"Faulkner emphasized that the dogs in the Best in Group or Best in Show categories, which feature multiple breeds, are not judged against each other, but are judged on which dog comes closest to its individual breed standard on that day. Barring disqualification for flaws such as signs of aggression or incorrect size or coloring, judging should always be on the positives of the dog, rather than the negatives."
"In order for a breeder to become a judge, the American Kennel Club requires 12 years experience in the sport at all levels, and at least four champions bred across five litters. As Faulkner, who breeds Golden Retrievers, riffed, "it takes longer to become a dog judge than a brain surgeon." But for all of the education and the standards and the rigamarole, the supposed quality of a dog is undoubtedly subjective."
"Faulkner's descriptions of dog standards conveyed the, idiomatic importance of, say, an Australian Cattle Dog's head and jaw shape for surviving the potential consequences of "get[ting] kicked by a cow." He offered rapturous remembrances of the dogs that spoke to him in the ring, like a German Shepherd that "gave me goosebumps; when she went around the ring, I felt every muscle in her heart pound." It's an art and a science."
Judging at multi-breed levels assesses each dog against its own breed standard rather than comparing different breeds directly. Dogs may be disqualified for aggression, incorrect size, or coloring, and judging focuses on positive attributes rather than negatives. Becoming a judge requires extensive experience and proven breeding success, including 12 years in the sport and at least four champions bred across five litters. Breed standards emphasize functional traits—such as an Australian Cattle Dog's head and jaw for surviving a kick from a cow. Judging combines technical criteria and subjective response, producing strong emotional reactions and occasional human error even among experienced judges.
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