I'm questioning the Breed Standard

[TheDahliMamma]

According to the standard, attempting to bite the judge is a disqualifying fault. I was at an AKC show last October where the dog, who was waiting to go in the ring, was lunging and aggressively barking at spectators outside the ring. When he went in the ring, he lunged and barked at spectators outside the ring as he went around. The judge put this dog up as best of breed. I believe he even won the group and went on to BOS.

I guess that means as long as the dog doesn't bite the judge, any other aggression is acceptable in the AKC ring?

I just wish that German Shepherd people would put the pressure on AKC to change their judging. I also wish that I had written to AKC to file a complaint about that judge. Dogs that can't walk and that are aggressive just shouldn't be getting points, IMHO.

[gsdoglady]

If you were at the show and felt a dog was behaving in an unacceptable manner, you certainly could have reported it to the superintendent who would assist you in filing a complaint. If there is an AKC rep at the show, you can make sure s/he knows about the problem. You can also file a complaint with the AKC, but need to document the event properly with date, time, people/dog invoved, actions, etc.

It is really easy to say that someone should do something, but it is all of our responsibilities to make sure the rules are enforced. The AKC certainly cannot police all of the events. This is a sport and we need to remember we are all part of it.

[barongsd]

We seen a bitch bite the judge at the American Nationals in St. Louis and she still went on to a Select rating ...... I say that any dog that exhibits ANY kind of aggressive behavior should not only be excused from the ring but should be disqualified from competition ... these dogs are suppose to be the base of our breed .... I don't think any aggressive dog need be part of anyones breeding program .... but then again ... there is always the almighty $$$ to consider ....

[DianeV]

Some people as well as judges are blind to anything besides looks. If the judges start to dismiss dogs with this type of temperment it may force some breeders to put temperment at the top of the their lists not just rear and sidegate.