Could someone give advise on how to become a judge, for example what do you have to do right at the outset. I have 12 years experience with a breed but still think of myself as a novice and would love to become a judge in my later years, I have been told that it takes quite a while and lots of experience that needs to be logged in the form of a judging CV. I would like to know what my first steps should be to start on the long path to successful judging.

Many thanks.

Caron

Caron, I would say successful showing, have you had any successes within your breed?

No major success as I only actually own a couple of the breed, this is quite normal as we have a minority breed. Over the years I have only shown two dogs, both of which enjoy placings at every champ show and, I would say, are good sound specimens of the breed. My latest dog is taking a while to mature (as is normal with his line) and I am waiting for his day to come and am encouraged by many of the breed veterans to keep showing. As I have matured as an exhibitor I have found that I am starting to live and breath the breed (slightly worrying). I also realise that as the years go by I am likely to become what I would now class as a veteran and wish to lay the foundations for my future with this breed.

Caron

Step 1 Join a breed club
Step 2 Attend breed seminars
Step 3 Let it be know that you wish to judge
Step 4 Ask the breed club what the criteria is to get on the C list.
Step 5 Ask the breed club what the criteria is to get on the B list
Step 6 Set about fulfilling the criteria.
You will find that most clubs will help and encourage those who show a real interest/

What breed do you have?

Peanuts

She has Curlies...:) ;)

...and may I say very nice ones too....:D

Love Vicki & Pepper ( Curly Coat ) xxx

Yes I have curly coated retrievers (sunday name), I joined the breed club about 12 years ago and used my dog as one of the "subjects" at a breed seminar recently, I think thats when I caught the judging bug. I will contact the club today and ask about the criteria, thanks for the list it has been really helpful. What are the differences in the A, B, C lists, this is the part that totally confuses me?

Also to Vik, I hope you have printed the list too, because as the best of breed winner at crufts last year me thinks perhaps you should also be going along the same path!!! What do other doggie people think??

PS Where do the little smiley faces come from??????

Caron

:) ;) :D :(

Will send you the print out with how you do them....:)

BOB Crufts 2002... I like it...still gives me butterflies when I think about it...:D

I would love to judge as you know...but I don't think I have been in the Breed long enough.... it will be 5 years in October....

But let me have a copy of all the stuff you get...so I can get prepared...!!!!

Love Me xx

This is very brief, but the lists are more of less :-
A lists - Championship judges or a judge passed to judge at Champ level show
B lists - Open show judges
C list - Open show judges limited to a certain number of classes, in your breed if think 3

Thanks Jackie I think I understand a little more now.

Are you a judge?

Caron

"are you a judge"

Just on the B list.

Excellent well done, I dont think people appreciate how hard it is to be a judge sometimes, especially when you hear the gripes and complaints at the side of the ring. I am in awe of anyone who has to choose the best example of a breed, especially when there are lots of dogs in the ring. How do you remember them all.

Remember! It's not that difficult really, the most you have to place is 7, and as you work your way through the class some exhibits will make a good impression and you don't have to think about it, you don't forget. What you do have to concentrate on is the dog you don't like the look of, who when you put your hands on it turns up trumps and moves like a dream. You then have to decide if it (A) looks like the breed it is suposed to be and (B) does it's conformation and movement over ride the beauty of another dog whos conformation is good but not as good.

The worst as far as I am concerned is if the whole class is poor and you still have to place in order.

Caron , you can see how to do the smilies here : CD Help Pages

Melody :)

Thanks Melody

Going to try them out now :D, that was my big grin if it hasnt come out properly.