Judging Bird Dog Trials

The judging of bird dog trials is never an easy job. To it must be brought judgment of values, honesty of purpose, and mental integrity. Add courage, perseverance in the face of disagreeable weather, an analytical mind and judicial temperament and you have as well equipped a field trial judge as is likely to occupy the saddle.

Judges are major factors in the progress of the breeds. It is an accepted fact that field trial placements influence the selection of breeders and so the thought should ever be uppermost that dogs of quality, of high character—dogs which can contribute to breed advancement—should be given prime consideration. Occasionally a common competitor may bird his way into victory, but judges should be mindful of the responsibility owed the entire fancy, for field trials are the crucible from which emerge the favorite progenitors of pointing dogs.

Albert Frederick Hochwalt, A Biography, Precepts for Judging, pg 249.