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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 ?
I am an occasional breeder. My kennel name is Bokenkamp German
Shepherds. Bokenkamp is my wife's Grandmother's maiden name
2.) How long have you been
in the breed? When and how did you get started? Are you affiliated with any clubs?
I bought my first German Shepherd in 1965. She was of German Lines and we bred
her twice to Males of German lines. We decided that this was not what we were looking for, so we eventually purchased
two puppies from Sequel,s kennels. A male that I trained in Schutzhund, and a female that I started showing in
conformation. This was in 1979 and they were littermates to Ch. Sequel's Lonnie V. Glisando. I am a member of GSDCA,
President of GSDC of Beaumont, Texas and member of Beaumont Kennel Club.
3.) How long have you been
judging the breed?
I have been judging the breed since 1994.
4.) How many times a year do you judge German
Shepherds?
3-5 times.
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.
I did judge the Mexican National Specialty Show in 1997.
Judging Males and Intersex.
7.) Do you judge at both all-breeds and
specialties, which do you prefer?
8.) Do you have a color preference?
No Preference
a) No
b) only if indoors with poor lighting.
9.) What importance do you place on condition
of plush versus smooth coat? Please explain.
Not important.
10.) When judging the dog do you also judge
the handler? Please elaborate if possible.
No. The handler's only purpose in the ring is to present the dog in it's most favorable
abilities. Other than that, the dog is all that matters.
11.) What importance do you place on missing
teeth?
Our Standard says that missing teeth other than premolors is to be
considred a serious fault. There are other serious faults also, so you
have to consider which are the most important and use your own
judgement.
12.) How do you see bites today?
Good
13.) How do you see strength of ears?
Good, but could be better.
14.) Do you feel the GSD's temperament has
improved over the past 5 years?
Yes.
15.) Do you consider temperament today to
be? Please explain.
Very good.
16.) Do you prefer a dog to be shown on
a loose lead?
Yes, and I require it at some time during my individual examination.
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 6
Side Gait 9
Temperament 9
Teeth 5
Coat 4
Pasterns, hocks, feet 7
Pigment 6
Structure 9
Shoulder and reach 8
Attitude 6
18.) Could you briefly describe your ring
procedure, and any changes you may incorporate between a small Vs large class
Bring the dogs into the ring in catalog order. If large class, ( 10 or more ) divide
class. Take first group around twice to loosen them up and check if any are limping. Proceed same with second group.
Start doing individual exams by having dog brought to certer of ring to me on loose lead for hands on exam. Have
dog set up and proceed from front of dog starting with head and continue to tail. Move dog down and back and around
the ring to the end of line. Continue with rest of class the same way. Having made mental notes of dogs quality,
start positioning dogs. Save the first 5 to 8 dogs, move the rest once more and if you are satsfied, those are
to be excused. Continu with other dogs placings untill you are satisfied and Place them as they are.
A small class would be done basically the same, except could be done
much faster.
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?
Probably smaller
21.) Do you think on average German Shepherd
Dogs are too extreme?
No
22.) In your opinion should double handling
be allowed?
Yes, If done in moderation
23.) Should all select dogs, in your opinion,
be OFA (H&E)?
No. I think Our breeders ( most ) are capable of these considerations when
they are considering someone to breed to.
24.) When making the final selection, does
the dog with the most front reach usually win the class?
Yes, Most times.
25.) Do you feel more emphasis should be
put on the total package, and less on movement?
No. Almost all times if a dog is a great mover, it will usually be a complete
package
26.) Do you think the German Shepherd Dog
standard should be changed?
No
27.) Do you think there should be any changes
in any of the existing rules concerning dog shows? If so, please elaborate
Nothing significant.
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 can think of two that I personally had contact with that I consider
very close to being an Ideal dog. The first was Am. Can. GV Sequels Senator V Merivern. I think he was one
of the most beautiful moving dogs that I have ever seen. The other was Sel Ch.Limriks Crystal. I showed against
this gorgeous bitch many times, defeating her only once. Truly a thrill. She was poetry in motion.
( MY OPINION ONLY )
29.) Do you feel that in general the quality
of the breed in this country is getting better or worse ? Please elaborate
Better. When I first started showing dogs, over twenty years ago, there were
many dogs being shown and winning with many faults that would be recognized and dismissed today. I give the Judges
credit for this. They are more Knowledgable and experinced today.
30.) Do you have a pet peeve about anything
owners or handlers do concerning the showing of dogs ?
Not really. the only thing I dislike is to see a dog being doubled to excess and
destroying the dogs true ability. That's when I call them down for doubling.
31.) Do you have any suggestions for owners
or handlers regarding anything they should ALWAYS do when showing under you ?
Be a good sport and as gracious a loser as you are a winner Remember,
that no dog, shows at it's best every day, and since you are asking for my opinion on this day, I strive to do
just that, No Exceptions
32.) Do you have any suggestions for owners
or handlers regarding anything they should NEVER do when showing under you ?
Do not be impolite, and do not try to intimidate me. This will only make me
think less of you as an owner, handler, or sportsman.
33.) Do you have any advice for people who
are relatively new to showing and/or breeding?
Go to as many shows as possible, whether showing or just observing. Show your own
dog if capable and you so desire This will give you invaluable experience of ring procedure and Judging procedure.
Talk to as many people as will talk to you and do not be ashamed to ask stupid questons.We all started exactly
where you are right now. Just enjoy every show and try to learn something new each time.
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
Remember that ALL judges are judging from his/her knowledge and experience as owners,
breeders, handlers, and years of observing. They are trying to select in order, which to them are the best dogs.
If you disagree with them, it's your privilage not to show under them again. They will probably like the same dogs
the next time.
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 been privilaged to put hands on a very few of the ones that I considered to
be one of the truly greats, but I consider most of the beautiful German Shepherd Dogs that can acquire a championship
to be one of the great ones.
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