Insights From Steve Hayden: 2026 MCKC Breed Judge

What is the best part about judging at Montgomery? How many times have you judged this show? How many years have you been attending as an exhibitor? As a spectator?

Steve Hayden: This was my second time to judge at Montgomery. The first was the American Miniature Schnauzer Club (my original breed). We won Breed in 1987. My second assignment was this year judging the Irish Terrier Club of America National Specialty. Over the years, we have exhibited several times and also been a spectator.

How does this year’s entry compare with previous Breed assignments? Can you provide specific examples to support your thoughts on the breed(s) you judged this year?

Steve Hayden: Judging the Irish Terrier this year was exciting. As a low-entry breed, one rarely sees them during the year at the shows. If you do, it might be one class dog or one special. This past year, I only saw three the entire year before Montgomery. So here at Montgomery, one could see many of the Champions of Record for the breed and really get a chance to examine the best of the best in competition. Exciting. The breeders brought out their best for the show.

If you could encourage breeders, exhibitors, and judges in other Groups to visit Montgomery, how would you entice them to join everyone at “The Greatest Terrier Show on Earth?”

Steve Hayden: If you are a dog show novice exhibitor who likes terriers, this would be the place to see the best examples of the breed you like and want for yourself. You also have an awesome opportunity to speak with the breeders and the handlers to get answers to those questions or concerns that one might have. The same goes to aspiring terrier judges. I can’t think of a better place to sit and watch the best compete, and have a ringside mentoring session with an expert in a specific breed. And for the old-timers like myself, it gives you a chance to revisit the breeds, especially the low-entry breeds, to reset your mind to the Breed Standard and set breed type in your mind for those breeds we rarely see at an all-breed show. I cannot think of a better place to be.