog's diqualifying fault.

Thanks for everything you do!

__________________
BIMBS/RBIMBS/MBAIMBS CH Bruda Whip Up A Dream Debut BN RN CAA TT CGC TDI "Kaylee"
MBAIMBS ALCH Bruda Hero of Canton TT "Jayne"

Please

Dear Judge - it all begins with "movement."

Dear Judge,
In Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs please pay close attention to the part of the standard that states "Catahoulas should always be presented in hard, working condition."

Fat is not muscle, and if you cannot at least feel the dog's ribs they should not be placed at the top of any class. Conversely a dog that appears "skinny" but has excellent muscle tone and movement should be at least considered.

Please also keep in mind that "The Catahoula is a moderate breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in appearance." Believe it or not that moderately built dog can stop a bull or a hog.

Thank you for all the work you do educating yourself on the myriad types of dogs and breeds out there.

__________________
Cross Check Catahoulas
We show our working dogs, we do not work our show dogs
http://www.crosscheckcatahoulas.com
https://www.facebook.com/crosscheckcatahoulas

LavenderBlue: where's the "Like" button on here ? I agree!

__________________
Kathy Jones
American Hairless Terrier - coated
RATO UWP CAX URO2 UGRACH USGCH UFGCH CH Kidd K's Cross My Heart (AKC MACH, RN, CGC, T2B, XF, CAA, MXB, MJB)
(callname Carsten)
2014 Terrier Race #4 flat, #3 steeple
2013 Terrier Race #3 flat, #5 steeple
2013&2014 #3 AHT Eukanuba Agility Invitational
2012 Terrier Race #T1 Flat, #2 Steeples All Star (Winner of both All Star races at Premier 6/2013)
2011 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat #2, Steeple #3)
2011 All Star AG2 #49
2010 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat Tied #3, Steeple #3 (winner of All Star Steeple at Premier))
2009 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat #2, Steeple Tied #1)

American Hairless Terrier - coated
RATO URX UCD NBOB CAX UFCH UROC UAG2 UWPCH USCH GRCH PR VHK's Double Vision-Hairy Multi BIMBS, Multi RBIMBS, BISS, Total Dog BIS and Total Dog winner in Agility, TR, Rally and Weight Pull, and SUPERDOG #93! (AKC CGC, CAX, RA)
(callname Sully)
2014 #6 AHT
2014 All Star Terrier Race Flat #5
2013 #5 AHT
2012 #3 American Hairless and on All Star Terrier Race Flat list #4, Steeple T6
2011 #T8 Flat Racing; #T7 Steeple Racing
2010 Finished in Top 10 #9
2010 All Star Terrier Race Steeples Tied #8

American Hairless Terrier - coated
CH Miracles Fortune Favors the Brave (callname Merida)

Dear Judge,

In the American Bulldog would you please give more attention to the overall structure, substance and "type" of the dog, a straight front end and good movement are important, but ABD's should be a dog of substance, and lately I have seen a lot of lanky narrow headed dogs taking the win because they have these two things going for them but otherwise look nothing like an ABD should.

__________________
Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
John F. Kennedy

Fulkvar Kennels American Bulldogs
www.FulkvarKennels.com

Dear Judge,
First off, THANK YOU, your job is much harder than it looks and we appreciate your time and effort.

Second, German Shepherd Dogs, contrary to popular belief, do not walk on their hocks. Nor do they have roached backs that resemble bananas. They also come in colors other than black and tan.

Third, German Shepherd Dogs come from different lines from different countries but they are all GSDs.

I'll just echo what Rebekah says about Rat Terriers & Breed type. Good illustrations.

Also, I'd add that if you are new or haven't judged Rat Terriers in a while, go to http://imageevent.com/arta and click on the link "Illustrated Breed Standard"

I'd also add, check the bites on the side, not just the front & please do not favor one color over another (unless one's a DQ) there are wonderful Ratties in all colors and patterns.

__________________
Warren Mountain Rat Terriers
http://imageevent.com/wmratz

"it all begins with movement"

I respectfully disagree with this...I personally believe that it all begins with breed type...

