Judging dog shows

Certified dog judges

Minnesota 4-H certifies judges to ensure consistent judging at state competitions. Counties are not required to use certified judges at their county fair shows. They may select the judges of their choice.  Learn more about judging 4-H competitions.

Find a certified 4-H dog judge

Train or apply to become a judge

Categories of 4-H dog judges

• Provisional - In the process of being certified, but not yet completed.

• Certified - Has the requirements. May be certified in any area , e.g. agility only, obedience only, showmanship only, agility and obedience, agility and showmanship, obedience and showmanship, or agility, obedience and showmanship.

• Senior - Has been certified for at least five years and has judged at least 25 shows at the county, regional, and/or state level in any or all of these:  agility, obedience, showmanship (not 25 of each).

• Master - A senior judge who is certified in all three areas (agility, obedience, showmanship) and has judged at least five shows in each area at the county, regional, and/or state level.