Judging Tips

• Judge by feel:

• Stop and furrow – markings can be deceiving

• Length of muzzle – measure – markings can be deceiving

• Coat – texture

• Rib Cage and loin – coat can hide

• Condition – no fat – the coat can give the wrong impression

• Bone – grooming and leg coat can deceive

• Length of shoulder and upper arm – markings can deceive

• Size – Length of coat and grooming can add inches to the appearance of a dog so push down the coat over the withers to determine size

• Judge feet standing still

• Judge ear set only when alert

• Judge when moving:

• Angulation and Flexibility ( full extension of hock, stifle and arm ) side gate

• Topline – side gate

• Tailset – determine an extension of spine during side gate: The natural curve is best seen when the dog is relaxed and happy.  When the dog goes to the end of the line after being gated is a good time.