Tolerant, or Just Very Flexible …?
I suppose that question could seem relevant to many of us from time to time. But I remember well during my “formative years” when trying to learn as much as possible about as many breeds as possible, this issue popped up in my head from time to time.
It especially came up at times in connection with group or breed specialties when we were blessed with judges from the breeds’ countries of origin giving lectures the day prior to the actual show. Having absorbed all that information and importance of breed-specific “musts,” you felt sure you’d gotten all the help you needed and had a better understanding of “musts” and “must nots.” And you were really looking forward to observing this expert in action the next day.
Then, after having observed a couple of classes, you scratched your head, wondering: Could these “musts” actually have been changed or adjusted overnight?
I have two examples in my head of attending the most informative and educational breed seminars ever on Saturday – only to experience on Sunday that theory and practice didn’t go hand in hand. And that the saying “Practice what you preach” doesn’t always seem possible.
I think we all have our own ideas about all aspects of our chosen breeds – but strangely enough even with differences when it comes to determining which features are the ones that really make it possible to distinguish this breed from all closely related varieties.
Making kennel visits before some of the major summer shows in the U.K., I was privileged to listen to so many famous breeders of so many different breeds who were generously sharing their knowledge and wisdom. I also found it interesting that so many who had gained “celebrity status” and were identified as associated with one breed also had a great interest in other breeds. I think that was a benefit and a contribution to their own success.
Even at the early stages I found it great that so many well-known or even famous breeders opened their doors – and in some cases their kennels – to share decades of accumulated knowledge and experience with these youngsters on their annual crusade. I can only recall two occasions when we, despite in some cases turning up without previous warning, felt either unwelcome or were simply turned away. Well, cell phones didn’t exist, so at times we decided to take a chance, and strangely enough in most cases it worked. Actually, we also came across breeders we had never heard of who were “famous” in their own area. So when asking in the grocery store or at the gas station if they knew of any dog breeders in the area, replies like “Yes, Miss Cook down the road breeds Labs” and “Mrs. White, who lives in the end of that terraced house over there, breeds Bassets” were not uncommon.
Looking at dogs and absorbing as much wisdom as possible, felt like being in Heaven!
In some cases, after catching up with these mentors ringside at shows around the country, you felt you walked away with even more information and wisdom.
That is when I also learned more about the importance of personalities, loyalty, friendship and special connections – and that all of a sudden some of the “must nots” were not as important for some dogs as dogs in general … There were clear differences in the judgment of dogs either owned by friends – or even sired by their own stud dogs – compared to others.
It seemed of the utmost importance not to say anything negative about any dogs owned by influential people – or simply friends …
Which is why the only way forward was, based on the variety of opinions, to make up your own mind about what you considered right or wrong. But still all these opinions were spinning around in your head – and to this day some 60 years later I come across dogs in the ring that bring back words and opinions I have been trying to forget …
Even in this country I have strong suspicions about some people’s “independence” and the real value of their opinion. Of course, for all of us that is part of the process – whether we like it or not … As a judge in our very special world, whatever you do will be scrutinized, and there will always be the suspicion that your decisions are made for the wrong reasons. Simply a fact of life, and something as a judge you will have to live with.
When judging I am judging! No favors in any directions! But is that possible?
Trying to be as impartial as possible isn’t always easy, but hopefully most of us succeed.
I was recently asked if I thought a person who was a seriously bad loser could still be a decent judge?
Personally, I have had a couple of experiences that I found rather disturbing. People who expressed opinions about other people’s dogs, but still seemingly did an excellent job judging one of their breed! But still completely unable or unwilling to take a step back and realistically assess their own dogs. And if not winning, immediately putting the judge on the “unfriend me list”!
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year’s Westminster, which I am told was another huge success. So all my information about the results and the breed judging came from friends who either had been at the show or had followed it all on their screens.
Apart from the Best in Show judge and finalists, who were unanimously praised by all, listening to comments about results in every single breed was another reminder of how we all see things (read: dogs) so very differently. And of course we all could have done a much better job given the opportunity …
And then, lo and behold, I had some reports from the World Dog Show in Madrid a couple of weeks ago. Three shows on successive days … The result for one very special dog under three different breed experts: First day graded “Good,” which in reality means not really of show quality. Second day: “Very Good,” which indicates OK, but not champion material. Third day: Excellent and Best of Breed – even shortlisted in the group (?). I would be interesting to listen to clarifications from all judges involved …
If you have any illusion about your own “Greatness,” start judging – then listen to comments by those not winning: Your self-respect could be seriously affected!
Aksel Sandemose was a Danish author residing in Norway who in one of his books created the Law of Jante, in which the first “commandment” was: Don’t ever think you’re something special!
But unfortunately I know of a few within our very special sphere who I think could benefit from a closer look in the mirror! And of course that doesn’t include you … or myself for that matter?
Until next time …