PATRICE JOHANSEN

An Interview With A Judge

Greetings from Australia

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS.

Patrice Johansen, All Breeds Judge, Jomeja Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Judge, mentor, breeder, and owned by Rhodesian Ridgebacks since 1976. I am currently the President of Yuggera Canine Club (Multi discipline all breeds club), and have previously been a Director for Dogs QLD, Chairperson for the CJC (conformation judges committee), President of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Council Australia, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of QLD, and Secretary for Ipswich Kennel Club. I am a lecturer and assessor for trainee judges and have written articles on the RR for national and international publications.

WHEN DID YOUR LOVE OF DOGS BEGIN? PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR PAST AND PRESENT DOGS.

I had an Aussie Terrier as a child, however, was much more passionate about horses and continued down the competitive path with my horses for many years. In 1972 my cousin introduced me to his RR pup, in 1976 I owned my first RR (not pedigree) and after retiring from riding and racing thoroughbreds I decided to show dogs. I acquired my beautiful foundation bitch in 1979 Aust Ch Tirche Al Talika. Talika went on to produce several specialty and BIS winners. I bred my first litter in 1981 and in that litter had a Best in Show Specialty winner. Jomeja Ridgebacks went on over the years to garner major awards, obtain championship titles, do obedience, security work, hunting and Specialty show honors such as best ridge, best head, best gait, and most successful breeder. So many lovely dogs have contributed to the continued success of Jomeja. The years have seen hiatus from showing and breeding with family and work commitments, but I am proud to say that I am still breeding the quality Rhodesian Ridgebacks that I was so proud of many years ago.

HOW DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO THIS BREED?

My first RR encounter was from my cousin who had purchased a RR pup in 1972, I had my first RR in 1976. After speaking to the few breeders in Aus- tralia at the time I purchased my foundation bitch Aust Ch Tirche Al Talika from Col Ireland.

WHEN DID YOU START WITH YOUR JUDGING CAREER AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A JUDGE? PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR JUDGE’S CAREER AND YOUR HIGHLIGHTS.

The grounds for my decision to become a judge was to provide accountability for decisions which were made in the show ring that impact on the future of the breed. To a degree a judge holds the future of breeds in their hands by the decisions they make in the ring. Often as a breeder I heard that someone used a particular stud dog because he was a champion or had gone Best in Show. No other reason. This is fine if the dog is a worthy recipient and can in fact assist in producing a promising litter. Kudos to the breeder or was it just luck? However, many times this is just not the case. For my breed it was this realisation and in fact the responsibility of a judge was the commitment to the breed and the future of our breed. I could as a judge assist to positively influence the future of our breed. I gained my Rhodesian Ridgeback licence in 1991 and went on after a long break to commence my all breeds judging training in 2004 and became an all-breeds judge in 2013.

I have judged all over the world for specialties, nationals, and all breeds shows. There are highlights every time I judge it would be hard to pick one. Judging the RR specialty in Johannesburg South Africa would be one of my favourite appointments. Most recently I also judged at an exceptional all breeds show in Serbia. Judging different breeds, we do not have in Australia is a great experience and of course the different judging processes around the world always makes for an interesting time. Meeting new people and creating friendships is something that I have been blessed with in my travels. The continued learning every time you walk into the ring, the opportunity to hone your judging skills and talking to some of the experts and greatest mentors of breeds around the world cannot be surpassed.

DID YOU EVER HAVE A MENTOR? ARE YOU MENTORING NEWCOMERS?

As I progressed through the judges’ scheme, I had many mentors and supporters always willing to engage with me and discuss various breeds which were their field of expertise. When I first a started in the breed there were very few breeders in Australia. I would sit with a friend late into the night and pour over handwritten pedigrees, talk to people about dogs behind those pedigrees, wait for letters and photos by mail (long before the internet or WWW), look at the few books available to us in Australia and any magazine we could get from overseas. We learnt so much from each other and everyone was willing to share their knowledge of this very young breed in Australia.

I enjoy mentoring newcomers giving them encouragement and guidance, sharing my knowledge and experience, building connections with opportunity for long-term development. A true mentor listens to the goals of newcomers, they help others succeed.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE TYPE?

The breed standard (the blueprint) gives us the basic form of the breed. However, taking into consideration the entire dog and the individual characteristics that make up that breed. Breed hallmarks – the essential components that set one breed apart from another. Breed type should be the first consideration judge’s final selection, if not the breed loses its identity. Soundness – is the exhibit fit for functional purpose.

The initial assessment should include overall balance, profile, temperament, conditioning, and movement.

