Alexis Chism: I’m truly on cloud nine. Winning Best in Show in the Owner-Handled Series at the AKC National Championship is incredibly meaningful to me. The Best in Show lineup was absolutely beautiful, and I am deeply honored that Greta was awarded Best in Show. I’m so proud of her and truly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. This is a moment I will cherish forever.
Alexis Chism: I was very fortunate to be born into the sport as a third-generation breeder and dog fancier. I began showing dogs at the age of seven with my first German Wirehaired Pointer, Cutie. She is truly the dog who made me fall in love with the sport and the breed. I finished her Grand Championship and Junior Hunter titles before I was eight years old, and under my mother’s guidance, bred my first litter of German Wirehaired Pointers. I have always competed in the Owner-Handled Series, primarily with class dogs, and as I grew older, I began showing more competitively. Greta has made all of my dreams come true; together we won our first Owner-Handled Best in Show, National Specialty Best of Breed, and three Bests in Show. She has gone on to achieve more than I could have ever dreamed of and even ended the year as the No. 1 GWP Breed and All-Breed.
Alexis Chism: Our family’s journey with German Wirehaired Pointers began in the 1970s when my grandparents, Christine “Tina” and Walt Whitmore, bought their first GWP and began breeding under the Afterhours prefix. My mom, Christi Chism, grew up in the sport and continued building the breeding program they started, dedicating her life to improving the breed. I’m so grateful for the passion and hard work my family has invested over the past 50 years. Now, my sister Allison Chism and I are proud to carry on the Afterhours legacy as the third generation, continuing the breeding program with the same commitment that has defined our family for decades.
Alexis Chism: What excites me most about showing dogs as an Owner Handler is the incredible bond it creates between my dog and me. I can proudly say that I’ve conditioned, groomed, and trained Greta myself, and that experience has not only made me a more confident handler but also a better breeder.
Alexis Chism: Since I first began showing in NOHS, my handling skills have grown tremendously. Most importantly, I’ve learned to stay calm and focused, because a confident handler helps a dog perform confidently.
Alexis Chism: Yes! This year, Greta and I focused on Obedience and Rally, earning her Rally Novice and Beginner Novice Obedience titles. We also participate in Hunt Tests, and many of our dogs have been very successful in Agility. I love that these activities allow us to build a deeper bond with our dogs while showcasing their versatility and intelligence beyond the show ring.
Alexis Chism: Greta has always been very special to me, long before this win. I couldn’t imagine a better way to end our absolutely unforgettable year. Going through this journey together and finishing the year with such an incredible accomplishment just adds to her already long list of accolades. More than anything, she’s been my best friend every step of the way.
Alexis Chism: I would like to sincerely thank this year’s NOHS Best in Show judge, Ms. Pluis Davern, for the honor of selecting Greta from such an exceptional lineup. This win will always be incredibly special to me, and I am truly grateful for your recognition.
Alexis Chism: My biggest advice is to believe in your dog and in yourself. Take the time to truly know your dog’s strengths and how to present them confidently in the ring. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged. NOHS is incredibly competitive, but it’s also very rewarding. Focus on learning from every experience, support your fellow owner handlers, and remember why you started. If you stay committed and enjoy the journey, the results will come.
Alexis Chism: Along with my German Wirehaired Pointers, I also own Basset Fauve de Bretagne. In January, the breed will be moving to the Hound Group. I’m beyond excited to begin competing with them in the Owner-Handled Series. It feels like the start of a whole new chapter, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds!
