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Straight From the Source: Behind the scenes with a Westminster judge

Editor's note: Jay Richardson of Elgin was a judge at the venerable Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Q. What is the strangest or funniest thing you've seen at a show?

A. There are so many stories to tell, most of which would require changing names and places. Some aren't suitable for a family newspaper. Some are unusual, such as the first time I went to Taiwan to judge. I was told I would be judging the next day a breed I'd never seen. It was developed in Taiwan and called the Taiwan dog. OK, that sounded interesting, so I asked for the standard (for judging it). A few hours later someone brought me one — all in Chinese and no pictures either. Was rather fun the next day, guessing.

Q. Judges usually work with specific breeds. Is a judge ever called on to work with other breeds? What kinds of challenges does that pose?

A. There are times a judge will be unable to fulfill an assignment at the last minute, and one can get called on they are not approved for, but that doesn't mean they have no knowledge of the breed. When that happens to me, I will read the standard, which describes what the dog should look like, several times. I can always refer back to it during judging.

Q. How do judges adapt to judging so many different breeds to determine best in show? Have you been involved in that?

A. Judging Best in Show presents some challenges. One has seven dogs to choose from, usually all good representatives of their breed. One gets to see which breed wins their respective groups. One has the ability to read the standards for the specific breed in the Best in Show ring before beginning judging. I have judged Best in Show a number of times.

Q. Why do the dogs have such long and complicated names? This year's winner was GCH CH Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn.

A. Dogs registered with the American Kennel Club can represent many things. Many times they contain the kennel name or names of the people who bred the dog. The letters before the name represent title abbreviations.

Q. Have you ever been bitten? Does that happen much, given how closely you inspect dogs' mouths?

A. Hasn't happened to me. Show dogs are usually of great temperament and have been raised to be accustomed to being examined in the show ring by judges.

Q. Has a dog ever “had an accident” in the show ring? If so, does that negatively affect the judging?

A. Accidents in the ring happen on occasion. They get cleaned up and judging continues. It does not have any effect on my judging.

Q. Which dog is your favorite Westminster Best in Show winner?

A. I don't think I have a favorite. For the winner, it's that perfect night where everything goes right at the most important show. It's the accumulation of all the hard work that the owners, breeder and the handler have put into that dog. This year you saw seven marvelous examples of their breeds in the Best in Show ring, all performing at the highest level. It was a great demonstration of pure bred dogs at its finest.

Q. Speaking of “Best in Show,” what do you think of the 2000 movie comedy with that title? Has it had any impact on your vocation? How accurate was it? Do serious dog trainers and judges like or hate the movie?

A. “Best in Show” was a work of art in my opinion, satire at its finest. While overly over the top in some places, it hit the nail on the head in many instances. I don't know too many people involved in showing purebred dogs who didn't enjoy it. It was filmed in Canada, and they used a few individuals I knew in the movie.

Q. Which dogs are trendy right now?

A. I'm not sure my children would suggesting me (as an expert) about trendy things, but one breed that is gaining in popularity are French Bulldogs. I think they fit what many people are looking for: smaller dogs that don't require much maintenance, and are very pleasant to be around.

Q. What's next for you in the land of dog judging?

A. As I write this, I am in a plane, which at the moment is approaching the end of northern Canada on my way to Beijing. I am judging there this weekend. Judging in China is always fun: great people and wonderful meals. Back on Monday, then San Diego the next weekend. After that home for a few weeks, in time for spring yard work.

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