Why Critiques Matter More Than Rosettes

The youngest LaRoyal pups had a show outing on Sunday, and it was a memorable one.
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Luther, just six months old, went home with Best Puppy in Show. A fantastic result, no doubt. But what stood out just as much as the win was the judge’s speed and attention to detail in publishing her show critiques. Within just a couple of days, thoughtful written assessments of each dog were online. They were balanced, observant, and full of useful insight. That kind of follow-up is still far too rare, particularly at smaller club-level events

For me, the critique carried as much weight as the rosette.

Because while the applause fades, a proper critique becomes something more lasting. It’s a tool for reflection, learning and ultimately, better breeding decisions.

Understanding What a Critique Really Is
For those less familiar with the show world, a critique is a written evaluation by the judge of the dogs they’ve placed. It serves as a short formal report that captures how the dog measured up against the breed standard on the day. A well-written critique provides a moment of clarity. It helps a breeder make more informed decisions about future pairings and gives potential puppy buyers a valuable snapshot of the quality and health behind their chosen pup.

Critiques matter not just for the trophy cabinet but for the long-term development of the breed.

Why a Rosette Isn’t the Whole Story
There’s no denying that a win feels good. But if the only goal is to collect rosettes, you’re missing the point. For future breeders and ultimately, the owners of the puppies they produce, critiques are one of the most valuable forms of education available outside the whelping box.

You might think your dog is typey, correct, or promising. But a judge with an experienced and impartial eye may spot something you’ve missed. Just as often, they might highlight a trait that’s easy to overlook—one that deserves to be preserved.

That’s where the real value of critique lies. It brings structure to progress and turns instinct into informed planning.

What a Good Critique Can Reveal

• Identify virtues you want to preserve or establish in your line, such as strong layback, open nostrils, or correct rib shape.
• Highlight faults to balance in future pairings. Examples include short necks, tight fronts, or light eyes. It’s important to remember that not all faults carry equal weight. Some are simply cosmetic, while others have long-term structural or health implications.
• Signal future potential in pups that are still immature but clearly well made

One of the LaRoyal pups was described as “still raw but all there.*” It was a perfect summary of a young dog who has yet to body up but already shows strong foundations. Another was praised for her head properties, with notes on areas likely to improve after motherhood. As you’d hope, those were traits I had already noted in her.

That kind of nuanced feedback goes far beyond a trophy or photo.

Judges Help Guide the Breed
A good judge does more than hand out ribbons. They shape the direction of the breed by pointing out what is working, what needs improvement, and what absolutely must be addressed. A thoughtful critique doesn’t just help the exhibitor, it helps the whole breed.

Their observations act as a quiet form of mentorship, even for breeders they’ve never met. When judges take the time to reflect honestly and clearly, they provide an invaluable reference point for those striving to breed with purpose.

If You’re Buying a Puppy, Ask Better Questions
Not every good breeder is in the ring every weekend. However, they should seek outside input and strive to learn. If you're speaking to a breeder about a puppy, ask them:

• How has the bitch been assessed?
• What are her strengths, and what needed balancing?
• Why was this particular stud chosen?
• What critiques or third-party input have they received?

If a breeder can’t answer those questions (or avoids them entirely), that’s a red flag.
The best breeders can explain both what they are proud of and what they are actively trying to improve. That’s how the breed moves forward.

Critiques are more than just comments on a page. They are evidence of a breeder’s willingness to learn, refine, and be held accountable. They shape the conversations we have about our dogs—and they should shape the decisions we make going forward.

If you're a future breeder, let critique be your compass. Show your dog. Ask for feedback. Take notes. And when you plan your next steps, ensure they are guided by knowledge, not assumptions.

And if you're a future owner, remember this: a good breeder will welcome scrutiny. They won’t just show you a pretty photo or say, “mum’s a great dog.” They’ll talk to you about structure, faults, development, and how their dogs compare to others in the breed. That’s the kind of breeder who’s in this for the right reasons and that’s the kind of dog you want.

In Bulldogs, the wins are lovely. However, it is the learning that truly lasts.

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Pearl

PHOEBE

​*And if you’re wondering, here’s what judge Leah Connelly had to say about the LaRoyal’s:
​Luther: DARING TO DREAM LAROYAL
6-month white boy that is well off for bone. Very raw at the moment but loads to like. Correct flat skull, complete pigment around lovely dark eyes, open nostrils, nice broad jaw with a good upsweep. Pleasing overall shape. His frame will fill with age. Correct rear. OK tail. Moved well around the ring. Well handled and in beautiful condition. Pleased to award him Best Puppy in Show.
King: LUTHERS LEGACY LAROYAL
6-month-old red and white litter brother to 1, but very different at the moment. Time is on his side. It’s all there. He is clean and healthy. Nice layback, lovely sloping shoulders into straight bone. Pear shape from above. Correct rear. Moved well.
Pearl: LUFORD BLOND BOMB LAROYAL
Red and white girl, bigger, with loads to like. Lovely broad head, flat skull and well-padded cheeks. Nice broad jaw. Her shoulders are tacked on and sloping. Enough brisket, which will come. Well-muscled rear. Moved well.
Phoebe: LAROYALS BLURRED LINES
2-year-old young lady who is well off for bone. She has a lovely broad chest from correct tacked-on shoulders. My notes said probably the best layback of the day. Classic head of good properties. Broad jaw with a lovely upsweep. Correct rear. Moved OK.