The Owner Handler | Allison Kennedy

Interview with the Owner Handler: Allison Kennedy

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Allison Kennedy: I was first introduced to the sport as a child, growing up watching AKC National Championship reruns on Animal Planet. I attended my first dog show (out of pure luck) at age 9. My parents enrolled me in the local 4-H dog club and became members of our local kennel club. I was first involved in Beagles, but met my Belgian Malinois mentor when I was a pre-teen. I ended up getting my first Malinois from her in 2021 and acquired my second one from her in 2022.

2. How many years in dogs? In your breed?

Allison Kennedy: I have been in dogs now for 15 years. My first breed was Beagles, though I have shifted my focus from Beagles to Malinois. I have been learning about Malinois since I was a pre-teen, but did not acquire my first one until 2021. So, three years officially.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Allison Kennedy: I have attended handling classes in the past, but I have not recently. I would have loved to attend a George Alston handling seminar.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Allison Kennedy: I have used the Canine College before and found it to be resourceful. I do like listening to the “Pure Dog Talk” podcast to help broaden my general dog knowledge. Will Alexander’s YouTube videos are also resourceful!

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Allison Kennedy: I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series with my Malinois. I find it to be a fun competition and it gives my dogs another opportunity to be in the ring. Rankings are important to me, but not as important as spending time with my dog. Spending time with my dogs will always be the most important.

6 In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)?

Allison Kennedy: I will enter my dogs in Open (if not yet a champion) and Best of Breed. I also enter NOHS BOB if available.

7. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

Allison Kennedy: In Malinois, Lynn Daniel of Lynnhaven Kennels has been my mentor. Two of my biggest mentors growing up were June Cohron, DVM (Sealyham Terriers) and Jill Wilkinson (Brittanys).

8. What are the benefits of competing with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler?

Allison Kennedy: The benefit is, you get to be the one out there with your dog. Nothing can beat the bond between dog and owner. I have always owner-handled my dogs and will continue to do so.

9. How are you encouraging new exhibitors to participate in the sport?

Allison Kennedy: I try to be a welcoming person to the sport and breed! I allow people to ask questions and help them in their research. One of my favorite things to do is teach (I am currently majoring in Special Education at James Madison University to become a licensed Special Education teacher), and there is nothing better than being able to teach people about the breed and sport I hold near and dear to my heart.

10. Are there any suggestions you’d like to pass along about the presentation of your breed(s).

Allison Kennedy: Malinois are dogs that do not require a whole lot of grooming in order to get ring-ready. They are a wash-and-wear breed. They shouldn’t be overgroomed.

11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Allison Kennedy: I would like to eventually have my dogs in the Top 10 to get invited to the AKC National Championship, to compete in the NOHS event. A Group One or BIS NOHS would be nice too!

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as an Owner Handler?

Allison Kennedy: One time, when I was very, very new to shows, I was waiting outside the ring with my Beagle. I heard my number called, so I walked into the ring. Turns out, they weren’t calling in the 13-inch Beagle No. 7. They were calling in the Longhaired Dachshund No. 7. Embarrassing, to say the least! The Ring Steward was at least appreciative that I was listening to her.