User:Dogfree/Dishonest Dog Judges

In the sport of show dogs, the American Kennel Club (as well as other dog registries) allows the use of Professional Handlers to exhibit canines in the confirmation ring.

There are numerous judges whose misplace feelings are that these professional show only the highest quality dogs and often ignore the written standard which describes in detail the exact appearance of the dogs in their ring. These same judges do not judge the dog, but by the name of the person at the end of the lead.

There is a great difference between judges who are just incompetent and judges that abuse their status and only will accept dogs (ie put-up) being handler by paid handlers

Handler Judges will often ignore their legal and binding written contract signed with show committees that state they will judge per the AKC Rules and Regulations. These regulations list in detail that a judge is supposed to judge impartially and fairly. That a judge is suppose to obeyed by the AKC Rules of Sportsmanship.

It is unfortunate the Handler Judges have done more harm to the sport of pure breed dogs (in both destroying the appearance of numerous breeds as well as helping to spread crippling deformities). These judges have done more harm and damage to numerous breeds then both PETA and HSUS ‘s anti-breed legislation actions combined.

Complaints to the American Kennel Club often go unheeded – often with the response that a judge in the ring can make whatever decisions they want. This has been helped in numerous occasions by Professional Handlers being hired by the AKC to work in the performance Department.


 * Bobby Birdsong was a professional Handler for over 20 years before becoming the Manger of Event Plans – later Director of Show Operations (which oversees show events, show records and performance operations)


 * Darrel Hayes again a professional handler since 1977. Hired by the AKC in 1993 as Executive Field Representative now Vice President of Show Judges.


 * There is no longer any oversight by the American Kennel Club regarding bad decisions, poor judgement and blatant favoritism of professional handlers by Handler Judges.

All too often, there is a serious lack of quality of the dogs being shown by professional handlers – often bordering on pet store / puppy mill characteristic’s instead of the highest quality examples being considered and awarded placements.

This has lead to Rhodesian Ridgebacks being shown to championship without the accepted ridge. German Shepherd Dogs that are so over angulated that they become crippled with spinal problems. Many of the Hunting dogs have been split into two distinctive varieties – Field (Working) and Show. The Border Collie Club of American has even issues a directive that any Border Collie with a Championship earned will be stricken from the breeding records.