Bulldog Francés "Good breed judges"

If a judge is an expert and success in the dog show game, his many qualities include the following:

Desire. A good judge likes dogs and has a strong desire to know more about dogs. He is willing to spend time and energy merely for the sake of working with and learning about dog breeds. His library is full of better canine books. He studies the anatomy and movement of dogs, the reasons foe dog´s existence, the dog´s behaviour patterns, the dog´s defects and virtues. Learning that a white toenail is a disqualification in a given breed is rote memory; learning that a white toenail indicates that the dog is carrying an undesirable white gene is a thrilling experience.

Mental Image of the Ideal Breed Type. A good judge must have a mental picture of the ideal dog or bitch of a given breed. Judging is the art of comparing differences; that is, comparing the differences between the dog being looked at and the mental picture of the ideal, and also comparing the differences between the dogs being exhibited.
If a bitch is being observed, she is compared with the ideal. If two bitches are being shown, each is compared with the ideal and also compared with each other.

Factual Observations. The power to accurately observer important differences between an ideal and the exhibited dog is the basis for a correct decision. The speed with which the correct observations are made indicates the judge´s degree of experience and insight. Speed comes with constant correct practice over a period of time..

Conclusions (Judgements). After marking factual observations and comparisons, the judge must have the ability to evaluate the dog as a whole, not as separate parts, and must correctly select the best. The judge´s enthusiasm for the perfection of a given point should not interfere with his judgement of the whole
A score card system (giving a score for each part observed) helps evaluate parts, but it is of little help in judging the whole. Is the perfect head too big for the perfect body? Are the perfectly shaped ears too big for the perfect body? Judging is not the arithmetical sum of a given number of figures; it is an art requiring judgement.

Courage of Conviction and Honesty. A judge must independently arrive at his own honest conclusion and have the courage to stand by his convictions. When there are large entries of good dogs and decisions are close, the judge must do what he knows is right irrespective of previous show results or what spectators think. Seeing the quality of a dog through someone else´s eyes soon ruins a judge´s standing. Nothing deteriorates more rapidly than the reputation of a judge whom exhibitors believe has an outside influence affecting his judgement.

Ability to Effectively Give Reasons. A judge that can correctly and accurately give his reasons for his selections enhances his own standing. Most people evaluate others by the reasoning ability and logic they display. Ability to talk convincingly and persuasively is very desirable in a judge, provided it is sincere. Most people readily see through sham.

Taken from: "The Art and Science of Judging Dogs". Curtis and Thelma Brown. USA 1976.
Photos: FBCofE handbook 1966/67. UK