Judges' Critiques 09-Jan-07 Kennel Club Rule F(1) 22c. states: All Judges at Championship Shows and Open Breed Club Shows must produce a written critique for the first two placings in each class, and will dispatch these to at least one of the weekly United Kingdom Canine journals. In last week’s Dog World there was criticism of the way in which the Kennel Club is policing the “Judges Critique” regulation (F(1)22c) and implying that the regulation has “no teeth”. As with the majority of Kennel Club Show/Trial Regulations, this is policed by exhibitors, competitors and others associated with shows and trials.  Contrary to what was said in the Press last week, the Kennel Club has taken action against breaches of this Regulation.  This has resulted in two judges being fined, three warnings issued and five others directed to ensure copies are kept of their critiques should there be another objection. When an objection is received, the judge is requested to forward a copy of his/her critique to the Kennel Club and when this is received a copy is forwarded to the objector.  If the judge is unable to provide a copy of the critique the matter is forwarded to the Show Executive Sub-Committee for consideration of his/her explanation.  The records are also monitored for repeat offenders and persistent offenders could be prevented from awarding CCs in the future. The anecdotal stories mentioned in the Kennel Gazette Viewpoint relating to the Dog Press not printing critiques, were not red herrings or even throwaway lines as suggested, but quotes from evidence submitted by judges.  All should be aware that the Kennel Club will pursue objections for alleged breaches of regulations and is not afraid to take the appropriate action. Menu