In Loving Memory Of Mr. Dave Helming

We received the devastating news that Dave Helming of Flemington, New Jersey passed away. Dave was a world-renowned Newfoundland breeder, Show Chairman of Westminster Kennel Club, an AKC Judge, and longtime fancier involved in all aspects of the sport of purebred dogs.

Dave purchased his first Newfoundland with his wife, Peggy, in 1965. For 50+ years, Dave and Peggy bred and exhibited top winning Newfoundlands under the Pouch Cove prefix. Nominees for the Working Group twice, they were the recipients of the coveted American Kennel Club Breeder Of The Year award in 2005. They bred approximately 300 Champions including many National Specialty winners and All-Breed Best In Show Winners. Eighteen Pouch Cove Newfoundlands have earned the NCA Versatile Newfoundland title – an award given to dogs that have accomplished an AKC Championship, AKC Obedience title, NCA Water Rescue Dog and NCA Draft Dog titles. Perhaps the most well-known Pouch Cove Newfoundland is “Josh,” CH Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove, the Top Winning Newfoundland in the history of the breed and Best In Show at the 2004 Westminster Kennel Club alongside Michelle Scott (Ostermiller).

Dave and Peggy also bred and owned many successful Portuguese Water Dogs including “Matisse,” GCHP Claircreek Impression De Matisse, the Top Winning Male Show Dog of All Time and America’s Number One Dog Among All Breeds in 2014, as well as Norwich Terriers. Dave was an approved AKC Judge for his breed, Newfoundlands, and adjudicated Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 2006. But Dave’s involvement in the sport of purebred dogs spanned all venues; his contributions much more than a famed breeding program. Dave served on the board of the Newfoundland Club of America for eight years as well as serving as past President, Vice-President, AKC Delegate and in many other positions. He was also a past president of Somerset Hills Kennel Club, a member of Westchester Kennel Club and Kennel Club Of Philadelphia as well as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Morris & Essex Kennel Club. Dave was an intricate part of so many facets of these prestigious dog shows.

Dave was perhaps best known for his many contributions to Westminster Kennel Club. In 2013, he became the Grounds Chairman of the Westminster Kennel Club during the move to the Piers. From there, the rest is history! An engineer by trade, Dave spent three years in the Army Corps of Engineers and 38 years with the Public Service Enterprise Group; he was the perfect man for the job! In 2016, Dave became the Assistant Show Chair. In 2017, he succeeded Tom Bradley as the Show Chairman for Westminster Kennel Club when Bradley retired. For three years, he was the Show Chairman, Co-Chairman for 2020-2022, and resumed the Show Chairman position in the last year. Dave was known for his attention to detail leaving no stone unturned. He helped with all tasks pertaining to this incredible show from the tents to the parking. For Dave, exhibitors were “front and center” but he worked around the clock to keep everyone comfortable and give them the Westminster Kennel Club experience. In 2024, the 148^th Westminster Kennel Club will be dedicated to Dave.

But most importantly, Dave was one of the nicest men you would ever meet. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his love for Newfoundlands and his kindness and generosity with his time. Each night, a different Newfoundland would share his bowl of vanilla ice cream. Dave’s life revolved around his dogs and he made so many unparalleled contributions to all aspects of the sport of purebred dogs. In the words of Dave’s good friend, Martha Feltenstein, “The AKC standard states, ‘Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland’ and Dave was a Newfoundland.”

The Canine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife, Peggy, family, friends, the entire dog fancy and all who loved him.

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Posted by Gia on Aug 31 2023. Filed under Breaking News, Featured, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.