Mr. Norman B. Kenney [1194] Crossroads, TX
User: Rex Gaylord [RGAYLORD]
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This judge has been rated by 86 members
 with an average rating of: 2.3 
including 7 Judge Experts
 with an average rating of: 2.6 
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  2 - Below Expectations
  1 - Not Acceptable
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regarding this Judge.
DateRtgDisplay NameBreed(s)
May 17, 20191anonymousterriers
Political, rude, and misogynistic. What's not to love? In Perry GA recently, he judged a full NOHS Terrier Group in 8 minutes.
Oct 2, 20185annontoys
he knows what he likes, but can be persuaded by the other end of the lead. Very gentle with puppies and green dogs just starting out. Will show to him again.
May 29, 20182Anonymous
Will not show to him again. He asked the steward if one of the women in the ring was a handler. He does not allow a complete go around but haves everyone cut through the middle of the ring for a half circle. He seemed to rush through and in a hurry. He put up a deserving class bitch for BOB over a special. I would say he chooses between best dog and best handler based on how he feels that day.
Apr 25, 20171AnonymouseHerding
No, just no! I don't know if he has no clue, or just enjoys putting up pet quality.
Nov 7, 20165Anonymous Great Dane
I have read all of the reviews and wasn't sure what to expect from Mr. Kenney. I thought he did a very nice job in our breed. He was very kind to all of the dogs and exhibitors. Gave clear instructions and ran a very efficient ring. I feel He judged dogs, even with handlers that I know are good friends with him in the ring. It didn't seem to matter if you were male or female, professional handler or owner handler. Everyone seemed to get a fair shake. he seemed to really appreciate a sound, square, well moving dog. I will always show to him given the chance.
Aug 14, 20163Tatianamin. schnauzers
After I read reviews below, I wasn't sure I'm ready to show my dogs under Mr. Kenney. I'm an owner-handler and had two totally green pups who weren't very cooperative on their first show weekend, plus got scared by other judge on Saturday. Sunday was my "should I show, or should I pull them out and give them a rest for good" kind of day. After talking with few friends we decided to give it a try. We warned Mr. Kenney about our issue, he told us it is not a problem, unless dogs are totally out of control. He was very gentle, talked to pups etc. Everything was flawless. In fact they gain that much confidence that one of two went reserve over much more experienced dogs... and we had majors in bitches this day, so it was steep competition. He was nice to all... at list on this show. Yes, we will show to him again.I was pleasantly surprised, no less.
May 24, 2016AnonChinese crested
Thought he did a good job in Cresteds. He was just there that's about all I can say for demenor.
May 2, 20161Landon RichardsBulldogs
Do not and i mean do not waist your money. Very sad to see a judge that is not only 100% incompetent to judge a breed but to take it a step farther and don't even care what he's doing. Watching other breeds outside the ring. Even waved at a passer bye. Has no idea what the standard is should not be allowed to judge.
Mar 24, 20161anonymousterriers
Oh God, at the Louisville shows he set a new low, even by Norm Kenney standards. Had his IPad open to the InfoDog results from the previous day. Put up a really bad class dog for BOB over 3 male specials, because of the female handler on the dog.
Feb 22, 20163anon toy
On my DNS list. Didn't look at dogs and put up the only handler. Seemed disinterested. If I take the time and effort to go to a show, at least give my dog (and the others ) a fair look.
Jan 28, 2016jbuggScottish Terrier /
fastest show I've ever been to didn't even look at dogs.said high to the handler before we went in ring and handler won. will not be showing to him again was more worried with getting done so he could eatwas busy talking to ring stewart about it didn't even go over the dogs
Sep 24, 20151REALLYTOY POODLES
I was so disappointed in this judge , I pulled my dog , she was finished. but I usually leave them to keep the points for others , He pick the right male, but in bitches, the bitches where the worst I have seen and the grooming look like a lawn mower groomed them , he should have with held the ribbons and told the woman that they dogs where not of good quality , that is the only way people are going to learn then are breeding or buying the wrong stock to carry on
Jul 26, 20155Junior MomJuniors/Herding
Our daughter showed at a large 5 day show in Kalamazoo Michigan this past May in both our breed ring and Junior showmanship. Having read the previous comments about Mr. Kenney we almost did not want to show to him but were pleasantly surprised to see that in the junior ring he was very attentive to each junior, smiling, encouraging, and fair. He looked like he enjoyed his assignment with the juniors, and after awarding the appropriate best junior which does not always happen, he then shook EVERY entries' hand with a smile on his face as they left the ring. (The winner was not our child by the way) For our weekend he was the best junior judge we had and we are happy we showed in his ring. A little later in the day I saw him sitting by himself and decided to thank him and he was very nice to speak to as well. Although we did not show in a breed class to him based on what we saw in juniors would love to show to him again sometime.