DOES THE EXHIBIT LOOK LIKE A RIDGEBACK, AND COULD IT DO WHAT THE BREED WAS BRED FOR?

Throughout this initial assessment, the greater understanding a judge has of the breed standard, the better will be their assessment of breed type. Does the dog exhibit the overall breed characteristics and appearance? How does it conform to the breed standard? Does it enter the ring with the presence and attitude of a Ridgeback? Does its profile have the balance, proportions, topline, and angulation? Is the head balanced with level planes, correct ear size and placement? Is it a sound exhibit with correct movement as needed for the purpose of the breed? Is the colour in the breed standard variances? Does this exhibit portray correct breed type? Is the dog sound? As we further examine the exhibit, we have the time to assess how it relates to the breed standard by carefully weighing up the various points as per the standard. Our interpretation of the standard and personal preference will ultimately have influence on the final decision we make. Most importantly we must judge each individual exhibit to the standard before judging each exhibit against the other.

IS THERE SOMETHING WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN THE BREED?

For me a greater emphasis by breeders on overall form and function; we have such variation within the breed. As judges we must ensure that we address our breed issues and not award inferior exhibits those which don’t align with the breed standard and exhibit true breed type. As judges our decision can influence breeders in the direction, they take their breeding program.

EVERY BREED HAS SOME COMMON PROBLEMS. WHICH IS THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM IN RR?

Problems vary from country to country and when an emphasis is put on a particular part of conformation and the focus shifts from the well-balanced dog to that of an average dog with a great head for example. When breeders start to focus on one facet of the dog, we start to lose virtue in other areas. For some time, fronts have slipped, and we have lost the correct angulation, recently it has been croups, more and more steep croups. Over angulation behind can be another issue and of course ridges – the escutcheon of the breed – some breeders focus on the quality of the ridge, others its not so important. On the whole, temperaments are most important and not to be forgotten and in general temperament is sound in our breed.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE A JUDGE OF THE BREED TO BE AWARE?

A Ridgeback is a moderate dog but must be well constructed – form and function - he should look like he is capable of doing a day’s work in the field, but he should not look like he could pull down a lion!! Some judges still tend to think the bigger the better. Movement: we must have dogs that move well to be able to do their job, regardless of the fact most dogs do not do what they were bred for. If we follow our predecessors who developed the breed standard, they must be able to move. Just as we should not penalise a very good quality dog which is a little taller than standard nor should we be pe- nalising the moderate dog who it seems in the ring in some countries is he odd dog out. Balance and type, if a judge does not know what breed type is or does not know what the hallmarks of a breed are, they will not find the best dog in the ring. They will go with the majority and that will show exhibitors what a truly average judge they are.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN A JUDGE?

Honesty, knowledge, ring craft and treating all exhibits equally. Having the conviction of their decisions and being able to back those decisions up. Going against the norm finding the dog which is the best exhibit regardless of whether the Best in Show winner from last week is in the ring. Finding the best dog there, even if he is the odd dog out in the class. A judge who can and does do this shows integrity, knowledge, and strength in the ability to make decisions regardless of what the majority is in the ring.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS MAKE A GOOD JUDGE IN YOUR OPINION?

Judges that understand the breed and judges to the standard. Judges that know and use correct examination techniques for different breeds (for our breed examine the ridge!), be courteous to the exhibitors. Appreciating their ring steward and thanking them. Judges that judge without fear or favor.

WHAT DIFFERENCES DO YOU SEE IN THE JUDGES TODAY AS OPPOSED TO THOSE IN THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?

The saddest thing I see in judges today is that they want to get to All breeds status as quickly as possible with minimal effort. The elusive overseas appointment they all have an expectation as soon as they pass their first elevation. Many of the judges from previous generations were already judges in horse, cattle, poultry etc. They had developed an ‘eye’ for judging, they understood what standards were about and how to interpret them, they knew how to ‘evaluate’ an exhibit. However, today we see people who have been in a dog breed for only several years before feeling educated enough to move into judging but not wanting to do the groundwork and the hard work that goes with it. Far too much emphasis (in Australia) is put on theory evaluation and too little is put on practical examination techniques and the handling of exhibits. Greater development and education (and this is a self-education program) promoting ring craft, mentoring, breeder/kennel visits, specialty shows are a must for up and coming judges.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A JUDGE?

One memorable occasion would be as one of the judges at the RRCUS invitational Top 20. A fantastic venue with a great atmosphere and so many lovely dogs. It was a privilege to be invited to judge this event.

HOW HAS THE DOG SCENE CHANGED OVER THE LAST DECADES?

