It is the responsibility of UKC and AKC judges to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the standards for each breed that they are approved to judge. Judges must then evaluate exhibitors' dogs according to the degree to which each dog represents the Official Standard. The Official Standard for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, like all other standards, is written from a positive perspective. Pure-bred dog standards describe what is desirable and correct. Virtue, not fault, is emphasized.
Standards mention faults as well as disqualifications but the intent is to describe the ideal.
Thus, each breeder has a model or framework from which he or she may form a mental picture of the ideal dog. It is the task of the judge to grade the efforts of the breeders in attendance through a system of awards. This is a vital process for those involved in raising purebred dogs. Without standards, dog shows, and judges, the identity of all breeds would probably soon be lost. Since there are no perfect dogs in any breed, illustrated standards are usually presented graphically.