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Ring of honour – advanced judging

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Judging procedures

OFFICIAL PROTOCOL

Ring of Honour – Advanced Judging

World Dog Federation (WDF)

A document dedicated to the judges responsible for judging in the Ring of Honour (Best in Show). It includes procedures, criteria, order of conduct and strict rules for correct and professional evaluation.

1. The Role of the Ring of Honour

The Ring of Honour represents the final and most visible stage of the show. In this space the best dogs of the show are determined.

Objectives:

  • the selection of the most representative specimens from all breeds;
  • observance of homogeneity in groups and couples;
  • the impeccable, procedural and spectator-friendly presentation of the competition.

2. The Structure of the Competitions in the Ring of Honour

The standard WDF order:

  1. BIS Puppies
  2. BIS Junior
  3. BIS Adult
  4. BIS Champions
  5. BIS Veterans
  6. BIS Couple (Couples)
  7. BIS Breeding Group (Breeding Groups)
  8. BBR (Best Breeder of the Ring) – optional

Each category has a single judge.

3. General Rules for the Judges in the Ring of Honour

  • Judging must be faster, but without compromises regarding accuracy.
  • There are no grades – only the Top 5 placement.
  • The judge focuses exclusively on:
    • typicity,
    • structure and movement,
    • general harmony,
    • ring presence.

4. Entry into the Ring

4.1. Organisation of the entry

  • The dogs enter in the order announced by the speaker.
  • The steward leads each competitor to the correct position.
  • The judges must have complete visibility of all specimens.

4.2. Alignment

  • The dogs are positioned in a wide semicircle or a frontal line.
  • The handlers must keep sufficient distance between the dogs.

5. The Evaluation Procedure

5.1. Static evaluation

  • The positioning of the dog is done in a natural manner.
  • The judge analyses:
    • the general proportions,
    • the expression,
    • posture,
    • musculature.

5.2. Evaluation in movement

  • Complete circuit (triangle, circle or long line).
  • Mandatory observations:
    • free gait,
    • stability of the topline,
    • correctness of direction,
    • rear impulse.

5.3. Final evaluation

  • The judge may request a final synchronised round for the top 6–7 specimens.
  • The handlers must maintain a constant pace.

6. Advanced Evaluation Criteria

6.1. Typicity and presence

  • The specimen that most faithfully represents the breed ideal wins.
  • Presence (attitude) counts, but it cannot make up for faults.

6.2. General harmony

  • Preference is given to specimens that are:
    • balanced,
    • harmonious,
    • correct in movement and structure.

6.3. Direct comparison

  • In the ring of honour, the judges compare across breeds, unlike the individual ring.
  • The comparison is based on:
    • top quality in relation to the dog’s own standard,
    • functional correctness,
    • general presentation.

7. The Placement Procedure

  • The judges initially select the Top 10 (if there are many participants).
  • It is then reduced to the Top 6.
  • The final placement is the Top 5.

Important:

  • The judges must make the final decision without hesitation.
  • The decision cannot be modified after the sheet is handed over.

8. Special Rules for BIS Couple and BIS Breeding Group

8.1. BIS Couple

The main criterion: the homogeneity of the couple.

The analysis includes:

  • similar proportions,
  • harmonised movement,
  • compatible expression,
  • coordination in gait.

8.2. BIS Breeding Group

The main criterion: unity of type and line.

The judge analyses:

  • consistency among the offspring,
  • common breed traits,
  • demonstrated reproductive quality.

9. The Judge’s Conduct

  • Calm, clear movements, minimal gestures.
  • Avoidance of public discussions.
  • Explaining decisions only to the organisers, not to the handlers.
  • Maintaining the smooth pace of the competition.

10. Conclusion

The Ring of Honour is the showcase of the WDF show. The judges must combine:

  • technical expertise,
  • accuracy,
  • objectivity,
  • impeccable presentation.

The application of this protocol guarantees correct, professional and transparent results.

11. Quick Comparison Tables – BIS Puppy / Junior / Adult Criteria

These tables allow the judges to instantly visualise the main evaluation differences between the BIS categories.

11.1. Comparative table – Emphasis in evaluation

Category

Main emphasis

What is NOT penalised severely

What must be observed carefully

BIS Puppy (3–9 months)

Potential, early harmony

Lack of maturity, slight uncertainties

Movement coordination, general correctness

BIS Junior (9–18 months)

Almost complete development, conformation in final formation

Slight maturation instabilities

Proportions, free movement, correct expression

BIS Adult (18+ months)

Fully mature structure and functionality

Nothing – adults are evaluated strictly

Correctness of movement, musculature, typicity

11.2. Comparative table – Behaviour and presence

Aspect

BIS Puppy

BIS Junior

BIS Adult

Ring presence

Playful, energetic

Controlled, attentive

Confident, commanding

Reaction to the public

May be distracted

Stable, but sensitive

Completely stable

Impact of the handler

Very high

Medium

Minimal, the dog presents itself

11.3. Comparative table – Movement

Element evaluated

Puppy

Junior

Adult

Topline

In formation, slightly oscillating

Stable

Perfectly stable

Rear impulse

Medium

Developed

Strong and constant

Coordination

Acceptable

Good

Excellent

11.4. Comparative table – Typicity

Criterion

Puppy

Junior

Adult

Head and expression

Developing

Almost final

Mature and clear

Proportions

Variable

Approx. standard

Fixed, conforming to the ideal

Presence of defining traits

Slightly visible

Clearly visible

Perfectly evident

11.5. Comparative table – BIS Veterans / BIS Champions

Category

Main emphasis

Special considerations

What the judge observes

BIS Veterans (7+ years)

Functional longevity and still harmonious structure

Slight signs of age are not penalised

Stability of movement, typicity, balance

BIS Champions

Maximum quality, perfection according to the standard

High competition, very fine differences

Impeccable execution, expression, superior presentation

11.6. Comparative table – BIS Couple (Couples)

Criterion

Importance

Description

Homogeneity

Essential

The couple must be very similar in type, proportions and expression

Structure

Very important

Correct conformation for both individuals

Synchronised movement

Critical

The dogs must move harmoniously together

Visual compatibility

Important

Unified, balanced presentation

11.7. Comparative table – BIS Breeding Group (Breeding Group)

Criterion

Importance

Description

Unity of type

Essential

All the offspring must reflect the style and quality of the sire/dam

Consistency of traits

Major

Similar head, expression, proportions

General structural quality

Very important

All the specimens must be morphologically correct

Harmonious group movement

Useful

Shows functional homogeneity

General visual impact

Final determining factor

The group must impress as a whole