Insights from Ashleigh Rutzel – 2024 Montgomery County Kennel Club Junior Showmanship Judge

Interview with Ashleigh Rutzel – 2024 Montgomery County Kennel Club Junior Showmanship Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Junior Showmanship Finals at the Montgomery County Kennel Club’s All-Terrier Show?

Ashleigh Rutzel: I was so honored to be a part of the panel of one of my favorite shows in the entire world—something I’d dreamed about since my first “Monty.” A huge thank you to the club for having me.

2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any “day of” strategies?

Ashleigh Rutzel: I reviewed the list of breeds that would be shown to me, and refreshed myself with the correct presentation of each breed. The morning of, I did my best to eat a good breakfast and bask in my excitement!

3. Can you talk a bit about your typical process for judging Junior Showmanship?

Ashleigh Rutzel: Each breed has its own ideal for presentation, and I’m always looking for breed specifics in the Juniors ring. I want them to show me that they know how that breed should be presented. I want a connection between them and their dog, and I want to see them try. Anyone can show a robot, but it takes talent to handle a dog. I’m looking for someone that I would want to show my dogs.

4. Was there a heightened energy in your ring? Did you feel any energy from ringside?

Ashleigh Rutzel: There definitely was—and the applause for each and every Junior from outside the ring just seemed to magnify it!

5. Did the Juniors in your ring seem especially focused? Any nerves on display?

Ashleigh Rutzel: I could tell my Juniors were taking it very seriously, but they were all excited to be there. It’s a really special show, and they were all engaging despite some of their nerves.

6. How evident was breed-specific presentation among the finalists?

Ashleigh Rutzel: It was very strong. I was very proud to see the Juniors learning about the breeds they were showing.

7. With so much talent in your ring, how challenging was this assignment?

Ashleigh Rutzel: It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—and one of the most fun! I could’ve closed my eyes and pointed; there was so much talent that it was a very narrow margin.

8. Is there anything you’d like to say to this year’s Junior Handlers?

Ashleigh Rutzel: Thank you, everyone who showed to me. It was a pleasure to have you all in my ring! You were an incredible group to judge, and made my job very difficult—in the best way. I hope you all continue on, and with the terrier breeds.

9. Do you have any advice that you’d like to offer to your winning Junior?

Ashleigh Rutzel: Keep showing dogs, and never stop learning. Always ask questions, and don’t let anyone tell you a goal is out of reach.

10. Based on this assignment, would you say that the future of the Terrier breeds is in capable hands?

Ashleigh Rutzel: I’m very proud to say that the Terrier Group is in great hands with the future of the sport. There is an old-fashioned grace to showing terriers, and seeing that being preserved in the youth of our sport is so heartening.