Interview with William F. Potter, II | 2024 MCKC Breed Judge

Interview with William F. Potter, II | 2024 MCKC Breed Judge

1. What does it mean to be invited to judge at one of the most important dog shows in the world—Montgomery?

William F. Potter, II: It is a special honor to be selected by a vote of a breed club’s members to judge their National Specialty. It is especially so when it is a Terrier breed’s specialty at Montgomery County.

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

William F. Potter, II: I judged Smooth Fox Terriers at this year’s MCKC. The quality of the entry was high. I found many excellent class and special entries. It was encouraging to see the number of young breeder/owner-handlers participating throughout all breeds at the show, but especially in Smooths. The only disappointing issue for me was the size of the entry. This is the third time I have judged Smooth Fox Terriers at Montgomery County KC. My first was 30 years ago—1994 my entry was 193. My second time was 20 years ago—2004 my entry was 157. This year’s entry was 62. While the percentage of excellent Smooth Fox Terriers was consistent with the percentage of earlier assignments, the loss of numbers is discouraging.

3. In your opinion, what does the future hold for the Terrier Breeds in America and around the world?

William F. Potter, II: Don’t take my response to the previous question to suggest that I believe that Montgomery County KC has lost any of its luster. It is still the largest and most prestigious show dedicated to Terriers. The trend in entries in Smooth Fox Terriers is mirrored in all Terrier breeds. If you examine the total entry of the 1994 show – it was 26 breeds and an entry of 2,467. In 2004, the entry was 2,270 distributed over 29 breeds. This year’s entry was 1,299 in 33 breeds. The loss in registrations, owners, and entries of Terriers is not unique to the US. It is a worldwide phenomenon. Gone are most of the large breeding kennels. The general shift away from breeds with active personalities, and strong prey drive, has had an impact. Lastly, keeping a Terrier, especially wire-coated ones, in peak coat condition for home or show is not a simple task. However, there is still a dedicated core who are committed to the preservation and promotion of Terriers. Montgomery County KC, through the efforts of its dedicated members, continues to be the greatest event celebrating of the virtues of Terrier breeds.