Becoming a Conformation Judge

How to Become a Conformation Judge

• Do you have a passion for learning more about canine anatomy, your breed and/or other breeds?
• Do you enjoy learning about the history, origins, purpose and function of different breeds and understanding and applying breed standards?
• Have you thought about judging dogs?
• Do you have a clear understanding of the skills needed?
• Do you know where to begin?
• Where to find the rules and regulations?
• What criteria do you need to meet?

The judges training content of the program is facilitated by the Conformation Judges Committee chaired by Cathy Camac conformationjudgestraining@gmail.com

The following information is designed to help you understand the requirements and assist Aspiring and Trainee Judges in sourcing the information needed.

Dogs Australia Regulations - Judges Training

The Judges Training Program is conducted under Dogs Australia Regulations and is a National scheme.
Please click here to download the National Judges' Codes of Practice and Conduct.

The Regulations can be sourced, downloaded and/or printed by clicking here

Dogs Australia Breed Standards

Every breed has an official Dogs Australia Breed Standard, and these can be sourced via the Dogs Australia website

Terminology

Aspirant – Member enrolled in the Entrance Program that is called the Aspiring Learning Program.

Trainee – Member who has completed the Aspiring Program and is enrolled in a Breed/Group Training Program

Information for Aspirants

Before applying to become a TRAINEE JUDGE, members need to complete the ASPIRING LEARNING PROGRAM.

Applications for this Program close in December each year and the requirements must be completed BEFORE applying.

Some of the requirements include:

• Eight years continuous membership of Dogs Victoria
• Bred at least three registered litters
• Bred at least two champions
• Minimum of six stewarding appointments with completed and signed stewards card

The Dogs Victoria Aspiring Program is amongst the most innovative and esteemed Entrance Programs within Judges Training and many of the lectures are now being utilised by other Member Bodies throughout Australia and overseas.

The program includes:

• Anatomy
• Glossary of Terms
• Rules and Regulations
• Ethics and Responsibility
• Construction for Function
• Gait and Movement for Function
• Understanding Standards
• Critiquing
• Ringcraft Theory
• Ringcraft Practical tuition

The Aspiring Program is completed over one year with the following approximate timeline:

• Lectures – January – July
• Theory Examination – July
• Practical Assessment – August
• Group Entrance Examination – September

Application Forms

If you have any questions regarding this program please contact;

Cathy Camac    
Mobile: 0415 990 4225
Email: conformationjudgestraining@gmail.com

For more information, including the trainee manual, application and program dates, forms and group coordinator contact details, click on the Conformation - Trainee Judges Program page.