In less than 24 hours, we covered 396 km and entered two dog shows. After a tough day in Batocina, we arrived in Negotin where Tyson took CAC and Best of Breed (BOB) – that day became Champion of Serbia.
The reason for the trip was not only the show but also to visit friends and dogs we had previously sold, which made this journey even more important.
Below is what happened in the ring and how the day in Negotin played out.
What Went Wrong at the Batocina Dog Show
At the dog show in Batocina, FCI judge Dejan Radenković judged the Sarplaninacs. When Tyson entered the ring, we were not allowed to make a full lap, which meant his movement could not be seen.
A bigger concern came from the statement that the dog, with 1x CAJC, 4x CAC and 1x BOB, does not have a “typical head” for the breed, yet was still awarded R.CAC.
This raises a simple question: if the dog is not in breed type, why was it given a positive grade instead of being disqualified?
What Happened at the Negotin Dog Show
Even though Tyson became Champion of Serbia in Negotin, the judge still drew our attention. Why?
FCI judge Ljubiša Nikolić, who judged Tyson that day, lives in Paraćin like I do, and he was standing near the ring in Batocina the day before while his colleague Dejan Radenković was judging our dog.
What I noticed in Batocina was that Mr. Nikolić seemed to enjoy watching as his colleague was making a serious injustice to our dog.
How did I come to that conclusion? At that moment, I was watching his gesticulation and the artificial smile on his face.
The next day in Negotin, Mr. Nikolić awarded Tyson CAC and Best of Breed (BOB).
What to Do If Your Dog Is Treated Unfairly in the Ring
You need to understand that the opinion of the dog show judge must be respected on that day. Judges are not experts in every breed!
When there are many quality dogs in the ring, they have very little time to see each dog, notice strengths and faults, and make a decision. Exhibitors need to show more understanding in that situation.
Your strongest arguments, when you feel the judging is unfair, come down to three things: knowing the breed standard, being honest about your dog’s strengths and faults, and the dog’s behavior in the ring.
What Is the Best Option for a Breeder in This Situation?
Make videos and photos, present arguments and facts, and publish an article on social media and/or your website.
Speaking about the FCI judges mentioned in our case, I would have had more respect for them if they had given Tyson a grade of 4 or even a disqualification, provided that they had fully described the dog from head to tail in the report.
I have enough experience when it comes to dog shows and I can clearly recognize the following things when it comes to judges:
- (un)knowledge of the breed but fair and correct judging;
- (un)knowledge of the breed but pushing their favorite, by putting down the best dog of another exhibitor from the start so it has no chance when titles are decided;
- a breeder–judge who sees another breeder as competition in selling puppies and dogs abroad, and then plays “dirty” games;
- rudeness, insolence, arrogance, and conceit.
This last one we solve very easily and successfully inside and outside the show ring, so it is hard to forget. The problem is these dirty games, but the best cure for them is “free advertising”.
My message to everyone who wants to belittle my dogs or kennel – do not do it and waste your time!
Why Negotin Is Worth a Visit
Visiting friends was also part of this trip. We spent time together, took photos and videos of Bon, and would like to thank them for their hospitality.
Besides the dog show, we used this visit to get to know the town of Negotin better. It is a place worth visiting, located in northeastern Serbia, close to the borders with Romania and Bulgaria.
Negotin is the center of the Bor District, with a population of around 14.647 in the town and over 28.261 in the municipality. The area is known for its history, culture, and a quieter way of life, where agriculture still plays an important role.
The town offers several interesting places to see, including the local museum with archaeological findings from Roman times to World War II, as well as galleries, churches, monasteries, and historical sites.
For nature lovers, the nearby Iron Gates National Park offers impressive views, good hunting areas, and hiking trails, although some of them are not well marked and require experience.
Final Thoughts
The national dog show held on August 17, 2014, in Negotin attracted many visitors and exhibitors. Around 150 dogs from ten FCI groups were presented, judged by Maja Tomić, Žika Mitrović, Ljubiša Nikolić and Siniša Rančić. The event took place in the yard of the Pedagogical Academy, with participants also coming from Romania and Bulgaria.
The show was organized by the Kennel Club “Hajduk Veljko”, with support from the local Hunting Association and the Municipality of Negotin.
We carry good memories from this event, from the organization and spacious rings to the rich prize fund for Best in Show.
