At a time when there is much talk of exaggeration in our breeds, much of it in

my opinion unjustified, we should always remember the importance of moderation in

the context of the various breed standards. So many of our more straightforward

functional breeds require balance that stems from moderation in most aspects – skull

to muzzle ratio, height to length, and angulation front and back. This is not applicable

to all breeds but it is to the vast majority.

No breeds actually require excessive rear angulation with undue length of first

and second thighs or noticeably sloping toplines, yet these are faults that are

becoming commonplace in so many breeds, notably within the Gundog group, even

when the relevant breed standard calls for a level topline and moderate angulation.

One of my major bugbears about the modern show dog is the proliferation of

sickle hocks seen across many breeds, and it would appear that many judges and

handlers do not even realise the fault is present! Even if a handler tries to disguise a

sickle hock by over-stretching his dog, when the dog moves it will be all too apparent

as the dog’s construction is such that it is incapable of moving with the necessary

rear drive. In extreme examples of sickle hocks the forward part of the rear pads and

the nails are actually off the ground; this is a faulty and inefficient construction

whichever way you look at it.

Much of the perception of “modern” breeds is down to the stacked outlines

that now dominate our rings, the fashion for topping and tailing originating in the USA

where professional handlers tend to outnumber the amateurs. So many of our

breeds that were once shown free are now automatically strung up and rigidly

stacked for the judge’s final assessment so that they are faced with a line-up of

clones. Not only does this take away much of the dogs’ individuality, but it also tends

to mask their character and personality. Furthermore, not all dogs are happy at being

manhandled into position and they can react by tensing their topline, stiffening

behind or dropping into a rocking-horse position, none of which do them justice.

All judges are different and most of us have learnt from a variety of elders and

betters, some of us being fortunate in having great mentors who were always happy

to share their knowledge and their thoughts on the whole judging process. The

actual logistics of judging will vary from judge to judge. From a personal standpoint I

always like to first study the line-up when a class comes into the ring, seeing if there

is something that instantly catches my eye. On occasions there will be dogs set up

that have great appeal but instinctively you feel that they are not really standing to

advantage, and this happens more often in the breeds that are now traditionally

stacked. Then I like to see the class moving around the ring at least once (preferably

on loose leads, but that is a lot to ask for these days) when I can check if those dogs

that I felt were not being done justice to when stacked have relaxed and are

impressing on the move. After the hands-on examination when all should be

revealed I like to see dogs move straight up and down and then stand completely

free for me. For me this is one of the most important aspects of the whole judging

process as in these brief moments I can see the dog standing naturally, its feet in the

most comfortable position, and this is the picture I try to keep in my mind – rather

than the one that the handler will later create when he or she has screwed the dog

into position.

When it comes to moving dogs, I have never been a fan of the Great British

Triangle, preferring to have dogs go straight up and down, stand free, then move

around in a circle before re-joining the line-up. Why? Think about it … triangles have

corners so a dog will have to slow down and change direction twice when executing

a triangle. Consequently they will never have the chance to get into their stride and

“flow”, and this is especially true in the case of the physically larger breeds given the

size of so many of our show rings. With a circle on the other hand dogs can open up

and circuit the ring without having to negotiate corners and break stride, so their

action will automatically become more fluid and as free as their conformation allows.

To me it is perfectly logical.

The positioning of the lead is also important. These days most dogs are

shown with the lead high up behind the ears, presumably in an attempt to not break

the neck line. This is all well and good if the lead is not too tight. If it is, the dog will

often react by throwing its front unnecessarily. For that reason I often find myself

asking handlers if they will repeat the up-and-down on a loose lead if a dog’s action

coming at me has bothered me. In many cases there will be a marked improvement

with the loose lead. When on a loose lead a dog will move in a much more even and

balanced manner than when it is fighting a lead that may be causing discomfort.

Speed again is an area where moderation should be considered. Far too

many of our breeds are flown around the ring at breakneck speed which is not

compatible with their construction or purpose. And how many times do you see dogs

being shown when the handler is noticeably ahead of the dog? The clever handlers

are those who allow their dogs to set the pace and they merely follow. Nothing is

more impressive that a dog flowing around the ring at its own pace on a loose lead

with the handler seen as a mere accompaniment. I wish I had a pound for every time

I have asked a handler to move again but at half the speed – and this is by no

means confined to the UK – when the dog looks so much better. This is not a race!

Whilst extremes and “flash and dash” dogs may catch the eye superficially

there is so much beauty in moderation, when a dog is perfectly constructed with its

forelegs well under its torso, demonstrating sufficient layback of shoulder and length

of upper arm, its body well ribbed back, correctly coupled, with hindquarters well let-

down and correctly angulated. Firm toplines and correct tailsets are also part of the

equation as is the correct length of neck for the breed. Few breeds require giraffe-

like necks.

The sheer pleasure of finding a dog who exudes breed type, is virtually

perfectly constructed and is not overdone in any way (including coat) and moves

effortlessly, carrying itself with serenity and style is one of the high points of judging

and it is not often that judges find all the component parts in one total package,

which is why judging is invariably a matter of compromise. When such a dog does

appear however it creates an unforgettable moment.

As is my custom I try to take photographs of all my CC winners when I judge.

Not only did they enhance my column in DOG WORLD before its tragic demise, they

can be shared with Facebook friends and create a historical record that will be full of

memories when I decide to quit.

At one Scottish Kennel Club show after I had finished my last breed I took the

winners outside to get some pictures. The dogs were set up in traditional show

poses and I got some decent shots. However I had a feeling that my English Setter

BOB winner was the kind of dog that would benefit from a free-standing shot as I

considered her to be outstandingly constructed and she seemed to have the

temperament that would cooperate. Apparently her owner, Jane Dennis, was unable

to be at the show (a great shame as she bred both the CC and RCC winning bitches)

so Suzy Roffey had handled Mariglen Xanthe for her to gain her title. Of course Suzy

has been involved with the sport since her junior handling days and has in adulthood

been highly successful with various dogs, notably Setters and Tibetan Terriers. She

is a highly capable handler with great hands who never gets flustered. When I asked

that she should humour me for a moment as I wanted to try to get a free-standing

shot she was clearly sceptical and pointed out that Jane might not be happy if the

photograph was not satisfactory. Suzy was however in biddable mood and agreed to

try for the shot that I am sure Xanthe was capable of. So Xanthe was walked into a

natural stance, we lost the lead, Suzy got her attention and I clicked away.

I was delighted with the result but was sure to let Jane Dennis see it before it

was published anywhere! Thankfully she approved, so much so that it was soon on

the Mariglen website!

I do feel that with so many of our breeds puppies are from a very early age

drilled into submission and automatically stacked long before their owners have ever

given them the opportunity to prove if they have the construction and attitude to

show free on a loose lead. Many of them do, and if exhibitors just capitalised on this

fact and adopted a more natural way of showing they would probably have more

than a head start under many judges; they could even help to change fashion.