Question of the Week

 

Cara Campbell, DVM

Carlisle, KY

Absolutely, 100% NO! There should be no kissing/hugging a judge after being awarded a win. A handshake and thank you is sufficient. To go one step further, there should be no kissing, hugging, or conversation with a judge before you show to them the day of the show, especially in the ring. Most of us have seen it happen. An exhibitor (and judge) who does this, hasn’t just crossed a gray line, they have just confirmed, to other exhibitors and the uniformed public, that the merit of the dog may not be paramount, and other factors could influence the judge’s decisions.The appearance of impropriety does exist. The same is true for exhibitors who converse with judges, while the  judge is examining their dogs. It should not happen. (And I’m not referring to a simple greeting, but to full blown conversation.)

We all know judges. Judges know us. So we all should possess enough common sense, to understand it is inappropriate. There’s a time and place, and for the judge, it’s not during show hours. 

We can’t stop what happens off show grounds, but we can certainly be respectful of the appearance of impropriety at the show, and not get near or cross, any “gray” lines. 

 

Gloria Miller

Blue Bell, PA 

Kissing or hugging a judge after a win is inappropriate. 

 

Teresa Brown 

Eminence, IN

Inappropriate!

 

Wayne Thompson

West Bank BC, CA

I think that is embarrassing to the judge. As a judge I think that is overboard.

 

Christine Calcinari

Portsmouth, NH

I think the question should be about how frequently exhibitors do not uphold the Code of Sportsmanship.

An attitude adjusted is needed.

A polite thank you is all that is needed win or lose.

No snarky side comments, not sharp pulling of ribbons. Or loud enough comments when they know you can hear them.   

Kissing is always nice!

 

Joan Hughes Duszka

Bruce Township, MI

Hands and lips off a judge.  Should I see such a thing, in or out of the ring, first thing I would do is strike judge's name off my list forever.  Judge should absolutely be reprimanded by AKC.  Just the appearance of cronyism, is enough for me to leave the ring, I would ask to be excused.  Unless…judge has decided to kiss all competitors.  If however the judge was taken totally by surprise, he should promptly ask for the ribbon to be returned, and dismiss competitor and write a formal complaint.

 

Gail D. Litke

Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA

Hugging /kissing a judge after receiving an award, or at anytime during a show, or show weekend is totally inappropriate.  Private time away from the show venue or ring is just that…private.  That would be a more appropriate time to show gratitude or affection.

 

Sulie Greendale-Paveza

Ft. Pierce, FL  

Kissing would be unacceptable, but a hug or a hearty handshake is perfectly reasonable.

 

Bill Stebbins

Port St. Lucie, FL

Ours is a sport where emotion never fails to be a part of the equation. Human reaction to an exciting situation is not an unexpected result. I have had such a situation occur twice in my 40 years of judging. Once was for a win at a National Specialty, the other was for being awarded a BIS. I just attributed those actions to the fact that all of our dog show community are simply human beings and that will, from time to time, create an over-zealous reaction. If there are those that are appalled at such behavior I would simply say get over yourselves and enjoy our beloved sport.

 

Gayle Bontecou  

Clinton Corners, NY

I would like to assume the win was legitimate. Whether or not I agree. Would also think the win response would not be so publicly acknowledged if there was an  impropriety... a ribbon is very important to many and if the novice is overly apprehensive... so be it.  They will be back!!!!

 

Dr. Carol White-Moser 

Canton, TX

How about stopping this very destructive tendency to judge and sentence everyone's behavior with our intolerant entitled selves and just relax and enjoy being with our dogs.  
 

Theresa Hundt

Sandy Hook, CT

Personally, I feel it is very unprofessional. We all get excited with a great win,  however, let’s keep some decorum in the ring. Later taking pictures, maybe, but even then I feel it shouldn’t happen.

 

Barbara Burns 

Freeport, IL

As a judge, I have had several hugs from exhibitors.  Especially from the BIS winners.   I see no problem with it.  To me, it's no different than a hand shake, just a bit more expressive.  

 

Sylvia Calderwood

Eugene, OR

For some women, it's hard not to hug a judge for a win.  A judge is not going to start being a "crook" for a hug.

 

Laurie Telfair

Fayetteville, AR 

A peck on the cheek is not uncommon and I’m neutral on it. I neither like it nor dislike it. In the South, in which I grew up, this was a part of showing appreciation and was about as meaningless as a handshake.

