The Bubble: We Can -and Should- Do Better

I was very gratified to read the responses to my recent column on the disappearing American show dog. My column had been shared on Facebook groups and I was able to read all the responses, both pro and con. I was hoping that it would create discussion and awareness of all the factors involved.

One of the repeated comments was that doodles and pitbulls were the reason for the decline in the numbers of show dogs and purebred dogs in general. Now I will burst your bubble! Doodles and pits are not the threat. They do not affect purebred show dogs! They may be affecting the market for purebred pets; long before there was such a thing as a designer dog or a doodle there were puppies born by the millions, produced by pet owners and commercial breeders or imported. Yes, litter lots were imported by pet store chains from across the Atlantic.

Puppies were available in pet stores and from ads in newspapers or magazines. Those puppies were purebred, perhaps not the best quality, but still purebred. People who bought one would continue to buy another of the same breed, and it would become a family tradition. Some buyers would go to a few dog shows and think it would be fun to participate too.

The doodle breeders have simply grabbed the pet market with clever advertising and marketing, and the “adopt don’t shop” message has worked in their favor.

There came a point when too many puppies from too many litters were being born, which included both purebred and mixed breeds. Breeders in the show community were concerned and started to breed less and less. Limited registration was introduced so that breeders could ensure that only the best puppies would be bred from, and that pet quality puppies would not be bred. It was widely embraced and became a hallmark of a reputable breeder to sell puppies with limited registrations and spay/neuter contracts. Good intentions that worked too well. In earlier days, many people who became serious exhibitors started by showing their pet, even a pet store puppy! This changed everything.

Puppy matches were popular and well supported in all regions of the country. Puppies could be shown as young as three months old, and owners were excited to show off their new puppy. When limited registration was introduced, those puppies were no longer entered at matches because the owners knew their puppy could not be entered at dog shows, so what was the point?

The doodle breeders have simply grabbed the pet market with clever advertising and marketing, and the “adopt don’t shop” message has worked in their favor. They position themselves as having home-raised puppies that will make great pets and companions. They are not a threat to dog shows or the breeders who support them. So, what is the problem? There has been a lot of discussion about breeders not being receptive to pet owners, and the difficulty that a potential buyer has of obtaining a puppy.

This stems back to the growing trend of breeders wanting to sell all or most of their puppies to show homes and to have multi-champion litters. That was not the way that it used to be. Breeders would evaluate their litters and between the age of birth and weaning they would make a decision as to which they would be keeping for the future, and the remainder would be available to pet/companion and non-breeding homes.

More than 20 years ago, breeders started demanding show homes only for their puppies, and several months later, or a year later, they would be complaining because they couldn’t sell them! They could have sold them, had they been willing to sell to pet homes. Instead, the hopeful pet buyer was disappointed and had to go looking for an alternative source, and that helped the breeders who were producing puppies with varying breed combinations.

Attitudes towards dog showing has also changed. I started showing dogs as a teenager in the UK with a very different system to that of the US, but in one respect it was no different in the United States. People looked at dog showing like a tennis tournament where everyone competes at the basic level, and then as you win each round, you get closer to the top. That applies in both countries; you start with class winners who go on to compete with the other class winners for best of both sexes, and then on to a further competition for Best of Breed, Best in Group, and Best in Show. It is a progression, just like a tennis tournament. That aspect of dog shows seems to have been lost. People do not see entering in and winning classes as part of the progression.

One commentator wrote, “AKC requires a pyramid, one winner and a bunch of lower levels to make the points, breeders churning out puppies to show, even if only a few earn championships!” That comment blew my mind! The whole point of it was that the few, the best, would have a title. The original concept was that these were the superior quality dogs and bitches that were worthy of a special designation.

If I am remembering correctly, at one time, AKC capped the number of dogs gaining the title at around 200 per year (not sure if that was both sexes combined or not), and there was a formula which was the basis of the point scale and the number of shows in a region which had attracted a major entry.

