JUDGING THE CHOW CHOW
Experience as a breeder will help the judge to appreciate the importance of good struc- ture, balance, and temperament. It will also help the judge to realize that a larger ear or curl in the tail is not as debilitating to the breed as the lack of proper gait, labored breathing or entropion. Judging a class of Chows can be as exacting as grading a litter, without the benefit of a pedigree to reference. A judge should always approach the Chow within the range of the dog’s vision. Due to the scowling expression and deep-set eye, the Chow has limited peripheral vision, and if approached from the side or from the rear, may be startled by an unexpected hand. After completing the examination of the head, the judge should continue their hands-on exami- nation in an uninterrupted flow, moving from front to side to rear. One of the key factors in evaluation is the balance and proportion of the exhibit. This may be referred to as the “make and shape” of the dog. The Chow Standards all require that our Chows be square, and are quite explicit about the correct proportions for the breed. The judge must carefully examine the head of the Chow to determine if there are any disqualifications. The AKC Standard defines the breed disqualifications (which are all on the head):
246 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2022
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