BONTEMS, VALÉRIE

Professional Profile: Valérie Bontems

Valérie Bontems is a distinguished official judge recognized by the Société Centrale Canine pour l'Amélioration des Races de Chiens en France, the primary authority governing canine affairs within the French jurisdiction. As an expert in the field of cynology, Bontems maintains a rigorous commitment to the preservation and evaluation of canine morphology. Her professional standing is anchored in a deep understanding of the standards established by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, specifically focusing on the complex requirements of FCI Group 2.

Group 2 encompasses a diverse array of Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossoid breeds, and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. Evaluating these animals requires a profound grasp of functional anatomy, as many of these dogs were historically developed for guarding, protection, or draft work. Bontems approaches her role in competitions with an analytical mindset, ensuring that every specimen presented in the ring adheres to the structural integrity necessary for their original purpose. Her expertise is highly regarded within the international community, where she contributes to the ongoing refinement of judging practices.

Core Judging Criteria

• Movement and Gait Analysis: The judge evaluates the efficiency of the stride, looking for sound drive from the hindquarters and reach in the forequarters, ensuring the dog moves with purpose and minimal energy expenditure.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: A critical assessment of the skeletal framework, focusing on correct angulation, bone density, and the harmonious relationship between the length of the body and the height at the withers.
• Breed Type and Expression: The evaluation of head properties, including the skull-to-muzzle ratio, eye placement, and ear set, which collectively define the unique character of the specific ancestry being judged.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: The observation of the dog's confidence, stability, and willingness to be examined, which are essential traits for any animal representing the pinnacle of its lineage.

In her capacity as a judge, Valérie Bontems emphasizes the importance of structural soundness as the foundation for all other breed characteristics. Her methodology involves a meticulous physical examination followed by a comparative analysis of the dogs in motion. By maintaining these high standards, she ensures that the integrity of the breeds within Group 2 is upheld for future generations, fostering a culture of excellence and responsibility among breeders and handlers alike.