N EWS LET TE R CONFORMATION JUDGES - United Kennel Club (UKC)
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AUGUST 2021 C O N F O R M AT I O N J U D G E S NEWSLET TE R
STAY CONNECTED left the show and finds an error on their judge’s book, the
judge must contact UKC directly and submit their correction in
By Denise Vavla
writing. At no time should a judge contact the hosting club and
UKC Conformation Program Manager ask them to alter any judge’s book due to errors. The following
ways to submit corrections are acceptable:
It has been a while since the last Conformation • Make a copy of the judge’s book, with the
Judge’s Newsletter due to the pandemic and marked corrections and submit this to the UKC All-Breed
most all shows being cancelled. With the limited Sports office by regular mail or email to judges@ukcdogs.
opportunities for judges and exhibitors to put the latest changes com. (Best way to communicate corrections.)
to several of our programs into practice, you will find some crucial • Email judges@ukcdogs.com, and provide a
point for each program noted below. detailed list of the corrections, including the name of the
club, date of event and show number, and what is needing
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or to be corrected, which must include:
need any clarification with any of the rules. We are always available • Breed
for you. • Sex
• Armband Number
For specific events, you may also contact the program managers: • Class
• Detailed correction
Karen A. Shivers: Nosework, Rally & Obedience
kshivers@ukcdogs.com
Denise Vavla: Conformation, Drag Racing, Lure Coursing, & Weight Pull
BREED STANDARD UPDATES.
dvavla@ukcdogs.com
Please note. The following breed standards have been corrected
Hannah Tsui: Dock Jumping, Agility & Precision Coursing
and are effectively immediately (no revision date added due nature
htsui@ukcdogs.com
of correction).
• Frisian Water Dog. There has been a correction to the spelling
of the Frisian Water Dog (was inadvertently listed as Fresian).
SUMMER-TIME SHOWS • French Bulldog. There was a sentence that ended at random
after the comma. This has been corrected to read:
Heat Kills. While it is great to be back showing, most of the country • HINDQUARTERS
(USA), has been experiencing a hotter than normal summer. As • HIND LEGS -The strong, muscular hind legs are
a reminder, it is especially important to keep the dogs, as well as a little longer than the forelegs, causing the loins to be
exhibitors, in mind while they are showing in this extreme heat. It above the shoulders.
does not take much exertion before a dog or handler is overheated. • Ibizan Hound. The section on the coat in the breed standard
If judging outside, be sure to use the shade wisely, and to remind was corrected by adding a comma between Smooth and
everyone to keep themselves and their dogs hydrated. In addition, Rough, this now reads as follows:
for the dogs, it is better to have a dog show with a wet coat, than • Two coat types are breed typical: Smooth, rough, or
for one to go down due to heat exhaustion. long haired, and neither is preferred. Both types are left
untrimmed.
JUDGE’S BOOKS
The changes to the following breeds will take effect January 1,
Marking and correcting your judge’s books. Nobody is above 2022.
making errors, or mistakes. What matters is how these errors are • Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog. This breed will be
handled and corrected. changing groups and go from the Herding Group to the
Guardian Group.
When judging, errors made by a judge are normally caught and • Japanese Akita. This breed will be changing their breed’s name
corrected immediately or if not, hopefully it is corrected on the to the Japanese Akitainu.
same day or same weekend while still at the event. In the best-case
scenario, the earlier an error is caught and corrected, the better.
The longer an error sits, the likelihood of the judge remembering
what really happened tends to fade. When an error has been
discovered, here is the procedure UKC would like a judge to follow:
• When an error has been found and the judge still has access
to the original judge’s book. If a judge has the original judge’s
book (all three copies) and they need to make a correction,
the judge should mark a single line across the incorrect
information, and then make the necessary correction to the
judge’s book. The judge must then initial all the additional
entry corrections made after the fact.
• What to do if an error is found after the event and the original
judge’s books are not accessible. In cases where a judge has
All-Breed Sports Newsletter August 2021 pg. 2
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP POLL order to help accommodate the exhibitor by:
• Moving the breed up or down in judging order, provided the
Ages and understanding. We are interested in your opinion regarding following steps are taken:
the current classes and age break-down for Junior Showmanship. • The exhibitors entered in the breed that is being moved
As we all know, children have different learning curves and excel at are notified of the move,
different ages. What we are looking at specifically is the diversity • The judging of the breed is not judged prior to any posted
of the age-range of the Junior and Senior showmanship classes. starting time
When it comes to the younger children competing against the older • Should the exhibitor requesting the move not be present
children in their class, we feel the younger competitors are at an when it is time for the breed to be judged, the judging shall
enormous disadvantage. The current classes and age ranges for the commence, and the dog will be marked absent.
licensed classes are as follows:
• In the Junior class, the age range is 8 years of age and under ALL-BREED CONFORMATION
13 years of age. JUDGES LICENSE.
• In the Senior class, the age range is 13 years of and up to (and
including) 18 years of age. Judging All-Breeds. Though UKC recognizes over 370 different
The concept and knowledge each group is expected to know in breeds, there are three breeds, the American Eskimo, the Belgian
the Junior and Senior classes are not that different. However, is Shepherd Dog and the Toy Fox Terrier that require additional steps
an 8-year-old to really expected to know as much or to be able to to be licensed to judge the specific breed. When accepting judging
express themselves as well as a 12-year-old? What about a 13-year- assignments, it is of utmost importance that a conformation judge
old against the 18-year-old? knows whether they hold all the required UKC conformation
There is a huge learning curve between the ages of 8 years to the licenses, when asked to judge an All-Breed show at a UKC
age of 18 years. Our proposal is to shorten the gap between the conformation event.
ages so that the children have a better learning experience with
other children of the approximate same age range. To accept any judging assignment that includes the American
The following changes are being proposed for the Junior Eskimo, Belgian Shepherd dog or Toy Fox Terrier, a judge must hold
Showmanship Classes. the specific breed license. Keep in mind, Judges who officiate for
• PeeWee: 2 years of age and under 4 years of age (no change) any breed they do not hold the specific breed license, the exhibitor’s
• Sub Junior: 4 years of age and under 6 years of age (no change) wins can be invalidated.
