When you hear “Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Gardens,” you probably don’t first think of Malad.  But the Henry family, who live just north of town, have been competing there for several years.  This year, dog handler Jenny Henry came home with her biggest win yet.

Henry and her 5-year-old Redbone Coonhound, Rebel, earned “Best of Breed” at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held Jan. 31–Feb. 2. The milestone came during the event’s 150th annual show, marking a high point in a journey that began years earlier with a passion for training dogs and a willingness to learn.

Rebel—formally registered as GCHB CH CCH CMM’S Dirt Road Rebel DCAT—has been competing at Westminster alongside Henry since 2023. Over that time, the pair steadily climbed the ranks, earning an Award of Merit in 2023 and Select Dog in 2024 before capturing this year’s top breed honor.

“This one was special,” Henry said of the win, reflecting on the progression that led to the national stage.

The Westminster Show is the premier event of its type.

 Henry, who competes as an owner-handler, has built an impressive resume with Rebel. In 2025, Rebel ranked No. 4 in breed standings, No. 9 among all Redbone Coonhounds across all-breed competition, and held the top spot in the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) for the breed. His career includes a reserve best in show finish, five group wins among 30 placements, and multiple wins across both American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club events.

While the accolades are significant, Henry said the experience is about more than ribbons. She and her husband Joseph spend time together traveling and competing, which can be hard with their busy lives outside of dog shows.  The shows give them a chance to work together, in a sense, and in their conversations it’s clear they are huge supporters of one another.

Last trip, their daughter Evie Henry also went on the trip to New York and had the chance to visit Madison Square Garden, where the Westminster finals are traditionally held. 

Support from friends and fellow competitors has also played a key role in Henry’s success.

“I’d like to thank all my dog show friends and family that helped support me and Rebel as I’ve learned and grown in my handling,” she said. “I wouldn’t have gotten to do what I have without them.”

Looking ahead, Henry is already preparing the next generation of show dogs. Her 16-month-old Redbone Coonhound, Sirius—registered as Invelvet’s Sirius-ly Riddikulus—has begun competing and shows early promise. As a puppy, Sirius earned Best Beginner Puppy in Show at just four months old and has already collected points toward his championship title.

Henry plans to ease Sirius into more competitions this year, with a fuller schedule expected as the young dog matures.

In addition to her hounds, Henry is also returning to the ring with her 3-year-old German Shepherd, Oi (GCH CH Invelvet’s The Music of the Night), adding another layer to her growing presence in the dog show world. 

Jenny and Rebel back home in Oneida County

With continued support from her family, friends and a new sponsorship from HiPoint dog food, Henry shows no signs of slowing down.

As an owner-handler, Henry has to finish her obtaining points with Rebel without becoming a professional in order to add to his lifetime totals.  He is only a competition or two away from hitting a point total milestone that Henry would like to hit before she considers leaving the owner-handler category for the professional one.  With competition season underway, there’s every chance that will happen soon, and we’ll bring you word on what happens next!

Thank you to Jenny, Joseph, Gwen, Eva, and Saxon for their hospitality and letting me visit their home to speak with them about Rebel and their amazing accomplishments.