Level 3Experienced
Analysing your judges' critiques
Intermediate level — "I'm starting to understand"
"Good construction", "lacks maturity", "gaits difficult to assess"… A judge's critique can seem to be written in another language!
To get something useful out of it, start by understanding what the judge is describing. You can then tell apart your dog's characteristics from points of preparation or presentation to work on.
Here are three tips for reading your critiques methodically.
1. Reread the whole judgement
A comment that disappoints you can take up all the room in your mind. Reread the qualities mentioned and the grade you received too.
In the FCI rules, the grade "Excellent" is used, among other things, to recognise a dog very close to the ideal standard, while allowing for minor imperfections. A reservation in the comment can therefore go alongside a very favourable assessment. [1]
Next, note the words you don't understand: angulation, soundness, expression, topline…
Look up the official standard for your breed and find the corresponding section. The FCI asks judges to refer to the standards in force. [2] If a phrase is still unclear, you can ask for an explanation once the judge has finished his or her duties and is available:
"To understand your comment on the gaits better, what did you observe?"
The practical tip: keep the judge's exact sentence, then write your own explanation next to it. That way you keep the distinction between the judge's comment and your interpretation.
2. Identify what the comment is about
Not every critique calls for the same response.
| The comment concerns… | Possible examples | Where to take your thinking |
|---|---|---|
| Conformation | Proportions, head shape, angulation | Understanding the comparison with the standard |
| Maturity | "Still juvenile", "lacks development" | Taking age into account and following development |
| Condition or preparation | Coat condition, grooming, general condition | Looking at the preparation that suits your dog |
| Presentation | Bounces, poor stack, difficult to examine | Gradually working on the situation concerned |
These categories are an aid to reading. One comment can have several explanations.
For example, "gaits difficult to assess" does not automatically mean "poor construction". An unsuitable speed, jumping or an over-tight lead can make observation harder. The FCI rules recognise that certain behaviours can prevent assessment of movement or examination of the dog. [1]
The practical tip: before choosing an exercise, ask yourself: "Have I understood the comment? What can I act on?" Training helps you show your dog better; it does not change his anatomical proportions.
3. Compare several critiques and choose an action
Reread your judgements, noting the dog's age, condition and the circumstances of each outing.
A one-off comment deserves to be understood. An observation that comes up from several judges deserves particular attention. The wording can also differ while describing a similar point.
Then choose a concrete action:
- Comment: "Untidy presentation."
- My own observation: I kept changing speed and my dog bounced.
- Next goal: practise a short there-and-back run at a steady speed, somewhere quiet.
Keep the positive points too: they show you what already works and what you want to preserve.
The practical tip: after each show, take away one quality to keep and one point to work on. You will have a clear direction for the next session.
Your little challenge
Choose an old critique and complete:
- "The judge wrote…"
- "What I understand…"
- "What I will work on or observe…"