Judging, Integrity and Accountability - Page 1

If we want to make progress for the improvement of the breed we have to consider the Judges opinions in relation to the Breed Standard as laid down from the very beginnings and as amended by the SV and WUSV. The Breed Standard has not changed a great deal from the original standard as laid down by the SV and the WUSV but the interpretation of the Standard has changed considerably.

This change in the interpretation has now changed our dogs and, for too many, not for the better. As we know the Judges are appointed by their experience and knowledge of the breed, by training and guidance from the SV and by examination, written and practical. There is no judge more important than those who judge at the Sieger Show and especially the Judge of the Gebrauchshundklasse. This is the Show that should demonstrate the skills of the judges and the correct interpretation of the Standard. The very guidance bible for progress but maintaining the breed as a working dog, the place where undesirable changes should be stopped in their tracks and integrity restored to the highest of levels. The right decisions must be made here for the whole world to follow. Integrity.

The judges must also be made to be accountable for their decisions so that breeders can move along altogether in the right direction. Instead of just repeating the Körbuch description the Judge must give his reasons for giving each dog his place. That is how it used to be. For example one President gave his reason for placing a dog as “this dog deserves his place because his front assembly has improved so much over the last year and this is what he is passing on to his children”, another President gave his reason for placing a working dog in a very high place was because it was for the working people to encourage them to consider this male due the high work ethic he possessed and was noticeable in his children”. Everyone could follow the decisions but most importantly the Judges were accountable. Of course mistakes will be made but correcting them will be easier by dealing with them early.

The Judge also needs to pay attention to not bringing young males to the VA Group too soon. In saying this I mean that the dogs are not always fully developed at say, two or two and a half and, for some, there is just not enough progeny on the ground to assess the dog’s breeding potential for the improvement of the breed. The judges of the progeny group must give an accurate assessment of the group to see what breeding families are best suited to the male. To bring a small group from two or three females is not enough to make a full and proper assessment.

The Shutzdienst Judge must be prepared to pass a harsh mark on every dog if it does not perform to a high standard of work (including especially potential top dogs). The test should meet the POGO rule which means PERFORM OR GET OUT.

Mackenzie

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