Apr 25, 2015Working
If there is a handler friend in the ring, he will put them up, and is very obvious about it....on my DNS list
Apr 3, 20151smilyjoetoys
do not know why clubs keep hiring a judge as clueless and bored as this one- will never show to him again
Apr 1, 20151Herding
Was unacceptable. Kennel club took photos and at least 4 of the herding group he had his head completely turned sideways looking outside of the ring when dogs were doing the down and back. So SAD!
Jan 4, 20153Kass Gouldingflat-coated retriever
Mr. Kenney judged a small entry (4-0-2-0) of varied quality. He was attentive and chatty with the exhibitors - exams were quick and not necessarily thorough, although he did seems to spend some time looking at heads (an important of my breed). In the end, he put up the right class dog (from 12-18), and specials could have gone either way (they swapped BB and SEL both days).
Jul 21, 20141smilyjoetoys
was rude that did not bother me-he was clueless about my breed a bitch with an incorrect head piece and then complemented the owner on the dogs lovely head
Jun 2, 20141Kim GremesStandard Schnauzer
Arrogent, rude judge, did not examine every dog, did not check bites, turned his back when going around and during the down and back. Appeared to be trying to break a new speed record for judging the class. Flirted with my friend commenting on her outfit and wished he could give her a ribbon for it. Very unprofessional! We all pay good money to enter these shows which in turn pays the judges, at least they could do is act like like they are interested in being there and give ALL dogs in the ring equal consideration. I will never enter under him again
May 19, 20141Patty HarbisonLakeland Terriers
Gave my girl a surprise Group 4 at a huge show with stiff competition. Six months later, same dog, superior condition, different pro handler, he dumps her at a little show with 35 terrier entries. (The dog had 5 Group Ones in the preceding 3 weekends.) I was not present at either show, I'm just reporting what happened. Puzzling that he couldn't find the dog he had liked so much a few months back.
Apr 15, 20141workingworking
First time I've shown to him & probably be last- when my male with a Bronze championship went around the ring, he was looking elsewhere but when the PH went around the ring, he was looking. It's interesting how the judges make their minds up before you even show your dog.
Mar 6, 20144DGPAWFox Terriers
Feb 28 - Mr Kenney was the judge for the Fox Terrier Club of St. Louis specialty show. He was pleasant to every exhibitor, he was gentle with my puppy (who was very bad on the table), he never lost his patience. His judging was honest, and true. He looked at the dogs showing, not faces. This is the second time I have shown under him. Both times were a pleasant experience. Will show under again.
Mar 5, 20144DgpawSmooth fox terrier
Judge was pleasant, handled the dogs (especially puppies) with a gentle hand. It was nice to see him judging the dog and not the faces!
Aug 24, 20131redstaffStaffie Bull
Totally unacceptable behavior from a judge. He was 12 minutes late to his ring, made no apologies but instead rushed thru his assignment. He was rude, impatient, rolled his eyes, hands on hips sighing a lot, never once smiled unless it was to a friend, gave NO instructions for pattern and when halfway back to him motioned to go around but never watched dogs. He chatted it up with handlers and friends, even patting their dogs in the ring and ignored all owner handlers. He fussed at several people in the ring and when a baby puppy was having issues standing for exam, instead of being patient, gentle or understanding he stood up, rolled his eyes and walked away. I have shown to him 2-3 times now and that is it. Never again. He had a large entry and only managed to find 5 pro handled dogs for the ribbons. He clearly was not judging dogs today. When a friend complained to the rep about his attitude and behavior she was simply told - oh thats just how he is. ***UPDATE*** Many years later and I have avoided showing to Norm but I still watch and he is even worse than before. Why is this man still being hired? I see he has our breed at RC in Orlando. Whew I can save my money. Everyone should! Maybe that would get his attention...sadly I know handlers will be taking their mediocre dogs to him and get rewarded.
May 6, 20131AnonymousMultiple
Enjoys putting up his friends and friends of his Handler. Don't waste your money.
Apr 25, 20132AnonymousTerriersExpert!
Seems very disinterested, hadn't shown to him in quite a while, and won't be showing to him again!
Feb 25, 20135Janene BoriniGreat Dane
I found this judge to be fair and very polite. Complemented my bitch on being very correct and having lots of breed type. He smiled and was generally very nice to show to. My bitch went BOB this day. I have shown to him in the past and have always enjoyed showing to him with puppies or adults. Will show to him again.
Sep 3, 20122anonymousterriers
I agree that he was polite and complimentary. However I think his ability to judge to the standard is questionable. He picked handlers across the board with dogs whose bad movement was obvious from ringside.
Sep 2, 20122AnonymousTerriers
Showed to him twice. First and last time. Was at several days of shows. After a variety of choices for winners & breed over the past 3 days mixed with Breeder Owner Handlers,he only chose Handlers. It seemed to matter who was on the end of the lead no matter what. If you are a handler, show to him, but expect nothing if you are not.
