If you’ve been to a sieger (German-style conformation) show, or if you read the article from yesterday’s post, you know that each dog shown gets an individual critique from the judge. This critique is given for all to hear, and a written transcript goes to the owner or handler after the show.
The first dog shows I attended were AKC shows, and the selection of the winners was a mystifying process to me then (and if I’m really being honest, now, too). I knew that the judge was comparing each dog to the breed’s written standard with a hands-on examination plus observing the dog in motion, but I didn’t really get how the judge arrived at the final placements.
I feel like my Rottweiler conformation education was accelerated when I started attending sieger shows, and really paying attention to the individual critiques.
The judge, as in AKC conformation, is comparing each dog to the breed standard. But he or she will give an oral critique of each dog, starting with the dog’s age, moving to dentition, going over the whole dog from tip to tail, and finishing up with comments on the dog’s movement. The show typist is typing this critique word for word as it is given. I have been a show typist many times, and it was a wonderful way to be guaranteed a seat where I could have a great view of every dog and not miss a word of the judge’s critiques. Of course, it was then also my job to make sure I did not miss a word of the critiques!
If you haven’t seen a sieger show critique, I have two of Freya’s critiques to share.
This one is from her first show. Some judges’ critiques are very detailed, and others are somewhat brief. This one is definitely one of the brief ones, even though it does cover the important points and accurately reflects her conformation at that time.
6 months old, sufficient head, good eye color, good neck, good chest, sufficient angulation, good color, good coat, good movement, correct scissors bite
This one is from her last show, and it’s very detailed. It also shows what I saw as she matured, and like many Rottweilers, she was not quick to mature. As an adult, she has a beautiful head. Unfortunately, she did not outgrow the hockiness in her rear end, which is reflected in her not-so-great movement. That, too, is documented in her critique.
2.5 years, complete and correct scissors bite, medium to large size, compact female, very good bone and substance with very good head, very good stop, correct ears, strong muzzle, dark eyes, dark mouth pigmentation, front turned out slightly, good topline and bottom line, good angulation in front and rear, closed a little in rear, very good coat, slightly wavy, markings well defined but could be richer, front movement all right, not enough reach and drive in rear
That’s it for “Sieger Show 101” for tonight!
(NaBloPoMo | August ’10: 23 of 31)
Amanda & the Mutts says
I like the format of Sieger shows. I especially like that each dog is weighed and measured. This is one thing I think should be adopted by AKC. If the standard says X lbs – Y lbs, the dogs should be weighed and required to fit that standard before going into the ring. Same for height and length.
Movement, well, that’s something you develop an eye and a preference for. Some judges clearly value it, and some clearly don’t. I’m a movement nut, and while I like a lot of breeds, I see a lot of movement that leaves much to be desired. (which is a huge factor in my choice of a Samoyed for my first show dog)
Nick says
It’s been a gazillion years since I’ve been to a Seiger show, but I don’t recall dogs being weighed and/or measured to go in the ring. For the breed test, I recall measurements.
kathi says
Rottweiler breed tests do require both weight and measurements, but they usually use a weight certificate from a vet dated within a week of the show. I don’t remember any of our clubs owning dog scales. None of my dogs like that head measuring thing 🙂
Nick says
I’ve seen quite a few dogs that weren’t crazy about the eye color check either 🙂 It’s a pretty awkward position to put your dog in.
You’re right about the different breed shows. I was thinking specifically Rottweilers, but admittedly have never attended another breed show.
kathi says
Hey, I think the box o’ eyeballs is pretty creepy myself! I don’t blame any dog that feels the same way 🙂
kathi says
In a future post, I should probably mention the differences between the different breeds’ sieger shows. For Rottweilers, weighing and measuring are usually done only for the breed suitability tests… not sure what the other breeds do.
Priscilla says
My daughter, Rosie loves rotties and she would love to go to a sieger show but unfortunately there aren’t any in Malaysia.
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kathi says
I saw a blog post from a Rottweiler specialty in Malaysia and the photos looked like they had a large ring and lots of running: Rottweiler Dog Show. I am always interested in hearing about shows and trials in all countries. Everyone does things just a little bit differently.