| Date | Ratg | Display Name | Breed(s) |
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| Apr 24, 2022 | 2 | anonymous | Sporting |
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| When asked why a dog was put up over another dog “if I put one dog up over another it’s because it was a better dog, that’s what I do. I put up better dogs.” Not sure how anyone is supposed to learn how to get better at showing their OH dog against PHs when this is the response. |
| Apr 3, 2022 | 5 | Denise Gehring | Dachshund |
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| Likes a nice mini red wire. Not afraid to give a class dog the variety. Mr. Blake finished a bitch I showed to him with handlers in the ring and then 4 years later I showed her daughter to him and he gave her the variety over specials and I was holding her back so that the class dog could get the bitch major by going bow. Obviously he didn't get the major. |
| Feb 20, 2022 | 1 | Multiple breeds | |
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| This man needs to retire. He used to be a great judge. Now he phones it in. Handlers are all he sees. He put up a dog for breed in a nice entry of toys, and found the only Pro handler, with a dog that had done nothing the rest of the time and has significant faults, like shorter legs and a terrible tail set.
He also yelled at exhibitors, forced masks in all his rings EXCEPT group which was live streamed. Guess you can’t catch it in a group ring. I will not be giving him another entry (not for the mask reason, but for his lack of decent judgement. This is why people are leaving. |
| Apr 8, 2021 | | BOH | Dachshunds |
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| He is all business and I’m sure much busier now. Recently showed to him and He knows the breed well. I just miss the earlier years...when I first started and showed him a bunch of pups. He took the time to teach and educate me.. learned a lot. |
| Nov 4, 2019 | 5 | smilyjoe | toys |
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| awesome judge-was very gentle-has soft hands- watched him judge several breeds-was happy and kind to exhibitors-he was not judging my breed this day but i wish he was. |
| Jun 25, 2019 | 2 | Annon | Papillon |
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| He does unusual ring procedures. I have won under him when no handlers or not known faces been in the ring. Today he showed his true face. He put up class dog as BOB over nice Special and class bitch BOS and the person is known face for this judge. No fair judging. I would not show under him. He is political. |
| May 4, 2019 | 2 | Annon | Toys |
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| Very nice to the puppies and dogs. I have showed to him several times and I never know what he is looking for it's different every time.. Tendancy to be political at times.... Decided to give it another go under him and he put up mainly class animals for Breed in everything he judged that day, as he had done in the past when I have shown to him.
He is probably on my DNS list. |
| Oct 3, 2018 | 3 | BOH | toys |
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| appears to like smaller, shorter backed and cute. |
| Aug 1, 2018 | 4 | Kittie Deemer | Papillon |
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| I found Mr. Blake to be patient with both my puppy dog, and my finished bitch. He found correct specimens in the ring, however, he did give away his choice for Breed when a top handler and the #1 Pap entered the ring. To give Mr. Blake credit, he did look hard at the dog before looking at the handler. And he wiped his face clean of the delighted look very quickly. |
| Apr 25, 2017 | 4 | OH | any breed |
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| Cranky and political. |
| Apr 6, 2017 | 5 | | dachshund |
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| Was a bit rough on my bitch, after the show she shied from 3 other male judges until I could get some male friends to go over her. She was the only entry - others were absent.
