CALENDRIN, GÉRARD

Professional Profile: Gérard Calendrin

Gérard Calendrin is a distinguished official FCI judge representing France, operating under the regulatory framework of the Société Centrale Canine pour l'Amélioration des Races de Chiens en France. With a comprehensive license covering FCI Groups 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, and 10, he possesses a broad expertise that spans pastoral dogs, working breeds, spitz types, scent hounds, retrievers, and sighthounds. His tenure in the international community of cynology is marked by a rigorous adherence to the morphological requirements defined by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Judging Philosophy and Technical Evaluation

In the ring, Calendrin emphasizes the functional integrity of the canine form. His evaluation process is rooted in the belief that a dog must not only conform to the aesthetic standards of its specific group but must also demonstrate the physical capability for which the animal was historically developed. Whether evaluating a robust Molosser or a refined sighthound, he prioritizes the harmony between structure and function.

• Movement and Gait Analysis: Assessment of efficiency, reach, and drive, ensuring the gait is consistent with the breed's historical purpose and anatomical capacity.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: Critical examination of bone structure, angulation, and the overall silhouette to ensure the dog adheres to the ideal proportions defined in the official documentation.
• Breed Type and Expression: Evaluation of head properties, including the skull-to-muzzle ratio, eye placement, and ear set, which serve as the primary indicators of authentic type.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: Observation of confidence, stability, and the dog's ability to handle the sensory environment of high-level competitions without undue stress or aggression.

Calendrin’s approach to judging is deeply analytical, often scrutinizing the ancestry of the exhibits to understand the underlying traits that manifest in the current generation. He maintains that a judge must act as a guardian of the breed, ensuring that the selection process favors health and longevity alongside beauty. By carefully reviewing the lineage of the dogs presented before him, he ensures that the selection of winners contributes positively to the future of the breed. His commitment to the integrity of the sport remains a cornerstone of his professional practice, ensuring that every decision made in the ring is transparent, objective, and grounded in the established principles of canine science.