Judges Education Programs: Kennel Club Programs

Judges Education provides support and educational experiences for current and prospective judges. Seminars offered by breed clubs typically provide a venue in which those who want to become judges engage in an in depth examination of traits outlined in a Breed Standard, observation of dogs, discussion with breed experts and hands on practice examining dogs and programs may include coaching on procedural matters, rules and regulations governing judging under a specific system. Qualification criteria which must be met to become a judge for conformation or performance events varies from kennel club to kennel club and from country to country. (See links below for particulars.)

• The Kennel Club's Breed Watch

"Breed Watch serves as an 'early warning system' to identify points of concern for individual breeds. Its primary purpose is to enable anyone involved in the world of dogs, but in particular dog show Judges, to find out about any breed specific conformation issues which may lead to health problems. These conditions are known as a 'point(s) of concern'."

Breed Watch serves as an 'early warning system' to identify points of concern for individual breeds. Its primary purpose is to enable anyone involved in the world of dogs, but in particular dog show Judges, to find out about any breed specific conformation issues which may lead to health problems. These conditions are known as a 'point(s) of concern'. An illustrated guide is available for purchase at: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/shop/health/breed-watch-illustrated-guide/

Additional information:

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media-centre/2020/january/kennel-club-enhances-breed-watch-to-improve-dog-health-and-welfare/

“All judges and exhibitors should take the time to become familiar with the points of concern that can affect their breed, as they too have an important role to play in ensuring that dogs are free from health concerns and exaggeration.”

Access the judge breed health monitoring form online. 

• The Breed-Specific Instructions (BSI) Initiative for Judges

Here we offer links to several articles on a positive approach to judge's roles in seeing to breed health management - the BSI instructions were drafted with the purpose of steering dog show judges to pay closer attention to exaggerated breed types.

• Sweden: Svenska Kennelklubben (The Swedish Kennel Club)
  • Breed Specific Instructions Initiative for Judges

• Finland: Breed Specific Instructions (BSI): Finland 2015
  • Breed Specific Instructions BSI Finland 2015
    • Be sure to see FKC's "New instructions for monitoring canine health at dog shows" 5.6.2015  
      • http://www.kennelliitto.fi/en/news/new-instructions-for-monitoring-canine-health-at-dog-shows

AKC:  Judges Education Department

Website: https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/
AKC offers educational programs such as the AKC Advanced Judges Institutes, Procedural Seminars and Judging Junior Showmanship. Seminars may be hosted by an AKC Club, Judges Workshop Group or a Federation of Dog Clubs. Parent Clubs maintain a listing of approved mentors for their breed which is provided to AKC and is available to aspiring judges. For mentoring and breed specific seminars contact the AKC Parent Club's Judges Education Coordinator.