As most here have become accustomed to, I depart from these pages for a couple of weeks in late September-October for a show circuit that begins in Michigan and concludes with the American National Specialty in Pennsylvania, held in conjunction with the storied Montgomery County Kennel Club — best described as the “Kentucky Derby” of Terriers.
2026 also marked the 100th anniversary of the Miniature Schnauzer’s official breed recognition with the American Kennel Club.
Unloading the truck at Devon. Days on Montgomery weekend start early. (photo credit: Canine Chronicle)
We’ve done pretty well there over the years, and 2026 was no exception.
The morning began with my puppy “Ace” (Minuteman Over The Target) finishing his Championship title by taking the male points, and ended with Am&CanGCH Minuteman Sea The Stars (Sailor) winning Best of Breed at the American Miniature Schnauzer Club National Specialty – our third such win at Montgomery since his great-great grandmother won in 2012.
I returned home on Wednesday morning, and for the most part have been unloading, cleaning and resting from two weeks of 4:30am mornings and a pair of 18 hour driving days. Thanks, as always, to Robert, OJ, Brian, Dennis and David who step up to keep the site rolling while I’m “off the grid” and to our readers for your patience with my crazy hobby.
