UKC’s Commitment To Its Judges
Wayne Cavanaugh
Judging dog events is often quite a thankless job, not unlike that of a baseball umpire or hockey referee, but the good ones, over time, earn the respect of their peers. The really good ones have a positive impact on the breeds we see and the breeders that produce them. Judging is an ongoing process. We see it as a learning experience for everyone involved. Here in Kalamazoo, we truly appreciate the time and effort each individual puts into the judging process.
We also believe that the UKC has a commitment to our judges and their right to learn, judge and enjoy the sport, no matter what venue they choose. Accordingly, Mark Threlfall and I sat down a few weeks back and wrote a statement about how we feel about the rights of Americans as it relates to judging. It’s on the website, but for those who may not have read it, I thought we’d print it right here.
UKC’s Commitment to our Judges
UKC views judges as individuals who have the right to pursue their interests by entering into agreements with local dog clubs. We feel judges should have the personal freedom to judge for clubs in any registry where they meet the judging requirements. We believe that experience in judging dogs is an ongoing, cumulative experience, and that judging in multiple registries affords the individual judge an opportunity to advance the sum total of their knowledge of a variety of breeds and the practical application of that knowledge. To judge solely in a single registry could well limit the scope of a judge’s continuing education. We feel that experience gained through judging for multiple registries benefits the judge, UKC and the sport of dogs. We encourage our judges to gain as much practical experience as possible through judging for clubs requesting their services in any registry that welcomes them.
As for UKC’s ongoing commitment to our judges, we will continue to offer an approval process that places opportunity, education and self-advancement at the fore. We encourage those interested individuals with experience in the sport to contact the Dog Events Department and seek approval. No fees are charged to the applicant at any point in the process.
As I read this statement again, I realize that we all need to remind ourselves that this is supposed to be fun. Most importantly, it is also supposed to be about the dogs. Let’s hope the spirit of judging and the spirit of freedom of choice continues to help us all breed better dogs. At the end of the day, that should always be the goal.
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 This Weekend At UKC
Grand American - Orangeburg, South Carolina. The January 1st opening ceremonies of Grand American mark the traditional start of the coonhound year! The first big competition event of 2009 will take place this weekend, with nite hunts and bench shows, the exciting start of a new Purina race, and of course great food, entertainment and fellowship. Head to the fairgrounds in Orangeburg this weekend to ring in the coonhound New Year!
Find an event in your area. 
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The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the terriers brought over by English miners and other working class immigrants. These dogs were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. Eventually, these tough little terriers evolved into today’s Rat Terrier. The breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat Terriers. The Rat Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1999. |
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Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here. |
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