>I thought the BIS judge was supposed to be “independent” and “sequestered” from show gossip. So, how could she know that 116 other judges had chosen this dog<
The BIS judge stays away from the show until he or she steps into the ring to officiate at Westminster. There are show-related magazines in which owners advertise their wins. These publications are sent to every individual who judges even one breed at AKC shows. So, unless she’s one of the judges who tosses this deluge of advertising in the trash, she knows Malachy. Everyone in dogs knows Malachy.
Malachy wins, but he also loses. I’ve seen him do so, although not at the breed level (I’m sure it’s happened). I’ve seen him lose to the fabulous black cocker who was dumped in the breed at this year’s Garden and also to that German Shepherd, the herding winner this year.
Dog show judging is very subjective. It relies on the judges’ opinions of the entries on that day, at that show. Dogs can and do win under a judge, then lose the next time they compete under that individual.
I thought that GSD had a very odd gait -- odd even for a GSD. But he was powerful looking. My best friend has a beautiful GSD bitch who was thought to be show quality at one time. My friend did not want to show her and had her spayed. She's barely 10 now and so broken down in the hindquarters that she can barely walk. It is so sad, because I love that dog. She used to play endlessly with my Golden who is about the same age, but they cannot see each other anymore for fear of doing more damage to the GSD's back. Now, when I come home from my friend's house, I get sniffed all over by my dog who is looking for his old friend. I feel like I've been cheating on him with another dog! I get the same treatment from the GSD when I go over there.