Interview with Karen Wilson | 2024 MCKC Breed Judge

Interview with Karen Wilson | 2024 MCKC Breed Judge

1. What does it mean to be invited to judge at one of the most important dog shows in the world—Montgomery?

Karen Wilson: What a beautiful day for a dog show! Montgomery County Kennel Club 2024 was sunny and bright, and had plenty of tenting to shade the dogs. We have been attending Montgomery since 1969 (with only missing two years due to family commitments). During those years we have experienced rain, snow, wind, bitter cold, and some very hot days. This year was one of the best weather-wise—it was glorious!

2. Can you share your thoughts on your Breed assignment? Please be specific.

Karen Wilson: It was a great honor to be invited to judge the Cairn Terrier Club of America National again. The entry was up from the past few years, with 122 entered with only a few absentees. The Best of Breed dog, CH Hjohoo’s Yes Hjo Can, is a dog that I judged in Palm Springs, California, a couple of years ago. I awarded him the Breed from the classes and he placed 4th in my Terrier Group. He is a Cairn with great attitude, harsh coat, good balance, level topline going into proper tail set, good movement, and a lovely dog all around. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch were both from the 15 to 18 Months classes. Selects were both wonderful examples of good breed type. There were 21 Dogs and 17 Bitches entered in the Specials class, and selecting only seven (7) Awards of Merit was very difficult because of the depth quality of the Cairns entered. I hope the owners of these lovely dogs will enter them in local shows so that new judges can learn what Cairns are supposed to look like. Many Cairns that did not place in the “cut” or ribbons are very good examples of the breed.

3. In your opinion, what does the future hold for the Terrier Breeds in America and around the world?

Karen Wilson: I am concerned about the number of Terriers that are now on the Low Entry Breeds List. There are 32 Terrier breeds, and 17 are now on the list. This is so sad to many of us who have been around for years. I do not have a solution to this problem. Many talk about the lack of young exhibitors who are coming up in the ranks. Perhaps it is because of a lack of funds to exhibit, lack of mentors, too many other commitments, etc. I hope we can find a solution, as breeding and showing dogs is a great life experience.