How political are dog shows?
 

I've been told by so many people that dog shows are really political. Is this true? Since getting involved and competing in dog shows, I've learned tons, met some really fantastic and unbelievably kind and helpful people, and I find myself enjoying dog shows. I especially like that I have to put on a suit. I always feel really good wearing a suit. But I find it upsetting that so many people are saying "why would you get involved in this. It's so political." It's crazy the number of people who have said that to me.

People are telling me that a dog getting picked is influenced by other things such as if a certain handler is showing the dog. I could maybe see that factor maybe being a bit of an influence perhaps due to either reputation or maybe cause they know many of the judges, or whatever. Apparently you can put a mediocre dog with a certain handler and that dog will get picked over and over and over again. People who have been involved with dog shows for so many years, they're telling me that this is the way it is and that that's what they see.

At one of the dog shows I competed at a lady stormed out of the ring and said she wasn't surprised that that dog got picked for best in show because the handler of the dog took the judge out for dinner and drinks two days ago. If that was true, well, in my mind stuff like that shouldn't be happening. I find it kinda upsetting that it seems the sport of showing dogs is not pure. Can anybody say if it is really as bad as what I'm hearing from everyone? I don't think it affects me a whole lot. I'm not campaigning a dog or whatever its called. I'm just doing this for fun and as a new hobby. But of course I want it to be as pure as possible. I don't like to hear, especially hearing from so many people, about how its so political. I know certain things might happen, such as a dog being overlooked because the dog isn't being advertised and campaigned and isn't as well-known, etc. But this political aspect of dog shows seems like its a serious problem. I'm quite shocked by everything I'm hearing from people.

Thats a toughie to answer fairly. I think that there is some truth to judges we call them face judges - ie they recognize the handler or the breeder and their assessment of that dog is influenced by it.

There are poor sportsmen in all venues dog shows included. I know in the early days of showing my rare breed my dog earned a group 3. The judge did not mean for her comment to be overheard but it was by me. She said Oh I hope I made the right decision..... So you see new recognized breeds have to earn their spot on the podium.

I am more concerned with the knowledge that a judge brings to the breed. Without a solid canine knowledge plus breed specific knowledge you get mediocre at best judging. And that is frustrating for every exhibitor that knows that particular breed.

I too have met many warm hearted and generous competitors, judges, and pro handlers.

Go on and enjoy your shows and trials,