2026 MONTGOMERY COUNTY KENNEL CLUB: BREED JUDGES
DR. FRANCISCO MARTINEZ COLOMA
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?
As a Scottish Terrier breeder and Terrier Judge, Montgomery is the best show in the world to show and judge terriers. This year, 2026, was my first time judging a very nice entry of 87 Scotties of top quality. Twenty-three years ago, our famous dog Picasso won AOM in a very big entry. I have only attended Montgomery as a judge this year, but my wife and I have always had Montgomery in our minds.
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?
This year was a fantastic entry in comparation to last year, but as everyone knows, the situation of the dog world is a little complicated around the world. Scotties in the US are now having a very nice moment. As a European judge, I would like to say that my winners can win around the world for their top quality.
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?”
This year was my first time visiting Montgomery and judging, of course, but we would like to come more often because it is a perfect show, very well organized, with such a sporting atmosphere, and when you can see the best terriers in the world, you certainly won’t leave disappointed.
MARK DARWISH
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?
As a relatively new judge, I feel extremely fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to judge the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America (SBTCA) Area 1 Specialty at the prestigious Montgomery County Kennel Club (MCKC) Terrier Show. My wife and I have been exhibiting at this show for more than a dozen years, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers have always been our terriers of choice. To now have had the privilege of stepping into the ring as a judge at an event that has been such an important part of our journey is truly special.
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?”
MCKC is a must-attend event for every terrier breeder, exhibitor, and enthusiast. With many terrier breeds often having limited entries at other shows, MCKC offers a unique opportunity to see every terrier breed represented, along with some of the finest dogs in the country. It is also an opportunity to compete for a coveted Best of Breed at one of the most prestigious terrier shows in the world, followed by the excitement of Group competition and the ultimate goal of Best in Show. For anyone who loves terriers, MCKC is an experience like no other. It celebrates the quality, diversity, and competitive spirit of this incredible Group. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and honored to be part of such a special event.
LINDA FIRTH
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?
Judging at Montgomery is always considered by the British to be an honor and a very prestigious appointment, and I agree. I have never judged at this show previously, although my first visit was back in 1984 and again I attended in 2018.
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?
Being from the UK, I have only judged four times previously in the US; all have been club Specialty Shows. I believe this was the biggest entry (87 Cairns) I have judged in the US. I have completed 18 Championship Show appointments in the UK. I first judged in the US in 1989 and I believe that the breed has greatly improved since then. In my opinion, Cairns in the US are now better balanced and this is probably due to the imports from Scandinavia over the last few years. The judging procedure has also changed for the better since 1984, although it is still quite different from the UK.
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?”
They will see some of the best terrier exhibits at this show because exhibitors travel far and wide to show here. It is an experience of a lifetime.
KAREN FITZPATRICK
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?
This was my very first time having the incredible honor of judging at Montgomery County Kennel Club, and what an experience it was! I have been attending Montgomery as an exhibitor for over 25 years, with the thrill of winning Best of Breed several times over those years. Montgomery has always held a very special place in my heart, but being on the other side of the lead was something entirely different. For the first time, I attended all four days with the opportunity to simply spectate, observe, and soak it all in. It was wonderful! To be able to watch so many beautiful terriers, visit with friends, and truly appreciate the quality of dogs presented throughout the weekend was an experience I will never forget. There is simply nothing quite like Montgomery, and having the privilege of judging my heart breed there made it even more special.
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?
I have had the pleasure of judging terriers at many different venues, but never have I had the privilege of judging such a wonderful number of Border Terriers in one place. For someone who has dedicated so much of her life to this breed, it was truly a remarkable experience.
I had a lovely lineup of specials, and as I went over each dog, I was looking for something very specific. I wanted to find the dog I would want to breed to, or the one I would love to take home myself. That has always been my philosophy, whether I am breeding, exhibiting, or judging. And I found him! He possessed the breed type, movement, and structure that I personally value so highly. He was the kind of Border Terrier that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this breed so many years ago. When you have spent a lifetime studying, breeding, and loving a breed, there is something incredibly rewarding about putting your hands on a dog that embodies what you believe a Border Terrier should be. That, to me, is what judging is all about.
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?”