• Pre-Junior: 6 years of age and under 8 years of age (no change)
• Junior: 8 years of age and under 11 years of age (new age- If interested in obtaining any of the individual breed licenses, please
range) refer to the licensing requirements for the Breed Specific Licenses,
• Intermediate: 11 years of age and under 15 years of age (new found on the UKC website under the conformation judge’s tab.
age-range)
• Senior: 15 years of age and up to and including 18* years of ATTENTION CONFORMATION
age (new age-range)
APPRENTICE’S.
The Junior, Intermediate, and Senior classes shall have two levels,
Novice and Open. The 1st place class winners from the Junior
A change in apprenticeship procedure. If you are a conformation
Novice, Junior Open, Intermediate Novice, Intermediate Open,
apprentice, there is good news for you. There has been a change to
Senior Novice and Senior Open will compete for the Best Junior
the required number of dogs that a Conformation Apprentice must
Handler.
see during their apprenticeship assignments for the Terrier Group.
If you would like to comment on the above proposal, please email
dvavla@ukcdogs.com
Previously, a conformation apprentice must have seen a minimum
of 80 terriers from the Terrier Group. This number has been revised
TOTAL DOG EVENTS and the minimum number to be seen for terriers in the Terrier
Group is now 50 dogs.
Dogs showing in multiple events. UKC events have always been
about the dog and many exhibitors can boast that “Our Dog’s Do
More,” because their dog’s not only have conformation titles, but
UNDERSTANDING SPECIFIC
have performance titles as well. One way they earn their titles is by
competing in Total Dog events, which require the dog to be entered TERMS AND PROCEDURES
in both conformation as well as a performance event on the same
day. What is: Excused, Disqualified, Awarding a 2nd Place Ribbon, or
Withholding an Award.
The problem many judges and exhibitor’s find when showing a Confusion may lay in what happens when a dog is excused,
dog in multiple events, is that this usually leads to conflicts. While disqualified, is given a 2nd place ribbon, or has an award
we encourage exhibitors to talk with the stewards (and judge’s) withheld. You may think: “What difference does this
working the rings and sort out their conflict by arranging to exhibit make, the dog gets nothing, correct?” This is where
their dog to avoid the conflict, keep in mind it is not always the some judges are mistaken, and here is why.
performance event that needs to accommodate the change in
judging order. The conformation ring may also adjust the breed
All-Breed Sports Newsletter August 2021 pg. 3
Excused. There are two types of excusals. In each case, when a dog is own handler), or bit another dog
excused for either type, the dog must leave the ring and the judge’s • The dog attempted to bite a person or another dog.
book is marked as EX with a written explanation of the excusal. A • Dogs excused from the ring due to this type of
dog that is excused from the ring does not count as competition for disqualification do not count as competition for the remaining
the remaining dogs in the breed. Dogs that are excused for any of dogs in the breed.
the listed excusals below are allowed to continue showing at the
next event. Awarded a 2nd place. Judges will occasionally come across dogs
• Mandatory Excusals: The judge has no choice but to excuse that meets the breed standard but are in poor condition, or the dog
the dog if any of the following occur: has not quite matured to the outline of the standard, but still shows
• Any dog is being exhibited with sutures, bandages, good promise. Although these dogs do not lack merit, they should
adhesive, or any other material that is indicative of or related not be given a 1st place win.
to any injury, surgical or medical procedure. • Dogs that fall into this category should still shows the inherent
• Any dog that is lame, ill or is unfit for competition. quality of the breed and therefore should be awarded a 2nd
• Any dog that is blind or deaf place ribbon even in a class of one.
• Any dog that cannot be examined safely • By awarding a 2nd place ribbon, the dog is not dismissed as
• Discretionary Excusals: Judges have the right to excuse any not meeting the breed standard and will still count as quality
dog as follows: competition for other dogs in the breed.
• Any dogs that appear to be unsafe to approach
• Any dog that appears to be ill or is deemed unfit for Withholding an Award. When an award is withheld, the dog does
competition - dogs determined to be unfit are dogs whose not get a ribbon. Withholding an award is for serious deviations,
physical condition affects its ability to safely compete, or including dogs that lack merit. Dogs lacking merit can be applied
whose condition is so compromised it is not fit for exhibition. to any section of the breed standard where there is a lack of a
This includes, but is not limited to, any dog that has visible, particular quality, or the dog does not have enough of a certain
unhealed injuries, is emaciated or is obese. predetermined quality that makes the breed what it is.
• Injury’s indicative of a dog’s natural work should be well- • If presented with a clearly inferior specimen of a breed, do not
healed. Scars and blemishes due to hunting or working injuries be concerned with the impact the decision has on the other
as per a breed’s standard are not grounds for excusal. entries in the breed. In this case, it is the duty of the judge to
• Some additional reasons why a dog may be excused. withhold all ribbon placements for that dog.
• Just because the dog was fine during class judging does • If the dog is not worthy of an award, do not award the
not mean it may be fine when it comes time for the judging of dog the 1st place ribbon, and then decide to withhold the Best
Best Male or Best Female or Best of Winners, or Best of Breed. Male or Best Female. This makes no sense. If the dog is not
A dog may be perfectly fine during the class judging but may worthy, this should be noted at the class level.
get injured, and become temporarily lame, between the class • Giving the Best Male or Best Female a competition win based
judging and the Best of Sex, Best of Winners or Best of Breed on defeating an inferior dog defeats the real purpose of
judging. Conformation shows.
• A judge may not know if there is an emergency, or a • A judge that withholds any placements for lack of merit must
medical reason behind an exhibitors request to be excused. A note this on the judges’ book and specifically address where
reason for the excusal does not need to be provided by the the dog is lacking. Judges must always take the time to discuss
exhibitor, and the judge will mark the excusal as “handler’s withheld placements with the exhibitor, either at the end of
request” on the judge’s book. judging the class or after judging the breed.
•
Disqualified. There are two types of disqualifications. In each case, A CALL FOR SENIOR
when a dog is disqualified for either type, the dog must leave the CONFORMATION JUDGES.
ring and the judge’s book is marked as DQ with a written explanation
of the disqualification. The history of licensing conformation judges. Have you ever
• Breed Standard Disqualifications. Any breed that has a wondered how UKC judges are licensed? If you are a judge, you
disqualification as outlined in their breed standard must be already know this answer. However, what you may not know is that
excused from the ring and that disqualification is to be written the judging approval process has changed many times over the
on the judge’s book. years.
