Introducing Judge Application & Testing Online
December 16, 2025
Source: Allen Gingerich
Job Title: Director of Hunting Ops
Department: Hunting Ops
Email: agingerich@ukcdogs.com
No more filling out paper forms, completing tests by hand, mailing materials to UKC, and waiting weeks for results. Effective immediately, the United Kennel Club is pleased to offer electronic Judge applications and testing online.
Individuals who meet the required experience qualifications can now complete the entire process digitallywithout relying on the mail systemwith significantly faster turnaround times.
How the Process Works
a. Online Application & Test
Applicants submit their Judge application online. If approved, the applicant will receive a link to complete the Judge test online. Both steps are simple, and turnaround time is generally three (3) business days or less.
b. Apprentice Form Issued
Upon passing the test, the applicant will receive an Apprentice Form via email, pre-filled with their personal information (name, city, state, phone number). The applicant must print this form and provide it to the licensed Judge when apprenticing.
c. Apprentice Evaluation
After the apprenticeship is completed, the licensed Judge scans the QR code on the Apprentice Form, which directs them to an online evaluation template. The Judge will score the apprentice on the questions asked and either approve the applicant for licensing or recommend additional testing.
All evaluations are considered confidential.
To access the application, navigate to:
Elite Shed Dogs Forms and Rules and click the Licensed Official button.
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Requirements and Procedures
Elite Shed Dog Judge
1. The applicant must be in good standing with the United Kennel Club.
2. The applicants character, honesty, and integrity must be above reproach.
3. The applicant must have thorough knowledge of applicable UKC rules and policies and demonstrate sound judgment.
4. The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
5. The applicant must submit a Judge application and test available through United Kennel Club.
6. Upon passing the test, the applicant will be issued one Apprentice Form. The applicant must apprentice at one event with a licensed Judge and receive approval.
7. Individuals currently approved to judge shed dog events in other venues may apply for grandfathered status. Grandfathered judges must submit an application and test but are not required to complete an apprenticeship.
8. All Judge licenses are granted or withheld at the sole discretion of United Kennel Club.
9. Licensed Judges are responsible for keeping current with all rules and policies.
10. Judges/Planters may run a dog provided there is another licensed Judge or Planter in attendance who can assume official responsibilities.
a. A Judge/Planter handling their own dog must be the first to run on any course they will be judging, thereby prohibiting them from running a female in season.
b. A Judge may not judge their own dog, even if handled by another individual.
c. Judges/Planters may not run more than two (2) dogs in the class they are judging or planting.
11. Judges may alternate (tag-team) runs when necessary for rest breaks, inclement weather, or to allow another Judge to run a dog.
Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 18,000 licensed events annually.