Inside the Ring

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So, what exactly is the role of the judge, why do they touch and feel each dog, and why do they have the dog run around the ring? Well, we've got the inside scoop on what goes on inside the ring.

The Role of the Judge

It is the judge's job to examine each dog in competition and then determine how closely the animal resembles his or her image of the "perfect" dog of that breed. The judge gets this image from the American Kennel Club standards for the breed, which describes the perfect size, shape, coat and musculature of the dog for its function.

This is where the touchy-feely part comes in. The judge must feel, or "go over," each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, bones and coat texture match the breed standard. They observe each dog's profile, looking for balance. Then, they send the dog around the ring to watch its "gait" or movement so that they can observe the dog overall and see how all its features work together in motion.

With that done for each contestant, the judge must then decide which dog comes closest to conforming to its breed standard.

Hear more about dog-show judging from AKC judge Helen Lee James and AKC/Eukanuba National Championship host and dog-show judge Edd Bivin.