Dog Shows
Situations requiring DSQ (disqualification) or NJ (Not Judgable)
(complete official procedure, with explanations + when the WDF Delegate is called)
I. SITUATIONS REQUIRING DSQ (DISQUALIFIED)
DSQ = the most severe decision a judge can take, with administrative effects (retention of documents), as well as disciplinary and genealogical consequences.
In accordance with the WDF Regulation, the judge must award DSQ if he observes ANY of the following:
1. ELIMINATING faults in relation to the breed standard
Examples (depending on the breed):
- severe overshot / severe undershot bite
- cryptorchidism / monorchidism
- non-conforming testicles
- complete absence of incisors (in breeds where this is eliminating)
- major structural faults
- traits that clearly contravene the standard
Rule:
If the fault is eliminating → DSQ mandatory.
2. Surgery, cosmetic interventions, or unauthorised alterations
In accordance with the Regulation:
- corrective surgery (eyes, ears, lips, tail, etc.)
- grooming to alter the morphology
- application of substances that mask faults
- colouring, whitening, artificial pigmentation
The judge must suspend the evaluation and request the presence of the WDF Delegate.
3. Dangerous aggression
If the dog:
- attacks the judge
- attacks the handler
- repeatedly attempts to bite
- cannot be controlled
→ The judge must award DSQ immediately.
There is no negotiation; the evaluation is not resumed.
Procedure:
- DSQ is decided
- the WDF Delegate is called
- the form + the booklet are retained
- the matter is reported centrally
4. Major locomotor problems
If the judge observes:
- severe lameness
- inability to move correctly
- visible pain while walking
→ DSQ.
VG or G is not awarded for serious locomotor faults.
5. Evident illness or serious condition
Example:
- contagious dermatological conditions
- fever
- evident infections
- severe parasitic infestations
- a general condition incompatible with participation
The judge is obliged to stop the judging immediately.
6. Incorrect identity (fraud)
When the following is discovered:
- a microchip that does not match
- suspicious documents
- a dog replaced with another specimen
→ DSQ + WDF disciplinary investigation.
7. Behaviour entirely incompatible with evaluation
Example:
- constant aggressive refusal
- dangerous, unstable behaviour
→ DSQ if there is a risk to people or dogs.
Mandatory procedure for DSQ
(provided for in the Regulation)
1️⃣ The judge decides DSQ
2️⃣ The judge dictates the reason in the form (mandatory)
3️⃣ The judge calls the WDF Delegate
4️⃣ The WDF Delegate takes the form + the booklet
5️⃣ The delegate completes the official report
6️⃣ The documents reach the WDF headquarters
→ may lead to sanctions
The judge may NOT withdraw the DSQ if it was applied correctly.
II. SITUATIONS REQUIRING NJ (NOT JUDGABLE)
NJ = a dog that cannot be evaluated, not a poor dog.
It is a temporary decision, unlike DSQ.
It is applied when the judge cannot carry out the standard evaluation, for reasons not attributable to morphological faults.
1. The dog refuses examination of the dentition
- pulls back
- shies away
- does not open its mouth
If the judge CANNOT check the dentition → NJ.
2. The dog refuses the static examination
- cannot be touched
- runs constantly
- hides in the handler’s legs
- cannot be positioned in a stance
→ NJ.
3. A dog impossible to evaluate in movement
E.g.:
- complete refusal to move
- chaotic leaping
- panic
- “dragging”
This is not DSQ, since it is not a matter of aggression or an eliminating fault.
4. Clear signs that the animal is in an unstable emotional state
- intense panic
- severe trembling
- uncontrolled reactions
The judge may stop the judging → NJ.
5. Suspicion of corrective intervention, but without clear evidence
If the judge cannot confirm 100%, he cannot award DSQ.
In this case → NJ.
6. Illegal handling by the handler during evaluation
If the check becomes impossible because of the handler:
- blocking the dentition
- excessive pressure
- forced positioning
→ NJ + warning.
The official procedure for NJ
1️⃣ The judge decides NJ
2️⃣ Dictates the reason in the form
3️⃣ The dog is removed from the ring
4️⃣ It may NOT take part in the placement / titles
5️⃣ The WDF Delegate may decide whether the evaluation is repeated (only in special cases)
Key difference:
NJ does not entail a disciplinary penalty. DSQ does.
III. The fundamental difference between DSQ and NJ
DSQ = permanent disqualification from the show
→ serious reason
→ WDF delegate involved
→ disciplinary report
→ consequences for future shows
NJ = a NON-evaluated dog, with no morphological fault
→ may return at the following shows
→ does not affect the dog’s reputation
→ is NOT reported for disciplinary purposes
IV. The supreme rule for judges
👉 If you cannot evaluate a dog, you award NJ.
👉 If you are not permitted to accept it under the standard or the regulation, you award DSQ.