Meet Our Judges

Judge Clay Coady

Mr. Coady is a well know AKC Judge and retired Professional Handler of many Terrier breeds. He showed Black Watch Lakelands for a number of years before his retirement.

Judge Susan Atherton

Ms. Susan R. Atherton, will be the sweepstakes judge for 2021. She is a well know Miniature Schnauzer Breeder / Exhibitor as well as a Lakeland Terrier Breeder / Exhibitor, respected by all of the Fancy. She has shown a Lakeland Terrier and a Mini Schnauzer to the Best of Breed at their respective National Specialties. A very high honor.

My first purebred dog experience started in Oklahoma in the 70’s with a toy poodle in Obedience. I taught classes for several years. My first conformation dog was a miniature schnauzer in the late 70’s. In the first litter I bred there was a standout male puppy that I showed to his Championship. I took him to Great Western Shows and by chance was grooming him beside the Lakeland Terrier ring. I saw Jean Heath, that I had known from mini schnauzers, ringside and ask her about the Lakeland breed, from there I became an owner of a Lakeland. Long story short, my January gas bill for the kennel I had leased in OK was $1000 – that would change my life!! Jean asked me if I would like to help her with her breeding program and I moved to California.

Luckily in that first litter that was whelped (after I came to help Jean) was a little red male puppy that I totally fell in love with, and Jean let me raise, train and show extensively putting multiple groups and Best In Shows on Ch Black Watch the Cardinal (Padre). My love and appreciation for Lakeland Terriers beauty, soundness and personality became very apparent. Jean trusted me with Black Watch on the Rocks, “Scotch”, I handled him to several All Breed and Specialty Best in Shows. The highlight of his career and my career was winning the National Specialty as co-breeder and owner, handler. This was a very special win because it was under renown breeder Nicki Patterson from Scotland.