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. Fully webbed feet, so yahoo for our river. Good size and weight on them. And clowns!! No one prepared us for that, even though all the descriptions mention it.

The OH isn't for every one. As much as I love them, I 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, very important to remember that! They are 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 1000 world-wide. 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 read the club information found in the links at the left. 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. Belle, my first, is a Powder Puff, full coated. My second, Hex, is a Hairy Hairless, partially coated. He needs to be shaved regularly to keep his hairless look. I can not 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 Cresteds. Join me on my journey with them please