How do you possibly put Montgomery into words? I don’t think you can truly appreciate the sheer number and quality of terriers gathered in one place until you experience it for yourself. Whether you are a breeder, exhibitor, aspiring judge, or simply someone who loves terriers, Montgomery is an experience you absolutely cannot miss. There is no better place to study breeds, appreciate the differences among them, learn from longtime breeders, and see some of the finest terriers in the world. But Montgomery is so much more than a dog show. It gets into your heart, under your skin, and into your blood. I always say that by the middle of September, I can literally smell Montgomery coming! I don’t know if it’s the change in the weather, the crispness in the air, or just the anticipation of another wonderful weekend, but something happens every year. I can feel it coming, and I simply cannot wait to get there. It’s uncanny, really, how a dog show can become such a part of who you are. Montgomery isn’t just a show you attend. It’s a show you feel. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. There is a reason they call it “The Greatest Terrier Show on Earth!”
I always say that by the middle of September, I can literally smell Montgomery coming! I don’t know if it’s the change in the weather, the crispness in the air, or just the anticipation of another wonderful weekend, but something happens every year. I can feel it coming, and I simply cannot wait to get there.”
STEVE HAYDEN
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?
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?
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?”
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.
MARK FRANCIS JAEGER
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?
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?
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?”
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.
KENNETH KAUFFMAN
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?
The best part about judging at Montgomery is the opportunity to get your hands on the very best of the particular breed(s) you are judging. I first attended Montgomery in 1975 after acquiring my first “show” dog the previous year. My first Montgomery as an exhibitor was 1977. I have only judged at Montgomery two times.
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?
It is hard to compare the two. Most of my assignments this year have been at all-breed shows. Montgomery is unique, having the majority of breeds holding their National Specialties; I was honored to judge the Sealyham National this year. At an all-breed show, you would be lucky to have a half-dozen Sealyhams entered. At Montgomery, there were over two dozen of the very best examples of the breed. The same held true for many others.
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?”
With many multiple-Group Judges looking to add terriers to their resumes, I would encourage all of them to attend at least one Montgomery before sending in that application. There is no other show in the country where they will get the experience and the chance to talk with many experts in so many breeds.
MOLLI NYMAN
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?
For a lifelong terrier enthusiast, Montgomery is simply the ultimate show, and being invited to judge the American Fox Terrier Club National Specialty there was truly a dream come true and one of the greatest honors of my life in dogs. I come from Finland and have been breeding Smooth Fox Terriers under my Texforrier prefix for 34 years. Although I am not an officially licensed judge, I have had the pleasure of judging unofficial Breed Specialties in several countries over the years. However, nothing quite compares to being invited to judge your own beloved breed at Montgomery! My first visit to Montgomery was in 2000, and I have returned more than ten times since, mostly as a spectator but also a few times as an exhibitor. This was my very first judging assignment at Montgomery, and I could not have wished for a more special occasion. What made the experience so extraordinary was the opportunity to go over so many beautiful Smooth Fox Terriers, presented by people who share the same lifelong passion for the breed. After more than three decades as a breeder, having my experience and dedication recognized with such an invitation meant more to me than words can express. It is a memory I will treasure forever.
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?
I was absolutely delighted with the entry of 63 Smooth Fox Terriers, which I understand was the largest entry for the breed at Montgomery in the past ten years. When I first visited the show in 2000, there were close to 200 Smooths entered! Although the numbers have declined considerably since those days, the quality of the dogs competing at Montgomery remains truly outstanding. The Best of Breed competition was particularly impressive. There were so many excellent dogs to choose from, and I was extremely pleased with my final lineup. My Best of Breed winner, GCHS Aimhi Side Bet, was a fantastic representative of the breed, combining beautiful breed type, balance, quality, and that unmistakable Smooth Fox Terrier character. My Best of Opposite Sex was his young paternal half-sister, a beautiful bitch of very similar type and quality. Interestingly, my Winners Dog was also sired by the same dog. It was wonderful to see such consistency in type and quality across different generations. There were also some lovely dogs in the regular classes, which gives me great confidence in the future of the breed. One particularly special moment was being able to award an Award of Merit to a 10-1/2-year-old male who was still in absolutely wonderful condition. He was a beautiful example of the breed and a reminder of how well a correctly built, sound terrier can age. Having followed Smooth Fox Terriers internationally for decades, I genuinely believe that the quality of the breed in the United States is among the very best in the world. The depth of quality, particularly in the Best of Breed competition, was a real pleasure to experience from the judge’s perspective.
