Your Preference over Breed standard - Page 1

As a follow up on the post over Gsd's with big heads...

As a breeder or a judge would you allow a personal preference rule vs adhering to the breed standard?

The easy answer for me was a no but after thinking about it not sure. I know this question does not address the tons of variables of the breed survey but thinking just in an overall view of the dog...

DesertRangers,

are you talking about a breed survey or a show?

To clarify: In a breed survey, a dog is judged individually only (against the standard), not against others. A Koermeister (breed surveyor) does not really have much leeway, since the SV has a form where the official just marks the description like a multiple choice test. There is room for the "overall evaluation" (Gesamturteil) and that is what most people read. I, for one like to look at the other aspects marked, if I can (only possible if you have a copy of the breed survey papers). Certainly, individual opinions count. A short croup to one is in proportion to the overall appearance of the dog to another. But the summary should never deviate from the description marked from IV. a) through x). SV Koermeisters always make sure of that. That is a fact, I have been with many of them in the ring taking care of that paperwork.

In a show, I am sure that personal preferences take place too. It is human, and is done unconsciously. We all do it. But it is the judge's obligation to place a dog in front of others, if the dog is clearly better than the others, even though it might have a different color or markings than what he would prefer. Most judges do that. Although I sometimes feel that the least little problem will be used as an excuse to put the dog back (i.e. lack of training, conditioning, out of coat etc.). At least that is how I feel when showing my sable dogs. It will be interesting to see how my black boy will fare, when he is shown. Black is usually an indicator for dogs at the end of a class.

Chris

 It is possible as a judge to prefer a big head in type yet stay within the standard. As a judge I would not allow my preference to rule instead of adhering to the standard. Good judges are objective, they follow the rules. I think,depending on the judge,show,or breed survey that the rule should be followed but  personal preference will always enter in to the equation. 

Nice to see you back DR

Chris I sent you a PM

Mainly referring to the show and people who breed at a high level. That is do alot of research and spend much effort into their breeding selection.

I would hope that I would stick strictly to the breed standard but just wondering how human nature plays into decisions. dog people tend to be strong and opinioniated.

Sorry GSDlvr2! I missed that one. Joe must have clicked it on because he likes to check the messageboard as well. Sometimes, he forgets to tell me when I get pm here or on GSDWorld. I find them a few days or weeks later and end up being apologetic. It is better to send me an email. But I did answer that one. So, you have a pm as well.

Chris

It is possible to have a preference AND stay within the standard. I know some judges have a "preference" for very feminine bitches and place a more substantial ("male-ish?" ) bitch lower. Quoll comes to mind. I have seen him consistently place a more feminine-looking bitch over even previously VA bitches. It is a clear preference.