Judging, Judges and the GSD - Page 1

Once again judging has come under the spotlight following the Crufts episode this year. For some time followers of the breed have been aware that the show lines are moving in an undesirable direction and continues to do so. We have seen Judges give honours to animals who have character deficiencies, incorrect backlines, over angulation, unsoundness all of which are transmitted to the offspring of the dogs carrying these faults. Why? Is it because there is a lack of experience, a lack of understanding, or, just the old chestnut “if they can do it then so can I” and, of course, financial gain. It amazes me that year in year out these things continue and, the followers of the breed just accept the fact whilst watching the dogs becoming further removed from the standard to the detriment of the GSD. Are there enough people who are prepared to stand up and say “ what’s going on here?”. The need for change is now!! Now is the time for them to stand up and begin to make changes. People should not be thinking “what should we do”, but “ what could we do” both as individuals and collectively.

Should Judges, however long they have been in the breed, have to pass an examination as the SV Judges do? Also, should they face an ethics committee when their Judging comes so badly into question. The days of just being on a committee, or, a friend to get judging appointments should be booted out. I believe these things must be done.

As individuals we belong to different Clubs around the world. In each Club there is a voting system and we all have one vote to express our views and ask questions of the powers that be. Clubs should take these points up and on behalf of the members take matters up at the next level.

I hope that the readers will comment on these things objectively without going off point and, in a polite and reasonable manner. I also hope that readers who hitherto have been silent will now come forward and join the discussion. You are the caretakers of the breed both now and in the future. The breed needs YOU.

Mackenzie

bump

I have just read something which, I think, brings Judges into disrepute but it lends weight to my comments. Again it has arisen from Crufts 2016 when the Judge awarded top honours to a dog that is owned by her sister. The dog then went on to compete for Best in Show. This particular instance is unrelated to the GSD but similar situations often arise in the GSD world when honours are given to friends and family ( Hermann and Walther Martin).

Mackenzie

Mac, nice premise, but pointing out the problems in the show dogs is taboo here.
I do what I can for the breed by producing sound dogs.

Sorry Joanro but pointing out the problems with show dogs is definitely NOT taboo here. Unless these matters are brought out in the open nothing will change other than get deeper into the mess. People can ignore the criticisms if they wish and, which mostly happens but if the criticisms are fair then they really ought to address them because it is irresponsible not to. Also your comment is moving off point. It is for the Judging and the Judges to lead us in the right direction for the benefit of the breed as a whole and, this in my opinion, is an essential part of breeding away from the problems that are faced today.

Mackenzie

I've stated many times that judges put the dogs up which consequently become popular and are used to produce the same issues in the breed cementing the problems....it starts in the ring...sound dogs are overlooked to favor the extreme dogs. The sv is the bellwether and what ever 'test' is administered to judges is not preventing the section of unsound dogs.

Above post should have been 'selection of unsound dogs'.

 

Here is the issue;

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/crufts-accused-of-cruelty-after-german-shepherd-with-sloped-back-wins-best-in-breed/ar-AAgLvoK?li=BBnbcA1&OCID=HPDHP

The UK media is having a field day over the judging at Crufts and quite rightly so. If this does not stir the readers into some collective effort to get the powers that be to act then it bodes badly for the future of the breed. Breeders should also take note because the type that is being produced by them is seen all too often. Wake up people.

Mackenzie

Never thought I would see the day when the best GSD at Westminster was streets ahead of UK an dGermany for balance and soundness.

Margaret N-J

Kaffirdog you must remember that the Crufts Best of Breed is only one dog. There are many better dogs in the UK and Germany. You must not take this one animal to be the norm throughout the UK and in particular Germany.

Mackenzie