Apr 3, 20121Dane FancierDanes
Sat and watched him judge several breeds before ours, and he paid paticular attention to one pretty lady also at ring side, and between breeds kept coming to talk(flirt) with her. When in the ring with him he was arrogant and curt, wanted the dogs to be experts and not everyone is an expert! Polite and hugging handlers and rude and curt to nobodies! He even yelled at a young girl for not following directions exactally. Poor example of a judge!
Feb 18, 20121splashsporting
hadn't seen him in a while. Saw him today. He's worse than I remember. I had to come on here and rate. Already had him as a 1.
Sep 7, 20111AnonToys
Very Rude!!! Seems his mind is made up as you enter the ring. With judging like this no wonder why entries are down...He also would like to set the speed record for judging the fastest! UGH...just a waste of money.
Apr 18, 20114Great Dane
Gave our puppy breed!! butt was very rude and acted like it was a bother that we wanted a picture
Jan 20, 20112TomItalian Greyhound
Not obvious exactly what Norman was looking for in the breed today. He seems efficient with his time and gives the dogs a decent look but yet seems to know what he's going to place as the entries enter the ring. His WD, WB & BOB were with handlers. I don't think he'll receive another entry from me in the future.
Dec 21, 20101anonymous
Set some kind of new speed record for judging the terrier group in Belleville, IL. Didn't even pretend to look at all the dogs on the group level, didn't make a cut. His choices were fine, but his mind was so obviously made up before anyone entered the ring. A slap in the face to every dog he didn't place.
Dec 3, 20105anonymousfrench bulldogs
Very thorough and nice to show to. Only looked at dogs and did not care who was on the other end of the leash. Couldn't agree more with his choices. Seemed very gentle with puppies. Would definitely show to again.
May 12, 20101anonBelgian Tervs
Rude, gave comments about how bad my dog was (my dog has been awarded points already). He was interested in the stewards not the dogs.
May 11, 20102anoncollies
Very pleasant to show to. Made up his mind when you walked in the ring. Didn't care who was on the end of the lead. Like sound moving dogs.
Apr 13, 2010TriacresAustralian Shepherd
Just showed to him this past weekend. I can't agree that he was rude in any way as I found him pleasant to show to. One thing I did find strange is that he only "examined" the dogs he liked, the rest he just put through the paces of sending them down and back and around.
Apr 19, 20092Woodwynd DalmatiansDals
Couldn't care less about being there. Griped to the steward all day about having to judge and then basically "went through the motions." I won under him, but wouldn't be in any big hurry to show to him again.
Jan 22, 20094anonymousTerrier
"Distant" personality, made good choices.
Aug 4, 2008sandy isleshelties
Seemed disinterested with only cursory attention paid to exhibits. Left the ring to talk on his cell phone after BOB class was called to the ring and left the class to stand a good 5 minutes. Did not reward type or movement
Jul 27, 2008DestinymeScottie
Extremely rude! Yelled at our group before we even got our dogs in the ring! When I did my down & back he had his back turned to me, chatting with the steward!! He's a DNS!
Jun 7, 20081anonymous
ARROGANT; DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO JUDGE; SEEMS LIKE HE'D RATHER BE ANYWHERE ELSE. WHY IS HE JUDGING?????
Feb 3, 20081anonymousterriersExpert!
Rude, Crude, arrogant, but has enough $ that is an AKC favorite
Sep 7, 20074anonymousWorkingExpert!
Pleasant and professional enough to show to, but he knows everyone of any note in most breeds by first name, so be careful-it may not be your turn today.
Jul 31, 20071Cameron BeardiesBearded ColliesExpert!
Consistantly watched outside the ring while supposed to be judging on the down and backs.
Jun 6, 20071BVRParson Russell Terri
Arrogant judge who is on a power trip with exhibitors. Yelled at spectators at one show. Failed to properly judge Reserve WD and WB -- gave them to dogs in the ring without bringing in 2nd place dog and bitch to WD and WB. Just wanted to get it over with. Must not like the breed.
Jun 4, 20071Working
Rude!!!!! Won't even give you the courtesy of pretending to judge your dog. Excellent example of why entries have dropped so much, yet he keeps getting assignments. Guess somebody has to win.
May 21, 2007AnonymousCollie
Not only did I exhibit to him in the group, but watched him judging several breeds. He doesn't really care what he is doing or what he puts up.
Mar 6, 20071FirecreekSmooth Fox Terrier
Rude, why pay money for that?
Mar 2, 2007Ardenvale BoxersBoxers
Seems willing to consider natural ears. Put up a very nice natural eared male for Reserve.
Jan 8, 20071casablancakuvaszkuvasz
Withheld ribbons on my year old Bred-by saying he didn't have one breed trait. I politely asked for specifics and he continued to be rude saying "Madam, I don't have time to go thru your standard with you". This youngster is halfway finished.
regarding this Judge.

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