“We have often heard the comment that while judges get a lot from the dog world, also, at the same time they have a huge responsibility for the breeds they judge, and therefore must be accountable to the dog world. This part of my website www.robertdawson.org is therefore an appeal for experienced judges – recognizing that they do hold the future of some breeds in their hands, they need to share the experience they have gained with aspirant judges and exhibitors. I am sure that if they do then the role of the judge will be held in high esteem.”

The web allows people to share – not just one on one – but one on many! I know that during my early years as a judge I spent a lot of time talking to breeders, reading books, discussing with other judges, and of course attending seminars. This all took a lot of time and money. I was very fortunate as I was able to travel also, to specialties in several parts of the world. I felt and still do today feel that it is critical that aspirant and long established judges go to specialties as this is really an excellent way to understand a breed.

What has changed today is of course the WEB. Most, if not all judges appear to have access to at least email – and these are often free and accessible from anywhere in the world. Many judges have used the Web for some time – many get their appointment and contract information through their email systems. Some have very good web sites that provide detailed information on specific breeds or groups. There are a lot of websites that provide judges and exhibitors the opportunity to blog – provide ideas about dogs, people, and virtually everything else that happens each weekend at the dog shows. Similarly, there are numerous Lists that individuals provide information about a common topic. In fact, there is one even called “travelling judges” which allows people to tell others where they are going or have been recently.

The internet has also brought what has been called the “internet” judge – many exhibitors talk about the person who seems to know what dog is winning in the area, even before they arrive. Publicity has been a part of the dog world for some time, with many magazines and the like. However, now information flow is much faster with people being able to see what has won a group, before best in show is judged! At the same time there appears to be an intense interest about judges – exhibitors asking well ahead of the shows, what judges might like. It seems that people can see in the minds of judges, even without seeing the dogs that will be exhibited.