Regular Classes
Amanda 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.
Sweepstakes
Peter Holson (McHill)
First and foremost, I wish to express how deeply humbled and honored I am to have been chosen to judge Sweepstakes for the 2025 BTCA National Specialty.
I began my journey in the sport of purebred dogs in the mid 1990’s with my Standard Schnauzer CH Bardwoods Mad Max. It was at this time that I first met and was charmed by the Border Terrier Breed.
Shortly thereafter my sister, Hillary Zimmerman, and I began breeding Borders under the prefix “McHill’s”. In our 25 plus years of involvement with Border Terriers, we have bred multiple All Breed Best in Show, Specialty Show and group winning / placing dogs. We have had great success at National Specialties and other premier shows such as Montgomery County, under Breeder judges from both US and abroad. In addition several of our dogs have been top ranked Border Terriers in AKC standings.
As a Preservationist Breeder, I am committed to continually studying and learning about the Breed and breeding to the BTCA Standard as I understand it. With that in mind, I will also be committed to judging to the Standard and how it reflects the unique jobs our Little Brown Dogs are intended to do.
I look forward to seeing you and your dogs in June!
4-6 Month Beginner Puppy, Pee-Wee Special Attraction, and Junior Showmanship
Shelby Lynn Russell (Fanfare)
Shelby Russell’s life is one immersed in dogs. As a child, she was raised in a pack of Basenjis, by her AKC Judge Mother, and was active in 4-H, AKC Conformation, Junior Showmanship and lure coursing with them. She worked for All-Breed handlers, kennel sat and helped whelp litters, raised and trained puppies and spent almost 40 years in the Animal Care and Control field. Shelby’s brags include qualifying and competing in Junior Showmanship at Westminster three consecutive years and breeding, raising and showing a Nationally ranked, Best in Show Border Terrier bitch.
Since retiring from Animal Control, Shelby now enjoys working as a receptionist for her long-time canine reproduction veterinarian and spending time with her Border Terriers, under the kennel name “Fanfare”, which she’s had since 1996, and currently, a Doberman. Other owned and co-owned breeds include German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Great Danes, American Bulldogs, a Whippet, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and several mixed breeds.
Shelby is enjoying pursuing her regular judging status in Basenjis and Border Terriers and looks forward to keeping her hands on quality dogs for years to come!