Judge • Lydia Hutchinson
Lydia Hutchinson’s lifelong journey with Cairn Terriers is a rich tapestry woven from decades of passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the sport of purebred dogs. Her story began before she even took her first breath, as her parents welcomed their first Cairn Terrier into their lives just two months prior to her birth. This early introduction to the breed would set the stage for a lifelong devotion to Cairns and a remarkable career in the world of dog shows.
At the age of nine, Lydia’s life took a pivotal turn when she attended her first dog show. The experience was transformative, immersing her in the excitement and elegance of the ring. From that moment, she was hooked. The allure of the dog show world and the challenge of breeding and handling dogs became her lifelong passion. Over the years, Lydia and her parents nurtured their breeding program, giving rise to the renowned Wolfpit Cairns. Through their dedication and expertise, the Wolfpit line owned or bred an impressive 300 champions, with the majority of these champions being homebred and owner handled.
Lydia’s approach to breeding Cairn Terriers has been deeply influenced by the principles she learned from early mentors. She has employed line breeding strategies to enhance her program, always striving to improve her Cairns while maintaining the integrity of her established bloodlines. Her commitment to quality has led her to import 4 bitches from Europe to outcross with her stud dogs. Despite the technological advances, Lydia remains a staunch advocate of hand-writing pedigrees. This seemingly old-fashioned method, she believes, helps her keep the lineage firmly in her mind.
Lydia’s contributions to the world of dog shows extend beyond her breeding successes. Her judging career began in 1964, when she was seven months pregnant with her second child. Over the decades, she has become a respected judge, known for her thorough understanding of various breeds including terriers, toys, herding dogs, poodles, and schnauzers. Lydia’s philosophy of judging involves affinity with each breed she evaluates. Her approach in over 60 years of judging is rooted in a continuing desire to learn and grow, finding every dog show an opportunity to gain new insights and deepen her knowledge.
In addition to her judging and breeding accomplishments, Lydia’s influence is felt through her extensive involvement with breed clubs and organizations. She has served as an officer and board member of the Cairn Terrier Club of America, contributing her expertise to the advancement of the breed. Lydia was instrumental in founding both the Potomac Cairn Club and the Dog Judges group in Northern California, further demonstrating her dedication to the sport and her commitment to supporting fellow enthusiasts. Her educational efforts are also noteworthy; she has presented numerous seminars on Cairns, terriers, and Poodles, sharing her knowledge with judges, breeders, and newcomers to the sport. Her dedication to the health of Cairn Terriers is evident in her role with the Foundation of CTCA, where she works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the breed she holds dear.
Throughout her distinguished career, Lydia Hutchinson has remained a beacon of dedication and passion in the dog show world. Her tireless efforts to advance the breed and her unwavering commitment to the sport have left an indelible mark on the community. Lydia’s enthusiasm for her work, coupled with a deep love for Cairn Terriers and Poodles, continues to inspire those around her. As she looks forward to each new challenge with the same vigor and optimism that has defined her career, Lydia’s legacy as a breeder, judge, and advocate for the Cairn Terrier breed stands as a testament to her lifelong devotion and extraordinary contributions to the world of purebred dogs. One of Lydia’s most recent notable accomplishments is winning AKC’s Terrier Breeder of the year in 2019 and being nominated as Owner/Handler of the year by Dog News in 2023.
What is the highlight of your breeding career?
There have been so many highlights that I can’t point to just one. The first thought that comes to mind is winning back-to-back Best in Shows (a first for a Cairn) with my homebred Ch. Caledonian Berry of Wolfpit. He went on to become a Top Producer with 36 Champion offspring and is behind nearly all the current Wolfpit dogs, as well as those of other breeders. It was wonderful that my GCHG Caledonian Tea Time of Wolfpit was the #1 Cairn in 2015, and that his great-grandson, Ch. Caledonian Birthday Bash of Wolfpit (Best of Breed at two specialties from the classes two months ago), is on track to uphold the Wolfpit tradition.
What judging assignments are most memorable for you?
Memorable judging assignments include the CTCA four times, the 100th anniversary show of the CTC in Scotland, the Poodle Club of America four times, the Terrier Group at Westminster, the Terrier Group at Morris & Essex, and the World Dog Show in Helsinki. Coming up on October 6, 2024—Best in Show at Montgomery County!
What three dogs from the past, not bred or owned by you, of any breed, do you remember as icons?
The Miniature Poodle “Sage,” which I consider the best Poodle I ever judged; the Siberian Husky “Sierra Cinnar”; and the Kerry Blue Terrier “Mick.”
Who are some judges that have significantly influenced your decision to judge and your approach to judging? What qualities do you admire most in their judging style?
Melbourne Downing, under whom I apprenticed in 1963; Edd Bivin started judging in 1961; and Annie Clark, became judge after I did. I admired the way they used their hands on each dog; it was a true lesson for those of us with discerning eyes.