Update - I showed to him again. He was very gentle this time but she still shied. He was able to go over her and she ended up going wb/bow for a 3pt major. When we took a picture, she did not shy from him even though he moved her feet so they were in the right spot. I would definitely show to him again. Be sure you use the entire ring when going around - he made us go around again because we did not use the entire ring. |
| Oct 18, 2016 | 4 | VONWOLFF08 | Dachshunds |
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| I found Judge Blake to be pleasant, though all business. He can easily pick the best dog, and seems to like puppies...will allow some puppy behavior without denying them. He was gracious when we waited for photos and even offered to sign the ribbon for my bitch that finished! |
| Jun 6, 2016 | 2 | Annonymous | Dachshunds | Expert! |
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| Grouchy! Does not seem to know what he is looking at, put up sway back puppies for WD. Very political at the breed/variety level. |
| May 24, 2016 | 2 | Anon | Toys |
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| I thought he was very professional. I would take puppies to him. Just tell him it's their first time in the ring. Very understanding. |
| Apr 13, 2016 | 1 | Anonymous | Chihuahua |
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| I have shown to Mr. Blake twice. Both times have been unpleasant. He judged our breed speciality in 10/14, he treated us like we were children, yelling at us to move over and stand over there and had nearly 15 of us huddled in a corner. I could've understood had he asked us first and we didn't follow, but he was just angrily adamant about us clumped up like we were in the wrong place. Ugh. I am not sure what he was looking for in his choices, but he certainly could have been more pleasant and spent more time on them. On the second show, I knew to watch out for his attitude, so I was trying to help other fellow handlers through this unpleasant experience. He was again rude, especially to our newbies and inexperienced handlers. He is on my DNS list. |
| Oct 12, 2015 | 4 | Rockland | Chows |
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| Runs a fast ring, treated every exhibitor equally. Used the triangle to start, and was easy on the exam. Fair to the rough and smooth coat. |
| Aug 8, 2015 | 1 | Anonymous | Hounds | Expert! |
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| On my DNS list. Very political. |
| May 27, 2015 | | Rod Kunze | Vizsla |
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| Very patient with owner/handlers, required good movement and gives the dog/handler plenty of chances to show movement. |
| May 23, 2015 | 1 | Anonymous | Hounds |
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| Show record of points for my dog who finished remarkably fast in his first five shows—4 points, 4 points, 5 points, 0 points (not even RWD) under Mr. Blake, and 2 points. Except for one show (the day before Mr. Blake) all the entries were identical. At the next show a different judge withheld RWD to the dog to whom Mr. Blake had awarded RWD over my dog. The question is did those four other judges see something that Mr. Blake missed, or did Mr. Blake miss what these other judges had seen in my dog? |
| Mar 24, 2015 | 5 | smilyjoet | toys |
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| he did a great job-was very kind to the dogs and the handlers-this day i would say he was a head hunter |
| Oct 25, 2014 | 2 | Anonymous | Chihuahuas & Toys |
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| Judged local specialty and many of his selections had spectators shaking their heads. His choices were at the top of the standard or over size. Ignored type. Did spend a lot of time moving dogs, and also had unusual ring procedures. Do not show small, or moderately sized, typey dogs to him which are representative of the breed standard and look like chihuahuas. Now on my DNS list because I do not have the type of dog he was selecting as his winners. Update--Gave him one more try, against my better judgment, with another toy breed. Shouldn't have bothered. Agreed with his choice for winners dog, but otherwise he favored handlers. His choice for a sad-looking veteran bitch being shown by a handler over another GCH owner-handled bitch was fairly appalling. During the judging of the veteran bitch, and for 10-15 minutes after the breed judging, he chit-chatted with the handler who showed the veteran. Not appropriate, in my book. |
| Oct 22, 2014 | 2 | MEinVT | Hounds |
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| Possibly Mr. Blake was having an off-day, but he barely examined any of the hounds presented to him throughout the whole hound class. We observed Mr. Blake from ring side during the judging of the breeds ahead of us and then again after our breed left the ring. In most every instance, he placed the hounds from 1st to 4th just as they entered the ring and seldom moved the hounds from their original positions. (A good day for those at the head of the line!) I would not show to this "judge" unless I observe a change in his approach and attitude toward his responsibilities and duties in the ring. He passed over some excellent breed types in most every class that came before him, but as I stated, maybe he was having a bad day. |
| Sep 13, 2014 | 4 | Dolores Ferrero | Boston Terrier |
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| The show: Eugene Kennel Club, Brownsville, OR – Sunday September 7, 2014
The entry: 0-4-1-2
Our experience:
There were several breeds ahead of us in the ring, so I got the opportunity to observe Mr. Blake for over an hour with a variety of exhibitors and dogs. He was cordial with exhibitors, attentive to the dogs in his ring and VERY sensitive to their comfort and well-being. At one point while bulldogs were showing, a large and very noisy diesel truck pulled into the lot behind the ring. Mr. Blake suspended judging until the truck left and the dogs and their handlers had time to collect themselves. And because there was a somewhat assertive dog crated along the ring wall closest to the entrance, he brought the dogs in and lined them up on the other side of the ring so that no one got spooked.
I watched Mr. Blake award winners to the breeds ahead of us completely out of the adult classes… while he didn’t ignore the puppies in the winners ring, they weren’t in the ribbons… so I warned John not to expect much with Gaga and was pleasantly surprised when she took winners bitch.
While the small entry in the Boston Terrier ring was exclusively owner-handled, Mr. Blake distributed awards to both professional handlers and amateurs in the other breeds I observed. He seemed to be focused on the dog, not the other end of the lead.
We asked for Mr. Blake’s feedback while taking pictures (and he was quite pleased to provide it) so I know what he was looking for in his winners: an expressive dog with a square head on a square body and a level topline. I would have no hesitation entering under him again.
