Nauset Kennels

Over Christmas, my family debated the merits of various dog breeds, often turning to Kirsten and me as the resident “experts” on the subject. While we have a lot of experience with a lot of different dog breeds, I don’t know that either of us would consider our knowledge to be anything more than an opinion based on a lot of experience. Since that is what we have a lot of, here’s what we know.

The most popular breeds are popular for a reason: dependability. A labrador retriever is a known entity. He will be easy-going, intelligent, and a good family dog (a shocking amount of fur comes out of labs though - invest in a really good vacuum cleaner).

Kirsten and I have noticed that the breeds we see the most have changed a bit over time with breeding practices. Golden retrievers are no longer “golden red” in color; they now tend to be “golden blonde.” Both goldens and labs have gotten really large in size. And where labs used to be somewhat laid back, they seem to have more hyperactivity (ADHD in dogs! Just kidding) and other emotional issues, such as not getting along with other dogs, anxiety, etc.

Popular dogs that don’t often make the popularity top ten are pretty steady in nature. They haven’t been overbred probably because they’ve never hit that top ten list that often leads people overbreed. Standard Poodles are a perfect example. Most people would laugh if someone said they wanted a standard poodle. We know that most poodles are super intelligent, very sweet, easy-going, and they tend to get along well with other dogs. (Note: we are being area specific. According to the Today Show, Standard Poodles are part of the nation’s top ten common dogs: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28695663).

We also know that the more unique breeds are unique for a reason: they often require special owners willing to put up with the requirements of owning a unique breed. Shar-peis look really, really cute as puppies, but those adorable wrinkles create major skin problems. Great Danes are wonderful, gentle giants, but they have very short life spans, usually no more than eight to ten years. Italian Greyhounds are super cute and very loyal, but have ridiculously thin legs like toothpicks that can also snap like toothpicks requiring caution even when jumping off a bed or couch.

We are certainly not claiming to know everything about every breed. We also recognize that not every dog fits breed standards in every way. Snickers, one of our favorite Dachshunds, is not yippy like the majority of the breed. And Tess, a favorite dalmation, gets along very well with other dogs and is fabulous with kids, not typically common for the breed. All of us love it when a dog doesn’t fit the norm or the expected, such as the Akita who plays well with others.

We are also always pleasantly surprised when an unusual breed comes in. For instance, after sixteen years of being at the kennel, I had never met an Alaskan Klee Kai before this past spring. And I can only remember one Komondor, but Kirsten says she has seen them before. We’ve seen Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Fila Brasileiros, Chinese Cresteds, and other uncommon breeds. I am still waiting to see a Thai Ridgeback, a Catalburun, or any other number of interesting, unusual breeds we have yet to see.

And since we are all full of our own opinions, I’d like to know: what breed is your favorite and why? Write in and tell us!

During the holiday season I am often filled with an overwhelming need to do for others. While I love the Santa thing, particularly since I have small children who still believe, for me this time of year always makes me feel grateful for all the good in my life. It also makes me feel the need to do more.

Since I am pretty sure I am not the only one who feels this way, I am gently reminding everyone that the food pantries welcome donations of pet food. We’ve all seen the headlines about the dire state of our food pantries, that numbers are up, food donations are down, and more and more people keep coming through the doors. Many of these people have never had to seek help. And many of these people rely on their pets for comfort in such trying times.

Ironically enough, while our food pantries can’t keep up with supplies, our shelters are struggling with the numbers of pets people have had to give up because of financial reasons. Either they can’t pay the vet bills, they can’t pay the food bill, or they have lost their job, which in turn affects housing.

Please, this holiday season, help those in need keep their pets right where they should be - with their families.