i was handed a  clumber spaniel male at blackpool a few years ago-id never seen the owner or the dog before, but he was stuck as hed won 2 classes and couldnt take both in, so i got the also ran, he took in his winner---  :)     i got best dog in the challenge,he went on to best of breed-im not in gundogs  so didnt know the judge either,

as for the one that breeders  keep the best for themselves---i keep the one that appeals to me most-but others can be equally as good, -i have sold several picks of litters, the latest makes her debut at the club show  a week on sunday, the owners are very keen likeable -but novices.  and im pleased to be able to give them the chance of something nice---as for faces-???    how do they become faces, couldnt it just be they show really good dogs, and are very good at handling and bringing out the best in them-i accept there are some bent judges, but overall i think judges will try not to make fools out of themselves,and most take pleasure in finding the better dog/bitch, -the very last time i judged i had a bitch turn up id not seen before, its a small breed and we all more or less know who is who, i loved the bitch and gave her best of breed over a very nice champion male, which caused  a few mutterings as it was her very 1st best of breed, BUT i was thrilled to see her go on to take the rcc at her very next show, and the one after BIS at our club show,  :)  am i pleased i stuck my neck out. YOU BET I AM.

I would like to think it is the dog which take the judges notice. Tia took second in her class at her 1st show at the age of 6mths 2days. I was paying too much attention to Tia to take proper notice of the judge. I was quite shocked when we were pulled out for 2nd place. Coming out of the ring, a couple of people (not in my breed) came over and said I nearly never got picked, they were watching the judge. Tia is very laid back and quite hard work in the ring. Apparently just as the judge was walking away from us, Tia became very alert and something sparkled, as I said I never noticed. The two ladies told me the judge stopped and had another quick look at Tia. A few seconds later and Tia would never have been placed. This was also my very 1st show. I know it was Tia that got the placing and not me.

Good on you, dont let the bad losers get you down, if its good enough most times youll do ok, i think the problem is when some dont really know there dogs faults, think they should win everything-then  make idiots of themselves  and the best they  can do is slag the dog at the top which to there eyes has no quality at all  :)    and obviously each and every judge is a friend,--keep an open mind, as you learn youll maybe see why a dog beat you and work out why. when you can appreciate a dogs qualitys and see its faults regardless of owner or breeding, your on the right step.enjoy it but keep an open mind.