Puppy love: Vail Valley family sells rare dogs for $1,800 each
By Julie Hutchinson, Special to the Rocky
Published January 14, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.
Photo by Special to the Rocky
American Kennel Club spokeswoman Lisa Peterson considers the Norrbottenspets a pet among pets.
Speak slowly when you pronounce the name of this breed of dog.
If you say it too fast, you'll end up toweling off yourself and your listener as you explain that the Norrbottenspets is a smart, clean, good-natured, child-friendly dog with a 5,000-year-old pedigree.
Never heard of it?
You're not alone.
The Norrbottenspets breed almost died out in the late 1940s, but dog lovers have rediscovered the compact, thick-coated, curly-tailed animals that weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Norrbottenspets now ranks among the up-and- comingest of breeds in the U.S. — and in the Vail Valley.
A family in the area imported a breeding pair from Canada three years ago and now is marketing their four irresistibly cute puppies for $1,800 each in classified ads in Vail and Denver newspapers.
"We've fallen in love with them," said breeder Jennifer Downs, a 51-year-old caterer who lives in the valley on an acre and a half with her plumber husband, Bill, and two teenagers.
"They're just so energetic and social and loving and intelligent," Downs said.
Jennifer Downs has sold two female puppies to Vail Valley residents and plans to breed another litter next year, although she's not sure she'll have the heart to sell them.
"I told my husband if we have another litter, I'd have a whole sled team and we can keep them all," she said.
It was Downs' son, Michael, now 15, who learned about the dogs three years ago when he started pestering his parents for a pet.
Charged with researching what dogs were best suited for the Downs family and its high-altitude, snowy home turf, Michael discovered the Norrbottenspets, which has been used as a hunting dog in Nordic regions since 3,000 B.C.
According to the Downs family, only about 100 of the dogs now live in the United States, although it is considered the unofficial national dog of the Scandinavian region.
American Kennel Club spokeswoman Lisa Peterson considers the Norrbottenspets a pet among pets.
Although the breed isn't yet recognized by the AKC, it is featured on the AKC Web site. Peterson anticipates that U.S.-based Norrbottenspets breeders and owners will fulfill requirements for the dog's official U.S. recognition within a few years. The dog is a recognized breed by clubs in Canada and Sweden.
And that $1,800 price tag for the Vail Valley pups?
"Obviously, the Norrbottenspets is rarer here, so there are fewer, so I think the price is a fair price," the AKC's Peterson said.
As for Downs, she's planning to train her breeding pair, Rudy and Gunn, to do another kind of work in the Vail Valley in addition to making puppies.
She's interested in training her animals to assist with search-and-rescue teams that aid avalanche victims because her late husband, 36-year-old Randy Nottingham, and his brother, Steve, were killed in 1987 in an avalanche near Vail. Dogs helped rescue teams recover the brothers' bodies later that day.
Downs said she's willing to negotiate with any Norrbottenspets fancier who promises to train the animal for search-and-rescue work.
In the meantime, Downs said Vail Valley residents are taking note of the cute dogs.
"It's the newest — and cutest — accessory up here," she said.
Post your comment
Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
Featured
-
Inauguration Keepsakes
Pre-order special edition copies of the Wed., Jan. 21 Rocky and other inauguration keepsakes.
-
Midyette trial
Alex Midyette's trial started today. Follow the trial through live updates from the courtroom.
-
Nuggets dancers
See the Nuggets dancers' fashion shoot.
-
Rocky multimedia
The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.
-
Sam Adams' Open Mic
Open Mic: No Bull: Fans speak out on the Broncos' new head coach.
-
Stock Show
A roundup of the best coverage from the National Western Stock Show.
-
Legislature Blog
The Rocky's Lynn Bartels and Ed Sealover provide live updates from the Capitol.
-
Boulder Wildfire
See photos from the Boulder County fire.
-
Weekend plans?
Figure out things to do this weekend with the help of our entertainment calendar.
January 14, 2009
9:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Buckshot_Magee writes:
That's nothing. I bred my Bulldog to my cousin's Shih Tzu, and we're selling the pups for $2,300 apiece...
