Dogs in the Pacific Northwest

Hello from home!

I am in Seattle visiting with my family and staying with my folks in Olympia.  Every time that I travel, I always look at the local animals, and dogs are no exception.  I do have to say, however, in great shock and dismay, that despite being in such a green community, I have not seen a single little feathered person of the Poultry Persuasion in all of Oregon or Washington, yet!

So, while wandering the ocean fronts and forests, dog and whale watching (and no, I have not seen any whales, yet, either) I am again struck by the local "flavour" of dog.  I have studied under Dr. Raymond Coppinger, whose interest in the creation of the domestic dog has always piqued my attention, and like to keenly observe local breed tendencies and traits.  These often seem to be influenced by their location, both stateside and abroad.

Here in the great Pacific Northwest, there are a plethora of husky and husky mix type dogs, a more rugged and more generic look than what is ever seen in St. Louis.  Labs and Goldens, of course, are also common, but the tendency towards mixed breed, hardy and often scruffy looking mutts, is almost a norm.  I like it - it takes me straight back to the dogs of my youth - and I enjoy conversing with their owners.

I frequently get responses back to my posts here, which are always fun, and I wonder?  Do any of you readers hearken from a different part of the country or world and notice breed differences or popularities?  A great many of my clients have unusual breeds or are importing non-AKC breeds, and these dogs and their people really interest me due to their differences from the localized norm.

I find myself mentally preparing to come back, I am really ready to melt all over my pets.  And melt it might be - while you back in St. Louis are enjoying a reprieve from the heat, Seattle has suffered a record breaking 90 degrees.  I have had fun laughing at all the suffering - if St. Louis has taught me one thing, it is not to be a heat weenie, but me and my beloved dogs all like to complain, anyway! 

Dorene, with her Scottish Deerhound/Borzoi, and her two Border Collies, all from heat-friendly climates!