Neil Cooney. 1 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I judged a show a few years ago. In the border class I had it down to 2 males for 1st and 2nd. One I knew to be a very good worker who was out of a good family too. The other was an outstanding specimen who I'd be very supprised if it had bolted more than a fox or 2. When I ran my hands over the first terrier I found that half it's coat was dead hair (through molting I might add) and this terrier hadn't even been brushed. The other terrier was well presented, clean and fit. I gave 1st prize to the second terrier who then went on to be overall Champion over terriers, lurchers and strong dogs. Was I right to do this? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
the_stig 6,614 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I judged a show a few years ago. In the border class I had it down to 2 males for 1st and 2nd.One I knew to be a very good worker who was out of a good family too. The other was an outstanding specimen who I'd be very supprised if it had bolted more than a fox or 2. When I ran my hands over the first terrier I found that half it's coat was dead hair (through molting I might add) and this terrier hadn't even been brushed. The other terrier was well presented, clean and fit. I gave 1st prize to the second terrier who then went on to be overall Champion over terriers, lurchers and strong dogs. Was I right to do this? you can only judge whats put in front of you . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 At the end of the day Show's are for fun and to meet up with old frieds you dont see from one end of the year to the next Also working dog shows are about working dogs If I was judging terriers and out of the three finalists two had a couple of battle scars and one did'nt that would give me an indication of what dogs are doing the business, If one without battle honours had the same or similar breed confirmation as the one without any marking, I'm afraid the war vetran gets it!! and his battle embitterd buddie gets second the preened and pansy pet comes 3rd despite having better confirmation than the dog thats came second as he's obviously a non-worker fact is he should never be in a working terrier showring never mind the final three "there's always the pet class Tom Point well made I agree with you totally Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I agree with what you are saying but showing is all down to looks is it not? Surely the point of a show regardless of which breed of dog is being shown is down to whichever dog represents the breed in the best way. Look at hound shows, some of the best hounds aren't always the best looking or with the best conformation and wouldn't win prizes but are held in high regard within the hunt because of their ability in the field. I see showing as a bit of fun, I enter my dogs if i'm at a show with relevant classes for them but if they get placed then they do if not then who cares. I do think at a working show blemishes shouldn't count against a dog but at the end of the day its down to the judges discretion and his or her idea of the best example of the breed on the day. i agree with you to point I think the emphasis should be on the word Working Terrier or Lurcher for that matter I think the any working dog is representative of its breed if its used for what it is bred for. If we go down the road of just picking dogs for their looks we run the risks of losing all the qualities you look for in a working dog...ie the Kennel club, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 you cant judge a dogs working ability in the ring, and if it has scars ,missing teeth, etc, then the chances are it has seen work, but not all judges think like that. a decent judge should be unbiased, and if he or she is a working dog person should pick the tool for the job, and its a thankless job at that, you cant please everyone, and after all is said and done, he is the judge ,he is the law I dont disagree with you.however there should be at least consistency and an even playing field, a dog can win best of breed at one show and not even be placed in the next. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 to much snobery in dog shows now a days. i remember seeing good old fashioned working dogs winning years ago........as the ones youve described. but now....it seems ....unless its immaculate, perfect posture etc etc ........youv'e no chance. at a local show last year the same judge.......judged every catergory!!!!!!!!!!! and his speciality was apparently toy dogs!!!!!!!!!! and since the BAN do you not think "working" dogs are frowned upon??? all the best sean nice one mate cheers! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
undisputed 1,664 Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I judged a show a few years ago. In the border class I had it down to 2 males for 1st and 2nd.One I knew to be a very good worker who was out of a good family too. The other was an outstanding specimen who I'd be very supprised if it had bolted more than a fox or 2. When I ran my hands over the first terrier I found that half it's coat was dead hair (through molting I might add) and this terrier hadn't even been brushed. The other terrier was well presented, clean and fit. I gave 1st prize to the second terrier who then went on to be overall Champion over terriers, lurchers and strong dogs. Was I right to do this? well at least you knew both of them were working and it looks as though you debated with yourself a little before making your mind up so fair play to you for making an informed decision. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Coney 3 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Just wondering what folks views are on these types of shows. One of the biggest gripes is that dogs that win in these shows are for showing only and dont have a mark on them. My mate was criticised by a judge because his terrier was missing some teeth through the scraps he's had. Maybe having two seperate classes would see some of these dogs get the recognition they deserve and stop some of the criticisms of Judges etc! what are people's experiences? No idea how dog shows work but surely if a show is billed as ''working '' then things like chipped or missing teeth are taken into account If its supposed to be a 'working' terrier show, then scars or missing teeth etc.. should not count against the terrier. It annoys me to see showy terriers win over good workers I agree mate. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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