There were the inevitable comments about dog show politics, and of course, handlers. I have never worried about competing against handlers—but the breeder/owner-handler who shows up for one day out of four often has it in the bag! Too many people see the skill of a handler as the problem. A good handler can bring out the best in the dogs, and yes, hide their faults. Just remember one thing—they all started out as beginners too, and they worked at learning their craft. Anyone can.

I have written before about what I see as the “lost generation,” those who were discouraged 20-30 years ago and who could have been today’s mentors. I see so many people who have not been mentored by an older generation and have no concept of what dog shows used to be like. People complain about the cost of showing, but they must have the latest and shiniest supersized SUV or motor home. In past decades, the dog show wagon would not have been replaced until it could run no more. Breeders discuss the cost of vet fees, but breeders of the past created Westminster winners without spending hundreds on progesterone tests and artificial breedings. Something to think about.

I did find it to be concerning that few people gave any thought to the problems breeders already face from existing legislation, with no concern that things could get worse. Blame for the existing situation of decreasing dog show entries is externalized to money, judges, and doodles—and little recognition given to the basic cause. Fewer breeders producing fewer litters reduces the number of puppies that can be shown. Breeding less is, for some bizarre reason, often equated with producing higher quality, and breeding more frequently is referred to as “churning out puppies,” which must also be of lesser quality! Selection is reduced from choosing the best to working with whatever you have without any regard to quality. We can—and should—do better.

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Peanut Butter Dog Treats – Homemade Dog Treats Recipe

Homemade Dog Treats are the best way to show your pet that you love them like family! These homemade peanut butter dog treats are an easy dog biscuit recipe that your furry friends would request every week if they could. If you’ve wondered how to make dog treats at home so they can have a healthy snack, it’s much easier than you think. Your dog deserves these homemade cookies and will be so excited!

What’s in This Dog Treats Recipe?

Make these freshly-baked homemade dog treats to show your pet how special they are! They’re easy to make with just five main ingredients, and you can whip up a whole batch to store. Trust me, they’re going to absolutely love these peanut butter dog treats, and they’re healthy too.

• Flour: I prefer to use whole wheat flour for dog biscuits for the extra nutritional value. Other types of flour are fine to use, as long as you know your pup isn’t allergic.
• Peanut Butter: This thickens the mixture into a dough, and adds tasty peanut butter flavor! Use a natural peanut butter and check the ingredients list–do not use anything with Xylitol (an artificial sweetener), which is not safe for dogs.
• Egg: This binds the ingredients together to form a pet-friendly cookie dough.
• Water: Adds a bit of moisture to help make the
  dough pliable.
• Honey: This sweetens the flavor just a little bit.
• Frosting: If you want to add a frosting for a bit of decoration, you’ll need more peanut butter and honey, plus hot water and cornstarch.

Note: Dogs can have allergies just like people, so while these ingredients are all safe for dogs in general, make sure you know what your friend can and cannot eat. I recommend giving them a small bite to test these treats out before you start using them regularly.

Ingredients

For the Dog Treats

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour 300 grams (see note)
• 1 large egg 50 grams
• 1 cup peanut butter 270 grams (see note)
• 1 cup water 227 grams
• 2 tablespoons honey 43 grams (see note)

For the Frosting

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter 34 grams
• 1 tablespoon honey 21 grams
• ⅓ cup cornstarch 37 grams (can also use potato starch or arrowroot powder)
• 3-4 tablespoons hot water 43-57 grams

Recommended Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Baking Sheet
• Rolling Pin
• Piping Tip Set

Some peanut butter brands are including xylitol to cut the sugar in their peanut butter. Do not use any peanut butter containing xylitol as it is toxic to dogs. Just check for natural peanut butter and check the ingredients.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and the egg. Add the peanut butter, water, and honey, and stir until you have a stiff dough. The dough becomes very firm and sticky. You may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.

2½ cups whole wheat flour, 1 large egg, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about ½-inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. The treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden. Once done, set aside to cool. (If you have smaller cookies, use less time, otherwise the bottom might burn.)
5. To make the frosting, combine the peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl, and heat in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.