• Dogs excused from the ring due to a breed disqualification The early years. How many of the “long-time” judges remember
do not count as competition for the remaining dogs in the the days when a licensed conformation judge only held one or two
breed. breed licenses, and there were no All-Breed shows? And before
• The dog may continue to show in other events, until that being able to judge any breed they did not hold the specific license
dog is disqualified for the same breed fault under another to judge, they had to apply and receive special permission just
judge. to judge that specific breed?
• Disqualified due to temperament. Dogs disqualified for Do you remember having to research every breed, and
temperament are immediately ineligible to continue showing then request a temporary license and submit a lot of
at any UKC event, unless reinstated by UKC. This is a mandatory paperwork just to get permission to judge those
excusal from the ring with the cause being: breeds, and it was not just a onetime deal?
• The dog either bit a person (judge, another exhibitor, its This had to be done every time the judge
All-Breed Sports Newsletter August 2021 pg. 4
was asked to judge a breed, they did not hold the license to judge,
at different shows. Once the judge had proven they knew the Requirements to be a Senior Judge. The Senior Judge requirements
individual breed, were they then licensed for that breed. have been in place for four years and we could not be any prouder
Though this was an effective way to make sure every judge of the Senior Judges who have helped UKC in the judging approval
understood the breeds they were judging, it was a cumbersome process. Each Senior Judge has taken their own set of skills and
and ineffective way to get more judges into the judging pool. have given of themselves to better the sport of dogs.
Changing the approval process. UKC’s next step to open the judging The reasons why a judge would want to take on the responsibility
pool, and to contract and approve new judges was to approve new of mentoring new judge’s is personal. However, if you enjoy
applicants for all breeds, except for the American Eskimo, American learning new things while mentoring apprentices, and have ever
Pit Bull Terrier, Belgian Shepherd Dog, and the Toy Fox Terrier. The experienced the pride of helping to educate others in the same field
applicant just needed to provide documentation that they had then becoming a Senior Judge is for you. Not only does this bring
sufficient experience in showing dogs and had titled dogs. Having about a change of exhibitor’s attitude about UKC conformation
an established breeding program back then was a plus. The thought shows, but we are also seeing changes in other venues attitudes
process was that the cream would rise to the top, and the judging about UKC in general, and really is this not all for the betterment
pool would even itself out. This worked well, but it was not good of the sport?
enough.
The Senior Judge status offers UKC judges the opportunity to
Understanding the importance of education. To stay current, mentor new judges and give back to the sport. If you would like to
and competitive to other dog sports, UKC implemented a judge’s be a senior status conformation judge and become eligible to take
education platform to have consistency within the judging pool apprentices, you will need to meet the following:
and to make sure the judges had the educational tools necessary • Must currently hold the Regular Conformation Judge Status.
to succeed. This is the category where most all of today’s judges • Must have judged a minimum of 16 assignments completed at
fall and unfortunately, many of the judges seceded and gave up All-Breed shows with groups
their judge’s license, due to the educational requirements. Those • Must submit a letter of recommendation from two separate
who fulfilled the new requirements have done an excellent job senior status judges. (These must be different from the people
at keeping abreast of the ever-changing sport of dogs and know who wrote letters of recommendation when applying to
that the more they learn and collaborate, the better judges they become an apprentice.)
become. • Must submit one letter of recommendation from a UKC club
with whom you have held an assignment.
Where UKC is at today. Gaining a UKC conformation judge’s license • Must complete one of the following:
is vastly different and more difficult today than it was over 25 years • Attended a UKC Ring Procedures workshop within 12
ago. Judges must meet several pre-requisites before they can months of requesting Senior Status
even apply, and then afterwards, continue their education with • Complete the on-line judge’s workshop within 12 months
apprenticeships under well established and well-respected Senior of requesting Senior Status.
Judges. The educational side of the apprenticeships provides the
apprentice with different views and tools that can be used once If you have met the above requirements, you may submit
they are fully licensed and is the easy part since most Senior Judges the Application for Senior Status along with your letters of
give of their time and knowledge freely. The most difficult part an recommendation for approval. Requests for Senior Status are
apprentice has today is finding enough Senior Judge’s to fulfill their reviewed monthly. Upon approval, you will be notified of your
apprenticeship assignments. Senior Status and may begin accepting apprentices.
Featured Breed: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard
Dog (LCLD) standard in review by Catahoula
Owners, Breeders, and Research Association
(COBRA)
All-Breed Sports Newsletter August 2021 pg. 5
2019
Catahoula Owners, Breeders and Research Association
The UKC National Breed Club
Judges Education
We strive to promote and educate
judges and exhibitors in the structure
of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard
Dog in order to preserve the breed in
its original form and function. The
United Kennel Club conformation
standard is used.
females. Ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine.
Chest is deep, reaching at least to the elbows, and broad. Tuck-up is
apparent, but not exaggerated. Croup is medium to long and slightly Ga
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog All purpose working ranch dog. A sloping. A slightly elevated rear resulting from straighter rear angulation Go
medium to medium-large dog, short coated dog, well-muscled, yet trim. should notskull
Skull: The be penalized too severely.
is broad and Faults:
flat. Cheeks: are Chest too broad, too re
pe
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog All purpose working ranch dog. A
Powerful, but denotes agility and great endurance. It is a moderate narrow or too shallow;
well developed. soft
Stop:The
is topline;
Catahoula
well definedexaggerated
must
andbeofboth or absentand
powerful tuck-up; loin
agile so actual fro
an
medium to medium-large dog, short coated dog, well-muscled, yet trim. too long. length. There
breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in moderate weight
may and
be aheight
slight are less important than the correct in
Powerful, but denotes agility and great endurance. It is a moderate The Catahoula must be both powerful and agile so actual
appearance. The Catahoula is independent, protective, and territorial. median furrow between proportion
eyesof
the and weight to height.
and to
Fe
breed and should not resemble either a sighthound or a bulldog in weight height are less important than the correct
Aloof, lack of animation may cause some to draw away from judges Hindquarters:
running back to Strong and smoothly
the occipital bone. muscled.