The winners:
Best of Breed went to an owner handled bitch, solid - square and substantial without being bully, with a soft but very alert expression.
Best Opposite was an owner handled black & white boy with a nice neckline and a straight front.
Winners Bitch was owner handled out of the 9-12 month puppy class, a seal/brindle & white refined bitch – alert and expressive with a stunning head and neckline.
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| Aug 26, 2014 | 1 | Breeder of Merit IG | Italian Greyhound |
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| On DNS list.He is political and likes to put up handlers, and if they are not available he likes to go to the classes and put up 9 mos old immature dogs over specials to just try and get a rise out of those with mature specials. I was at a national speciality show in which he did just what I said, he went over the Grand Sire (who was multiple BIS winner,multinational GrandChampion) and the Sire(who was multiple BOB, group placing) to go to young just moved up unproven dog who was not really of the quality of the other dogs standing in the ring. Since we were all family we screamed and hooted a hollered for the winner. You could tell Mr. Blake was shaken and surprised by the response because he had expected anger and disappointment. He did not get the rise he was looking for in welding his power in the ring. Have shown to him time or two after that because he was stuck in the middle of long weekend. But definitely he is on the DNS because of his inconsistency and his arrogance. |
| Jun 26, 2014 | 1 | Anon | Golden Retriever |
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| Shown to him twice and never again. Very political, doesn't consider quality of dog, rather on whether is shown by a buddy or a pretty girl. |
| Mar 17, 2014 | 2 | | Sporting group | Expert! |
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| Left some lovely dogs standing to give placements to questionable dogs. His group winner was lovely, but then it was friends week, rather than let's choose breeding stock week. |
| Jul 22, 2013 | | Anonymous | Dachshunds |
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| I had a pleasant experience with Mr. Blake. It was a small show and very hot. He was pleasant despite the heat and considerate with his ring procedure, having the entries do a triangle pattern that started under the tent, which prevented the need to do an additional go around. He seemed to like an elegant feminine bitch with good side movement, |
| Jun 2, 2013 | 4 | DSBgirl | Keeshond |
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| Always pleasant and fun, especially at our specialties. He was a great view of breed type and movement. I can always follow what he puts up. |
| Mar 3, 2013 | 4 | Toy Fancier | italian greyhounds | Expert! |
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| Have shown to this judge several times. Have done well, and have done poorly. Altho most of the time I agree with what he does. This time i could not figure out what he was looking for other than it seemed he was looking for small. Always nice to show to. |
| Oct 5, 2012 | 4 | Tracy Burdick | Papillons | Expert! |
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| Loves good sidegait. Judges quickly, knows what he wants, and can be rather abrupt. |
| Aug 14, 2012 | 3 | anon | | Expert! |
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| is good with the dogs and can be pleasent and knows a good dog and correct type but tends to be very politcal especially if other judges show to him |
| Feb 28, 2012 | 1 | Anonymous | Dachshund | Expert! |
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| Mr. Blake is not patient with puppies at all. My 6-month old dachshund puppy did not gait well on the leash and he made a snide comment to the other handler (so I could hear) that "if some people would train their dogs I could evaluate them". Its the 6-9 month old class! The next two days my puppy picked up a 4-point major and a 3-point major and he didn't do anything different on the lead. Mr. Blake will not see me in his ring again. |
| Dec 11, 2011 | 2 | anon | hounds |
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| Can be very rude if you are unfamiliar with his unusual ring procedures in the group and are first or second in line. Also very political. Will not show to him. |
| Nov 8, 2011 | 4 | Mary-Lynn Jensen | Dal, Brittany, Springer, Flat Coat |
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| Quick and business like, yet very pleasant to all exhibitors. Knows what he wants and is willing to put up class dogs over specials if they're deserving. |
| Jun 29, 2011 | 4 | Robin Gates | Bostons |
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| Did a fair job judging and gave all of the dogs an opportunity to shine. It was a small entry and he regretted that there were not any points as he felt all of the dogs were very deserving. Will show to again. He is hard to hear when he speaks but was very patient when I could not hear his instructions. |
| May 31, 2011 | 3 | Adrienne Freyer | Vizsla | Expert! |
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| Did a nice job judging at the Twin Cities Vizsla Club Specialty. We didn't win our class, but still felt Mr. Blake did a fair and honest job judging. He was also very good with the dogs, soft hands. |
| May 24, 2011 | | Anonymous | TOYS |
