Instructions to Critique Judges

You have been selected by the Gompa Lhasa Apso Preservation Program to be a critique judge because of your experience and knowledge of the Lhasa Apso. GLAPP thinks that you can make a reasonable and accurate assessment of the dog/s presented to you.

Your primary task is to determine, to the best of your ability, if the dogs you are critiquing are purebred Lhasa Apsos or if they are not pure bred Lhasa Apsos.

You may ask questions of the owner and use any and all information available to enable you to make the determination whether or not, in your assessment, the dog in front of you is a pure bred Lhasa Apso.

Dogs are to be judged according to the AKC Lhasa Apso standard and your practical knowledge of the breed. Purebred breeding is determined the "old fashioned way"—through visual observation and background information and documentation on the dog.

Measurements can be taken as a team. The dog handler can assist with the actual measuring process. Simple tools are all that is required. A yardstick or tape measure is good for height and length. A flexible cloth tape is best for chest measurements. A portable bathroom scale is adequate for weight. Chest measurements should be taken behind the shoulder at the maximum circumference of the chest. The place to measure length and height are shown on the critique form.

Judges may ask the handler to exhibit the dog however they see fit. Most judges have the dog stacked and moved much like it is done at a dog show. Judges write their comments while the dog is being presented. Photographs may be taken at the same time the dogs are being critiqued or at another time that is more convenient.

The critique process is not a dog show where judges compare the merits of one dog against another and rate them accordingly. Judges are to compare each dog to the standard. When writing comments, please do not make written comparisons of the subject dogs with other dogs at the critique. This is a common practice at dog shows to justify placements but it is not appropriate in GLAPP critiques.

Comments need not be lengthy. If judges do not consider the dog to be a pure bred Lhasa Apso, an explanation must be given. Additional space on the back of the critique form is available for lengthier commentaries. The judge's rating of individual dogs should be based on the over all quality of the dog. Judges should check the box, which best fits, their opinion of the dog.

The most important question is at the bottom of the critique form. Judges must check the box that indicates whether of not they consider the dog to be a PURE BRED LHASA APSO. This question does not relate to the quality of the dog—that was asked in a previous question. Even if the judge rates the Lhasa Apsos as “poor”, it can still be a pure bred Lhasa Apso and the box indicating “yes” must be checked. If the judge does not consider the dog to be a pure bred Lhasa Apso, perhaps a crossbred, check “no”. This question and the judge’s response are the "bottom line" and the reason you are being asked to critique this Lhasa Apso and why your opinion is being sought.

GLAPP thanks you for your help in this vital function.