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 KENNETH M. MCDERMOTT  Newburgh, New York Toy Group  This year marks 48 years of involvement in the sport of purebred dogs for Kenneth McDermott, with a steady progression from a handler's assistant to breeder-owner-handler to professional handler to licensed and respected judge.
Mr. McDermott began his life in dogs as an assistant handler to the late Terrier Man, Seth Campbell, then became a breeder-owner-handler of Wire Fox Terriers, Skye Terriers and Brussels Griffons. Eventually he became a licensed professional handler, showing dogs of 47 different breeds. In 1978, he began judging and today is licensed for the Terrier Group and the Toy Group, and Dachshunds, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets, Boston Terriers, Dalmatians, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Collies, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Best in Show. Highlights of his judging career include 15 assignments at the prestigious, terriers-only Montgomery County Kennel Club, including Best In Show in 1987. He has judged at Westminster nine times, including the Terrier Group in 1986 and 1996, and at the newly resurrected Morris & Essex Kennel Club. He is most proud of being honored as the judge of the National Specialties for 20 Terrier breeds and seven Toy breeds. Mr. McDermott recently retired from IBM after 30 years of involvement in the computer industry. Retirement has allowed for judging assignments in 41 States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan and South America. Outside of dog shows, he has a very longtime interest in birding (bird watching), fishing, nature and the outdoors. He is a commissioned Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Newburgh, NY. A marriage in its 40th year to Joan Elizabeth Redden ended in February 2004 with her passing. Together, they had a son, Curtis, who is the father of Kenneth's two granddaughters, Breanna and Lacey Rose. |
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