2025 Montgomery County Kennel Club: Best Bred-by-Exhibitor – Merle Taylor

2025 Montgomery County Kennel Club: Best Bred-by-Exhibitor Judge – Merle Taylor

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge Best Bred-By-Exhibitor at the 2025 Montgomery County Kennel Club All-Terrier Show?

Merle Taylor: Since I had no idea it was coming, I was pleasantly surprised when the invitation arrived. I certainly consider it an honor and am thankful that I was given the opportunity.

2. What does it mean to judge Best Bred-By-Exhibitor at one of the most important Conformation shows in the world?

Merle Taylor: Montgomery County is the place where terrier people take their best to compete with the best. I would hope that it means someone feels I have the ability to step in the ring, give every exhibitor a fair evaluation, and make a decision with integrity and confidence.

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Merle Taylor: It’s all about terriers. In my thinking, this is the only show where one can see tremendous quality in the classes, from puppies to adults, and phenomenal quality in Breed competition, giving everyone who’s interested an entire day of watching the best compete. It also gives prospective exhibitors, fanciers, and even judges an opportunity to meet breeders/exhibitors from all over the country (world) and learn from them.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor ring?

Merle Taylor: When a Group is being televised, one has to follow a certain pattern while judging the dogs and still keep it in the necessary timeframe. I was surprised I wasn’t more on edge when I entered the ring. Once I walked into the ring, it was like wearing your favorite pair of shoes; it was just comfortable.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel any excitement from the spectators?

Merle Taylor: For me, driving onto the showgrounds creates a bit of excitement, and it grows from there, whether you’re exhibiting, judging, or just spectating. I love the support that each breed got from its fellow exhibitors. And, when it came down to the final eight and four, it was explosive. How nice to see such positive support!

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Merle Taylor: It is challenging, you can only have four winners; when you have dogs of this quality, where almost every one of them could be normal Group winners, it is difficult. Decisions have to be made. First impressions are very important. Then, as you examine each dog, you begin the process of narrowing down the field. Moving the dogs individually helps you continue to narrow the field more. When the dogs return to you, standing on his/her own, again, the field narrows. It is not easy when you have the quality of animals that were shown in this Group.

7. Do you have a word or two about your Best BBE winner?

Merle Taylor: My winner represented the breed well. His head and expression are exceptional. His size and shape serve him well. He was in condition to be competitive. His legs went where they should, and he carried himself like a trouper.

8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders doing well by the sport and for their breeds?

Merle Taylor: I think breeders are doing well. The quality of the entrants at Montgomery is proof of that. I hope they’re concerned about the health of the dogs they breed. I hope that the breeders, handlers, exhibitors, and even kennel club members are working toward the welfare of the sport of dogs. It is a challenge. We just don’t have the numbers we used to have nor do we have many new breeders coming into the sport. The public’s views about purebred dogs have changed in the last decade. I feel, too often, that we dog people get so involved in our own individual successes that we forget about making sure there are dog shows to attend in the future.

9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to Montgomery’s Officers and Members? To the Breeders and Exhibitors?

Merle Taylor: I believe the people who make Montgomery happen have done an outstanding job, and every terrier fancier appreciates it. I’m sure that during and after the show, there were plenty of people already making plans for next year.

10. In your opinion, what does the future hold for the Terrier Breeds in America and around the world?

Merle Taylor: I hope the future is bright for terrier breeds and for dog shows in general. I hope the quality can remain high. I wish everyone the best.