Page 6 - Sloughi Review - Issue 1

THE SLOUGHI REVIEW 06

Judging © Devon Allen Showing Shi'Rayan's Tamima at McHan © Lovelady

LIFE IN THE CONFORMATION RING

A VIEW FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LEASH

BY NANCY LOVELADY - USA

Starting in the 80s, showing dogs, I always
wondered what went on in the minds of
judges. Why did certain dogs win? Was it
the dogs? Was it the handlers? Was it
‘political’? My short answer is, yes, to all.
I have showed many breeds over the years,
and the questions that I and fellow
exhibitors pondered, regardless of the
breed, were identical. In this article, I will
attempt to address those topics.

Obviously, dogs are at the center of the © Devon Allen
event, as well as the competitive nature of
people who enter. No one attends to lose. As a judge, when looking at a dog in the
Part of this is pride in one’s animal, and the ring, there should be no question in one’s
other sentiment is having pride in owning mind about what the breed in front of
an animal that is recognized as a good him/her is, even if they appear similar to
specimen of the breed. Hopefully, the other breeds. There should be absolutely
animal exhibits a majority or at least some no question as to what breed you are
of the characteristics delineated in the judging.
breed standard, which is why we have
formulated them. It is a list that makes a
breed the essence of that breed, and no
other.