Dos and don’ts of hound show judging

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Whether you consider them to be social events, beauty pageants or important occasions for the development of hound breeding, the summer shows are not to be missed

Dos and don’ts

• Do start on time.
• Don’t get bogged down by too much detail in the early classes and keep your eye on the clock so that all classes receive the same attention.
• Once you start judging, establish a “type”.
• Don’t go with any preconceived ideas or be influenced by overheard pre-show gossip.
• Do judge the hound in front of you and not the pack.
• Remember that in a couples class, matching size, conformation, type and quality are more important than a matching colour scheme.
• Do glance round now and again to see what the hounds behind you look like when the showing huntsman is off guard.
• If you are the senior judge, engage with your junior co-judge, encourage them and listen, but stick to your guns if you think you are right.
• Quality, balance and movement, quality, balance and movement.
• Try to smile — and enjoy yourself!

For the full article on how to judge a hound show, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (9 June, 2011)

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