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| This judge keeping calling the handler by name, and had lots of conversations with a handler during the show, and in judging. Could tell, it wasn't our day. Is on my DNS list. What a waste of time and money. Allowed the handler to instruct the person who was showing one of her dogs. HE is HIGHLY political and looks at the end of the leash. |
| Sep 19, 2010 | 2 | Ron | Chessies |
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| This man was really rude to a new exhibitor with a young dog. He has very strange ring procedures, so make sure you watch how he is running his ring before you enter it. If you don't know his odd-ball ring procedures he will chastise you for it majorly. I feel like he knows toy dogs better than sporting dogs. His placements didn't make sense. Didn't know that Chessies could have hooked tails, but to him they can. |
| Nov 2, 2009 | 4 | Anonymous | Dalmatians |
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| Very much in control of his ring, very no-nonsense and brisk. Speaks somewhat softly, so pay attention. Likes to see what the dogs will look like on their own, so train your dog to free stack without bait. Would show to this judge again. |
| Sep 7, 2008 | 5 | William | Irish Wolfound and Am Foxhound |
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| Professional and runs a fast ring. Pay attention as he does not like to wait. He pays considerable attention to gait and "attitude." Despite earlier comments, he can be engaged and will comment if invited to. |
| Jun 23, 2008 | 1 | | dachshunds | Expert! |
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| Arrived at the ring with my open bitch while open bitch class was still in the ring. He hadn't awarded ribbons yet and would not let me in. Dumped my special for a lesser quality special based on attitude alone. |
| Jun 17, 2008 | 3 | PAZ | Havanese |
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| He was consistent. Problem is he did not award based on the standard with regard to movement. He appears to like long adult coats. He seemed pleasant enough. |
| Apr 25, 2008 | 5 | | Non-Sporting |
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| This man has the confidence to put a 9 mo. owner/breeder handled puppy boy BOS/BW over a Special male and WB (also major) for a Major. Then again - gave my CH girl Grp. 3 at one show and then just SEL later. And she showed beautifully. Lots of big names in the ring. |
| Feb 23, 2008 | 2 | Carole Rerko | Miniature Pinschers | Expert! |
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| His ring composure is quite lacking and I feel he has no interest in the breed. I no longer enter under him as I feel he lacks respect for owner/handlers. There is nothing consistent about his placings. |
| Feb 23, 2008 | 1 | Carol Dry | Miniature Pinscher | Expert! |
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| I used to think Mr Blake was just an OK judge, but now I would not enter under him if the show was across the street. I am an old timer in this sport and he managed to make me feel like a know nothing piece of crap. Very rude and I think he should stop judging if he doesnt like what he is doing |
| Sep 3, 2007 | 5 | GY | Borzoi | Expert! |
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| Inconsistant judging when reviewing his past assignments, he seems to grandstand with shocking placements with no consequence to quality of animals in the ring.
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| Aug 26, 2007 | 3 | Sunclipse | Tibetan Terriers |
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| An honest judge, does read the ads, though. Will put up an honest dog, knows our standard. Do Not Scissor, will fault for this. More political in group & best, then breed level. Pleasure to show to. |
| Aug 23, 2007 | 2 | WOW Pomz & Pinz | various Toy Breeds | Expert! |
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| I have found him to be very inconsistant and he seems easily influenced by fellow Judges opinions. He is fine with the exhibitors and the dogs. I show to him only if he is in the middle of a circuit and I'm "there". |
| Jul 23, 2007 | 5 | anon | hnds + sprtg |
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| Sighthound specialist who knows a sound mover like few others do. A little stern but very professional. |
| Jun 17, 2007 | | mishamai | Jap Chins |
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| This judge was inconsistant in placing breed type. He appeared to be putting up handlers. |
| Mar 23, 2007 | 4 | Celebrate | Dachshund |
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| Very pleasant, gentle with the dogs. |
| Jan 19, 2007 | 2 | DM Greyhounds | Greyhounds | Expert! |
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| Seems to prefer a moderate, well balanced, muscular greyhound that is in good condition. Movement is important. He wants a dog to look like a dog and a bitch a bitch. In my experiences with him, he seems to have a specific type of greyhound in mind. One can ask him questions and he will answer. He is engaging. When I asked why he put up a dog that I bred over a specials bitch that I bred (yes, there were other entries), he gave me a very concise answer that made perfect sense. He wasn't rude or condenscending. Mr. Blake seems to know the standard. Looks at the dog, not the person. Professional in attitude.
Update - 4/2008....
Since writing the above, I have to modify my comments. Recently, Mr. Blake seems to be loosing his preference for good movement. His recent selections, for the most part, have been disappointing. |
