Unofficial Standard for Exhibitors
Characteristics
A pleasant intelligent person, helpful, considerate, attentive, and of a sporting demeanor. Always willing to give advice and assistance to newcomers, or to others needing it. Attentive to the needs of the dogs being handled, and present each dog to its best advantage.
General Appearance
A neat, smart, fit-looking individual, well-groomed, well-shod and well equipped, who moves freely both in and out of the ring.
Temperament
Calm, confident, unhurried and friendly.
Head
Neither big nor pin-headed. Skull broad to allow for plenty of brain power. Expression pleasant and smiling, regardless of judge's decisions, other exhibitor's actions and the dog's behavior.
Nose
Small so as to not be stuck into where it is not wanted.
Eyes
Sharp and bright. Observant of other exhibitors location, judge's hand signals, and the movement and position of all dogs in the ring.
Mouth
Usually best kept closed, except to briefly answer judge's questions, or to congratulate successful exhibitors. Teeth clean, white and presented in a smiling fashion at all times.
Neck
Long enough to hold the head up proudly and flexible enough to turn the head as to observe everything that is happening in the ring. Should never be stuck out.
Forequarters
Shoulders broad and able to shrug off comments from other exhibitors. Arms of efficient length and strength to extend a handshake to the winners, keep a firm hold on the dog, collect any prizes, and give a friendly pat to the dog, all at the same time.
Body
Sufficiently slim as to not impede other exhibitors leaving the ring and not completely block the judge's view of all the dogs behind.
Hindquarters
Well-developed and strong so as to be able to move the dog in the ring at its optimum speed.
Feet
Firmly on the ground, as this is only a sport after all. To be kept out of the mouth at all times.
Gait
Free moving and graceful, moving in harmony with the dog's speed.
Coat
Dress should be neat, clean and tidy, neither flamboyant nor immodest, but designed to allow free movement without distraction to any dog in the ring.
Color
Should be chosen to complement the color of the dog, or if several different colored dogs are being handled, to at least not completely hide the outline of any dog, e.g., wearing a long black skirt when showing a black dog.
Size
Exhibitors may come in all sizes and shapes, the only limitation being ability to do justice to the dog when in the ring.
Major Faults
Dirty or scruffy appearance, grumpy, vicious or flustered temperament; swollen head, loud mouth, especially when used for insulting comments or bad language; unsÿ'¦I .
NOTE:
The usual Kennel Club requirement that all males have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum has been dispensed with, in the interest of decorum and to avoid any sudden inspections with attendant violent reactions.
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