In Loving Memory of Dennis McCoy

We received the very sad news that Mr. Dennis McCoy of Apex, North Carolina passed away on February 18. Dennis was a longtime fancier, AKC judge, breeder of Poodles, and professional handler. He was an icon of our sport; brilliant, funny, witty and incredibly talented.

His accomplishments are far too many to mention. Dennis–with Randy’s assistance–won more than 500 All-Breed Best In Show awards including Best In Show at 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 a formidable team in the Non-Sporting and Toy Groups. They bred too many beautiful Poodles to mention but perhaps their biggest winner was Yes, Ch. Randenn Tristar Affirmation, the winner of the 2009 Westminster Non-Sporting Group and the top winning Black Poodle of all time, all varieties.

In 2000, Dennis retired from his career as a professional handler after winning his seventh Group First at Westminster Kennel Club with “Treson,” Ch. Lake Cove That’s My Boy, to begin his judging career. Dennis became one of the most respected judges in the fancy with assignments at Westminster Kennel Club, the AKC National Championship, and Poodle Club of America as well as shows in countries all over the world.

In recent years, Dennis began breeding Chihuahuas. He loved the breed so much that he made an encore appearance 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 as well as Poodle Club of America. He was a past president of PCA and President of Raleigh Kennel Club as well as cluster chairman of the Tar Heel Cluster.

Dennis was not only known by the entire dog fancy but he was loved by the entire dog fancy. He was a wealth of knowledge. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always quick 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 dog fancy. Dennis will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Photos by ©Han and ©Gordon Downey

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Posted by admin on Feb 19 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.