Lips: In balance with the
mayheight. de
be
appearance. The Catahoula is independent, protective, and territorial. forequarters. proportion
Stiflespendulous
are well bent,of weight
thetohocks are well let down.
when being examined. They should never be excessively aggressive or be tight or slightly with and
pigment br
Aloof, lack of animation may cause some to draw away from judges When
shy. of anythe dog
color ofiscombination
standing, theofshort,
colors.strong rear pasterns are
Faults: sp
when being examined. They should never be excessively aggressive or Excessively broad skull; narrow skull. Co
shy. Male 22-26, Females 20-24, with the mid prefered. Weight may
Size: co
range from 50-95 lbs with females generally 20 lbs less than males.
Size: Male 22-26, Females 20-24, with the mid prefered. Weight may
Neck: Muscular and of good length, not overdone. The circumference of Ta
range from 50-95
Proportion: Body is lbsslightly
with females
longer than generally
tall and 20 thelbs less than males.
distance from the
the neck widens from the nape to where the neck blends smoothly into Th
elbow to the ground should equal 50-60 percent of the dog’s height
Proportion: Body is slightly longer than tall and the distance from the the shoulders. Faults: Neck too short and thick or too thin and weak; bo
from the withers to the ground. A dog with legs shorter than the ideal
elbow to the ground should equal 50-60 percent of the dog’s height excess skin forming dewlap. le
is to be more heavily penalized than a dog with longer legs. Chest deep, reaching
from the withers to the ground. A dog with legs shorter than the ideal ti
Catahoulas should always be presented in hard, working condition. to at least the elbows.
is to be more heavily penalized than a dog with longer legs. Chest deep, Shoulders
reaching are strong and smoothly muscled. The shoulder blades are Fa
Any deviation from the ideal must be judged by the extent of the Bone Medium. Slightly
Catahoulas should always be presented in hard, working condition. to at least long,
the wide, flat and well laid
elbows. back.longer
The upper to tail.
arm is roughly equal in D
deviation,and the effect it has on the dog’s ability to work.
Any deviation from the ideal must be judged by the extent of the length to the shoulder blade Length of foreleg roughly
Bone Medium. Slightly longer at
and joins it to an
tail.angle sufficient to ensure ta
deviation,and the effect it has on the dog’s ability to work. that the foot falls under the equal to 50-60% of dog’s
withers.
Head: Powerful build without exaggeration. Gender differences should Length of foreleg roughly ev
be apparent. Full dentition is desired, worn or broken teeth should not Forelegs are straight, and of height
medium at withers.
bone, indicating strength without
equal to 50-60% of dog’s
Head: Powerful build without exaggeration. Gender differences should excessive thickness. The elbows are close to the body and do not turn
be faulted. Nose pigment, any color. height at withers.
be apparent. Full dentition is desired, worn or broken teeth should not out. Pasterns are strong, short, and slightly sloping. Faults: Forequarters Co
Muzzle: Viewed from the side, the length of skull
be faulted. Nose pigment, any color. significantly heavier than the hindquarters; bone to heavy or too fine;
and muzzle are approximately equal in length, The Ca
Muzzle: Viewed from the side, the length of skull straight shoulders; out at elbows; weak pasterns.
planes of the top skull and the bridge of the muzzle th
and muzzle are approximately equal in length, The
are roughly parallel to one another. The muzzle is Short slightly sloping. w
planes of the top skull and the bridge of the muzzle Body: Slightly longer than tall. The topline
strong and deep. Viewed from above, the muzzle is Stifles wellslightly
bent. downward from pu
are roughly parallel to one another. The muzzle is withers to level back. A slightly elevated Short slightly sloping. from slightly
rear resulting
moderately wide and tapering toward the nose. Tuck up apparent. co
strong and deep. Viewed from above, the muzzle is straighter rear angulation should Stifles not bewell bent. too severely. Loin: a
penalized
Teeth, a complete set of evenly spaced white Se
moderately wide and tapering toward the nose. broad back, slightly arched loin. Tuck
Aviewed
slightlyupfromapparent.
longer
Skull: The skull is broad teeth. and flat. Cheeks:
A scissor are
bite is preferred, but a level bite is perpendicular
Ears: drop, short totothe groundin
medium and,
length. theloin
Proportionally rear, isparallel
wide
acceptable
at thetobase,
onein m
well developed. Stop:
Teeth, a complete
is well defined
set of evenly spaced
and ofis desired, but dogs
white females.
another. Ribs
Faults: extendThin, well
weak back and
hindquarters; are well sprung from
cow-hocked; the spine.
open-hocked.
acceptable. Full dentition gradually tapering to the slightly rounded tip. They should fold over and be
moderate teeth. may A scissor bite is preferred, but a level bite is Ears:
Chestdrop,is deep, short to medium
reaching in length.
at least to the Proportionally
elbows, and broad. wide at Tuck-up
the base, is
should not belength. penalized There for wornbe orabroken
slight teeth. iFaults: Snipey generally triangular in shape. The top of the ear fold is level or just slightly
acceptable. Full dentition is desired, but dogs gradually tapering to the slightly rounded tip. Theynail.
should fold over and be
median
muzzle. Seriousfurrow between
Faults: Overshot the eyes and
or undershot bite. apparent,
Feet: Oval but
in not
shape, exaggerated.
toes long. Croup
Pads thick.is
below the top line of the skull. Then the dog is at attention, the inner edgemedium
Strong to long and
Dewclaws slightly
may G
should
runningnot be back penalized for wornbone.
to the occipital or brokenLips: may teeth. iFaults: Snipey generally triangular in shape. Theresulting
top of thefrom ear fold is levelrearor just slightly
ofbethe
removed.
sloping. earAlies Fault:
slightly
close tocatthefoot.
elevated rear
cheek. Laid back ears straighter
acceptable, angulation
but not G
muzzle.
be tightSeriousor slightly Faults: Overshot
pendulous or undershot
with Eye pigment bite. below the top line of the skull. Then theFaults: dog is atChestattention, the inner edge
Eyes: Any color without preference. rims are tight and may be any should not be penalized too severely.
