We were at an Open Show recently, where the judge in our ring didn't go over any of the dogs, not even to check teeth or whether the dogs had their bits!  Just judged on movement and presentation.  So a lot of people were moaning, but then someone said it's not in the judge's rules that they actually have to go over a dog when judging - so I'd just like to know if that is right, as a matter of interest!  This wasn't an amateur judge either, but one that gives CC's in a breed.

I'd be worried about a CC judge not going over a dog, well any judge really.  Touching a dog is really important especially in a coated breed, although I've been over a toy breed that doesn't have much coat and I was shocked when I actually went over one as to how thin it was, it didn't look as bad standing as when I went over it.

Well, yes, that is what people were saying, but then if it's true that there is nothing in the rules, seems a bit odd really.  Also, judge was doing write-up on each dog before seeing them move.

Eccentric to put it mildly. May be he was so skilled that a quick glance was enough to be able to write a critique and the movement was just to confirm the original visual assessment.

Have to say I could not judge like that and I would need a lot of persuasion that anyone could.

Was the judge an international judge as in some countries they do sometimes place by movement and presentation alone.  We had a guy from Malta do the same thing to us once.  But he then judged the group and went over the dogs then.  Odd in my opinion as a coat or a skilled handler can cover a fault easily but it is their as soon as you run your hands over.

Emma

I would ask myself, if it was a handler day.  By that I mean, well known people were the ones that were placing. 

Normally all judges go over the dog here, no matter what kind of "day" it is.  But towards the end of the year, no matter what kind of dog you have, it seems that if you havent been in the ring for all your life, you arent getting anything.  Everyone is working for top dog, and the judges dont want to not get hired again for not putting the "right" dogs up. 

sounds like a well known uk judge to me. I can guess who it was

A hound judge Sam or one of the glorious all rounders often found in the group ring?

One does wonder if as this judge did not 'go over' the dogs in the breed ring but does in the group ring if his hands are only up to the 'better quality' dog

No, he wasn't an international judge.  And he didn't seem to be facey either!

I could take a guess too Sam..... Pointers and Giant Schnauzers ring any bells ?

.............name that judge in one.................

If it's the same show as I heard about it isn't who you think Sam