Members
Beth Dennehy wins 2024 NOHS Best in Show with Ulli at the AKC National Championship, reflecting on her journey and advice for handlers.
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.
Beth Dennehy: Very happy! Still surprised. Gratitude to our huge team of supporters. The enormity of this win is still sinking in.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC has released the judging panel for the 2026 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando this December.