Linda Reece
HiSociety Fox Terriers

Dear Judge,
If you are going to be judging Parson Russells, please become knowledgable about proper spanning. It does not mean just placing your hands lightly around the terrier's chest. A proper chest allows the earthworking terrier to go to ground after the fox. If the chest won't fit, the terrier is useless for working.

Also, all coats should be considered equally and all sizes in the standard considered equally.

And "cute" doesn't matter to a fox.

Thank you for your time.

__________________
Yvonne Moore
Henry County, Kentucky

~Tarascon Working Terriers~

GREWCH CH Corn Row Busy AWTA Veteran Earthdog CG

CH Huntmoor Reiver AWTA WCs CG

CH Tarascon Walker

GREWCH Tarascon Bailey JRTCA Bronze, AWTA Veteran, RIP my special girl.
~Bailey is the only terrier in the country to have earned the highest hunting honors in three working terrier programs~

CH Tarascon Jessie JRTCA NHC, RIP

Smoky Mountain Hillbilly AWTA WC, RIP Billy, we miss you


~and Silken Windhounds!~
~CH 'PR' WindnSatin Smoke 'n Water (Arwen)~
and
~CH 'PR' Hunters Run Cuda (Holly)~

@Linda: Breed type should obviously be considered 'off the bat', but if the dog doesnt move well, it is saying something about its structure (imho). If it looks fabulous on the table, but cant or wont move around the ring for a judge, how can it win? Seeing quite a bit of this. Ive seen nice dogs - who I KNOW are nice, but who wont/dont move around the ring on any given day and win. Dont think its right. Ive seen what I THINK are structurally correct dogs (from my view of them on the table) move 'successfully' around the ring, but not well (ie proper movement), and win. Dont think they should as it says somehting about structure (again, imho).

I think a win is deserved when the WHOLE thing comes together, breed type (matches the breed standard, no DQs), fits into that standard when a judge sees/feels them on the table AND then verifies movement (every time a dog is judged, not just remmebered them 'from the last time' they saw them in a ring somewhere). All has to come together *EVERY* time a particular dog is judged.

This is why I said I "liked" 'it all begins with movement' - I should have been more clear..."Dear judge, please pay attention to Movement, says a LOT about a dog" (I didnt state breed, because I dont know this to be true of all breeds, just know it to be true of the breeds I pay attention to)

Should have explained myself better - why I should not post to a public board when I am tired and dont take the time to be clear :-)

__________________
Kathy Jones
American Hairless Terrier - coated
RATO UWP CAX URO2 UGRACH USGCH UFGCH CH Kidd K's Cross My Heart (AKC MACH, RN, CGC, T2B, XF, CAA, MXB, MJB)
(callname Carsten)
2014 Terrier Race #4 flat, #3 steeple
2013 Terrier Race #3 flat, #5 steeple
2013&2014 #3 AHT Eukanuba Agility Invitational
2012 Terrier Race #T1 Flat, #2 Steeples All Star (Winner of both All Star races at Premier 6/2013)
2011 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat #2, Steeple #3)
2011 All Star AG2 #49
2010 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat Tied #3, Steeple #3 (winner of All Star Steeple at Premier))
2009 All Star Terrier Racer (Flat #2, Steeple Tied #1)

American Hairless Terrier - coated
RATO URX UCD NBOB CAX UFCH UROC UAG2 UWPCH USCH GRCH PR VHK's Double Vision-Hairy Multi BIMBS, Multi RBIMBS, BISS, Total Dog BIS and Total Dog winner in Agility, TR, Rally and Weight Pull, and SUPERDOG #93! (AKC CGC, CAX, RA)
(callname Sully)
2014 #6 AHT
2014 All Star Terrier Race Flat #5
2013 #5 AHT
2012 #3 American Hairless and on All Star Terrier Race Flat list #4, Steeple T6
2011 #T8 Flat Racing; #T7 Steeple Racing
2010 Finished in Top 10 #9
2010 All Star Terrier Race Steeples Tied #8

American Hairless Terrier - coated
CH Miracles Fortune Favors the Brave (callname Merida)

Movement is part of breed type. Correct movement for my breed (SBT) is not the same as correct movement for a GSD. But either should have good, breed typical movement. If they don't, they are not constructed correctly. I do not believe you can consider a dog to "have breed type" if it's not constructed correctly for it's breed.

