Level 1Beginner
What does a judge really look at?
The answer
The judge watches your dog, touches it, looks at its teeth, then asks you to trot… It all comes down to one question: how closely does this dog match its breed standard, while having a build and behaviour consistent with its wellbeing?
The standard is the official reference describing the characteristics sought in a breed. The judge assesses the dog as a whole, then examines the details.
Standing still: its construction
When your dog is standing, the judge looks at its morphology, that is, its shape and structure: outline, proportions, head, body and limbs.
Each dog is examined individually in the stack, in other words, standing still. Hands-on examination completes what the eye sees: under a thick coat, the hands give a better idea of the construction.
Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) — “Les expositions”, section on judging and presentation.
On the move: its gait
Gait is the way your dog moves. The judge looks at its balance and ease of movement, taking the particularities of its breed into account.
A dog must be able to move without difficulty. A lead that is too tight can hamper its movement and make it hard to see how natural it is.
FCI — “Basic principles for dog show judges”, pages 4 and 6: construction and presentation (PDF).
During the examination: the details that are checked
The judge checks the teeth, among other things. The dentition is assessed according to the requirements of the standard: the bite is the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
For males, the examination also includes checking that both testicles are present.
FCI — “Basic principles for dog show judges”, page 5: teeth (PDF). Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) — “Les expositions”, description of the checks carried out.
Throughout the class: behaviour and comfort
The judge also looks at temperament, taking the breed into account. The judge must stay alert to visible signs of difficulty: breathing, movement, and discomfort in the eyes or skin, in particular.
The FCI guidelines treat faults affecting health as more serious than purely cosmetic faults.
FCI — “Basic principles for dog show judges”, pages 4 to 6: health and behaviour (PDF).
A good presentation helps the judge see your dog. Think of a well-framed photo: it makes the subject easier to read. Your role is therefore to allow the examination and to show your dog's natural movement.
Beginner: making the examination easy
- Teach your dog to stand for a few seconds. Reward a comfortable stance, then gradually increase the duration.
- Get it used to gentle handling. Start with brief touches on the body and lips, without forcing.
- Keep your dog visible. Avoid standing between it and the judge; follow the instructions given in the ring.
Intermediate: understanding the criteria
- Read your breed's standard. Find the sections on proportions, dentition, coat, gait and behaviour.
- Film how you move together. Watch your dog from the side, front and back to better understand the comments you receive.
- Find a steady trot. Adjust your speed so that your dog moves comfortably, on a loose lead.
Advanced: refining the presentation
- Work on balance when standing. Look for a stable, repeatable stance, without artificially stretching the dog.
- Prepare for different conditions. Gradually vary the places and the people who carry out a gentle examination.
- Link the comments to the standard. Then choose one presentation point to work on, rather than changing your whole method.
These nine tips are practical preparation suggestions.
Illustration caption: looking at construction, assessing gait and examining the teeth.