preferred. Faults: Any ear type other than described above. too broad, too re
colorof or
anycombination
color of combination of colors. of colors.Faults:
Serious Faults: Malformed pupils; pupils of the ear
narrow or lies
too close
shallow; to the cheek.
soft Laid exaggerated
topline; back ears acceptable,or absent but not
tuck-up; loin fr
Eyes: Any skullcolorbroad without preference. Eye rims are tight and may be any Disqualification: Cropped ears.
not Excessively
The
centered;
Skull: is
sagging skull;
broad and
eyelids narrow
flat.
making skull.
haw visible;
Cheeks: are functional preferred.
perpendicular
Coat:
too Single
long. Faults: to
coated, Any
the ear
ground
short type otherviewed
and,
to medium. than described
Texture from the
ranges above.
rear,
fromparallel
smoothto toone
Skull: The skull is broad and flat. Cheeks:
color or combination of colors. Serious Faults: Malformed pupils; pupils are perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to one in
well developed. Stop: oris well defined and of Disqualification:
another. Faults: Cropped
Thin, ears.hindquarters; cow-hocked;
abnormality
well developed.
not centered;
of eyelids
sagging iseyelashes.
Stop:eyelids wellmakingdefined hawandvisible;
of functional course
another. without
Faults: Thin, weak
preference. weakDisqualification:
hindquarters; cow-hocked; Long, Fuzzy coat. open-hocked.
open-hocked. to
moderate
moderate
Skull: The length.
skull
length. is There
broad
There may
and
may be
flat. a slight
be a slight
Cheeks: are Hindquarters:
perpendicular Strong
to the and
ground smoothly
and, muscled.
viewed fromIn balance
the rear, with theto one
parallel de
abnormality
Neck:furrow of
Muscular eyelids or
and of the eyelashes.
good length, not overdone. The circumference of Tail: Natural extension of topline.
median
well
median developed.
furrow between
Stop:
between is well
the eyes
defined
eyes and
and and of Feet:
another. Oval
forequarters. in
Faults:shape,
StiflesThin, toes
are weak long.
well bent,Pads and
hindquarters; thick.
the Strong
hocks
cow-hocked;nail.
are Dewclaws
well let down.
open-hocked. may br
Skull: The skull is broad and flat. Cheeks: are Feet: Oval
perpendicular
Thicker at basein shape,
toand toes long.
thetapers.
ground and,Pads
Natural viewed thick. fromStrong nail.parallel
the rear, Dewclaws to onemay
the
running neck
back widens
to the from the nape
occipital bone. toLips:
where may the neck blends smoothly into be
When removed.
the dog Fault:
is cat
standing, foot.the short, strong rear pasterns are
moderate
running
well
Skull: back
The length.
developed. to the
skull There
is broad may
occipital
Stop: isand
well be
bone. a slight
defined
flat. Lips:and
Cheeks: may of
are be removed.
another.
perpendicular Faults: Fault:
tobutThin,
thenot cat
weak
groundfoot. hindquarters;
and, viewed cow-hocked;
from the rear, open-hocked.
parallel to one sp
be the
tight shoulders.
The or slightly Faults:
pendulous Neck too
with short
pigment and thick or too thin and weak; bobs permitted preferred. Full
Skull:
median
be tight
moderate
well orskull
furrow slightly
developed.
isbetween
length. broad
pendulous
There
Stop:
and
the
ismay
flat.
welleyes
with
beCheeks:
and
apigment
defined slight are
and of
perpendicular
Feet: Oval in shape,
length tailFaults:
another.
to thetoes
may beThin,
ground
weak
carried
long. and, Padsviewed
hindquarters;
upright with
from
thick.cow-hocked;
Strongthenail.
rear,Dewclaws
parallel tomay
open-hocked.
one
of
well excess
any
running color
developed.
backskinofto forming
combination
Stop:
the dewlap.
is well
occipital of colors.
defined
bone. Faults:
and
Lips: mayof another. Faults: Thin, weak hindquarters; cow-hocked; open-hocked.
of any
mediancolor of
furrow combination
between
moderate length. There may be a slight theof colors.
eyes and Faults: be removed. Fault: cat foot.
Feet: Oval in shape, toes long. Pads thick. Strong nail. Dewclaws may
Excessively
moderate broad skull; narrow skull. tip curving forward when dog is alert. Texture ranges from smooth to
tight orlength.
be Shoulders
running
Excessively
median slightly
back aretostrong
broad
furrow
There
pendulous
the
skull;
between
may
occipital
narrow
and the
bewitha slight
bone.
skull.
eyes
smoothly pigment
andLips:
muscled. may The shoulder blades are Coat:
be Single
removed.
Coat:
Feet: Single
Oval
coated,
Fault: cat
coated,
intail;
shape,
short
toes foot.
short to
to medium.
long. medium.
Pads thick. Texture
Strong ranges from smooth
nail. Dewclaws may to
median furrow between the eyes and Faults:
Feet:
course Ring
Oval
withoutin shape,docked toes
preference. tail.
long. Pads thick. Strong
Disqualification: Long, nail. Dewclaws
Fuzzy coat. may
of any
be
long, color
tight
running wide, orofslightly
back combination
flat toandthependulous
occipital
well laidof back.
colors.
with The
bone. Faults:
pigment
Lips: uppermay arm is roughly equal in be removed.
course without Fault: cat foot. Disqualification:
preference. Long, Fuzzy coat.
running
of any
Excessively backcolor to
broad of the occipital
combination
skull; narrow bone.
of Lips:
colors.
skull. may
Faults: Disqualification:
be removed. Fault:Complete
cat foot.absence of a
be tighttoorthe
length slightly
shoulder pendulous
blade and withjoinspigmentit at an angle sufficient to ensure Coat: Single coated, short to medium. Texture ranges from smooth to
Neck: Muscular and of Tail:
tail
Tail:(noNatural
external extension
coccygeal of topline.
vertebrae
be tight
of
Neck:
thatany orcolor
Excessively
Muscular
the slightly
footbroad
offalls of good
pendulous
skull;
combination
and undergood narrowlength,
with
of
thelength, colors.
withers.
not
pigment
skull. overdone.
overdone. The
not Faults: The circumference
circumference of of Coat:
course Natural
Single
without extension
coated, short
preference. oftotopline.
medium.
