COMBRE, ARMELLE

Professional Profile: Armelle Combre

Armelle Combre 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 her home nation. As a licensed official within the international community of cynology, she adheres to the rigorous standards set forth by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Her expertise is specifically concentrated on the evaluation of Group 6, which encompasses scent hounds and related breeds. This group requires a judge to possess an acute understanding of functional anatomy, as these dogs were historically developed for endurance, tracking, and stamina in diverse terrains.

Judging Philosophy and Technical Mastery

In the context of championships, Armelle Combre emphasizes the preservation of the original purpose for which each hound was bred. Her evaluation process is rooted in the objective assessment of structural integrity. When examining a breed, she prioritizes the harmony between form and function, ensuring that the animal exhibits the physical capabilities necessary for its historical role. Her approach to judging is methodical, focusing on the subtle nuances of movement and the structural soundness that defines a superior specimen.

Core Evaluation Criteria

• Movement and Gait Analysis: Evaluation of the efficiency of the stride, the reach and drive of the limbs, and the overall soundness of the gait as it relates to the dog's ability to cover ground with minimal effort.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: Assessment of the skeletal framework, including the correct angulation of the shoulders and stifles, which are critical for the endurance required in scent hounds.
• Breed Type and Expression: Analysis of the head properties, including the skull-to-muzzle ratio, eye placement, and ear set, which collectively define the unique character of the hound.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: Observation of the dog's confidence, stability, and willingness to perform, ensuring that the animal displays the steady nerves expected of a working hound.

Academic and Professional Standards

Beyond the physical examination, Combre evaluates the lineage of the dogs presented to her, looking for consistency in type that reflects the breeder's dedication to the standard. She maintains that a judge must act as a guardian of the breed's future, ensuring that the ancestry of the dogs remains aligned with the health and temperament requirements established by the FCI. Her professional conduct in the ring is characterized by impartiality, deep technical knowledge, and a profound respect for the history of the hounds she evaluates.