2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon honey

6. Add the melted peanut butter mixture to the cornstarch and stir until just combined.

⅓ cup cornstarch

7. Slowly add in the water 1 tablespoon at a time until you have reached the consistency that you would like. For a thinner frosting, add more water.

3-4 tablespoons hot water

8. Add the frosting to a piping bag and pipe designs on top of each dog treat.
9. Frost the treats with the peanut butter/honey mixture for an even more tempting cookie.

Incidentals

• Flour: Some dogs are allergic to flour/wheat. If you want to make these wheat-free, you can use rice flour or coconut flour as a replacement. These alternate flours will work, but might change the consistency a bit. Thanks so much to the readers who wrote in about this!
• Peanut Butter: Some peanut butter brands are including xylitol to cut the sugar in their peanut butter. Do not use any peanut butter containing xylitol as it is toxic to dogs. Just check for natural peanut butter and check the ingredients.
• Honey: Avoid giving honey to immunocompromised dogs and dogs under one year old!

Typically, when you are using a royal frosting for cookies, you will make two different types of frosting consistency—a thicker frosting for the outline, and a thinner frosting to flood the inside with. You don’t have to do this, but this is what you can do if you would like to go the extra mile for your furry friend.

With the thicker frosting, create the outline of your design and wait for it to dry for about 10 minutes. When you make the thicker frosting, you probably only need 2-3 tablespoons of water. The important thing is that it is thick enough to hold its shape, but thin enough so that you can squeeze it through a piping tip.

Fill in the outline with the thinner frosting and smooth it out with the tip of your finger. When you make the thin frosting, you will need 3-4 tablespoons of water, and maybe more depending on how smooth of a finish you would like to have.

• Storage: Store homemade peanut butter dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or in the freezer for up to eight months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 Treat; Calories: 132kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 15g (5%) Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0.001g Cholesterol: 8mg (3%) Sodium: 56mg (2%) Potassium: 118mg (3%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 12IU Vitamin C: 0.01mg Calcium: 12mg (1%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Peanut butter contains essential vitamins and healthy fats, and the whole wheat flour has extra nutritional value as well.

Can I Make These Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits a Different Flavor?

While peanut butter dog treats seem to be a universally-loved flavor, you can absolutely change up these biscuits for your pup.

Use other nut butters if you know your dog likes them and can digest them. You can also use an equal amount of plain pumpkin puree or plain mashed sweet potato instead to make cookies for your dog.

But if you use different ingredients, keep an eye on the consistency of the dough—you want it to be quite firm and sticky. Add a smaller amount of these ingredients incrementally until it becomes firm enough to roll out and cut.

How to Store Homemade Treats

Once fully cooled, store homemade peanut butter dog biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to two months. This recipe makes 24 cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share whenever your dog needs a healthy treat.

How to Freeze

This easy recipe for dog treats can be stored in the freezer for up to eight months. I recommend placing a pan of them in the freezer for about an hour, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together, so you can grab as many as you need, and keep the rest in storage. Move them to the fridge to thaw.

FAQ

1. Is peanut butter safe for dogs to eat?

Yes, peanut butter is generally considered safe for dogs to eat. As I’ve mentioned, I recommend using a natural peanut butter. Unsalted varieties are great, and you can even find peanut butters brands that are made for dogs. Be sure to check the ingredients list, and avoid anything that contains Xylitol, or other artificial sweeteners.

2. Can you use all-purpose flour in dog treats?

Yes, all-purpose flour works too. I prefer whole wheat flour, but all-purpose is safe, as long as your dog isn’t allergic.

3. Can I make these homemade dog treats wheat-free?

If your pup is allergic to wheat, use a flour alternative, like coconut flour or rice flour. However, it may change the consistency of the dough a bit.

4. Are these homemade dog cookies healthy?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this dog treats recipe are considered safe, healthy, and nutritional. Peanut butter contains essential vitamins and healthy fats, and the whole wheat flour has extra nutritional value as well. Honey contains a lot of sugar (of course), but we only use a small amount.