Disqualification:Texture ranges
Long, Fuzzy from smooth
coat. to
of
theany color
neck
Excessivelywidens of combination
from the napeof colors.
to where Faults:the neck blends smoothly into Thicker
evident.)
Thicker at base
at base and
and shorttapers.
tapers. Natural
Natural TextureLong,
theForelegs
neck widens arebroad straight,
from skull;
the and narrow
nape toskull.
of medium where bone,
the indicating
neck blends strength
smoothly without into course
Coat: without
Single preference.
coated, toDisqualification:
medium. ranges Fuzzyfromcoat.smooth to
Excessively
the shoulders. broad Faults:skull; narrow
ofNeck too skull.
short and thick or tooThethin and weak; bobs
Tail: permitted
bobsNatural
Coat: Single coated,but
but not
extension short preferred.
of topline. Full
toDisqualification:
medium. FullTexture ranges
Neck:
the Muscular
excessive
shoulders. and
thickness.
Faults: good
The
Neck length,
elbows
too arenot
short close
and overdone.
to the
thick or body
too circumference
and
thin do not
and weak;turn of course permitted
without not
preference. preferred. Long, Fuzzyfromcoat.smooth to
Neck:
excess
out. skinMuscular
Pasterns forming are and of good
dewlap.
strong, short, length,
and not the
slightly overdone.
sloping. The
Faults:circumference
Forequarters of Tail:
length
Thicker
course Natural
tail
at
without may
baseextension
be
and of topline.
carried
tapers.
preference. upright
Natural with
Disqualification: Long, Fuzzy coat.
the neck widens
excess skin forming dewlap. from the nape to where neck blends smoothly into lengthBecause
Color: tail mayof bethe carried
breed’s upright
name,with many people assume that all
Thicker
Tail:
tip at base
Natural
curving and
extension
forward tapers. Natural
notofpreferred.
topline.
the
Neck: neck
thesignificantly
shoulders. widens
Muscular heavier
Faults: from
and ofthe
than
Neck good nape
the
too to where
length,
hindquarters;
short and thebone
not overdone.
thick neck
or too toblends
The
heavy
thin smoothly
circumference
or too
and weak;fine; intoof bobs permitted
Catahoulas
tip curving have
forward the when
but so-called
when dog
dog is alert.
“leopard”
is alert.Full markings and blue eyes. In fact,
Shoulders
Neck:theMuscular are
shoulders.
neck
straight widens strong
shoulders; andFaults:
fromand
ofout
good smoothly
Neck
the
at length,
napetoo to
elbows; muscled.
shortnot
where
weak overdone.
and The
thick
the
pasterns. shoulder
The
orshoulder
neck too
blends thin blades
circumference
and weak;
smoothly are of
into Tail:
bobs
Thicker
Faults:Natural
permitted
at is
Ringbase extension
tail; but
and tapers.
docked of topline.
not preferred.Natural
tail. Full
Shoulders
excess skinare formingstrong and
dewlap. smoothly muscled. The blades are length
the breed
Faults: tail
Ring maynoted be
tail;and carried
for
docked its many upright
tail. and with
unusual coat colors and patterns, as
long,
the wide,
neck
excess
the widensflat
skin
shoulders. and
flatforming from well
Faults: the laid
dewlap. nape
Neck back.
too The
The upper
toshort
where and thethick arm
armoris
neck roughly
isblends
too thin equal
smoothly
and weak;in
ininto Thicker
length
bobs at may
tail
permitted
Disqualification: base be
but tapers.
carried
not
Complete Natural
upright
preferred.
absence with
Fullof
long, wide, and well laid back. upper roughly equal tip curving forward
well as varied
Disqualification: eye when dog
color.
Complete In is alert.
evaluating
absence thea
of a Catahoula as a true, multi-
length to theareshoulder blade and joins it
it at an angle sufficient to ensure bobs
tip permitted
curving
length tail forward
may but
be not
when
carried preferred.
dog is alert.
upright Full
the Body:
Shoulders
length
excesstoSlightly
shoulders. the
skin Faults:
shoulderlonger
strong
forming and than
Neck
blade
dewlap. tall.
smoothly
too and The
short
joins topline
muscled.
and atthickanslightly
The
angle downward
or shoulder
too thin and
sufficient from
blades
weak;
to are
ensure tail (no
purpose
Faults: external
working
Ring tail; coccygeal
dog,
docked coat iswith
vertebrae
color
tail. not a primary consideration. No coat
Shoulders are strong tailcurving
(notailexternal coccygeal vertebrae
that
excess the
thatwithers
long, wide,
theskinfoot
foottoflat falls
level
forming
fallsand welland
under
back.
dewlap.
under the
laid
the
smoothly
withers.
A slightly
withers. Themuscled.
back.elevated upper rear armThe isshoulder
resulting roughly fromblades
slightly
equal are
in length
Faults:
tip
color orRing
evident.) may tail;be
forward
pattern
Disqualification: is carried
dockedwhentail.
preferred.
Complete
upright
dog is alert.
Color
absence
with
should
of a not be a primary consideration.
long,
Forelegs
Shoulderswide,
straighter are flat
straight,
are and
strong well
andand laid
of back.
medium
smoothly Thebone,upper
muscled. arm
indicating
The is roughly
shoulderstrength equal in
without
blades are
Loin: a evident.)
length
Forelegs toare therear shoulder
straight, angulation
blade
and ofshould
and joins
medium notbone,
itbeatpenalized
an angle too
indicating severely.
sufficient
strength towithout
ensure Disqualification:
tip curving
Faults:
Serious Ring
Fault: forward
tail;
70 Complete
docked when
percent or absence
dog
tail. moreis alert.of a Disqualifications: 90 percent or
white.
length
excessive to the
thickness. shoulderThe blade
elbows andare joins
close it at an angle sufficient to ensure tail (no external coccygeal vertebrae
thatlong,
the wide, close to the body and do not
not turn
Shoulders
broad arefalls
back, flat
strong and
slightly well
and
arched laid
smoothly back.
loin. The
Amuscled.
slightlyupper Thearm is roughly
shoulder equal
blades in
are
excessive
that
foot
thickness.
thetoflatfoot
under
falls
The
under
the
elbows
the
withers.are
withers.
tolonger
the loin
body is acceptable
and do turnin tail
Faults:
more (nowhite
external
Ring
Disqualification: tail;coccygeal
coat docked
Complete
color; solid vertebrae
tail.
absence
white head; of a albinism.
out.
long,length
Pasterns
wide,
females. the
Ribs are shoulder
and strong,
extendwell blade
short,
laid
well back.
back and
and joins
The
and slightlyitwell
upper
are atsloping.
an
arm angle
sprung is sufficient
Faults:
roughly
from the to
equal
spine.ensure
Forequarters
in evident.)
