Dog-show judge

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A dog-show judge is a person that is qualified to judge dogs at a conformation show. Depending upon the size of the show, there might be only one judge for all breeds and classes. At most larger AKC dog shows, there is usually one judge per 175 dogs entered.

[edit] Qualifications

Because dogs are judged based on how well they conform to their breed's breed standard, a judge must be intimately familiar with the particular breed's standard and must bear the ability to analize the qualities of the exhibit in an effort to determine it relative worth.

Usually a license as a Dog Judge is granted by either a Breed Association or a Kennel Club. The license defines the different breeds over which the judge may officiate. Judges may study and over time apply for a license to judge a single breed, multiple breeds, or all recognized breeds. A judge who has successfully completed the requirements for judging all of the dog groups is known as a group judge. A judge who is licensed to judge all breeds is often referred to as an "all-rounder".

[edit] Travelling judges

Judges are most commonly licensed specifically to the registry with which they are afilliated(AKC judges judge AKC shows). Ocassionally, However some registries choose to recognize licensed judges from other registries and organizations. Judging outside of ones country or registry is often an indication of a particular appreciation of that judges skills and knowledge.

[edit] Famous judges

Some judges who are regulars at the larger English or American dog shows become well-known and gain respect from large audiences for their ability to recognise good examples of the breeds which they judge.