In Loving Memory of Dennis McCoy
We have received the very sad news that Mr. Dennis McCoy of Apex, North Carolina passed away on February 18th. Dennis was a longtime breeder, AKC judge, breeder of poodles, and professional handler. He was an icon of our sport; Brilliant, funny, witty and incredibly talented.
His achievements are far too numerous to mention them all. Dennis – with Randy’s support – won more than 500 All-Breed Best In Show awards including Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club in 1991 with Ch. Whisperwind on a carousel. He won five consecutive Non-Sporting Groups at Westminster Kennel Club. Dennis handled record-breaking dogs in multiple breeds.
With the help of his husband, Randy Garren, Randenn was born. Under their kennel prefix, Dennis and Randy finished more than 1,000 AKC champions. Dennis and Randy were an impressive team in the Non-Sporting and Toy groups. They have bred too many beautiful poodles to mention, but perhaps their biggest winner was Yes, Ch. Randenn Tristar Affirmation, the 2009 Westminster Non-Sporting Group winner and the most winning black poodle of all time, all varieties.
In 2000, Dennis retired from his professional handler career after winning his seventh Group First at Westminster Kennel Club with ‘Treson’, Ch. Lake Cove That’s My Boy to start his judging career. Dennis became one of the most respected judges in the business with responsibilities in the Westminster Kennel Club, the AKC National Championship and the Poodle Club of America, as well as shows in countries around the world.
In recent years Dennis started breeding Chihuahuas. He loved the breed so much that he made an encore to show one of his dos at the Chihuahua Club of America national specialty.
Photos by ©Han and ©Gordon Downey
Dennis was heavily involved with Take The Lead and Poodle Club of America. He was past President of the PCA and President of the Raleigh Kennel Club and Cluster Chair of the Tar Heel Cluster.
Not only was Dennis known throughout the canine world, he was loved by the entire canine world. He was a treasure of knowledge. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always prompt with a beautiful smile and a laugh. Dennis will be remembered for his sharp wit, intelligence and charm.
The Canine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences to Randy, his family, friends and the entire canine world. Dennis will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Photos by ©Han and ©Gordon Downey
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