QUESTION:  “With entries so low, we see many dogs in the ring that are lacking merit for a championship title. Why is it so many judges do not withhold ribbons, and if they do, how is it handled with the exhibitor? How can other exhibitors who witness the withheld ribbon help or counsel the exhibitor who had the ribbon withheld, especially if it is a newbie?"

This is a surprising question to come from an exhibitor since most don’t think a judge should ever withhold a ribbon or points – at least not from their dog. It is the AKC position that a judge should withhold ribbons or points if that is what is required. As a matter of fact, they just had a seminar about this issue within the past two weeks. It is also interesting that I am the one answering the question since I am one of the few judges who is known to withhold whenever I deem it necessary. I apologize for the length of my answer, but I think it is important that exhibitors understand.

When a judge awards Winners and signs the judges’ book, he is stating that the dog or bitch being awarded Winners is worthy of championship points. In my opinion, a judge has the responsibility to protect the breed, and he does so by making the awards he believes is the correct thing to do. A judge who just goes through the motions and simply points his finger for Winners – even if he does not believe it is deserved – is demonstrating a lack of integrity, and is not doing his job. Imagine awarding Winners because it is only one point, and then hearing those terrible five words, “Thank you. That finishes him.” This is usually followed by a request to have a photo taken – while all the while the judge is thinking what judges gave this dog two majors?

Judges prefer not to withhold ribbons or points because it is an unpleasant thing to do, and often leaves the judge open to criticism. But if a judge feels this way, maybe he should be doing something else with his time. He certainly is not doing the job he has agreed to do, and he is hurting the breed by contributing to the cheap champion syndrome. As a matter of fact, if it is the correct thing to do, the judge has the right – and responsibility – to withhold the first-place ribbon. There have been a few times that I felt the quality of the class was very poor and I awarded second through fourth, withholding first place.

How is it handled? Whenever I have withheld Winners, I usually stand in front of the class winners and say something like, “Folks, I am sure you all love your dogs, and that is great, but today I don’t feel that any of them are ready to earn championship points so I am withholding Winners. Thank you.” I have been a member of this community for a long time, and I understand that those words are disappointing to the exhibitors, but how would you feel if that was never done, and we just continued to produce “champions” that were not worthy of that title, and then unknowing people bred to these dogs because they are champions? I would like to think that knowledgeable breeders would talk to these exhibitors, giving them some encouragement, but also giving them some direction on how to improve what they have. Many times, after withholding, I walked over to the people after judging, and told them I was not happy to do that, but I had to – and I gave them some pointers on what they might do better, or which breeders or handlers might be able to help them – and I wished them good luck.

Consider these examples on why it is so difficult to withhold. One time I was judging ASCOB Cocker Spaniels, and an exhibitor was showing a very new – and very scared – puppy. Those who know me, know that I am usually pretty good with pups, but this little girl was having none of my sweet talk or attempts at offering her bait. I tried four times to touch her, but she just kept crawling up her exhibitor’s arm, showing how frightened she was. Finally, I had no choice, and I said, “I am sorry, Miss, but I am going to excuse her today. Maybe a little more practice and socialization will help. I hope so. She is a nice puppy.” A woman sitting ringside said loud enough to make sure I heard it, “Well, that does it – he just broke the major.” I stopped judging and walked over to her and said, “Why don’t you go get that lady and ask her to bring her puppy back into the ring? Then I will FORCE the puppy to let me examine her – even if it means that she would be so frightened that she would never get her back into the ring again. Would that be ok with you?” Obviously, this woman only cared about POINTS – not the dogs in the ring.

Another time I was judging one of my breeds and I felt the entire entry of class dogs and class bitches was of very poor quality, so I withheld both Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. There was a lovely special bitch, who I gave the Breed, and then placed her in the Group. The next day another judge awarded both Winners, and even gave the Winners Dog Best of Breed over the very nice Special. Who do you think was considered the bad guy? Surprisingly – and thankfully – I received a number of phone calls and emails from breeders who thanked me for doing the right thing for their breed. The next time I judged the breed, there was an unusually large entry, and I was later told by one of the exhibitors that they had all come out to show their support of me. That doesn’t happen very often, but it was very heartwarming.

One more thing along this line: a judge who simply excuses a dog who tried to bite him rather than disqualify the dog, is not only not doing his job, but he is placing the next judge in danger, and is not doing the dog any favor. That is true whether the dog is a puppy or a champion. To show you how some exhibitors feel about this, I had a whiffenpoof dive off the table at me, snarling and snapping, and I disqualified it. Later, I was sitting near the AKC Representative, waiting to judge the Group, when the exhibitor and owner of this dog came to talk to the Rep, and obviously, did not see me. She said to the Rep who had witnessed and completed the paperwork for the disqualification, “My dog didn’t draw blood. Is he still disqualified?”

I hope this answers the question. Enjoy your dogs.

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