5. What kind of cookie cutter should I use?

You can use any type or shape of cookie cutter you like, including the classic dog bone shape, Christmas and holidays shapes, hearts, and more. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use the rim of a glass to cut out circles. Find a Customized Cookie Cutter for your dog’s breed on Etsy for more
fun options.

6. Are these peanut butter dog treats safe for people to eat?

Yes! We’re using ingredients that are safe for both dogs and people. While I wouldn’t recommend snacking on these, if a little one gets their hands on them, they’ll be okay!

7. Can I make these dog cookies crunchier?

This recipe makes treats that are nice and chewy. If your dog would prefer a crunchier biscuit, roll out the dough really thin. You could also keep them in the oven at a lower temperature (200°F) for a while to help them dry out and crisp up.

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Taking the Leap of Faith

A phrase we hear more and more these days is “helicopter parents.” UrbanDictionary.com defines them as parents who “tend to hover over their [child’s] every movement and decision. Often times they take control and do tasks on their behalf.” The definition goes on to say that “helicopter parents do not ease up with age; in fact as the child grows up the tighter their grasp becomes.”

Today we have our share of helicopter breeders, too; just replace the word “child” with novice or prospective show dog owner. Just as helicopter parents obsess over the quality of friends their child will make, the quality of teachers who will be privileged to instruct their brilliant offspring, and the national academic standing of the schools they attend, so helicopter breeders micro-manage the day-to-day activity of their new puppy buyers. In fact, helicopter breeders will proudly tell you that far more would-be owners are turned away than accepted.

Is it any wonder that many novices, in their frustration, end up buying a dog from a less-than-stellar breeder but one who will actually relinquish the dog without crippling contracts that read like pyramid schemes, demanding half a litter back from the next two, three, or even four breedings? Other buyers look overseas to breeders who maintain a high profile on social media and are prepared to send a dog here without the lifelong stranglehold that many American breeders impose.

Facebook show dog groups and dog club newsletters abound with first-person accounts of serious novices who have been refused a dog simply because they’ve never owned the breed before. Classic Catch-22. How will they ever become owners if good breeders deny them the opportunity? These novices are often smart, university-educated professionals with well-paying jobs, spacious homes, and fenced backyards. They are willing to take handling classes to learn to show their own dog, or else they can afford to hire a professional handler. If they were resourceful enough to reach out to a top breeder like you, why wouldn’t they be considered clever enough to learn how to groom and care for the breed they love?

Helicopter breeders will mistakenly call themselves responsible mentors. But a true mentor, after assessing a novice and considering her worthy, takes the leap of faith and sells her a dog, trusting her to put into practice what she learned at the mentor’s knee. Mistakes will inevitably be made, but with the mentor’s guidance, they will probably be small, fixable ones. While friendships can last a lifetime, active mentoring is a finite process. Successful mentors eventually push fledglings out of the nest, and sign off on dogs when protégés have lived up to their commitments. They act on behalf of the breed and want to see new fanciers blossom and thrive, eventually mentoring their own generation of protégés.

The large foundation kennels that gave many of the old-timers our start in dogs are a thing of the past. Most active breeder-exhibitors today keep just a handful of dogs and might produce two or three litters a year, if that many. It might be argued that, having bred more litters, the large kennels of yesteryear could afford to be more generous to novices, and less controlling. Maybe. I think the old benched shows were a more positive vehicle for fostering education, face-to-face friendships, and a generosity of spirit. It’s easier to ignore faceless email requests.

However many or few litters each of us breeds today, part and parcel of the process is finding great homes for all the puppies, teaching grooming and breed care to every owner, and encouraging any novice who expresses an interest in showing. We would have far fewer mentors and experienced fanciers around if generous breeders back in the day had not taken that all-important leap of faith to welcome us into the sport.

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Interview with D’Arcy M. Downs-Vollbracht – 2023 MCKC Dog Show Breed Judge

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

Montgomery is an iconic show. It is the premier showcase for terriers and an event I have always viewed as one of the most prestigious of all shows. To say I was honored and humbled to be invited to judge my breed at MCKC would be a woeful understatement. I know what it is like to hope I have a dog worthy of exhibiting there, and all that it takes to walk into that hallowed ring, so being chosen by the Border Terrier Club of America to judge was otherworldly.

