THE DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL ISSUE IS APRIL 7TH, FEATURING 2025 SPECIALS, WORKING GROUP, AND OWNER HANDLERS.

SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE

Meet ‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy – 2024 AKC National Championship NOHS BIS Winner

‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy

Meet ‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy – 2024 AKC National Championship NOHS BIS Winner

1. Congratulations, Beth Dennehy, on your National Owner-Handled Series Best in Show win at the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin! How are you feeling about your big win?

Beth Dennehy: Very happy! Still surprised. Gratitude to our huge team of supporters. The enormity of this win is still sinking in.

‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy

2. How did you get your start as an Owner Handler?

Beth Dennehy: I co-owned my first show dog with my breeder who had professional handlers show him to a championship. Once the dog finished, I asked if I could learn how to show dogs using our co-owned boy. And that was it, I was hooked. My first time handling in the ring was at our National Specialty in the Versatility Classes and Best of Breed. Just before ring time, a friend was teaching me down and back protocol on the tennis courts outside. Oh boy!

3. How did you get started in Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Beth Dennehy: I lived in a condo and couldn’t have a dog, but I was determined to get one as soon as I bought a house. I researched breeds, thinking I’d adopt a dog from the shelter. And then I met a Bernese Mountain Dog in person and became instantly obsessed. That was 25 years ago and I am still in love with this breed.

‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy

4. What is it about showing dogs that interests you most as an Owner Handler?

Beth Dennehy: I love to do things with my dogs, including Conformation. The NOHS program has been very helpful to me to get more ring time at the Group and BIS levels, helping to hone my skills.

5. How have your handling skills evolved since you first began showing in NOHS?

Beth Dennehy: Every time I enter the ring I’m looking to improve my presentation. Even if I felt like a certain day was a disaster, the goal is to learn how to avoid that particular disaster in the future. With different dogs come different personalities and quirks. I’ve learned tidbits and tons from my friends, fellow exhibitors, professional handlers, and judges alike. All this builds your “tool box” of handling skills. There’s still lots of room in that tool box.

‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy

6. Do you also participate in AKC Companion and Performance events?

Beth Dennehy: Yes. My dogs have had performance titles in Obedience (CD, GN, attempts at CDX), Rally (RN, RA, RE), CGC, and FDC. We’ve trained for Tracking but never tested. We also participate in the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft tests, which are titles for pulling carts. These pass/fail tests demonstrate aptitude and instinct for cart pulling, which the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to do in Switzerland.

7. Can you offer any advice to Owner Handlers who are looking to compete in NOHS in 2025?

1. Prepare! Prepare your dog’s physical fitness, your dog’s mental fitness for a show site, and your own physical and mental fitness as well. Prepare your dog with proper training for the ring and all the weird things that come with it (people eating ringside, friends cheering ringside, other breeds new to your dog, handlers and dogs near you playing/squeaking/barking, treats on the ground—it’s endless, they see it all.

2. Show Up. Physically, of course, but most importantly mentally. (See #1 Prepare).

3. Present. It’s not a social event. You are working to best present your dog to the judge and the general public (who knows who is watching?).

4. Have Fun. The most important advice!

‘Ulli’ & Beth Dennehy

8. What does your dog, Ulli, mean to you now that you’ve completed this journey together?

Beth Dennehy: Each of my Bernese Mountain Dogs has brought me on a wonderful individual journey and, in their own way, has meant the world to me. Ulli is no different. Our journeys continue, even with those who have long passed.

9. Would you like to say a few words to this year’s NOHS BIS Judge?

Beth Dennehy: To say this accolade was unexpected is an understatement. To be in the Best in Show ring with six other Group winners is always an honor. To be awarded BIS or RBIS is surreal every time, but especially this time! It’s still sinking in.

10. What’s next for Beth Dennehy?

Beth Dennehy: For now, Ulli and I will enjoy the deep snow of the Rocky Mountains every day. Just what a Bernese Mountain Dog should do.