‍"At what point did you decide to become a judge?And now as a judge, how do you feel you would like to contribute back to the sport?"

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‍Actually, I never made the conscious decision to become a judge. In those days 1960’s-1970’s, Len Brumby was a Vice-President at AKC. I think at that time the officers at AKC were very in tune with those in the show community – especially on the East Coast, and Mr. Brumby contacted me and said he would like me to start judging, and he would start me with the three Setters (no Irish Red and White at that time) and Beagles. I was too young to question this, and certainly did not want to say “No” to Mr. Brumby, and it seemed like the next proper step in my career in this community. I will say that I am forever indebted to Mr. Brumby because being a judge in this community has been a significant part of my life.

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‍For those interested, AKC now has specific programs and steps to follow to become a judge, and these can be found on the AKC website. The program is designed to ensure that the wanna-be judge has taken steps to be educated within a breed and has an understanding of procedures.

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‍There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who becomes an AKC judge, has a true passion for our dogs and our community. All started out as owners and many were owner-handlers before moving into the judging ranks. I believe – although many might not verbalize it – judges do have a desire to give back to our dog show community. Yes, we get paid to judge, but the income does not come close to making up for the stress and difficulty of today’s travel and o-dark-hundred flights. I can assure you that virtually no one has become a judge without investing lots of time and considerable money to receive AKC judging approval for each breed. Consider the age of most multi-group judges and you will realize that standing on our feet all day under all kinds of conditions in spite of all our aches and pains, far outweighs the monetary return.

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‍So, why do we do it? I have said many times, when I don’t enjoy what I am doing any longer, I will retire. But I still have a real passion, and although I hate the travel, and being away from home (and yes, it does get lonely at times), once I am in the ring with the dogs, I am in my element.

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‍I sincerely believe that the most important aspect of judging is to protect the breeds. 

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‍There is always talk about how generic judging is hurting our community. But more than that, it destroys the integrity of a breed’s standard. It is up to the breeders to breed to the standard, and it is up to the judges to be the guardians of the breed. I consider that to be my most important responsibility. 

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‍Anybody can sit ringside and identify faults, but it takes a real judge to reward breed strengths and nuances. Good judging should provide the blueprint for a breeding program.

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‍As I said, the dog show community – and our dogs – has been a major part of my life, and has enabled me to meet people and visit countries I never would have otherwise. So, by trying to do my best for each dog and each breed before me, I hope I am giving back to the community.

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‍Enjoy your dog.

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‍Thank you Mr. Sid Marx for giving breeders and exhibitors insight into the world of an AKC judge. Thank you for reminding all of us the importance of giving back to the dog show community.

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‍You may also read great articles, both current and past, by Sid Marx in his column which appears in Dog News magazine and online, The Judge Marx the Spot at https://www.dognews.com/sid-marx-0

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‍About the author: Mr. Sid Marx is  currently approved to judge BIS, Sporting, Hound, Terrier Groups, Junior Showmanship and several working breeds. He recently was awarded his 50 year judging pin by AKC. Mr. Marx says, “I can’t remember when I was without a dog; however, a chance encounter in 1963 with a local judge started me off in the world of the dog show fancy. The first match show ribbon won by my Irish Setter, Lady, hooked me for life!”  He credits the time spent as an assistant handler at a sporting dog kennel with furthering his understanding of why a dog has to be built a certain way to do what its breed was meant to do.  He was the proud owner-handler of Ch. Bayberry’s Sonnet, a National Specialty BOS winner and one of the top-winning Irish Setter bitches of her time.  He was approved as an AKC judge in 1974. 

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