We want to breed happy, healthy Cresteds.

Dragonwing Kennel started as a dream over 30 years ago. Back then, I had chosen Keeshonden to live with because of my small children. My last died about 20 years ago, and I was at loose ends for a new breed. After an all-too-brief time with a half-Irish Wolfhound, I knew I wanted to get back into purebreds and showing. My life had changed so much, though, that Keeshonden were no longer an option.

Enter the Otterhound, or Otter Hound if you're in Europe. They have a lovely double wire coat, so no more hours of brushing. This dog has fully webbed feet, so yahoo for our river! They have good size and weight on them. On top of that, they are clowns! No one prepared us for that, even though all the descriptions mention it.

The OH isn't for everyone, though. As much as I love them, I have to freely admit it; no more white carpets, no more bed to yourself. Lord, what's in the bottom of that water dish? They are scent hounds; ears turn off when their nose is to the ground, which is very important to remember! They are also huge dogs; the reality is very different from reading about it in a book. On the off-chance you can find one to visit, please do before you get your heart set on the breed. Unfortunately, that could be difficult. There appears to be only 11 in Canada, mainly in Ontario and Alberta. There are maybe 350 total in North America. The estimate is 1,000 worldwide. Without care they could easily become endangered as a breed, they're close to it now.

If you think this may be the breed for you, please get all the information you can. I won't bother with any myself because both the British and American clubs have done such a good job already. And now, I start on another journey. My children have “forbidden” me to have any more big dogs. My clumsiness added to Jitterbug's is not a good situation. Don't let that dissuade anyone reading this from looking at an OH; it's just me.

My new love is the Chinese Crested. What a happy, loving breed of dog this is. My Hex is a Hairy Hairless. He needs to be shaved regularly to keep his hairless look. A lot of the winners in show rings are HH, they can get that magnificent mane and tail. My second is Sky, a Powder Puff with a full coat. I cannot say enough good things about this breed of dog. Just the right size for me and they can get out of the

way fast if I trip.

And so, my life has changed. Jitterbug left us on my birthday in 2017, and I have decided to stick with Chinese Crested Dogs; I'm up

to five now.

I would be very happy to have you join me on my journey with them.