How Does a Dog Show Judge Spend a Workday?

Kennel Clubs

There are numerous dog kennels throughout the United States. The American Kennel Club, The United Kennel Club, The American Dog Breeders Association and The American Bully Kennel Club are just a few of them. Each kennel club sanctions its own events and has its own set of show requirements and standards. Some have intense judge training, while others allow judges to use their own judgment to interpret standards. However, the typical day of a dog show judge at a competition is universal.

Before the Show

Before the show starts, the judge has to ensure that all show entries meet the standards set forth by the kennel club and show protocol. This includes verifying each dog's club registry, age, gender, show status and vaccination status. Most judges do this by reviewing entry certificates, shot records and copies of registration papers. If there are any problems that arise with any entry, the judge must alert the dog owner or handler in an effort to correct the situation.

During the Show

During the dog show, the judge examines each dog thoroughly. He will check the condition of each dog's skin, coat, teeth, ears and overall conformation to club standards. While he is checking the dog for physical conformation, he will also pay attention to the dog's demeanor. He will instruct each handler to walk the dog around the ring to check the dog's gait. Some kennel clubs require the judge to write each dog's scores on an entry card.

Choosing a Winner

Once he has looked at each entry individually, he will then take a final look at the group. If he has any that he wants to take another look at before making his final decision, he will call them out one by one to make a new lineup. From this line up, he will point to the winners in order from third place to first place. He will then repeat the process to choose Best in Breed and Best in Show placings.

When the show is over, the judge will answer any questions the dog owners may have. After this is done, she has to gather all of the show entry forms, score cards and any other paperwork she has to submit to the dog show offices. In some cases, she will have to write out a summary of the dog show or fill out information forms for the kennel club to keep on file about the show.