HENSEMA-VAN DER WEIJ, TINY

Professional Profile: Tiny Hensema-van der Weij

Tiny Hensema-van der Weij is a distinguished official FCI dog show judge based in The Netherlands. Her professional standing is anchored by her affiliation with the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland, the primary authority governing canine activities within the country. As a licensed judge, she operates within the rigorous framework of the Federation Cynologique Internationale, ensuring that every evaluation adheres to the highest standards of canine excellence and welfare.

Expertise and Judging Scope

Hensema-van der Weij is licensed to adjudicate across FCI Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, except Swiss Cattle Dogs) and FCI Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types). Her expertise requires a profound understanding of the diverse standards that define these distinct groups. Group 1 demands an acute eye for working ability, intelligence, and structural soundness, while Group 5 requires a deep appreciation for the primitive characteristics, coat textures, and unique silhouettes inherent to spitz-type dogs. Her role in competitions is to identify specimens that best exemplify the ideal characteristics of their respective classifications.

In the ring, her evaluation process is methodical and grounded in anatomical precision. She assesses the ancestry of each dog not merely through documentation, but by observing how historical traits manifest in the physical form of the animal. Her judgment is informed by a comprehensive knowledge of lineage, ensuring that the dogs placed at the top of the class represent the future of their respective types. As a member of the international community, she contributes to the global consistency of judging practices.

Core Judging Criteria

• Movement and Gait Analysis: Evaluation of the dog's efficiency, reach, and drive, ensuring the gait is sound and consistent with the functional requirements of the specific group.
• Anatomical Balance and Proportions: Assessment of the skeletal structure, including correct angulation, bone density, and the overall harmony of the dog's silhouette.
• Breed Type and Expression: Examination of head properties, including the skull-to-muzzle ratio, eye placement, and ear carriage, which are essential for identifying the true essence of the dog.
• Temperament and Ring Demeanor: Observation of the dog's confidence, stability, and willingness to engage, which are critical indicators of a sound canine character.

Through her commitment to these principles, Tiny Hensema-van der Weij continues to uphold the integrity of the sport, providing exhibitors with constructive feedback that promotes the health and longevity of the dogs presented under her watch.