August 5, 2023 – Calgary, AB

I fell in love with Earthdog at the first Gardner MA specialty when my first two Border Terriers, Timon and Reilly, worked the quarry in the Intro class with Carol Mock as the judge. It was wonderful to see my Borders do what they were bred to do.  As my Borders progressed in Earthdog I decided I could judge this sport.

I started to judge Earthdog in 2000 and have judge across the country, in Hawaii, and several times in Canada. I have also had the honor to judge Earthdog at Border Terrier National Specialties, judging all the levels.

Over the years I have hunted with my Borders and Mini Dachshund, hunting woodchucks and rats. Hunting has influenced my judging of Earthdog in knowing what to expect in a working terrier and apply that to Earthdog.  Over the years I have had many wonderful discussions talking about Earthdog and hunting with follow judges and exhibitors.

It is always an honor to judge Earthdog and especially at the BTC National Specialty. I want to thank the Specialty Committee for inviting me to judge at this year’s specialty.

Duane’s Dogs:

Sven (D) – GCH Greywoode Peaceable St Francis ME, CA, DCAT, RATN, BTCA-VX

Artie (D) – CH Greywoode St Daniel, ME, BCAT, BTCA-V

Bay (B) – FC Reynard St Theresa By the Bay ME, CA, BCAT,  RATO

Amanda M Pough, Bandersnatch

I am a second generation “dog person.”  Born into a family that raised and exhibited Border Terriers and Otterhounds, my mother and I still breed and show Borders under the Bandersnatch affix.  Those dogs have received conformation recognition at the national level in both the US and Canada.  As both of my parents are biologists, form AND function have been paramount, so our Border Terriers are also exhibited in AWTA/AKC/CKC Earthdog as well as obedience/rally and other venues.  My Canaan Dogs, which joined my life in 1999, are also trained and exhibited in companion and performance events.

As a child, I showed the family’s Borders & the odd Labrador in Junior Showmanship/4H Grooming & Handling.  Today I am an AKC licensed breeder-judge in Border Terriers & Canaan Dogs, as well as Junior Showmanship. I serve as an approved Parent Club breed mentor for both breeds.  I have judged at Nationals in both breeds, as well as Montgomery County KC.  I am continuing my education in judging, studying other breeds.  That knowledge has increased my skills in judging both my current breeds and additional ones.

Finding a dog in your ring who fits the standard, without exaggeration, is rewarding in itself.  I have been privileged to have been mentored since birth by breeders, past and current, who strive to maintain the Border as a working terrier.  This does not mean every BT must be worked in the field, just that we as breeders and judges, ensure we preserve and reward the dogs who are built to do their job.