Meet Mark Walshaw: 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?

Mark Walshaw: 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?

Mark Walshaw: 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?”

Mark Walshaw: 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.