MANNERS, RESPECT AND ETIQUETTE

For most people, dog showing is a pleasant hobby. Like all sports, we should use common sense and good manners, whether we are a ringside spectator, an exhibitor or a judge.

Inside the Ring

Please do not obstruct other exhibitors by stepping forward so that your dog is more prominent than the others.
Dress in a smart, clean and tidy manner. What is the point of preparing a dog for exhibition and not yourself?
Do not storm from the ring if you have not been placed. No dog can be a winner every week, and every judge has their own opinion of each dog.
Your dog should be well groomed, with clean, mat-free hair and clean teeth, and should be free from fleas and ticks.
Bait and squeaky toys are often used to attract a dog’s attention. Baiting should be done discreetly so that it does not distract other dogs in the ring.

Code of Best Practice: The full document can be downloaded HERE.

New and Amended Regulations

F(1)20 – Judges and Judging

New subparagraphs and amendments to existing regulations:

A judge must not alter the ownership of a dog to allow that dog to be entered at a show where the judge is officiating.
Judges may not enter, exhibit, prepare a dog for exhibition or handle a dog in the ring at a show at which they are officiating.
A judge must request that a dog be withdrawn from competition if the judge has a conflict of interest with the dog or its owner.

F(1)29 – Disqualification and Forfeit of Awards

A dog may be disqualified by the Board from any award, whether an objection has been lodged or not, if proven to have been:

Entered or exhibited for competition, or handled in the ring, by a judge of dogs at that show.
Registered or recorded as owned by the scheduled judge, or any member of their immediate household or immediate family, within 12 months before the show. This does not apply to a judge appointed in an emergency.
Handled at a show, boarded or prepared for exhibition within the previous 12 months by the scheduled judge, or a member of their immediate household or immediate family. This does not apply to a judge appointed in an emergency.

Definition of Immediate Family

The Code of Best Practice for Judges states that the definition of “member of immediate family” extends to first and second generations.

For example:

A dog cannot be exhibited under a judge if, during the previous 12 months, it has been registered or recorded as owned by the judge, the judge’s spouse or child, or anyone permanently residing with the judge.
A dog cannot be exhibited if, during the previous 12 months, it has been handled at a show, boarded or prepared for exhibition by the scheduled judge, the judge’s spouse or child, or anyone permanently residing with the judge.

Outside the Ring

Keep the entrance to the ring clear.
If you are sitting ringside, try not to distract the dogs being shown by eating food or making loud noises. Your own dog may be well trained and unaffected by distractions, but other handlers may not be as lucky. It can be difficult to keep a lively young dog under control.
Be nice to newcomers—remember that you were one once.
Applaud the placings, even if you do not agree with them.

Friendships With Judges

If you have been involved in a breed for any length of time, it is inevitable that you will be friends with several judges. Much has been said about showing under friends; however, it is worth remembering the following:

Avoid socialising with a judge who is your friend during the weeks leading up to the show.
If you meet the judge before entering the ring, keep the conversation brief for appearance’s sake.
Do not remain around a judge before or after judging, as this may put the judge in an awkward position.
If a judge who is your friend prefers that you do not show under them, respect their wishes.
Be prepared to lose under a judge, even though they are your friend.
Under Royal Kennel Club rules, a dog may not be entered under a judge who has handled it within the previous 12 months.

If You Are the Judge

Give equal attention to all exhibits.
Do not forget the “seen dogs” from previous classes.
Thank your stewards.
Be pleasant to exhibitors; they have paid for your opinion.
Do not be dismissive of a less-than-perfect exhibit.
Remember to write a critique.
Smile.

At the End of the Day

Take your rubbish home if there is no bin available.
Do not complain publicly about the judge or other exhibitors. If you have a valid complaint, speak to the show secretary.

Remember, we all take the best dog home with us. Enjoy the show!