Color: Because of the breed’s name,
Forelegs
Pasterns
out.Forelegs are
are
straight,
are strong,
straight,
and
and
of
short,
of
mediumand
medium
bone,
slightly indicating
sloping. strength
Faults: without
Forequarters evident.)
tail (no external
Disqualification:
Color: Because coccygeal
of Complete
the vertebrae
breed’s absence
name, ofmany
a people
many people assume
assume that that all
all
that
length
Chest the
significantly
to the
is foot
heavier
deep, falls
shoulder under
than
reaching blade the
the
at withers.
hindquarters;
and
least joins
to the itbone,
atto
elbows,an indicating
boneangle
andto heavy strength
sufficient
broad. or towithout
too
Tuck-up fine;
ensure
is Catahoulas have the so-called “leopard” markings and blue eyes. In
excessive
significantly
excessive
Forelegs
thickness.
heavier
thickness.
The
thanThe
elbows
theelbows
are
are
close
hindquarters; close to
the
bonethe
body
to
body heavyand do
and or
do
not
too
not
turn
fine;
turn evident.)
tail (no
Catahoulas external have coccygeal
the so-called vertebrae
“leopard” markings and blue eyes. In fact,
fact,
straight
that the
apparent,footare
shoulders;
Pasterns
out.out.
straight shoulders; falls
butare
straight,
out
under
not
strong,
out
and
at
the
exaggerated.
at
of medium
elbows;
withers.
short,
elbows; and weak
Croup
weak
bone,
slightlypasterns.
is medium
pasterns.
indicating
sloping. toFaults:
long strength
and without
slightly
Forequarters the
Gait: breed
Possibly is noted
the mostfor its many
important and unusual
feature. coat
Smooth, colors
fluid and
and patterns,
effortless. as
Pasterns
excessive are
thickness. strong,
The short,
elbows and
are slightly
close to sloping.
the body Faults:
and Forequarters
do not turn Color:
evident.)
the
Color: Because
breed
Because is noted of
of the
thefor breed’s
its
breed’smany name,
name,and many
unusual
many people
coat
people assume
colors
assume and that
that all all
patterns, as
sloping.
Forelegs
significantly areA heavier
slightly elevated
straight, and the
than rear
of medium resulting
hindquarters; bone,from bone straighter
indicating totoheavy rear
strength or angulation
without
too fine; well
Good as
but varied
nothave eye color.
exaggerated In evaluating
reach with powerfulthe Catahoula
drive.and as
The aatopline
true, multi-
significantly
out. Pasterns heavier
are than
strong, the
short, hindquarters;
and slightly bone
sloping. heavy
Faults: or too fine;
Forequarters Catahoulas
well as
Catahoulas varied have eye the
the so-called
color. In
so-called “leopard”
evaluating
“leopard” the markings
Catahoula
markings and as blue
blue eyes.
true,
eyes. In In
multi-
fact,fact,
Body:
should
excessive
straight Slightlynot
thickness.
shoulders; be
longerpenalized
out than
The too
tall.
elbows
atat elbows; severely.
Theare topline
weakclose Faults:
to slightly
pasterns. the Chest
body too
downwardand broad,
do from
not too
turn Color:
remains
purpose Because
level
working of
withdog, the
only breed’s
a slight
coat name,
flexing
color is many
not people
toaindicated
primary assume
suppleness. that
consideration. all
Viewed
No coat
Body: Slightly longer than tall. The topline slightly downward from the breed
breed
straight
significantly
narrow
withers
out. to
Pasterns
shoulders;
or
leveltoo heavier
are
out
shallow;
back.
strong, than
A soft elbows;
the
slightly
short, topline; weak
hindquarters;
elevated
and
pasterns.
exaggerated
slightly rear bone
sloping. toFaults:
or
resulting heavy
absentfrom or too fine;
tuck-up;
slightly
Forequarters loin purpose
the
Catahoulas
from any isishave
working noted
noted
position, the
forits
dog,
for
legs
its
coat
so-called
turn
many
many color and
and
“leopard”
neither
unusual
isunusual
not
inshould
amarkings
ortheout,
coat
primary
coat
norbe
colors
colors
and
do and
blue
feet
and
consideration. patterns,
patterns,
eyes.
cross InNo as
fact,
ormulti-
as
coat
withers to level back. A slightly elevated rear resulting from slightly color
Color:
well
color or
as
or pattern
Because
varied
pattern of
eye is
is preferred.
the breed’s
color.
preferred. In Color
name,
evaluating
Color many
should not
people
Catahoula
not be a
a primary
assume
as
primarya consideration.
that
true, all
consideration.
straight
too long. shoulders; out at elbows; weak pasterns. well
the as
breed varied
iswith eye
noted color.
forother. In
its manyevaluating
and unusual the Catahoula
coatfeet
colorsas a true,
and multi-
topatterns,
straighter
significantly
Body: Slightly
straighter rear
rearheavierangulation
longer
angulationthan
than should
the
tall.
should The not
hindquarters;
not be
be penalized
topline bone todownward
slightly
penalizedslightly too
too
heavy severely.
or too
severely. from Loin:
fine; aa
Loin: interfered
Serious
Catahoulas
purpose Fault: have
working
each
70
70the percent
dog, so-called
coat or Asmore
speed
“leopard”
color
increased,
white. markings tend
Disqualifications:
and blue converge
90 Inas
90Nopercent
eyes. fact,or
Body:
broad
straight back,
Slightly
shoulders;slightly
longer
arched
out
than tall.
loin.
atslightly
elbows;
The
A
topline
slightly
weak longer
pasterns. loin
downward
is acceptable
from
in Serious
purpose
well
toward aswhiteFault:
working
varied
center eye percent
of dog,
color.
balance.coat or
Inmany more
color
evaluating
Poor isisnot
movement
not a aprimary
white.
the primary
Catahoula
should
consideration.
