Faults: how does the judge assess them?

The judge seeks to assess that departure: how significant is it, and how does it affect the dog as a whole?

How does the judge spot faults?

He or she combines several observations:

Standing, the judge examines the outline, the proportions and the stance.
By hand, the judge can check things that are hard to assess by eye alone.
On the move, the judge sees how the dog uses his construction.
Throughout the examination, the judge also assesses behaviour.

A comment must always be put back in the context of the standard concerned. A characteristic accepted in one breed can be a fault in another.

Do all faults carry the same weight?

No. Standards may distinguish several categories, whose names and content vary from breed to breed.

1. Penalised faults

These are departures that the judge takes into account in the assessment. Their importance depends, among other things, on their degree.

A penalised fault does not automatically lead to disqualification.

2. Serious faults

Where this heading appears in the standard, it identifies particularly significant departures. You need to read their exact definition: "serious" and "leading to exclusion" are not interchangeable.

3. Faults leading to exclusion

These are explicitly stated in the standard. For classes using the grades "Excellent" to "Disqualified", the FCI rules provide for the disqualification of a dog showing these faults.

The classes reserved for the youngest puppies use specific grades: so you need to check the provisions that apply to the class you have entered.

A concrete example: the German Shepherd's ears

The German Shepherd standard calls for erect ears.

It lists half-pricked ears, among others, among the serious faults. But it also states that an ear carried folded back, at rest or in action, is not a fault.

The detail to understand: an erect ear that the dog briefly angles backwards is not the same thing as an ear that lacks firmness.

The judge must therefore assess what he or she sees, in context. This example applies to this breed only.

Can you get "Excellent" with a fault?

Yes. The FCI rules accept that certain minor imperfections may be tolerated when the dog's qualities justify it.

"Excellent" therefore does not mean "without any fault at all". The judge also assesses how close the dog is to the breed model, his harmony, condition and temperament.

Conversely, many qualities cannot make up for a fault that leads to exclusion.

"Cannot be judged": a different situation

This entry applies in particular to situations where examination is impossible: constant refusal of handling, movement that cannot be assessed…

It is distinct from a disqualification based on an observed fault. The rules require the reason for these entries to be given in the judge's report.

Nine tips to improve

These tips are a practical method for preparing for and reading judgements.

Beginner — Understanding without losing heart

Find the passage in the standard. After a comment, look up the corresponding heading. Avoid relying only on an explanation heard at the ringside.
Have technical terms explained. Ask someone knowledgeable in your breed to show you what the term means, on a drawing or while looking at a dog.
Read the qualities too. Pick out the positive points in the critique. A judgement is assessed as a whole, not from its least pleasant comment.

Intermediate — Observing your dog better

Compare the stack and the movement. Use photos and videos taken in good conditions. A single moment can give a misleading impression.
Distinguish construction from presentation. A poor position or an over-tight lead can get in the way of observation. Work on presentation to show your dog clearly.
Keep your critiques. Spot the observations that come up again and get help understanding them. Different wording can sometimes describe the same point.

Advanced — Refining your analysis

Study the exact categories for your breed. Identify the faults, serious faults and faults leading to exclusion, where they are distinguished. Don't transfer the list from another breed.
Link the departure to its consequences. Look at what it implies for balance, movement or the function described by the standard, rather than isolating it as a mere cosmetic detail.
Prepare an honest presentation. Improve cooperation and the quality of movement. The rules also provide for "Cannot be judged" when the judge detects treatments or interventions intended to mislead.

The point to remember

Understanding a fault means knowing what departs from the standard, to what degree and with what consequences. Your critique then becomes a tool for getting to know your dog better and preparing your next shows.