Bergit Coady-Kabel: To answer the question as to what it means to be asked for an assignment at Montgomery, all I can say, it’s the ultimate dream come true! “Montgomery County” is the Ultimate Show for Terrier breeds! “Montgomery County” is the world’s largest, most important Terrier show. Breeders and Owners and Handlers try to take the best they have available to it.
The prep time for new dogs is about three months prior, to start the stripping process! It is a little easier for the super specials that are campaigned all year long and are in coat. All in all, 3-4 months prior, everyone is busy grooming, conditioning, training, planning, etc. It’s an exciting time, and for the terrier world, it’s contagious, to say the least! Basically, the planning stages for the next year (as to which dog or dogs to take) already start as soon as Montgomery is over.
This show is always on your mind! After having been a professional handler for 50 years, the feeling for this “Weekend” is in you! Due to an illness, I had to stop; I could not do the physical labor anymore, but judging is a good outlet for my love of the dogs, the people, and the sport.
Bergit Coady-Kabel: Again, breeders, exhibitors, and handlers try to only take the best dogs for this weekend. Competition in all terrier breeds is at its highest! We have judges who want to get into the terrier breeds come and spend the weekend looking, listening, and learning. Foreigners come from all parts of the world to enjoy!
Bergit Coady-Kabel: Since I started to judge four years ago, I have judged in England, Germany, and Japan. I have found that there are very good dogs in all those countries; only the depth of breed specifics is not so common and also the entries are less. But I must say, the people are keen and clamor for every bit of knowledge you can part with! So, around the world, terriers should be all right, and in this country we just need to find energetic, young, interested, and passionate people to continue with this fabulous sport or hobby.