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to every exhibitor who entered their dogs and made this such a memorable occasion. My sincere thanks also go to my wonderful ring stewards, Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine and Darle Hecht, whose professionalism and kindness were invaluable. Coming from a different judging system, I especially appreciated their help and support throughout the day. It was an experience I will never forget!
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?”
There is simply nothing quite like Montgomery! It is not just a dog show, it is an experience every serious dog enthusiast should have at least once in their lifetime. The atmosphere is truly unique. The beautiful showgrounds, the traditions, the excitement, the magnificent terriers and, above all, the people make it something very special. Bruce Schwartz and his entire team do an absolutely fantastic job organizing the event. Every detail seems to have been carefully considered, and the dedication behind the show is evident everywhere. Montgomery brings together some of the finest terriers in America, and increasingly, outstanding dogs from around the world. Where else can you see so many top-quality representatives of so many terrier breeds in one place? For breeders and judges especially, it is an incredible opportunity to study breed type, compare dogs, develop your eye, and learn from some of the most knowledgeable terrier people in the world. But Montgomery is also about friendships, shared passion, and the wonderful international terrier community. Over the years, I have made so many dear friends through this show, and returning always feels a little like coming home. My advice is simple: come and experience it yourself! You don’t have to be a terrier person to appreciate Montgomery, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you leave as one. There is a reason why it is called “The Greatest Terrier Show on Earth!”
For breeders and judges especially, it is an incredible opportunity to study breed type, compare dogs, develop your eye, and learn from some of the most knowledgeable terrier people in the world.”
RICHARD W. POWELL
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?
The best part of judging at Montgomery County is the fact that you know you will have a quality entry. For a lot of the terrier breeds it is their National Specialty. People keep the best to show on this weekend. One reason is there will be majors, and secondly, most judges are terrier specialists. Judging any National Specialty means you will have real choices to make. Not just handing out ribbons. I have judged seven National Specialties here. I first came as an assistant around forty years ago, and have since attended as an exhibitor, judge, or as a bystander. I don’t think I have missed a show since my first one.
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?
This question doesn’t apply as I judged Best in Show last year.
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?”
I do this all the time. I especially instill the importance of attending to new terrier judges. Where else can you see the real and important nuances between the breeds? There will be mentors to explain the differences between Lakelands and Welsh. Scotties and Westies. Where else can you see eighty Wheatens, even more Kerries, and huge numbers of Smooth Fox Terriers? And the list goes on. People come from all over the world for this weekend of shows. Anyone interested in dogs should visit “The Greatest Terrier Show on Earth!”
People come from all over the world for this weekend of shows. Anyone interested in dogs should visit ‘The Greatest Terrier Show on Earth!’”
It is great to meet up with so many like-minded people, where we can watch, discuss, and enjoy some quality dogs.”
MARK WALSHAW
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?
I looked forward to this appointment with relish. It is always an honor and privilege to judge at any show, but to judge at one of the two most prestigious terrier shows in the world, it is special to me. This was just the second year I had visited, from the UK; the first time was in 2025 as a spectator. I have not been able to attend as an exhibitor/handler, but would love the opportunity in the future.
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?
It was a good entry for the show, which included a variety of type for the breed and some interesting exhibits. In 2026, I have had the pleasure of judging my breed, Bedlington Terriers, at Crufts, UK, at the European Terrier Show, in Sweden, and now at Montgomery, USA. The type and quality throughout Europe and the US varies in many ways. A lot of breed specifics are being lost or exaggerated. Particularly worrying to myself is that unique breed points are becoming harder to find. Typical front movement and gait has been the greatest concern, one of the traits that makes this wonderful breed unique. Toplines, coats, color, and size are also giving cause for concern. Examples of good key breed points can be found in most countries. We all need to work hard as judges and breeders to ensure the breed-specific points are both rewarded in the ring and become part of our breeding programs, or type will be lost and we will be breeding generic terriers. This needs highlighting in breed seminars and training in all countries, by knowledgeable individuals.
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?”
The show has a wonderful ambience, a buzz, where dogs and exhibitors from around the world come together, for not only Montgomery but for this special terrier week in general. It is great to meet up with so many like-minded people, where we can watch, discuss, and enjoy some quality dogs. It brings people together. It’s a must for anyone wanting to get into terriers, to watch the dogs, meet their favorites, and generally pick the brains of the experts. The show is an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming judges to watch, learn, and question; most are welcoming to sharing their knowledge.