Disqualifications:
consideration.
beaspenalized
a true, multi-No
to the
coat
percent
coat or
withers
broad
withers
Body: to
back, level
to slightly
Slightly level back.back.
longer A
arched A
than loin.
slightly
tall. elevated
A
The slightly
elevated
topline rear
longer
rear resulting
loin
resulting
slightly is
downwardfrom
from slightly
acceptableslightly
from in more
the
color
more breed
or
white is
pattern coat
noted
coat color;
is for itssolid
preferred.
color; solid white
and
Color
white head;
unusual
should
head; albinism.
coat
not be
albinism. colors
a primaryand patterns,
consideration.as
Hindquarters:
females. Ribs extend Strong well and back smoothly
and are muscled.
well In balance
sprung from withspine.
the the color
purpose
degree or pattern
toworking
which is preferred.
itdog, coat the
reduces Color
color should
is not
dogs not
a primary
ability to be a primary
consideration.
perform consideration.
theatasks No coat
itmulti-
was
straighter
females.
straighter
withers rear
Ribs
to rear angulation
extend
level well
angulation
back. should
A back should
slightly and not are
not bebe
elevated penalized
well sprung
penalized
rear too
resultingfrom
toowellseverely.
the
from spine.
severely. Loin:
Loin: aa
slightly well
Serious
Seriousas varied
Fault:70
Fault: eye
70 color. In
percent ororevaluating
morewhite. white.theDisqualifications:
Catahoula as
Disqualifications: true,90 percent or or
Body:forequarters.
Chest is deep,
Slightly Stifles
reaching
longer are
than at well
least
tall. bent,
Theto the and
topline the
elbows, hocks
slightly and are
broad.
downward letfrom
down.
Tuck-up is color
bred or do.
to pattern A dog ispercent
preferred.
not gaiting more
Color
smoothly should not
should be
not a be
primary
chosen 90aspercent
consideration.
a better
broad
Chest
broadback,
is deep,
straighter back, slightly
rear reaching
slightly arched
arched
angulation loin.
at least loin.
should A Aslightly
to the be longer
elbows,
slightly
not longer
penalized and loin
lointooisisacceptable
broad. Tuck-up
acceptable
severely. in
isin a
Loin: purpose
more white
more white working coat
coat dog, coat
color;
color; solid
solid color
white
white ishead;
not
head; aalbinism.
primary
albinism. consideration. No coat
When
apparent,
withers the
toRibsbut
level dognot is
back. standing,
exaggerated.
Awell
slightly the short,
Croup
elevated strong
is medium
rear rear pasterns
to
resulting long from are
and slightly Serious
specimen. Fault: 70 percent or more white. Disqualifications: 90 percent or
females.
apparent,
females.
broad but
back, Ribs extend
not extend
slightly well
exaggerated.
arched backback and
loin. A are
Croup
and areiswell
slightly medium
well sprung
sprung
longer to
loinfrom
long
from theslightly
the
and spine.
slightly
spine.in
is acceptable Gait:
color
Gait: or
more
Possibly
pattern
Possibly
white coat
the
theis most
preferred.
most
color;
important
important
solid
Colorfeature.
white head;
should not
feature. Smooth,
Smooth,
albinism.
fluid
fluid and
be a primary and effortless.
consideration.
effortless.
sloping.
straighter A slightly
rear elevated
angulation rear
should resulting
not be from
penalized straighter
too rear
severely. angulation
Loin: a Good
Chest
Chest
sloping. is A
females.
should
deep,
not
isslightly
deep,
Ribs
be
reaching
reaching
elevated
extend
penalized
atat
well
too
least
least
rear
back to tothethe
resulting
severely.
and elbows,
are elbows,
fromsprung
well
Faults:
and
andbroad.
straighter
Chest
broad.
fromrear
too
Tuck-up
Tuck-up
the
broad,
isis
angulation
spine.
too Good but
Serious but not
not exaggerated
Fault: 70 percent orreach
exaggerated morewith
reach white.
with powerful
powerful drive.
drive. The
Disqualifications: The topline
90 percent or
topline
broad
apparent,back,
apparent,
should
Chest not isbutbeslightly
but
deep, not not
penalized arched
exaggerated. atloin.
exaggerated.
reaching too Ato
severely.
least slightly
Croup
Croup longer
iselbows,
ismedium
theFaults: medium loin
Chest
and islong
totobroad.
long
too acceptable
and
and
broad, tooinis
slightly
slightly
Tuck-up remains
more white level coatwith only
color; a slight
solid white flexing
head; to indicated
albinism. suppleness. Viewed
Gait:
remains level with only a slight flexing to indicated suppleness.effortless.
Gait: Possibly
Possibly the
the most
most important
important feature.
feature. Smooth,
Smooth, fluid
fluid and and
effortless.
Viewed
narrow
females.
sloping.
sloping.or
ARibstoo
slightly shallow;
extend
A slightly well
elevated soft
elevated backtopline;
rear rearand exaggerated
are
resulting
resulting wellfrom sprung
from orfrom
straighterabsent
straighter the
reartuck-up;
rear spine.
angulation
angulation loin from any position, legs turn neither in or out, nor do feet cross or
Endless variety of colors and pattern with no preference. Color should not be a primary
consideration. Serious Fault: 70 percent or more white. Disqualifications: 90 percent or
more white coat color; solid white head; albinism.
Eyes, color without preference. Eye rims are tight and may be any color or combination of
colors. . Nose pigment, any color.
Eyes: Any color without preference. Eye rims are tight and may be any color or combination of colors.
Preferred Bite – Scissor Acceptable Bite - Level The Catahoula is billed as the world’s most versatile Ranch dog. They can be trained for most any purpose, but care should be taken when judging that the historical use of the dog is represented well in the specimen shown.
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