January 14, 2009
9:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
freedomfighter1 writes:
Bullsh%$!
January 14, 2009
9:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
RedneckBronco writes:
I bet all your doggies came out retarted... LOL
January 14, 2009
9:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
blacksho89 writes:
"...although it is considered the unofficial national dog of Scandinavia."
I can't find the nation of Scandinavia on my map...
January 14, 2009
9:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
ThoughtSausage writes:
yawn...
January 14, 2009
10:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
02Charles02 writes:
RMN should get a cut of the sale for posting this story.
January 14, 2009
10:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Lorraine writes:
"I can't find the nation of Scandinavia on my map..."
It said "the Scandinavian region", not nation
January 14, 2009
10:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
WestminsterJ writes:
For that kind of money, it better pick up its own poop.
January 14, 2009
10:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
dmat44 writes:
And it is a region (Switzerland, Norway, etc.)
January 14, 2009
11:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Faux_Noise writes:
and it said "national" dog, implying there was such a nation, not "Regional" dog.
January 14, 2009
11:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
watcher1 writes:
"accessory"? Its an "accessory"?
January 14, 2009
11:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
BlueSky writes:
dmat44: Swiss is not in Scandinavia. It's Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia ...... Perhaps you mixed it up with Sweden.
January 14, 2009
11:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
holdeninpdx writes:
Yeah, just what this world needs...more backyard breeders trying to make a buck!
January 14, 2009
11:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
jay writes:
i paid 1200 for one of my hunting dogs, but just can't see the sense in paying that much or more for a drop kick...
January 15, 2009
12:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
windski25 writes:
With only 100 of these in the US and now 6 in the area, the potential for inbreeding is horrendous. How long do you think it will be before the new owners pair up to make their own little $1800.00 tickets to a better life? Worrisome.
January 15, 2009
1:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
DallasKing94 writes:
Michael Vick will buy them.
January 15, 2009
5:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
SassyC writes:
Always something to learn about, if you choose to. Buying that breed for that much money will allow the owners to love and take care of their Norrbottenspet. I hope you have fun with your Norrbottenspet.
January 15, 2009
6:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
HollyGoLightly writes:
A scarf or a hat is an accessory, not a pet.
January 15, 2009
6:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
blacksho89 writes:
lorraine: The story said: "... although it is considered the unofficial national dog of the Scandinavian region." Should be the "REGIONAL dog of Scandinavia."
January 15, 2009
6:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
jhdteacher writes:
breeders kill shelter dogs' chances
January 15, 2009
6:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
terra writes:
Anyone who refers to a dog as an accessory doesn't deserve to have a dog. Period.
January 15, 2009
6:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Noia writes:
I wouldn't go so far as to call them "backyard breeders" but she's she needs to do more research if she thinks a dog that small would be good at search and rescue.
January 15, 2009
6:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
redfive writes:
I don't know.... looks kind of big to fit in a Louis Vuitton.
January 15, 2009
7:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jennie writes:
Agree with you Watcher, Holly, and Terra. It really bothers me when people consider dogs "accessories."
January 15, 2009
8:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
kmeissner writes:
I couldn't imagine a 20-30 lb. dog digging someone out of the snow after an avalanche. That's pretty amazing if they can train them to do it.
January 15, 2009
8:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
eagleye writes:
BlueSky writes: "Swiss is not in Scandinavia. It's Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia ...... Perhaps you mixed it up with Sweden."
Scandinavia consists of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Some include Finland as well, and occasionally Iceland is thrown into the mix. But not Latvia. That's a Baltic state. (And certainly not Switzerland!).
January 15, 2009
8:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
Leave it to an elitist Vail-ite to refer to a living creature as an "accessory." I don't like that at all.
January 15, 2009
9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
Hragel writes:
Best dogs: Mutts.
All pedigree breeding should go out of vogue and people just adopt dogs who are in shelters. The amount of money paid for one "designer dog" would provide for how many dogs living in shelters? How many dogs per year can be properly cared for with the fee paid for one pedigree?
