The process for becoming a judge begins by attending an Earthdog seminar taught by an AKC field representative. At the seminar, a Judges Application form will be handed out. It is the responsibility of the applicant to fill out the form as eligibility requirements are completed. Once all requirements have been met, the application form and a signed Judge’s Affirmation form should be mailed to the Performance Events Department, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617. Upon verification of the information provided, the person will receive a judge’s number, their name will appear in the Judges Online Directory on the AKC web site, and they will be approved to judge a licensed Earthdog event at the Novice Earthdog (NE) level. Additional apprenticeships at higher levels are required to judge at the Junior Earthdog, Senior Earthdog and Master Earthdog level , but this is done after the initial application has been submitted. For information about upcoming Earthdog seminars or the judging approval process please send your email to: performancejudges@akc.org or call 919-816-3904.
Current Requirements (10/21)
Judging eligibility requirements differ by test level.
Prior to Judging Introduction to Quarry (IQ)
| Minimum Age: | 21 |
Prior to Judging Novice Earthdog (NE)
*Note – any judge approved for Junior Earthdog class prior to 2/1/2022 is automatically approved for Novice.
| Seminar: | Yes – one |
| Written Test: | Yes – score 80%+ |
| Previous Judging Experience: | Judge IQ Test at a sanctioned Earthdog event. |
| Apprenticeship: | At least twice at the NE level under two different judges. |
| Sport Experience: | “Demonstrate participatory experience in the Earthdog program.” |
Prior to Judging Junior Earthdog (JE)
| Previous Judging Experience: | Judge at least once at the NE level. |
| Apprenticeship: | At least twice at the JE level under two different judges. |
Prior to Judging Senior Earthdog (SE)
| Previous Judging Experience: | Judged at least once at the JE level. |
| Apprenticeship: | At least twice at the SE level under two different judges. |
Prior to Judging Master Earthdog (ME)
| Previous Judging Experience: | Judged at least once at the SE level. |
| Apprenticeship: | At least twice at the ME level under two different judges. |
To Maintain Ability to Judge
| Seminars: | No on-going requirements. |
| Written Test: | No on-going requirements. |
| Frequency of Judging: | No on-going requirements. |