Judge Info - Michelle Hamilton

Showdog.com Judge Since Sunday, August 31, 2014
Retirement Announced 12/31/2015

Doesn't like using the same breeds that win every other show for BIS. Has a tendency to use dogs handled by certain handlers but isn't overt in it. Low level of breed bias. Thinks dogs should be compared to how good they are vs the rest of their breed rather than overall quality vs all dogs.

Traits

Each judge on ShowDog.Com gives a different amount of weight to each trait of the dogs that they judge in each show.  Below is a table of which traits Michelle Hamilton looks for.

Trait Importance
Head High
Forequarter Low
Hindquarter Normal
Gait Very High
Top Neck and Back Low
Coat High
Size/Height Normal
Feet High

Favorite Handlers

Each judge has a preference for certain handlers.  These preferences may be based on past experiences, showing style, or just plain old dirty politics.  This preference is completely separate from the quality of the exhibitor, which DOES come into play in the show ring.  Michelle Hamilton has been known to prefer the following handlers.

Rank Exhibitor
1 Marisa Feagin
2 Duane Rawley
3 Stew Kellermen
4 Terry Galloway
5 Rogane Tuller
6 Robert Pouk
7 Aimeene Good
8 Emma Moss
9 Kristen Schindewolf
10 Marc Buchhelt
11 Kennis Greiner
12 Ster Coaxum
13 Logan Ray
14 Jean Infante
15 Debbie Merrill
16 John Urick
17 Bob Coke
18 Roby Hawks
19 George Cruce
20 Willie Cundiff
21 All Mederos
22 Jeff Wehlan
23 Stephew Deering
24 Aarthom Rapier
25 Dan Adams

Only the top 25 are listed for the sake of brevity.

Recent Judged Shows

Below is a list of the shows recently judged by this judge. 

Show Date Best in Show
South Florida 162 2/22/2024
Lake Itasca 76 2/2/2024 WP Hearts On Fire
January 2024 Manchester Terrier Nationals 1/7/2024
Card all breed 56 12/25/2023 Nachthunde Neon Lights
December 2023 Belgian Sheepdog Nationals 12/3/2023
SS Autumn Show 10/3/2023
August 2023 Norfolk Terrier Nationals 8/5/2023
Steinhaus Spring Show 21 6/15/2023 BK •King Azymöndias Targaryen
June 2023 Kerry Blue Terrier Nationals 6/5/2023
June 2023 Shetland Sheepdog Nationals 6/4/2023


Did you know?
The figure 8 exercise requires the team to heel in a figure 8 pattern either on or off leash. Generally two of the ring stewards will assist the judge with this exercise by acting as "posts", standing 8 feet apart, that the team walks around to form the loops of the figure 8.