ShowSight - August 2018

says DO YOU EVER ASK JUDGES FOR POST SHOW FEEDBACK IF YOU DOG DIDN’T PLACE?

QUESTION FOR ALL SHOWSIGHT READERS Do you ever ask Judges for post show feedback if your dog didn’t place?

Thank you to everyone who offered opinions on this month’s topic. The following is a selection of the responses. Want to voice your opinion to the fancy? Follow ShowSight’s Facebook page for the monthly question prompt!

One time, as a novice. My puppy bitch won the first day and placed fourth the next day. The judge asked how old she was I said six months. She said I will win plenty when she grows up! Since then I let the ribbons do the talking. —Anonymous I don’t ask. But I’m always grateful and appreciative of any feedback a judge offers—no matter how we did on the ring. —Susan Palius When as a new exhibitor I did. I quickly learned to ignore their explanations when this occurred at the same show. I had the only Pap Special entered and I asked the breed judge if he had any comments. He promptly said this dog is way too fat, needs to be on a diet. So I went back to my family and said Joli needs to go on a diet guys, no treats. He also was in the Toy Group with a different judge. Obviously, for a zillion reasons. he wasn’t placed. So, I asked that judge later if he had any suggestions for my dog and he promptly said he is too thin needs more substance feed him a little more, nice dog. So I went back to the family and said forget it they don’t know what to say. Years later as a judge, I know how it goes. You’ve gone over a number of dogs in a breed and later someone comes up, usually sans dog, and asks my opinion. Sometimes I faked it but later I say I liked the others better, nice dog. —Arlene A. Czech No, I do not. I was told you may not ask. Do not under- stand why not. It would be good to get feedback. In obedience we are encouraged to go ask the judge where we lost points and why. Should be the same in conformation if interested. —Anonymous

more formal. I really prefer the UKC shows but they are rare- ly held in Central Indiana. Therefore, I show more at AKC shows. —Bob Schaible Yes I do on rare occasion. One judge spent 30 minutes with me talking about my breed and my dog in particular. It was very helpful. —Anonymous I have been showing Bassets, Bloodhounds, Black and Tans and Blueticks since 1964; I am a UKC and AKC Judge! If I don’t place (or win) I just smile at all the pro-handlers as I leave the ring. —James A. Zarifis In over 30 years of showing I have only asked that ques- tion once and that was very recent. The judge could not remember the class or the dogs within the class. We did have an interesting conversation ringside while observing anoth- er ring but the questions about my dog specifically were unanswered. —Cindy Knox Yes, and sometimes when I do place. I always try to see my dogs through others eyes so their opinions are impor- tant. As a breeder-owner-handler I have taken on the respon- sibility of preserving my breed by keeping the standard in mind at all times. As I assess litters, as I watch at ringside, as I read others stories/opinions, and see photos, I am always using the standard as the ultimate “measuring stick”. A judg- es opinion, when given as a critique, can be very useful. —Catherine Carpenter

Yes, I’m always curious to hear their personal interpreta- tion of the breed standard. —Anonymous

No, for the most part it annoys them and you never know when you might have to show under them again. If I am inclined to ask it would only be from a breeder/judge. Too many judges today are not as familiar with the breed as they should be. —Anonymous

I was told you should never ask! —Anonymous

I would love to be able to ask and get feedback. I also show in AKC obedience and you can always ask a judge where and why you lost points. —Anonymous

I have done this several times when I felt that the judge was not really familiar with my Brussels Griffon dogs.

Yes, at UKC shows where that practice is encouraged, but not at AKC shows where the approach to judging seems

98 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A UGUST 2018

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