Can I share my thoughts on my Breed assignment?

I judged Border Terriers and had a strong entry. There were many tough decisions to be made, especially in the bitch classes. There were several well-made, promising class animals. Some were in various stages of coming together and into themselves and others were just more ready on that day. The specials were strong, with correct young dogs to well-made veterans rounding out the entry. Grooming was perfectly acceptable across the board in my mind. I had dogs in every stage of coat, but I could feel and see the coat quality overall was excellent. There were one or two that lacked for undercoat, or lacked harsh topcoat, but those two extremes were rare. Pelts were aplenty and I was thrilled to have so many thick, loose-fitting hides. Having a few where you could check for pelt and come up pleased pretty much anywhere on the body was a treat.

Teeth were in fine shape with no undershot or wry mouths at all; good scissors (and a few level) bites and, for the most part, good-sized teeth. Muzzles and heads were a bit more inconsistent; however, there were some truly beautiful otter-like heads to choose from. I looked for a correct muzzle-to-skull ratio, proper planes in the skull and muzzle with very moderate stop, small V-shaped ears, and a correct well-filled muzzle and I was able to find it in a number of dogs. Good front ends, which have been, and will likely always be, a point of discussion as they are critical to function, showed up in the ring.

I had a number of really well-made fronts to choose from and it looks to me that this is an area where we are improving. We still have a bit of work to do, but I was encouraged by what I saw “big picture.” There were some longer and weaker loins set behind deeper, shorter ribs, but they were fortunately countered by several beautifully balanced dogs that had all of the pieces in the right spots. Rears with long thighs, and stifles that tied into a well-let-down hock without exaggeration, were a joy to see in the entry as well.

In terms of correct proportions, I was happy to find dogs that were slightly taller at the withers than they were long from withers to tail. This is a key factor in the breed, and affects not only the outline but the ability of the dog to function. There were dogs present with proportions opposite the Breed Standard, that were longer from wither to tail, and lower on leg, so it is important to remain vigilant about those proportions going forward. The temperaments were quite good overall and I appreciated having so many dogs that exhibited the correct temperament. This isn’t something that should need to be addressed, but having seen the full range from fearful to aggressive of late, I was elated to not have anything other than proper temperaments in the ring.

As someone who hunts more than I show, and also judges Earthdog, it was an unforgettable experience to have gone over so many beautiful dogs that, in my opinion, could also perform the functions for which they were originally bred. In the final line-up, there wasn’t one I wouldn’t love to have taken home. In my mind they were all typey, sound, and moderate dogs with no extremes. They could all work underground and live to tell about it.

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

We live in a world where, for many, suitability for the breed’s original purpose is difficult or impossible to test. Live hunting or quarry dispatching isn’t available to many who now live in suburbs or cities where space is limited and lifestyles are different. Earthdog tests some of the skills and instincts, but in truth, the dogs aren’t truly tested in the face of battle. However, as we adapt, and human needs and circumstances change, so too must terriers if we hope to survive. Sports like Earthdog, Scent Work, Tracking, NASDA, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, and others serve to test many of the skills and instincts needed to preserve the breed well. The conformation of the breed needs to remain as stated in the Standard both for preservation of the original purpose and for maintaining breed type into the future.

Fortunately, the Border Terrier is and always has been an adaptable breed that fits well within a family. The parent club and breeders do a good job of protecting the breed to the Standard, which keeps the breed well suited to modern life while not foregoing or changing the expectations of the Standard. After judging at Montgomery, I feel the breeders are doing an excellent job of preserving breed characteristics in the Standard and I feel the Border Terrier is in good shape to remain a part of life in the future, both in the US and abroad.

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Interview with John Constantine-Amodei – 2023 MCKC Dog Show Breed Judge

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

John Constantine-Amodei: It is a great honor to be invited by a breed club to judge their breed at Montgomery County KC. It is perhaps the highest honor a club can give to a judge. It means that you have the respect of the club’s members (breeders).

