SEGERSTEN, SUSANNE

Professional Profile: Susanne Segersten

Susanne Segersten is a distinguished official judge recognized by the Svenska Kennelklubben, representing the high standards of Swedish cynology within the international community. Her expertise is formally concentrated on the evaluation of dogs within FCI Group 4 (Dachshunds) and FCI Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types). As a licensed official, she operates under the rigorous mandates established by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, ensuring that every specimen presented in the ring adheres strictly to the established standards of their respective classification.

In her capacity as a judge for various championships, Segersten emphasizes the preservation of functional morphology. Her evaluation process is rooted in a deep understanding of canine biomechanics and the historical purpose of the breeds under her purview. Whether assessing the elongated structure of a Dachshund or the robust, alert nature of a Nordic Spitz, she prioritizes the integrity of the animal's ancestry and its physical ability to perform the tasks for which it was originally developed. Her approach to judging is characterized by a meticulous examination of structural soundness, ensuring that the bloodlines presented demonstrate both health and breed-specific excellence.

Core Judging Criteria

• Movement and Gait Analysis: Evaluation of the dog's efficiency, reach, and drive, ensuring the gait is fluid and consistent with the breed's functional requirements.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: Assessment of skeletal structure, including correct angulation, bone density, and the overall harmony of the dog's silhouette.
• Breed Type and Expression: Critical review of head properties, including skull-to-muzzle ratios, eye placement, and ear carriage, which define the unique character of the breed.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: Observation of the dog's confidence, stability, and willingness to engage, reflecting the mental soundness required for a balanced canine.

Susanne Segersten’s commitment to the sport is evidenced by her consistent application of these criteria. By maintaining a focus on the intersection of aesthetic beauty and structural utility, she contributes significantly to the ongoing development and protection of the breeds she is licensed to judge. Her professional conduct serves as a benchmark for exhibitors and breeders alike, reinforcing the importance of objective, knowledge-based assessment in the modern show ring.