Meet Kenneth Kauffman: 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?

Kenneth Kauffman: 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?

Kenneth Kauffman: 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?”

Kenneth Kauffman: 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.

Meet the Judges

Interview With Mark Francis Jaeger: 2026 MCKC Breed Judge