Role of the Judge

The role of the Judge at a Conformation Show is to examine each dog, and give awards to those dogs that most closely fit the breed's standard.

The Judge goes over each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones, and coat texture conforms to the breed's standard. The dog is observed in profile for overall balance, the dog is gaited (moved) to see how the dog appears in motion.

I have discussed with various judges how difficult it must be to pick a winner in the conformation ring. They have all agreed it is a difficult task and they take it very seriously. A few have told me it is really difficult to pick a winner, when none of the entrants match the breed standard.