We took three dogs to a CACIB dog show to see how they would behave around other dogs, people, and everything that comes with the show. At the same time, we entered them as a breeder group for the “Best in Show” part.
That year left little time to work with them. We had more dogs than usual, and besides that, we had work outside the kennel. Because of that, we didn’t spend enough time with each dog, and it showed.
As soon as we entered the ring, it was clear. Our champions didn’t perform the way they should at the show like this. That was our mistake.
Still, the FCI judge was understanding, and since there was no real competition in the class, the dogs were awarded titles. On paper, it looked fine, but that was not the full picture.
FCI Judges at CACIB Jagodina
The show was judged by FCI judges from several countries. Here is the full list.
Judges | FCI Group |
|---|---|
Srđan Kokotović | I |
Nikola Angelovski | II |
Vasko Mudreša | II |
Ljubiša Nikolić | II |
Dragan Krstić | III |
Sašo Pešev | IV, V, X |
Radivoje Tomašević | VI |
Pero Čelebić | VII |
Duško Piljević | VIII |
Slobodan Nasteski | IX |
Classes
Not What We Expected in the Ring
In a previous article, I criticized the work of FCI judges, but here something completely different happened. I’d like to praise the international judge Nikola Angelovski, as he described each dog in detail and paid attention to every exhibitor. In our case, he also showed understanding.
Looking at the situation in the ring, one of our dogs could have received a negative grade, and the female could have been disqualified. Mr. Angelovski did not go that way, and I will explain why below.
Ben Hur (11 Months) – CAJC
Ben was the first dog in the ring and the one that stood out the most.
In the ring, he moved very well for his age. Anatomy and type were excellent, which led to a deserved CAJC title and a place in the BOB competition.
In a way, Ben Hur represented the kennel that day. He showed what can be expected when things are right.
After seeing Leo and Haidy in the ring, I told my father to forget about the BOB tittle. From outside the ring, the situation was clear. It was not good.
We have to stay objective and critical when it comes to our dogs.
Big Haidy – When Things Don’t Go Right
Big Haidy, also 11 months old, showed behavior in the ring that could have led to disqualification. In the main ring, during the breeder group and Best in Show part, she moved very well.
However, during judging, she refused to enter the ring. Because of that, we didn’t get a chance to see her movement, which clearly showed that we didn’t do our “homework” as breeders.
The FCI judge looked at the “wider picture” and showed understanding. A negative grade would have meant we couldn’t enter the Best in Show part.
Since there was no competition in the junior class (9–18 months), she was awarded the CAJC title.
Leo (18 months) – CAC
Leo was the dog we expected the most from, as he was the oldest. The situation was similar to Haidy. He showed some lack of confidence and was not well prepared for the ring.
Looking at anatomy, everything was in place, except for the tail, which went slightly to the side. Because of that, I said the judge would not be wrong to give him a lower grade, and we would have no problem with that.
Once again, regardless of whether you are a dog lover or the breeder, you have to be realistic in that moment.
You will see a photo of Leo below where he looks like a completely different dog, but at the dog show, the only thing that matters is what happens in the ring.
If the dog doesn’t stand out in those few minutes and show “quiet dominance“, you should not expect any title or award.
Learn from Our Mistakes
If you want a champion, you have to work with the dog. Our example can serve as a reminder of that.
The situation in the Sarplaninac breed would be much better if more breeders were self-critical and realistic about their dogs. It cannot always be the fault of the FCI judge or another exhibitor’s dog.
There is injustice in the ring, no doubt about that, and I don’t stay quiet when it happens. But no one can stop you from telling your side of the story!
Below is a photo gallery of our dogs from the CACIB dog show – Ben Hur, Big Haidy, and Leo.
Final Thoughts
The international dog show was held on 04/04/2015, organized by the Kennel Club Jagodina, with 448 dogs registered.
The organization was very good, with a rich prize fund, large rings, and more than enough parking space nearby.
After this show, my father and I made some important decisions about the future work of our kennel.
Those decisions brought results!
If you look at videos and photos of our dogs today on social media, things have changed 360 degrees.
