What's the point of a breed standard?

[Vanessa]

We've just completed our October show season here in Cape Town and, sitting ringside, I got to thinking. To what extent are judges bound by breed standards?

I understand that judging is inherently subjective. Every judge has his or her own area of speciality and breeds with which they are more or less familiar. I expect that results on the day are always going to be somewhat influenced by personal preference, fashion and, yes, maybe even politics. But to what extent are judges bound to work within the parameters of the breed standard?

I ask this because the Chow Chow breed standard (the one published on the KUSA website, just in case there is any misunderstanding) clearly states that:

“Any artificial shortening of the coat which alters the natural outline or expression should be penalised.”

Yet a totally shorn and patchy dog was awarded CC on two of the days, and RBOB on Saturday.

If the judges can find no merit in any of the other exhibits, are they at liberty to award credits to dogs in direct contravention of the breed standard? Or should they withhold altogether? If they think the standard itself is “wrong” may they apply their own personal preferences instead of the breed standard?

The exhibitor might have been having a personal joke, but it takes the judges themselves to make a complete mockery of our sport and the breed standards which are supposed to be our “goalposts” (I thought). This weekend, effectively I have been told that breed standards and therefore, by implication, the entire sport of dog showing are a complete farce.

I would really like to open a debate on the role that breed standard plays in judging – if any. To what extent are judges bound to operate within the parameters of the breed standards? To what extent can we expect judges to be familiar with our breed standards? Even when they come from elsewhere, with breed standards that may be different to our own? If judges do depart from breed standards, what recourse do we have? What are the implications for the sport of dog showing if we abandon breed standards?

Any thoughts?

[Sandra Miller]

Wonderful questions Vanessa. Sorry I just now saw this post. I will come back after this weekend and add my 2 cents worth and I hope others will join in in the meantime!

Anyone who wishes to start a new thread about any chow topic, please feel free!!!