Programs in a Box – Panel discussion on Judging Shelties and Judges
Objectives:
Give members a forum to discuss Judges’ likes and dislikes
Create a format or spreadsheet for recording your opinion of how well a particular judge judges Shelties.
Give members a broader perspective of how a judge approaches placement decisions
Use older members of your club or frequent showers as panelists.
Points to Cover:
1. All judges are supposed to evaluate each dog against the Standard, not the other dogs.
2. Each breed has a standard. A written description of the ultimate virtues in the perfect specimen of the breed.
3. Terminology – It is vital that the student of the breed and the judges of that breed fully understand the true meaning of the words and phrases in the Standard
4. Acquiring knowledge of a breed is an on-going process. There is always something to learn or a new or different way of looking at some facet of the breed. The student/judge must remain open to discussions about the breed.
5. Begin by asking each panelist to introduce himself or herself and tell a little about their involvement in the breed.
Questions to start the discussion:
Pass out 3x5 cards at the beginning of the program and ask the audience members to write one or two questions pertaining to judging on the cards. The moderator can start the questions after the introductions by using all or some of the following questions. While this is going on have two older members review the collected cards, to select 5-10 questions from the cards or as many as the time will allow. This will help eliminate duplicate topic questions or something that may be too personal.
Pre-card questions:
Card questions: or possible other questions if they don’t appear on the cards.
1. What is your definition of type?
2. How much do you consider structure and gait over type?
3. What do you think are the most difficult head virtues to breed and keep?
4. How do you organize your ring and gaiting patterns and why?
5. Shelties are a breed where exhibitors use a lot of grooming aids and products. How do you feel about these products and how do you handle it in your ring?
6. How do you feel about handler vs. owner-handled exhibits?
7. How do markings affect your decisions?
8. What do you think are the top two virtues you need in a Sheltie you will consider for the points?
Activity:
Have each member bring a package of 3x5 cards to record information for their card file on judges.
Give the panelist a list of 10-15 judges who are frequently on premium lists for local shows. This is just a starting place for a card file of judges.
Have the members write these names on the cards one name per card.
Ask the panelist to express their opinion on or knowledge of each name in as positive a form as possible. In other words, try to relate to the audience what they have observed as the things this judge seems to be looking for while judging Shelties.
Example:
John Doe ---------
Appears to need good showmanship. Will
put up all colors, Tends to always go with
the adult dogs. Pleasant in the ring. Will
measure. Likes long tails. Complete dentition
a must. Etc.
On the back of the card encourage members to write down the names, colors, age etc of dogs with recent wins under this judge. Info can be found on dog show websites and/or AKC Gazette Awards section. A good card file will save you money by entering when you should and not entering if your dog doesn’t appear to have what this judge is looking for in the ring. You cannot make a final decision on a judge in just a few shows. You must also consider the area of the country, what the entry was like in quality and numbers. Don’t label a judge when they didn’t have much to pick from in the ring. Judges are not going to make disparaging remarks about other judges so gather information for other exhibitors, handlers, show results, etc
Tip: Use the all breed magazines to cut out the head portions of judge’s photos in ads of those judges for which you have developed a card. It helps with quick recall on that judge for future reference.