Interview With Clay Coady – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Terrier Group Judge

Interview With Clay Coady – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Terrier Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Group at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show?

Clay Coady: I was thrilled, honored, and excited.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show to take place once every five years?

Clay Coady: It is a feather in my cap to be honored to judge the only all-breed show that takes place every five years.

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

Clay Coady: Other than being held every five years, this show attracts breeders and exhibitors from all over the United States and the world, for that matter. It should raise the bar for all clubs.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Clay Coady: To tell the truth, I felt a little intimidated until I walked into the ring and then I felt very comfortable and enjoyed judging the dogs.

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

Clay Coady: Every owner and handler showing their dog did an outstanding job, as well as the condition of their dogs. The enthusiasm from the spectators only added to the ambiance.

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

Clay Coady: I felt I had seven dogs in that Group that could either win or place.

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

Clay Coady: The Group winner as well as the dogs that placed represented their breed type very well, in excellent condition, and they worked very hard for their placements.

8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the M&E Show Chair, and the club’s Officers and Committee Members?

Clay Coady: For a show that’s only held every five years, it’s amazing how well organized and dedicated the club members are. What a great lunch they served and it seemed like the whole show went without any hiccups.

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Clay Coady: Any positive exposure that a dog show club can give to the general public only helps to further the dog show world.

10. Do you have any thoughts on the next iteration of Morris & Essex?

Clay Coady: It would be great if the Morris & Essex Kennel Club could continue forever with the same quality of members, class, organization, and their attention to detail.