Can I share my thoughts on my Breed assignment?

John Constantine-Amodei: I judged Kerry Blue Terriers. To me, this breed was in very good shape. So many excellent examples, making my decisions difficult. The dogs were in excellent condition and showed with their typical fiery attitude, which I love.

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

John Constantine-Amodei: Seeing the quality of the dogs, I think we continue to maintain excellent specimens. The issue I see is in the number of Terriers. MCKC numbers have dropped (as have all shows). Terriers are difficult breeds to get ready and maintain for shows. I think fewer and fewer people are willing to take on the work needed to properly present a Terrier.

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Interview with Brian C. Bogart – 2023 MCKC Dog Show Breed Judge

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

I have deep roots in the Terrier Group, breeding and exhibiting Miniature Schnauzers with my brother Wade for over 40 years. Thus, there is no greater honor for a Terrier Person to be invited to judge at the World’s Greatest Terrier Show. I am humbled and grateful to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America for this privilege. Being a Terrier Man, judging at the Montgomery County Kennel Club All-Terrier Show is akin to a mountaineer reaching the top of Mount Everest!

Can I share my thoughts on my Breed assignment?

Reverend John Russell, founder of the breed, envisioned a medium-sized dog with a harsh double coat; balanced body with narrow, flexible chest; ground-covering trot with good reach in front and powerful drive in the rear; bold and energetic in temperament. These were the virtues I observed in most of the Parson Russel Terriers exhibited on that day. It was a pleasure to judge this entry. I will remember it always.

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

Although growing participation in Conformation events is a challenge, involvement in Performance and Companion sports, as well as in the AKC Family Dog and Title Recognition Programs, is on the rise. The Terriers’ affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and spunky personalities will fuel further growth in the family pet sector. Consequently, the future is bright for Terrier Breeds in America. I hope for the same throughout the world.

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Interview with Bergit Coady-Kabel – 2023 MCKC Best in Show Judge

For those of you who don’t know what the big to-do about Montgomery County Kennel Club’s show is, I will explain. It is the largest Terrier Show in the United States. Breeders, exhibitors, and handlers reserve their best dogs for this weekend. Terrier enthusiasts from across the globe make the annual trek to see the winners and observe the up-and-coming crops! The show never disappoints. Believe it or not, as soon as one Montgomery comes to an end, the planning for the next year already starts!

There was a total of 1,329 dogs entered this year, with all 32 Terrier Breeds/Varieties represented. Twenty-three breed clubs held their national specialties; four clubs had supported entries, and there were four clubs with regular entries.

In the Terrier Group, we have “18 strip breeds”; meaning, their coats get pulled. It takes 10-12 weeks to get the coat to the length each Breed Standard requires. (Details are in the individual Standards.) Stripping not only takes time, it also requires strategic timing which must be followed. With proper preparation, every dog at Montgomery is mentally ready and in good body condition, as well as in the perfect trim.

The complete trim list is as follows:

• 18 are strip breeds
• 3 breeds are scissor breeds
• 9 breeds are smooth-coated
• 1 breed is clipped
• 1 breed has a natural long coat

It is pretty easy to see that almost all of the Terrier Breeds require a lot of continual work. A strip breed is scheduled every week for something. In my 45 years as a professional handler, the dates for the Great Western Terrier Specialties, held annually in June in Southern California, as well as Montgomery’s October dates were in bold letters on top of my date book for 13 weeks prior to these special shows! This helped to ensure that nothing would be forgotten. We all lived for these shows!

Can I describe my reaction to receiving an invitation to judge Best in Show at the Montgomery County Kennel Club’s All-Terrier Show?

Having been a handler for many years with the privilege of showing many top dogs, this invitation was like being asked to come to heaven!

What does it mean to head the judging panel at one of the most important conformation shows in the world?

It’s an incredible honor!

In my opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

It differs now that you really have the best of the best in front of you.

What was I thinking or feeling moments before I stepped into the center of the BIS ring?