__________________
UACH UWPCH UCDX CH MACH DayDream London Calling CDX RAE OF AD PD2 CL3-R CL3-H CL3-S CGC TC TT
UWP UAGII AKC/UKC CH Flyin DayDream Londons Burning CD MX MXJ OF AAD CGC TT
Flyin The Jolly Roger

Dear Judge,

When judging Irish Water Spaniels, THEY ARE NOT POODLES. They shouldn't resemble a poodle.

Just because they have a "rolling motion"(as per the standard) does not mean they are overweight.

Expect a little silliness and shyness from them almost always, lol.

Also, if you have never judged them before, please take a few minutes to read the standard.

Note to Show Secretaries: Please send out a list of the breeds you have pre-entered as well as those that are commonly at your shows to your judges before the event. Especially those that are uncommon.

__________________
CH Clussexx Gimme Back My Bullets "Benson"

BIMBS GRCH Dwane of Duwuna "Cutter" 1st GRCH Irish Water Spaniel #2 Top Ten IWS 2008 #1 Top Ten IWS 2009

RBIMBS GRCH Waybar's Ain't Nobodys Bizness "Bizzy" 2nd GRCH Irish Water Spaniel #1 Top Ten IWS 2008 #2 Top Ten IWS 2009 #2 Top Ten IWS 2010

Dear Judge,

When judging Catahoulas, the standard says, "The stifles are well bent." This means you should not be able to lay a ruler along the stifle.

When judging movement, please remember that the proper movement is "smooth, fluid and effortless," not the heavy or deliberate gait called for in the standards of many guardian breeds.

Remember, the standard's description of the the feet:

quote:

---

Good feet are essential for a working dog. Feet are well knit and oval in shape. Toes are long, webbed and well arched. Pads are thick and hard. Nails are strong. Dewclaws may be removed.

---

__________________
Amanda Tikkanen
Sisu Catahoulas
UberPest's Journal
"Trek" Sisu's Trekker
"Halo" GRCH J Cross' Halo, RATO UKC Total Dog
"Ranger" BVIS CH of TD-CH, UWPV, CAX, UWPCH, GRCH J Cross' Currahee, WPSGRCH 2x UKC Total Dog
"Beau" BIMBS, RBIMBS GRCH Cat's Cradle's Beaufort, CGC, TDI, BPGM 2000-2012
"Lucy" Lucy Anna Skye, MB-CD, CGC--AMBOR; 1992-2007

In Pembroke Weslh corgis moderate means moderate!

__________________
Ci Cymru Corgis
Committed To the Complete Corgi
Pedigree indicates what the animal should be.
Conformation indicates what the animal appears to be;
but performance indicates what the animal actually is.

A little bit of grace. That's what a good dog is, you know. A little bit of grace.
Stephen King, from "Summer Thunder".

Dear Judge -

First, thank you for taking the time to judge our wonderful dogs.

In Poodles, hair spray in the coat is disallowed in UKC. Please make sure you look for it. It is not prevalent here, but a good coat should show well without the need for "supplements". Also, UKC allow Poodles to be shown in a variety of clips: puppy (under 1 year) and for adults either the Continental (full mane or 'historically correct'), English Saddle or Sporting. No clip should be preferred over another.

In English Cockers, remember that this is a hunting breed. ECs should be able to go through heavy upland cover with their merry tail wagging. Look for good spring of rib as well as effortless gait. Both are necessary for a long day in the field.

Janice Lukenbill

Dear Judge,

The Tibetan Mastiff is a GUARDIAN breed. Hence when in the ring, it should be alert, but may be aloft. Do not expect the dog to be "happy to see you." It may not give you "ears" when you whistle at it or pretend to offer it bait, and it should not be penalised for this. However, it should also NOT be shy - standoffish is acceptable, but it must not appear to be afraid or inhibited. TMs are also to be shown naturally - NO clipping, except to trim the feet. Finally, TMs are not GSD or Dobies - they do not race around the ring, but should move smoothly and with purpose.

__________________
Robyn of Sanroc Tibetan Mastiffs and Standard Poodles
Home to Shania, Squeaky, Puki, Diva, and Mati/