 

Julianne McCoy

Columbia, SC

I think that kissing and hugging a judge after being awarded a win from a judge is unethical and inappropriate.  These behaviors could make the exhibitor or the judge uncomfortable. Giving a verbal “Thank you” should be enough. A kiss and/or hug makes the appreciation too personal.  

 

Raelene Gorlinsky

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

This should never be allowed. It looks very unprofessional and "childish". It raises immediate serious questions about the personal relationship or friendship between the two and how that affected the placements.

 

Susan Rochester

Trussville, AL 

Just shows more of why entries are falling. 

Judges picking handlers over dogs!

 

Larry Payne

Easley, SC  

A simple smile and thank you is sufficient. The dog is being judged, not the handler. 

 

Judith Allen

Port Charlotte, FL 

Yuck!

 

Felicia Tatroe

Elwood, IL

I see this it automatically makes me think the win was rigged.  Nothing else.

 

Steven Herman

Wesley Chapel, FL

Sometimes a handshake is not enough for an exhibitor who has a significant win. In the excitement, those alternatives are fine as long as both parties are okay with it. Remember all participants are not “professionals “ and it could be a win of a lifetime. They are expressions of the fun we should all be having in our Sport.

 

Lydia Hutchinson

Middletown, MD

I would prefer that they not do this, but I wouldn't hold it against them.

 

Nancy Edmunds

Bowman, GA

NO!!! Absolutely NOT!! Even if you know that judge, hug him or her outside of the show grounds, but NEVER in the ring!! Even outside of the ring!!

 

Christie Martinez

Gig Harbor, WA

Hugs and Kisses, absolutely.  One of my greatest memories is when I gave Best in Show to Kaz Hosaka and his lovely Miniature Poodle, Sage.  Kaz threw his arms around me and lifted me off the ground, not an easy job as I'm sure I weigh a good 50+ more than Kaz.

Recently I gave a RWB to a relatively new exhibitor.  He was thrilled and gave me a big hug. He had a nice, young bitch.  He came up to me the next day to show me his blue ribbon.

Let's not damper any form of excitement or enthusiasm in our wonderful dog world.

 

Christy VanCleave

Tulsa, OK

Nothing wrong with that!!!! Big wins deserve a big hug!!!!!!

 

Harry Bennett

Jacksonville, FL  

I have to answer the question with more questions. I have noticed the gradual acceptance that when a male handler receives especially a BIS rosette from a woman judge, he kisses her. How would it be perceived if the award was received by a woman handler from a male judge, and came a peck on the cheek? And let’s not leave out same sex smooches. What probability is there that accepted becomes expected?

 It would be very entertaining to see Judy (Judge Judy)  Sheindlin’s reaction to such behavior in her courtroom following a favorable ruling. But back to dog shows, I may be wrong but I don’t find any other competitive sport or hobby where the winning competitors take such opportunity with the judges (except maybe Dancing With The Stars).

 I don’t recall this being a thing when Ann Rogers Clark, Michelle Billings, or Jane Forsyth were standing in the middle of the ring, or how about Edith Nash Hellerman! I believe that we need to be cognizant of keeping up the appearance of an equal playing field.

 

Inge Semenschin

Fairfield, CA

Not in the breed ring or group ring but if it is a very special BIS for a very special breed or

occasion, a hug would be fine in my opinion.  Never a kiss.

 

Sharyn Hutchens

Lexington, VA  

While I understand the excitement and enthusiasm of exhibitors receiving huge wins, this kind of contact with the judge is very inappropriate. The familiarity suggests, rightly or wrongly, that the exhibitor and judge have a previous relationship that might have influenced the judge's decision. There are only two reactions to an exuberant hug or kiss. One is to step back from the exhibitor and deflect the contact. The other is to return the hug or kiss. The first is embarrassing to the judge, the exhibitor, and even the spectators. The second clearly falls under "appearance of impropriety."

Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges states, "There will always be ’gray areas’ that perplex judges. When faced with such a dilemma, ask yourself whether the situation, however innocent, projects an outward appearance of impropriety. A good rule of thumb is: If you have concerns about whether something is inappropriate, you probably should avoid the situation." Exhibitors should not force judges into situations like this. A handshake and a heartfelt thank you are sufficient. Save hugs for your friends at ringside and write the judge a thank you note!

 

Donna Hills

Kennesaw, GA 

I always want to but I am unsure of the proper etiquette.

I am always grateful of good wins and history making wins.