Interview With Mark Francis Jaeger: 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?

Mark Francis Jaeger: This was my first time judging at Montgomery, since Miniature Schnauzers are the only terrier breed I’m approved to judge. I mostly judge Toys, with one breed each in the Sporting, Working, and Non-Sporting Groups. While my foundation bitch took a class Third at the AMSC National in 1979, I have only been back a handful of times since, all when the show was in Ambler.

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?

Mark Francis Jaeger: This is by far the largest Schnauzer entry I have judged in my 25-plus years. I have had double-digit entries at the Michigan and Milshore Specialties, but 88 Schnauzers was a whole new level. I was suitably impressed by the overall quality of the dogs and bitches the exhibitors brought to the show. I can honestly say, I was happy to tell the exhibitors in each class I’d happily take any of their dogs home. To even make cuts in the Specials class, I had to split hairs. When they don’t have to compete with one another, any of them should be strong contenders for Group placements. As I judged each Schnauzer, I repeatedly saw a well-proportioned head, good arch to the neck, a solid body with good rib spring, harsh coat texture, a strong topline, and a smooth side gait with appropriate reach and drive. Especially after I made my cuts, the remaining Schnauzers challenged me to select the few lucky ones who would receive awards. As difficult as making the selections was, I was happy with my final choices being the best on that day.

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?”

Mark Francis Jaeger: While I didn’t have much time to take in the big tent areas (Ring 17 sits alone to the left of the main show site entrance), I had a great front-row seat for the Groups. In my 25 years photographing dog shows for Booth Photography, I have seen many strong Terrier Groups, so I appreciated the amazing lineup the Group judges had to choose from. The overall atmosphere felt like a Renaissance Faire, with large tents, crowds of exhibitors and spectators, including those from overseas (there was a nice welcome pavilion for them), and rows of vendors. With the chance to see even uncommon breeds like the Dandie Dinmont, Montgomery is a festival worth visiting.