Meet Lydia Coleman Hutchinson – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Breed Judge

Meet Lydia Coleman Hutchinson – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Breed Judge – Glen of Imaal Terriers, Welsh Terrier

1. What does it mean to be invited to judge at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show, an unrivaled celebration of purebred dogs in America?

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: It is a great honor to judge at M&E. This was my third time, including doing the Terrier Group in 2021.

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

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: This time I judged Glen of Imaal Terriers and Welsh Terriers. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality, especially of the Glens. The Best of Breed dog is soundly built and well-constructed. Unfortunately, several of the Welsh were absent, but some of them were of the correct type. The Best of Breed dog stood out for being sturdy, masculine, and carrying a wonderful coat.

3. Why do you think M&E has remained relevant to preservation breeders and dog show exhibitors in the 21st century?

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: M&E is the “go to” show because it represents, in many ways, the big shows of yesteryear by showcasing many traditions that have fallen by the wayside. It was a brilliant idea on Wayne Ferguson’s part to revive it. There is no other show like it!