Dufenhof Swissies

Denali was a wonderful, very vibrant, outgoing boy from the time he was a baby.  He was not an easy dog, but only because he was headstrong and convinced that the world should dance to his fabulous tune. He was always happy and really seemed to believe that the world was his party  -- you were welcome to join the party, or not. He was perfectly happy with or without anyone else joining in on the fun as long as he got to keep enjoying his party.

  Denali was also a very handsome, typey boy from the get-go. He wasn’t perfect, no dog is, but he was damned nice. He had lovely movement, not too flashy, but not plodding either.  Just even, clean movement that comes with the proper structure that a working dog needs.  And he had the “showy attitude” that makes a dog shine in the show ring. Of course some days Denali’s joie de vivre could get the best of him and he would decide that pretending to be a trained show dog was getting boring and being a bouncing loon was much more fun.  As I said, he was headstrong.  

 Luckily for me, and for Denali, I knew just the right home for Denali where he could be himself without getting into too much trouble.  Denali lived most of his life on Long Island, but made several return visits to Virginia for shows and other fun.  I always enjoyed his visits, and he loved to be a country dog for a few days, but he was happiest with his family in NY and occasionally traveling with his mom Shirley to dog shows on the weekends.

 Denali did live up to the potential that was apparent in him as a puppy, winning Best in Specialty Show at the Eastern Regional Specialty in 2006 as well as numerous Best of Breeds and Specialty Awards of Merit and Group placements. He was ranked #7 for the breed in 2006 with limited showing.

But Denali was more than just another handsome fellow.  He also did well in the obedience in ring, finishing his CD in style by going High in Trial from the Novice A class at the 2005 GSMDCA National Specialty.

 Denali’s days in the spotlight were cut short by a neck injury in June 2008 at age 6. Thankfully the problem was able to be surgically repaired and after several weeks of intensive rehab Denali made a wonderful recovery and was soon back to his old antics. Although he never again participated in obedience or conformation, he enjoyed another three years of happiness with his family. 

 Denali passed away at age 9.

You can see photos of some of Denali's kids on this page.

 Denali's titled offspring include:

Penny, Ch Dufenhof Such An Angel Face

K2, Ch Smiling Dogs Lowenbrau Red Lion

Berne, Int Ch HSF Berne von Wumelsdorf

 Denali

BISS Ch Dufenhof North to Alaska, CD

Breeder: Ellyn Signet

Date of Birth: July, 11, 2002

Denali's Health Clearances

P2Y12 Status: Untested (1 offspring tested; 1 Clear)

Sire: BISS Ch StoneLea Blockbuster ROM

 Dam:  Ch Dufenhof Precious Fat Chance, ROM

Denali's PedigreeDenali winning Best of Breed

More than just a pretty face... Denali in the Obedience ring with Shirley