THE JUDGES' EDUCATION

PROGRAMME

 

Becoming a Show Judge

​

Before you become a breed show judge you must have sufficient knowledge and experience of your breed. The Royal Kennel Club suggests a minimum of five years' involvement in pedigree dogs before stepping into the centre of the ring and officiating.

​

The system has been developed for the education, approval and listing of every level of judge, from those who aspire to judge, right through to open show judges, plus those who go on to award Challenge Certificates, judge championship show groups and best in show.​

​

The Judges' Education Programme (JEP) introduces a structured and logical approach to the training of judges, incorporating a step-by-step approach. Royal Kennel Club Regulations implementing the Judges' Education Programme came into force on 1 January 2021. Seminars undertaken prior to this date can be accepted for use when progressing via the Judges Education Programme. However, judges are required to complete the criteria at each Judges' Education Programme level before moving on to the next.
 

 JEP Level 1 judges are eligible to judge:

• Up to three classes (four if one is a puppy class) for any breed at limited or open shows.

​

Requirements to meet this level:

• Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs

• Attend a ‘Requirements of a Dog Show Judge’ seminar and pass associated exam (either in person or online via Royal Kennel Club Academy).  *Effective from 1st January 2024

• Attend a conformation and movement seminar hosted by a Royal Kennel Club Accredited Trainer

• Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments

• Pass the Points of a Dog assessment conducted by a Royal Kennel Club Accredited Trainer.             *Effective from 1st January 2024

 

JEP Level 2 judges are eligible to judge:

• An unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs)

• Any variety classes, groups and best in show at limited shows 

​

 Requirements to meet this level if Irish Wolfhounds are your first breed:

• Meet the criteria for level 1 judges

• Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for the respective breed

• View ring stewarding seminar and take online quiz via Royal Kennel Club Academy

• Complete critique writing seminar and take online quiz via Royal Kennel Club Academy

​

Whilst completing the critique writing and stewarding seminars remain a JEP level 2 requirement, the Board has agreed that they can be undertaken at any time, and that the judge does not need to wait until they meet level 1 criteria, and are recommended to view prior to stewarding or judging.

​

Judges sitting multiple-choice exams held at Breed Appreciation Days from 1 January 2024 will be required to meet the amended Level 1 criteria.

​

Requirements to meet this level, if Irish Wolfhounds are not your first breed and you have already reached JEP level 2 in a different breed:

• Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for each breed. Note: This is not mandatory for group judge for breeds in the group that they are not approved at level 4, but attendance is strongly recommended.

JEP Level 3 judges are eligible to judge:

• An unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs)

• Any variety classes groups and best in show at limited shows

​

Requirements to meet this level:

• Meet the criteria for level 1 and level 2 judges

• Undergo minimum of three mentoring sessions, with a minimum of 12 months between first and third session

• Be observed judging a breed club show, breed supported entry show or championship show without CCs once mentoring sessions have been undertaken

• Complete remaining 10 full-day stewarding appointments (one time qualification)

• Have owned/bred a minimum of three dogs when they obtained their first entry in The Royal Kennel Club Stud Book – save for exceptional circumstances (one-time qualification for first breed in which a judge awards CCs)

• Attended the appropriate sub-group field trial/open gundog working test for first gundog breed or ring procedure at licensed shows (German Shepherd Dog education programme) online exam (one-time qualification)

• Have achieved the relevant hands-on experience in line with the stated requirements for the relevant breed.  This is currently 35 Irish Wolfhounds for judges following the JEP route.

 

JEP Level 4 judges are eligible to judge:

• Award Challenge Certificates in the respective breed

• Any variety classes, groups and best in show at open and limited shows

 

Requirements to meet this level:

• Meet the criteria for level 1, 2 and 3 judges

• Attend and passed a breed-specific assessment for the specific breed run by The Royal Kennel Club

 

Full details of the requirements for judging dog shows and the Judges’ Education Programme can be found at The Royal Kennel Club Website:

​

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/dog-showing/judging-dog-shows/​

​

​