How to Become an ADBA Judge

Becoming a dog show judge for the American Dog Breeder's Association (ADBA) takes years of experience with at least one of the breeds recognized by the kennel club. ADBA judges are responsible for judging the confirmation show, weight pull event or both. Here's how to go about qualifying to be an ADBA judge.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what you want to judge. You have to pick a class or a breed. Decide if you want to judge confirmation, weight pull or both. You must be familiar with the standards and rules of the breed and event you want to judge. It may be easier to focus on one breed and one event at a time.

2. Prepare a resume. Include all of the time you have invested in the breed you are applying to judge. You can include multiple breeds in the same class, such as working dogs or terriers.

3. Contact the ADBA at [phone] and request that an application be mailed or faxed to you. Before you send in your application, you may have to give an overview of your experience by phone or email.

4. Compile the required information to send to the ADBA, including your application, resume and letters of recommendation from veterinarians or other judges. You may have to take a test. If you do, it will be included in your application packet. Put your full name on every page just in case your paperwork gets separated or mislaid at the ADBA office.

5. Keep a copy of all the information. If your originals are lost, you have another copy to send in.

6. Mail the information to the ADBA. It is a good idea to arrange delivery confirmation so you know when they receive your application.

7. Be prepared to attend several dog shows as an apprentice judge. The number you will be required to attend depends on your experience, the breed and the event you will judge.

Tips & Warnings

• Call to find out the status of your application if it has been longer than eight weeks since the ADBA received it.