Yes, most definitely, years ago we were all the same at shows, we handled our own dogs. The show ring was a level playing field everyone was happy for the winners and stayed to watch Best in Show. Now it seems (particularly with social media) everyone knows someone who is judging somewhere, there is little camaraderie, people clap when the dog they don’t want to see win does not. The wonderful social get together is no longer, well certainly not as it was. The hobby has become a business. The ribbon is not enough we surely play for ‘sheep stations’ now and it’s all very serious.

A recent quote on social media: Breeding is an Art. Showing is a Game. Let’s not lose the Art to the Game

HAVE BREED STANDARDS CHANGED VERY MUCH SINCE YOU BEGAN YOUR JUDGING CAREER?

DO YOU SEE ANY DIFFERENCE IN RR OF TODAY COMPARED TO RR OF 10 YEARS AGO? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES YOU SEE?

Breed standards are mostly the same as years ago, but I do see differences in the breed and from years prior to that. The breed today is not as uniform as it was, different ‘styles’ of dogs in the ring. Influences from certain bloodlines and imported dogs/ semen has seen a variation in what we had years ago with a much smaller gene pool. The ability to import semen particularly to Australia has opened the breeders here to many more bloodlines and certainly this is not always a ‘bad’ thing, as it brings with it many positives for our breed and has allowed the breeders to develop a more diversified Ridgeback. Health testing which is mandatory in some countries and states in Australia has been a great step forward in the breed.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO RR TODAY?

Breeders! To work in ’silos’ with no collaboration experienced breeders. Most breeders breed to improve their bloodlines/the breed, however how many take the time to do the work needed to ensure that the next step they take will do exactly that. Breeding to win that glorious Best in Show do we sacrifice breed type and the essence of our breed for a shiny trophy? Politics – politics in the show ring, amongst exhibitors, judges, and bodies who wish to eradicate the domesti- cated dog or companion animal. Those bodies that believe the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that carries health issues with the ridge, dermoid sinus and is an aggressive breed.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING?

Fault Judging

It is easy to fault judge however it is important that judges don’t. All dogs are going to have faults but if a judge focuses on faults and judges by faults it will soon become apparent their lack of knowledge and understanding of the breed. This will become evident when that judge continually places a generically average dog above an outstanding dog, which may have a singular obvious fault.

Lack of confidence in breed knowledge by judges leads them to disregard a different dog from the ‘norm of majority’ that may very well be the best dog there on the day. Judges can become comfortable and confident in putting up dogs from the majority.

Continual fault judging, generic over excellent, will lead in a decline in the quality of a breed when dogs are continually put up from the majority.

In essence when judging we should not fault judge. Firstly, we must assess what each exhibit can offer the breed. What are their qualities and virtues, and work from there. We then need to decide how much emphasis will be placed on any faults, and how those faults can impact on the breed overall.

Judges must look for a balance between both type and soundness. A sound dog with breed type.

We judge by assessment - we judge and assess by employing the knowledge we have of our breed gained from the breed standard, observation, breed mentors, lectures, and training. Ensuring that our knowledge is current and factual, allows a judge to distinguish between what is an excellent example of the breed and a generic specimen.

Conformation showing is one of the benchmarks in assessing the quality of an exhibit. It is wise to remember that as a judge our decisions to some degree dictate the future choices of breeders in stud dogs and blood lines. This can have a positive or negative effect depending on which traits become fashionable to follow, for example if soundness is disregarded for cosmetic values such as coat colour.

Judging Etiquette

As a judge we have an obligation to the exhibitors to give them a positive experience when showing their dog to us, particularly first timers. An exhibitor pays for a judge’s opinion, nothing more nothing less. We owe it to them to give them an honest opinion of their exhibit. On average a judge has approximately two minutes to examine and move an exhibit, and an exhibitor has about seven seconds to have that exhibit ready for us to examine.

We have generally started our examination when we see that dog standing at the gate.

Even though we are occupied assessing the exhibit with the knowledge we have from the standard, we should not ignore the other skills needed to fulfil that obligation.

Dress appropriately, be courteous, be systematic –giving each exhibit and exhibitor the same amount of assessment and attention. It is important to be in control of your judging ring and be confident in your decisions. A judge should know how to approach and ‘go over’ an exhibit correctly, for example approaching from the front and not the rear. One should not over handle the exhibits, but have gentle hands, incorporating the knowledge of how to put a nervous newcomer or young puppy at ease.

It is important that we show we enjoy our judging assignments. Enter the ring knowing that you have the knowledge and ability to carry out your judging in a professional courteous manner.