It is important to remember that as soon as you cross the threshold and enter the ring, the judge is forming an opinion about your dog. Don’t just amble or slouch into the ring allowing your dog to do whatever she wants. You are presenting your dog from the moment you enter the ring until you leave.

I think there are two types of judging: those who mentally compare parts of the dog to each section of the standard and those who look at the whole dog throughout the judging. I am the second style so I will answer accordingly.

The first thing I do is walk down the line looking head-on at each dog. I do this for a number of reasons: I want the dog to see and smell me, so that he might be a little more relaxed when the individual examination is done. I am looking at expression. And finally, I am looking to see if any of the dogs is showing fear, or if there is a dog that may be a little bit of a problem. And finally, I am getting an initial impression of the head.

I then step back and look at the class from the side. The things that I initially see in my mind’s eye are the outline and silhouette of the dog, and how does this fit my understanding of the breed. I then have the class go around – one at a time – to where I will examine each dog. As each dog moves, I am getting the impression of which dogs maintain the proper silhouette and balance. Then I am ready to examine each dog.  

About the judge: Mr. Sid Marx is an AKC judge with 50+ years judging experience.  He currently judges the Sporting, Hound, & Terrier Groups, Best in Show and Jr's.  He also writes a wonderful column for Dog News titled, The Judge Marx the Spot.