Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges

[P] Non-AKC Shows Judges who accept assignments
for their approved breeds in the United States at non-
AKC shows, where championship titles are awarded,
are required to notify the Event Plans Department at
AKC in writing at least four months before the show
date stating:
• The exact location of the show.
• The complete assignment being judged at the show.
Such assignments are subject to the 30-day, 200-
mile conflict policy. Any changes made to these
assignments must be reported to the Event Plans
Department within five days of the end of the event.
Travel Between Assignments You cannot do your
best work if you are tired from travel. In consideration
of the possibility of delays, you should not accept
assignments on consecutive days where more than a
few hours travel by ground transportation is involved.
When you accept an invitation, you are committing
yourself to the show-giving club for your entire
assignment as scheduled.
You should not travel to and from shows where you
are judging or stay with anyone who is likely to be
exhibiting or handling under you at these events.
Expenses When you accept an invitation, clearly
inform club officials in your contract what your fee is
and what your expenses will likely be, so they will not
be surprised with a larger than anticipated bill. The
more specifics you include in the contract, the less
potential for misunderstanding there will be. When
you sign a contract, you and the club are responsible
for abiding by its conditions.
FITNESS TO JUDGE/ILLNESS
[P] Fitness to Judge: It is essential that a dog show
judge be physically capable of performing the functions
necessary to properly judge dogs. You must have:
• The maneuverability to negotiate a ring both indoors
and outdoors, with or without mechanical assistance,
e.g., a wheelchair, crutches or a cane.
• The flexibility to examine all parts of a dog’s anatomy
where each breed is typically presented (i.e. on the
ground, on a ramp or on a table).
• The capability of measuring or weighing a dog and
examining a dog on the ground, table or ramp, where
applicable.
• The dexterity to move at a sufficient speed to adhere
to the schedule of the show-giving club and to AKC
policy.
• The capability to remain focused on task and control
the ring for the duration of the assignment.
• Normal vision (correctable by eyeglasses or contact
lenses).
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