BRIGEL, ALAIN

Professional Profile: Alain Brigel

Alain Brigel is a distinguished figure within the French cynological landscape, serving as an official FCI judge under the auspices of the Société Centrale Canine pour l'Amélioration des Races de Chiens en France. His expertise is primarily concentrated on the evaluation of sighthounds, as he holds a comprehensive license for FCI Group 10. His career is defined by a rigorous adherence to the morphological requirements established by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, ensuring that every breed presented under his adjudication is assessed against the highest standards of functional and aesthetic excellence.

As a judge, Brigel operates within an expansive international community, where he is tasked with maintaining the integrity of canine morphology across various borders. His role in competitions requires not only an encyclopedic knowledge of anatomical standards but also the ability to discern subtle deviations in structure that may impact a dog's long-term health and utility. He approaches the ring with a focus on the preservation of historical lineage, ensuring that the unique characteristics of sighthounds—such as their specialized skeletal structure and aerodynamic efficiency—are prioritized during the selection process.

When evaluating specimens, Brigel emphasizes the importance of the ancestry and the functional history of the dogs before him. His judging methodology is structured around four core pillars of evaluation:

• Movement and Gait Analysis: Assessing the efficiency of the stride, the reach and drive of the limbs, and the overall soundness of the dog in motion, which is critical for the endurance-based nature of sighthounds.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: Evaluating the skeletal framework, including the correct angulation of the shoulders and stifles, and the overall harmony of the dog's silhouette.
• Breed Type and Expression: Scrutinizing the specific head properties, including the skull-to-muzzle ratio, eye placement, and ear carriage, which define the quintessential character of the individual entry.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: Observing the dog's confidence, stability, and willingness to perform, ensuring that the animal exhibits the poise expected of a high-level show participant.

Through his commitment to these principles, Alain Brigel continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of cynology in France and abroad. His work ensures that the next generation of dogs remains true to their historical purpose while meeting the modern demands of the show ring.