Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a judge at a big show like Crufts or the World Dog Show? Crufts is one of the top dog shows in the world, and it was held this year. 6.3-9.3.
When it comes to dog shows, one name always comes to mind: Crufts . The world's largest and most prestigious dog show is held annually in Birmingham, UK, and brings together thousands of dogs, hundreds of breeds, and tens of thousands of spectators – both on site and on TV and online.
Crufts is not just a traditional show, it could even be seen as the dog world's own Olympics . There, not only are there competitions in the breed ring, but also in agility, obedience and even freestyle dancing for dogs. Every show dog dreams of winning the brightest crown: the Best in Show title , which is like the Oscar of the dog world.
For a judge, judging at a major show is a huge honor – but it also comes with a lot of pressure. The world's best dogs are in the ring, so even the smallest differences can decide the winner. And with the audience watching every move, the judge has to be attentive.
It may seem like the judges are just admiring shiny coats and wagging tails, but in reality, the judging process is meticulous work. Each dog is judged on type, conformation, movement and temperament – in other words, how well the dog conforms to the official breed standard . This is how it is at every show.
But how does this all actually happen? Let's break down the review process.
1) First impressions are important: assessing the structure.
The first task? The judge takes a step back (literally) and looks to see if the dog is complete. Then the structure is analyzed, which begins when the dog is made to stand.
At this stage, the handler plays a big role – he positions the dog in the right positions according to the breed's characteristics, so that its best sides can be highlighted. A well-positioned dog looks balanced, well-proportioned and confident. A good first impression can give you a competitive advantage even before a more detailed evaluation!
2) Handfeel: a closer look
It's time to go a step deeper. The review helps the judge assess things that cannot be seen at a glance. The judge will review, among other things, the following:
✅ Structure – Depth of chest, strength of backline and overall balance.
✅ Coat condition and general well-being – The dog should not only be beautiful, but also in good condition.
✅ Temperament – The dog must not be too timid or aggressive.
✅ Breed-specific traits – For example, the position of a Papillon's ears or the shape of a Bulldog's head – small details can be decisive!
Checking the teeth is also part of the dog's general condition, so it is important for the dog to have a calm attitude towards handling.
3) Movement tells everything you're trying to hide: gait assessment
After the structure assessment, the dog is allowed to move – and at this point a lot is revealed . The judge asks the handlers to move the dogs around the perimeter at a light trot, and now the movement is observed.
Ideal movement:
🐾 The dog's movement is breed-typical and upright.
🐾 The movement is smooth and efficient – no bouncing, twisting or unevenness.
🐾 The dog seems to move effortlessly, which indicates good structure and durability.
Poor movement can tell the judge about some skeletal defect or muscle problem. Although the judge is not a veterinarian with X-ray vision and cannot write the doctor's statements in the evaluation, it can be taken into account in the overall assessment.
To put it simply: if your dog's movement looks like a well-oiled machine and not like a puppy that has just learned to walk, you're on the right track.
4) Temperament assessment: Calmness and friendliness are decisive
Throughout the judging, the judge will also observe how the dog reacts to its environment. A good dog should be:
✔️ Happy and confident.
✔️ Focused on his handler and what he is doing.
✔️ Calm, even if there is applause, noise or an overly enthusiastic chihuahua in the next ring.
However, judges know that dogs are not robots. A quick start when something big happens or a momentary excitement is completely normal, but a dog that is too timid or nervous can get a lower score because of it, as self-confidence is just as important as appearance.
5) And the winner is…
After all aspects – structure, movement and temperament – have been carefully assessed, the judge makes the final decision. The winner is not just the prettiest or fluffiest dog, but the one that best conforms to the official breed standard .
Of course, show judging is not an exact science. On another day, a different judge might emphasize slightly different things. But one thing is for sure – every dog in the ring is already a winner for their owner. (And in the dog’s opinion? Only treats and scratches matter, and nothing is more important than that.)
Finally
Next time you watch a dog show and wonder what the judge is thinking, remember – it’s not just about good coats and wagging tails. The show is about breed standards, movement, temperament and much more. And maybe, just maybe, the judge is also thinking about where to get a good meal after the rings.
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