Page 117 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

function, working dog breeds were created and rarely). Ahhh and I dislike that so many dogs
shaped by the specific job they do. A good judge have dirty teeth in the ring, even young dogs.
should be kind and considerate to dogs and people When you trim and bathe a dog before the show,
in their ring. We cannot test working ability in the you also take care of teeth and clean the teeth if
show ring, but an Australian Shepherd should look needed. Dirty teeth long term can lead to serious
and move like he could do the job. A good judge health problems and loss of teeth. FCI Breed
should have integrity. A good judge should always Standard says teeth should be white!
continue learning. A good judge should be a true
ambassador of this hobby. How has the dog scene changed over the last
decades in your opinion?
Especially in a breed that is moderate like ours, In my area, the Australian Shepherd has changed
maintaining correct breed type is of great from being a rare breed to being sometimes the
importance. largest breed entry of the show. Everyone wants
an Aussie; everyone wants to breed. Popularity
What do you dislike most when judging? comes at a price. We should keep in mind that this
I dislike it if people interfere with other exhibitors is a functional herding dog of medium size and
or other dogs in the ring. I will stop the ring bone, with moderate coat.
and tell everyone to behave if I see it. I dislike
if people have uncaring attitude towards their When you are judging the Australian Shepherd,
dogs. I dislike it if people first give a sharp yank what do you look for?
on the leash and only then tell the dog what to I want to see a typy, balanced, athletic dog that
do – it’s like they punish the dog first and give is fit for function. I want to see breed typical head
instructions later. I feel very sorry and want to and expression, with almond-shaped eyes and
weep if I see that people are unkind to their high-placed ears of moderate size. I want to see a
Puppies or Veterans (that has happened very dog that is keen and intelligent.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023 | 117