Meet Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Breed Judge

Meet Elizabeth Sweigart – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Breed Judge – Airedale Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels

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?

Elizabeth Sweigart: To be invited to judge at the magical event Morris and Essex, which appears like Brigadoon every five years, is truly a great honor. All of which happens one spectacular fall weekend. To make the whole thing more meaningful, for me, I have been invited to judge the breeds which I truly love.

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

Elizabeth Sweigart: At Morris and Essex, I had the pleasure to judge Airedale Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, and Irish Water Spaniels, three breeds which I have long admired and among the first I elected to judge, now some 20 years ago when I started judging. At M&E there was an entry of 44 Airedales, a number rarely seen at today’s shows, and the quality matched the numbers. The bitch I found for BOB went on to win every day, with placements in very strong Groups. Wires were equally strong and gave good choices. The BOB dog I have judged before and he has only gotten better! He also went on to do well over the weekend. The Irish Water Spaniels had some really quality entries, the winner being a lovely bitch who went on to a nice Group placement; well-deserved.

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

Elizabeth Sweigart: I think having Morris and Essex held every five years is a stroke of genius. The whole fancy looks forward to this great event that really has no rivals in terms of scope and quality. Wayne Ferguson, and the many, many, many people who help to put on this event, deserve the greatest praise. Aside from all the physical things that make it so special (the miles of tenting, the beautiful flowers, and the lovely dinner and lunches that the club provides), I think, more importantly, they make every effort to have real Breed Specialists judging. I think exhibitors appreciate this and it certainly seems to be borne out by the numbers.