EXCERPS FROM TALK BY ARNOLD WOOLF

                                                             on May 10,2007

                                          at LEWISTON-AUBURN KC MEETING

 

 

   I obtained my first purebred, a tri-colored collie, in 1949 when living in Nanuet, NY.  I showed her at a match a few months after getting her and she won her class despite my inexperienced handling and I caught the "show bug". I soon had two more collies. Almost immediately I became very active, joining the Rockland County KC, Stewards Club of America and stewarding almost weekly.

 

   At that time, if my memory is correct, entry fees were $3.00 dollars and when AKC tacked on a 50-cent charge people was really upset. Most shows were benched, both indoors and outdoors and 85-90% men did the handling.  In 1955 I began writing a dog column for the Journal News, a Gannet owned newspaper, titled "Pups, Dogs and Pooches”; joined the Dog Writers Association of America.  In the 13 years writing it, won 2 awards in their annual competition.  While covering eastern shows for the Journal I freelanced for the NY Times, NY Herald Tribune and Newsday plus was the liaison between the dogs show committee & televising of the Westminster Dog Show.

 

   Moving to Catskill, NY I had a weekly 15-minute radio program on dogs on WCKL.

 

   1961 I was approved by AKC to judge collies.  Shelties came next followed by the sled dog breeds.  I now judge all working, herding breeds, several sporting breeds, Juniors and BIS.  My judging has taken me to 49 states (missing Hawaii), throughout Canada and the Caribbean. Once I started judging I stopped exhibiting as I felt, and still do, that it would be a conflict of interest.  My registered kennel name was ARNLEY.

 

   In the late 1950's I was involved with Jack & Sonya Dorman to bring the Akitas to the east coast.  At that time this breed was not even tempered as they are today and were a deep red in color and bigger in substance.

 

   As for judging, I believe it takes besides knowledge and experience the ability to distinguish the correct qualities as well as the faults, common sense and an "eye” to put them all together.  It is an exacting task, not easy but rewarding - not financially, but the knowing that you are impacting the future of the dogs being selected.

 

   The current judging applications are a lot different.  Besides the basic experiences in the sport, apprenticing under three different judges was required, a breeder-judge of the breed and two others. Today there is a $25.00 fee for each breed applying for, must attend seminars and hands on and oral and written tests.

 

   I believe that Judges must be prepared mentally and physically; must know the standards including the original purposes of the breeds, type, structure and movement.

 

IMPORTANT: make eye contact with each entrant and NEVER stare into their eyes; use your hands to determine structure requirement (this is especially needed when judging corded breeds such as Pulik and Komondorok) and know the faults and disqualifications, Judge to dogs not the handlers and then indicate your placements clearly.

   Use the same pattern for each entry in the class; know how to use the wicket only in measurable breeds. When doing so have a tape measure to make certain the wicket is accurate and shows the handler the setting.  You must record your findings in the Judges Book as "Measured In?” or "Measured Out".

 

   The Judge rules the ring.  He/she should ascertain the ring is safe for the dogs/handlers, no holes, obstuctions, etc.  Do not allow double handling or poor sportsmanship.  Make your instructions clearly and preferably let the handler show you the mouth. In doing so, you do not risk transmitting problems from one dog to another.  I prefer to have my classes in numerical order or, in some cases, by size.  Remember that we are judging live animals not robots or statues.  Watch for viciousness and instruct your steward before judging as to the procedure you'll be using: your desires as to latecomers and change of handlers.

 

  Do not hesitate to withhold ribbons/awards for lack of merit or serious faults.  I even do this at match shows.  Better to have the exhibitor save his money and then buy a quality dog.  Be sure to explain your reasoning for withholding honestly.  Do not allow rudeness or unsportsmanship behavior.  I always require that on hot days everydog in a class to be in the shade.  However for equal treatment, if that cannot be done, I keep all out in the open.

 

   Judges are human, we make honest mistakes but when we do, we should keep it to ourselves.  I recall at Boardwalk KC, NJ ruling that a Siberian was oversized, disqualified it and I failed to use the wicket to measure it and in another instance, had a sharp handler of a Bullmastiff that used his knee to hold up a weak back.

 

   PERSONAL OPINIONS:  Be polite; say "please" and "thank you".  Treat pet quality the same in the ring as quality as they both paid the same fee for your opinion.  Know the rules; select the "Best of" on its merits not on its sex; dress properly and, if in doubt measure (measurable breeds) especially if considering placing it.

 

   When ruling on Junior Handlers, remember that they are the future handlers and Judges should be mentors.... pass on your knowledge for the betterment of our sport.