You have to start somewhere and the printed standard is first. Then any visual aids like CD's or tapes. Then there are seminars where these teaching aids are discussed and like at the nationals, they bring in dogs to help do what you're saying, look at actual dogs.
As for a judge interpreting the standard, you have to understand that a real good representation of the breed may not even be in the ring that day and you have to make do with what's there. This is where deviations from the perceived standard can start to happening...
Like if a judge were to hold back on handing out a first place ribbon, they best be ready to explain why.
This is also where a BOB bulldog may not do anything in group under a non-sporting judge who's initial breed was bulldogs. He / she may feel that this dog just doesn't cut it according to the standard.
I agree, kicking it around is good. I just feel you should, as judges are require to do, study what's available and see for yourself.
Posted on Feb 7, 2009, 12:56 PM from IP address 75.195.185.174