Truly, that I was in heaven and on Cloud 9!

Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did I feel the energy of the spectators?

The heightened energy came, firstly, from myself with the dogs, their handlers, and the crowd watching.

How challenging was this assignment? Can I share my selection process?

It was extremely challenging; so many excellent dogs. Then, when I narrowed it down, I saw something and that made my final decisions.

Do I have a word or two about my Best in Show winner? About the Best Brace in Show winners?

My Best in Show winner, the Sealyham Terrier, is a dream of a dog in every way, shape or form. His very capable hander got the best out of him that night.

As for the Braces: No. 1—My Airedales were strong and sound. No. 2—My Bedlingtons moved as one, as a brace should. No. 3—My Smooth Foxes carried themselves nicely. And No. 4—My Cairns will be perfect with a little more experience. Their coats, heads, and expressions were to be commended.

A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything I’d like to say on behalf of the Montgomery County Kennel Club and its members?

With as hard as all the exhibitors, handlers, and judges work, the show committee does the same and more! I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person for the incredible amount of time, work, and effort that goes into a show with the magnitude of Montgomery County!

Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Yes. One has to hope some “newcomers” show up and take an interest in one of the Terrier Breeds. Also, breeders see the “get” of other stud dogs and may be interested in using new blood!

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

The Terrier Breeds will prevail as long as we can get young people interested in all that is involved in these 32 Breeds. Terriers are not just beautiful creatures; they can be trained for many things! You need work ethic and a load of passion! Once it grabs you, there is no turning back!!

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Interview with Shawne Imler – 2023 MCKC Junior Showmanship Judge

Can I describe my reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Junior Showmanship Finals at the Montgomery County Kennel Club’s All-Terrier Show?

Shawne Imler: I was so honored when I was asked to judge Juniors at Montgomery. Not an assignment I take lightly. I have shown at Montgomery almost every year since I was a Junior. Some of these children were children of my colleagues and friends. I was honored that they entered under me. So proud of all of these kids.

The energy was fantastic. These young people work very hard, not only to present their dogs but also behind the scenes. I was very impressed with the presentation, down to the clothes they were wearing.

How did I prepare for this assignment? Any “day of” strategies?

Shawne Imler: Prepare… I prepared more for Juniors than I did for my Breed judging on Friday of Hatboro. I actually watched some videos to get some ideas. These kids are very talented. It is very difficult to break it down to just one winner.

Can I talk a bit about my typical process for judging Junior Showmanship?

Shawne Imler: I am very new at judging. This was my second assignment judging Juniors, but it was definitely important to know breed-specific handling and presentation.

Was there a heightened energy in my ring? Did I feel any energy from ringside?

Shawne Imler: The energy was fantastic. These young people work very hard, not only to present their dogs but also behind the scenes. I was very impressed with the presentation, down to the clothes they were wearing.

Did the Juniors in my ring seem especially focused? Any nerves on display?

Shawne Imler: This is a special win for these young people. There were definitely some nerves on display, but they kept it together and kept focus.

How evident was breed-specific presentation among the finalists?

Shawne Imler: Breed-specific presentation was on-point. And for me, it was one of the deciding factors in my finalist; down to showing the bite correctly.

With so much talent in my ring, how challenging was this assignment?

Shawne Imler: It was a very hard assignment. Looking for small details to discern the final winner is almost impossible. These kids are talented and more intense than some professionals.

Is there anything I’d like to say to this year’s Junior Handlers?

Shawne Imler: I was so honored to judge these young people. It was a very emotional assignment for me. I was so impressed with all of you!

Do I have any advice that I’d like to offer to my winning Junior?

Shawne Imler: There are two things I want to say to these young professionals. Remember the Number 1 Rule: It’s about the dogs. I should see your dog, not you. Next, if you know the proper breed presentation, do it; do not wait for the judge to tell you.

Based on this assignment, would I say that the future of the Terrier breeds is in capable hands?

Shawne Imler: I would say the future is super-bright with these young professionals. I’m looking forward to seeing them out-shining their mentors one day.

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