Kishdigra Kennels

Kishdigra Kennels is a family run kennels set in the sout east of Ireland. We have always had dogs and we have all grown up around dogs. Kishdigra Kennels originally started as a Greyhound racing kennels. This was owned and ran by Kieran Keeling. It was a successfull kennels and you could say that this is where our love of dogs came from. As we got older and began having other interests the greyhound kennels began slowing down. We never lost our love for dogs and there was always at least one somewhere in the house.

 

Myself, Grainne Keeling, fell in love with the Alaskan Malamute breed after seeing the great Rasta win in crufts. After over coming an illness I felt it was time for me to become involved in the breed. Little did I know five years later I would have four and be in the showrings every other weekend!! Having grown up around dogs I knew how to look after them and the work that they need. Malamutes, however take this to a whole new level of dedication and without my fathers help I would never be able to have them and would never dream of being able to achieve such results with them. The breed captured my heart while driving home to Wexford with an eight week old puppy sitting on my lap and I have never looked back since.

 

This Kennels would not be where it was today without the hard work and dedication of my father. I owe my success with my breed all to him. My father, Kieran, runs the kennels while I am away at college. It was he who gave me my love for dogs and taught me everything I know about them. He himself has had great success showing shelties and when I let him (ahem!) he too does a great job showing the mals. He single handedly campaigned Issa and Luna to their Junior titles.

 

And finally, the main person behind all our success is my mother, Shirley. It was really her love for the little Sheltie that brought us into the breed and from her "Buttons" our sheltie love grew. She is at every show with us and never has the car gone anywhere without Mam in it or giving us her full support! She makes the long trips bearable and the short ones (which there are few) enjoyable. A true inspiration to us and to the kennels.

 

Meet the breeds

 

Alaskan Malamute:

 

The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Arctic dogs. This thick, well-built dog is solid with a plumed tail that is held over the back. The head is wide with erect ears. The eyes are of medium size, dark brown small, and almond in shape and are obliquely placed in the skull. The dog holds an image of a wolf but with a proud, sweet expression. The feet are large, of the snowshoe type with tough pads. The thick, coarse double coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in a range of light gray to intermediate shadings of black, sable and shadings of sable to red. Combinations include wolf gray, black and white, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat) or red. The only solid color allowed is white. The dog often has darker highlights and sometimes has a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are almost always white. The Alaskan Malamute is extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward its master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. If its canine instincts are met, it matures into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human "pack" lives.

 

Shetland Sheepdog:

 

The Shetland Sheepdog looks like a miniature copy of the rough-coated Collie. When viewed from the side, the head looks like a blunt wedge, with the muzzle tapering slightly from the ears to the nose. There is a slight stop. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is black. The almond-shaped eyes are dark; however, blue eyes can appear in the blue merle coat. The small ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The neck is arched and muscular. The long tail is feathered, carried straight down, or at a slight upward curve. The tail should reach to the hock. The double coat is long and abundant all over the body, but is shorter on the head and legs, and the coat forms a mane around the neck and chest. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch, and the undercoat is soft and tight. Coat colors come in blue merle, sable and black with various amounts of white and/or tan.The Shetland Sheepdog is loyal, willing and eager to please, making a wonderful companion dog. Docile and alert with a pleasant temperament. Loving, loyal and affectionate with its family, this breed needs people. Socialize it well starting at puppyhood.

 

So as you can see two perfectly regular breeds to have together!

Both of our breeds were chosen becuase of a love for the breed whether it is their temperment, their playfulness or their loyalty these breeds have become our family and we are their pack.