There has been much talk over the years as to whether judges should withhold ribbons. When a ribbon is withheld, exhibitors get upset. Judges fear future financial loss because angry exhibitors vow to never show to them again. AKC does not want to discourage new exhibitors from showing their dogs. But by not withholding ribbons, are we benefitting the cause of purebred dogs and helping new exhibitors improve their breeding programs? By not withholding a ribbon, new exhibitors are encouraged to continue as they have been, breeding dogs that are not show quality nor conform to their breed standards.

This is the great debate.  Many arguments have been express on both sides of the issue.  Acclaimed breeder, judge, and author, Richard Beauchamp in his excellent book Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type writes:

“No one shows to lose. It would be foolish to think anyone does. At the same time, if an exhibitor believes the only valid opinion is the one that agrees with his or her own, that is more than just a bit narrow-minded. When a judge does not give a dog the placement and exhibitor might like to have, or when a breed expert doesn't render as glowing and evaluation as exhibitor hoped for, there is always disappointment. That is just human nature. 

Unfortunately, many judges and longtime breeders fear making their reasons known (giving critiques) because it might offend someone. Critiques never have to be done in the negative. It can be entirely positive. There should be definite reasons why a dog is given a ribbon. If a dog has no merit to point out no ribbon should be awarded. It's just about as simple as that.

If the exhibitor is serious about making a contribution to the breed, however, even if the only goal is to show a winning dog, what point is there an encouraging the person to remain on the wrong track? Is this being honest?”

A True Tale

“This story, which I have told before, but merits repetition here, relates to the very subject:

Many years ago a friend of mine was judging at a show in an out-of-the-way part of the country. As she was preparing to judge her next breed, she looked outside the ring and saw the Airedale Terrier that was the sole entry in that breed. 

She watch the dog and could tell the owner loved her dog as much as the dogs loved her. They were the poster team for "man's best friend," as a good relationship between human and dog as could be asked for.

There was just one problem. The dog was a terrible example of the breed! So poor, in fact, the judge wondered whether the dog was entirely purebred. Further, she realized that to award the dog anything at all would automatically make it Best of Breed, and the dog would have to go on to represent the breed in Terrier Group competition that night.

As the exhibitor gazed down at her dog with love and pride, my friend, the judge realized what it was she had to do. "Ma'am," she said, "I can see how much you care for your dog and how much he loves you. He must be a wonderful companion. It appears that the two of you have a great relationship. Unfortunately, as far as the quality is needed for the show ring," she went on, "this dog really does not have enough of the characteristics needed to make him a dog of show quality.

"I think the two of you would probably do wonderfully well in the Obedience ring, where intelligence and rapport are prime factors. And if you want to compete in the confirmation ring, I would suggest you look for a dog that confirms more closely to the standards of the breed.”

The dog’s owner, thanked my friend most graciously, and with a tear in her eye and her arm around her dog’s neck, she left the ring.”

Postscript

“Many years were to pass before my friend judged Best in Show at a very important show the Midwest. Her choice for the top award was a beautiful Scottish Terrier female, and as pictures were being taken afterwards, the owner-handler of the little Scottie said, "I know you won't remember me, but many years ago I showed an Airedale Terrier to you, and you withheld the ribbon. You advised me to show him in Obedience and look for a better dog to show in confirmation.

"Well, no one would sell me a good Airedale, so I decided to breed Scotties. This little bitch is a third consecutive generation of my breeding program. I am very proud of her and very thankful to you for giving me the advice you did.”

As in life, outside of dog shows, it is not always easy to tell the truth, but it must be told. We certainly do not want to discourage the newcomer from showing to us in this game we all play so enthusiastically, but on the other hand, why encourage someone to follow a path that leads nowhere? Wouldn't it be kinder to help set the novice in the right direction?

If the exhibitor or the breeder is given the sound reasons for an evaluation that is less flattering, it may put a bit of a dent in the person’s, ego, but what if your honesty creates a better breeder or helps an avid competitor reach the top?

Aren't you making a greater contribution in your capacity by telling exhibitor who lost why she lost rather than leaving it to speculation and misunderstanding? Who is apt to learn more: exhibitor who's told where her dog’s problems lie, or the fellow who leaves a ring, believing he lost, because you are a better friend of the owner of the dog you did put up?”

Over the years, most of us have seen new breeders exhibiting dogs that are not show quality that fall well below breed standards, but regardless, receive points at shows.  Many of them are shown at small all-breed shows where there is little to no competition.  Judges, fearing to discourage newcomers, fail to withhold ribbons and award these dogs points.  Encouraged, these same exhibitors build majors at future small shows and finish their animals Championships and even Grand Championships. These same animals then are used in breeding programs. 

If our goal is to encourage others to successfully improve their breeding programs, they must first learn how to evaluate their own dogs.  How is this to be done?  One way is by successful knowledgable competent judges giving honest critiques in a positive manner and knowledgable experienced breeders mentoring newcomers.  There will always be the disgruntled exhibitor, but on the other hand, there will be those who will take good advice, learn from it, improve, and succeed!

Richard G. (Rick) Beauchamp was  successfully involved in practically every facet of purebred dogs: breeding, exhibiting, publishing, writing. He is the author of numerous breed and all breed books including the best-selling Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type and Breeding Dogs for Dummies.  He has judged all breeds throughout the world and was one of the United Kennel Club's first all breed judges.  Although Mr. Beauchamp passed away in 2014, his legacy and wisdom continue to help breeders and exhibitors through his writings.