370 



JUDGING SHEEP 



Examination of Form. The examination of a sheep when 

 properly made requires a different method of procedure than 

 when judging other animals. The usual method of examina- 

 tion may be employed if the wool is removed. However, 

 most sheep are judged when the wool is intact. This con- 

 dition requires a careful sense of touch and vivid imagina- 

 tion in order to picture the general form and character of the 

 underlying structure. A sheep with a full coat of wool 



FIG. 151. Determining the development of the neck and over the shoulders. 



should always be examined cautiously, as the art of trimming 

 is so perfected that an experienced shepherd can block out 

 most any form desired. This is a common practice in the 

 show ring and experienced judges are always on the alert 

 for such a condition. While an animal need not be examined 

 with the hands to determine beauty and general appearance, 

 it is very essential to do so to determine the merits and 

 imperfections of the underlying structural form. Each 

 movement made by the person examining a sheep should 

 reveal the true condition of form of the part under examina- 



