Other countries in which I have had the honor of judging are Canada, China, Sweden, Australia, and Bermuda (technically, a British Overseas Territory). Certainly, the goal of judging in each country is – or should be – the same (finding and rewarding the best breeding stock). In some countries, the process is a little different – and interesting. I will discuss some of these differences as well as the quality of some breeds that I have seen internationally.

Shows in Canada and Bermuda are set up and have a process that is essentially the same as U.S. shows. There are some differences in classes. Some puppy classes may start at three – six months. They often will offer an Exhibition Only competition also.

It has been many years since I judged in Bermuda, but I believe the quality of the dogs there were very similar to what we have here, since there was a lot of breeding and shipping back and forth with breeders here. Certainly, the same can be said of dogs in Canada. There have been many “Canadian dogs” who have won at Westminster and U.S, National specialties. There are many “Canadian” dogs I have judged (such as Irish Setters, Beagles, Irish Water Spaniels, and Scottish Deerhounds) that I greatly admire.

There are two main organizations associated with dog shows in China. The China Kennel Union (CKU) is a member of the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) and the National General Kennel Club (NGKC), which is affiliated with the AKC. When judging there for NGKC, a judge may officiate over any and all breeds. Probably because of proximity and intertwined breeding and shipping with nearby countries – and their own breeding programs – Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and Chow Chows were especially strong. Golden Retrievers were also, and when I asked, it was apparent that a lot of Goldens – and their breeding program – came from the United States. I also judged “Woolies,” which are long-coated Malamutes, that I doubt you will ever see here.

There were two interesting events when I judged in China that I would like to share with you. At the end of the show, there were long lines of people and dogs waiting to have a photo taken with me – some of whom had not won, but just wanted a photo with an American judge.

When I judged Miniature Poodles, I tried to find the shoulder layback on one of the dogs on the table, but there was so much hairspray – and whatever – that I could not get through the hair. Through the interpreter that was with me, I told the exhibitor that he could not show a dog with this much “foreign substance” in the coat. His reply was that this is what was done in the United States. My laughing reply was, “No, they do it better in the U.S.”

The major difference in Sweden and Australia is that champions are shown in what would be our Open class with dogs who are not yet champions. Therefore, in order for a dog to become a champion, he has to defeat champions in the classes. As you might imagine, in general, I believe the quality is higher within the breeds in both of these countries than in the United States. Our “top dogs” would certainly be competitive with any dog from these countries, but – in my opinion - the quality of the entire entry is usually greater in Sweden and Australia than it is here. To be honest, I judged specialties in these countries and was generally pleased with the quality. Unfortunately, that is not always the case here.

A Grand Champion in Australia is considerably more difficult – and impressive – than what we give the same title here. In Australia, a dog earns the title ofChampion by accumulating 100 points, with at least 25 of those points earned after the dog is 12 months old.To achieve the title of Australian Grand Champion, a dog must accumulate 1000 points.These points are awarded based on wins and placements at dog shows, with more points awarded for larger entries and higher placements.

Certainly, when judging in other countries, we judge by their breed standards, I remember walking into the ring to judge Beagles in Australia, and I was taken aback by the size of the dogs. Then I remembered that the Beagle height standard there goes to 16” rather than our 15”. Interestingly, the dog that I awarded Best of Variety was a 15’ Beagle imported from the United States. I guess that is what my eye was used to.

There are more classes in many other countries, resulting in more group competitions. Another difference in Sweden is that before I judged the Group, I was able to pre-judge dogs who would be in the group that I had not already judged in the classes. There was a separate ring where I could examine these dogs before the group. I guess it was designed to have the Group judging move along more quickly. Also, placements were made backwards: Group 4, Group 3, Group 2 and then Group 1. I had to place the dogs in my head 1-4 and then point backwards because I was not used to that.

The most important thing that was obvious when judging in other countries is that the passion and love of our dogs is universal. And, isn’t that what is important?

Enjoy your dog.

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Thank you judge Sid Marx for your fascinating answer to this week's exhibitor question. It gives us a great glimpse into dog shows around the world.

For those of you who would like to hear more from Sid Marx, check out his latest article from his column in Dog News Magazine titled, Just the Facts - Who's At Fault?  Breeders?  Judges?  Exhibitors? or online at:  https://dognews.com/sid-marx-asks-who-is-to-blame-breeders-judges-exhibitors