Interview with Lydia Coleman Hutchinson – Montgomery County Kennel Club 2022 Breed Judge

Interview with Montgomery County Kennel Club Breed Judge (Kerry Blue Terrier), Lydia Coleman Hutchinson

What does it mean to be invited to judge at the Montgomery County Kennel Club dog show, the most prestigious Terrier event in the world?

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: For many years I have had the privilege of judging numerous Terrier breed clubs’ National Specialties at Montgomery County. I’m quite sure most, if not all, judges prize these invitations because they reflect the choice made by members of the individual clubs.

Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share about your Breed assignment(s) this year? Please be specific.

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: This year, 2022, was the second time I’ve judged Kerry Blues at M.C. and I was very pleased with the overall quality of the large entry. It seemed to me that the breed as a whole is in good shape. Movement, due to overall improved structure since the previous specialty assignment, was quite pleasing. I was also glad to see much of the entry exhibited correct size and lovely coats.

What can today’s breeders and exhibitors in the other Groups learn from their Terrier counterparts? What can be learned from a show like Montgomery?

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: This third question posed reflects the importance of breeders and exhibitors of non-Terrier breeds to respect the hard work put in by Terrier folks to present their dogs in tip-top condition. It has always been a goal of successful breeders, exhibitors, and judges to attend Montgomery County to increase their knowledge of our special group of dogs.

It has always been a goal of successful breeders, exhibitors, and judges to attend Montgomery County to increase their knowledge of our special group of dogs.