The following is an attempt to improve communication between the judges of our breed, and the people who show under them. 

1.) Are you an active breeder of German Shepherd Dogs? Do you have a kennel name ? 

N0-& No When I decided to become a professional judge I ceased breeding & exhibiting--considered exhibiting as a judge a conflict of interest.

2.) How long have you been in the breed? When and how did you get started? Are you affiliated with any clubs? 

Since 1951 when I purchased & showed my first GSD. I am active in 2 All Breed Clubs

3.) How long have you been judging the breed? 

 Since 1974 breed & obedience.

4.) How many times a year do you judge German Shepherds? 

 Average 12 a year & up to 18 1/3 avg. to be majors

5.) Over the last 2 years has the number of shows? 

 About the Same

6.) Have you ever judged the National Specialty? If yes, when and what classes ? 

 No

7.) Do you judge at both all-breeds and specialties, which do you prefer ? 

    No preference
    a) do you judge at both all breeds and specialties ?
    both

    b) would you judged at both all breeds and specialties
    yes

    c) please elaborate on and explain your answers to 7, 7a and 7b

    I usually judge 1 to 2 GSD Specialties per yr. It does not matter to me whether I judge at a Specialty or All Breed shows on the same circuit. A specialty does not decrease my entries at the all breed.

8.) Do you have a color preference? 

No color preference.
a) Would the color of a dog influence your judgment?
No

b) Do you find it harder to judge solid blacks ?
to some degree

9.) What importance do you place on condition of plush versus smooth coat? Please explain. 

 Not important, quality of exhibit is more important.

10.) When judging the dog do you also judge the handler? Please elaborate if possible. 

 No of course a better handled dog can outshow a poorly managed dog.

11.) What importance do you place on missing teeth? 

Important when between 2 dogs, all things being equal I will penalize the missing teeth.

12.) How do you see bites today? 

 Very good +

13.) How do you see strength of ears? 

 Good

14.) Do you feel the GSD's temperament has improved over the past 5 years? 

Yes-- in my ring, exhibitors know I have no tolerance for bad temperament & do not try to pass these dogs on to me when I judge.  

15.) Do you consider temperament today to be? Please explain. 

 In my ring, Very Good.

16.) Do you prefer a dog to be shown on a loose lead? 

 Yes, as part of my procedure I request it.

17.) How would you rate the following in sequence of importance? (On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest).

Coming and going  10
Side Gait  10
Temperament  10
Teeth  8+
Coat  10
Pasterns, hocks, feet  10
Pigment  10
Structure  10
Shoulder and reach  10
Attitude 10

18.) Could you briefly describe your ring procedure, and any changes you may incorporate between a small Vs large class 

My procedure is basically the same for all breed or specialities, except some extra gaiting at the speciality because there is more time. BBE, AB & Open I ask they go around 2X's, then I examine each dog individually, down & back slow, stop about 6' in front of me, I approach to check temperament. I then send dog around any speed they wish. When all have been examined I place the class and excuse all but 6-8 dogs depending on size of class. Each dog is sent around ring alone on a loose lead, I make any necessary changes, send them around together & award. Winners class is generally judged the same if quality exists. At the All Breed shows large classes are divided I never judge more than 6 to 8 at a time because of lack of room.

19.) Do you think there should be an age limit in placing points on a dog (i.e.dogs and bitches under 12 months of age)? 

 No

20.) If a dog is not exactly to the standard in size, would you prefer slightly larger or smaller? 

Large males, Bitches onto the smaller size, again depending on the overall dogs.

21.) Do you think on average German Shepherd Dogs are too extreme? 

 No. The dogs entered under me generally are not.

22.) In your opinion should double handling be allowed? 

 yes, if discreet.

23.) Should all select dogs, in your opinion, be OFA (H&E)? 

 Yes, along with at least a C.D. obed. title.

24.) When making the final selection, does the dog with the most front reach usually win the class? 

 Yes- provided overall fits the "10" of question 17

25.) Do you feel more emphasis should be put on the total package, and less on movement? 

 We go back to question 17 & 24 YES

26.) Do you think the German Shepherd Dog standard should be changed? 

 No. But males should be more masculine, especially heads

27.) Do you think there should be any changes in any of the existing rules concerning dog shows? If so, please elaborate 

 Judges should personally not exhibit. Relatives of Field Reps. & AKC personnel.

28.) Is there a dog, whether alive now or not, who to you typifies most closely the "ideal" German Shepherd Dog ? If yes, please explain and give details 

I have seen many over the years, Gilligans Island was one standout. Asslan vom Kammle the only GSD I saw "live" go into the "flying trot" with Moses at the Dallas Nat'l.

29.) Do you feel that in general the quality of the breed in this country is getting better or worse ? Please elaborate 

Again certain judges get the better one's & poorer judges get the entries handlers are trying to sneak thru. I have seen many good ones each year.  

30.) Do you have a pet peeve about anything owners or handlers do concerning the showing of dogs ? 

Bring dirty & untrained dogs to shows, unmanageable gaiting. Good specimens that are not shown properly.

31.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should ALWAYS do when showing under you ? 

Have your dog trained to show, handler should know how to show the bite, able to control dog on a loose lead when necessary & definitly be able to gait your dog slowly coming & going.

32.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should NEVER do when showing under you ? 

 I am tolerant but be a good sport.

33.) Do you have any advice for people who are relatively new to showing and/or breeding? 

Before you start to show, sit at ringside, talk to people & see if you have a showdog. Do not enter as a "filler" for some kennel. Go to handling classes, learn to handle and socialize your dog.

34.) Is there anything else you would like to say about judging or about the German Shepherd breed today ? If so, please feel free to say it here 

I love the breed and love judging them.

35.) Have you ever judged one the of the greats? If so, can you give a rundown of this dog for the people who have not had the privilege to even see it. 

I have judged many great dogs, having the advantage of being a group judge.I will pass on answering the question with names, but I have put class dogs to BOB, finished their Championship and gone on to win GV.
 

 
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