"The matrix" of breed characteristics.

The author proposes a matrix or template for the essential characteristics of sighthounds that can be used for judging the dog breeds. She shares her experience in memorizing all the specific characteristics of each standard when she first learned to judge dogs other than those of her own breed which is a Whippet. According to the author she studies the characteristics of each breed by using several strategies including watching how various experts selected the dogs in large entries.