Dog lovers should be offended that inbred dogs consume so much money that could go to help other dogs.
January 15, 2009
9:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
LBCsurfgoddess writes:
Yep Yuppie Puppy scum... I bet it is a dumb inbreed like most papered dogs... The best dogs I ever had were muts from the pound or from a box that said free puppies!
Cute Doggy, but come on, How about giving 10% of the money to a spiritual/good cause
January 15, 2009
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
kmeissner writes:
Hragel my thoughts exactly. I adopted my "mutt" from the Boulder Humane Society for about $150. He's not inbred (as far as i know anyway. ha!) and he's a great dog. Plus I don't think of a pet as an "accessory".
NO MORE BREEDING! There are too many pets in shelters that are put down because Richie Rich would rather have an "accessory" than help an animal that is truly in need.
January 15, 2009
9:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
navymom writes:
While I don't agree with the amount of money that people pay for purebreds, I, also, don't believe that all purebreds are inbred. I have a sister-in-law who breeds Shar-Peis. She is very careful about her blood lines. I would never pay the amount that she wants for a puppy, but if someone has the money to spend that is their business.
My animals have always been rescue dogs, strays and such by choice. If someone else chooses differently, well it's a free country.
January 15, 2009
9:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
dawnmarie01 writes:
People who think of dogs as an 'accessory' should not be breeding them!
January 15, 2009
10:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
denverrma writes:
Only in Vail....land of the ultimate consumer. Thousands of animals being put down every year and some idiot up there is contributing to the problem and making tons of money off it! PLEASE go buy yourself a shelter rescued dog if you are going to get a pet!
January 15, 2009
10:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
MileHighCritic writes:
I would like see verification that the breed is over 5000 years old.
Greyhounds and Salukis are some of the oldest breeds. Images of the dogs are on represented in Egyptian arts.
January 15, 2009
10:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
conniesz writes:
A good pure bred puppy from a reputable breeder costs about that much regardless of the breed. This is not news. The time and effort put into a puppy from a really good breeder is worth at least $1000 and probably more. My own dogs cost more than these "rare" breeds and are worth a whole lot more to me. The breeder did all the health testing of the dam and sire and spent considerable time and effort on the pups during those early weeks doing socialization and other work - including a lot of early house breaking.
You're paying for a whole lot more than just "the dog" when you buy a pup from a really good breeder. You're paying for an animal with the highest chance of being disease free and for a good temperament and early training - all of which is virtually priceless.
January 15, 2009
10:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
BlueSky writes:
Thanks for the correction EagleEye.
January 15, 2009
10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
voleary64 writes:
I have 2 english bull dogs. One we spent $1500 (Female) and $1800 (male). They are a part of our family like "children". They even sleep with us. They take turns sleeping with our 4 children or my husband and I. They are not an accessory the are Family!!
January 15, 2009
10:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
jjez writes:
Thank God it's too big to fit in a purse or Paris Hilton would be the next in line to buy one!
January 15, 2009
11 a.m.
Suggest removal
jersey writes:
$1800 for a freakin "accessory"? Couldn't spell Dumb Friends League if you spotted them the D,F & L!
January 15, 2009
11:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
i like the idea from the first poster.....
bulldog
+shih-tzu
-----------
bullshih-tz
very funny!
now THERE'S an 'accessory' worthy of the vailites.....
January 15, 2009
12:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
voleary64 writes:
Again not an Accessory. I Love the Bull Dog personality and their looks. The only reason they are so expensive is because they can't reproduce naturally. They have to be artifically impregnated and have to have c-sections. Can't birth naturall.
January 15, 2009
12:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
psu96 writes:
kmeissner,
do you really believe rescue dogs dig the victim out?
January 15, 2009
12:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Radar writes:
Jeeze it is just a another dog! they are only special to those that breed them, and those that want to PAY that much for one.
January 15, 2009
1:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
RomBrew writes:
Our family just rescued 2 of the best Golden Retrievers in the world from the shelter. Cost me 150 bucks, Just don't see the value in these small dogs.
January 15, 2009
2:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
HollyGoLightly writes:
Sadly getting a designer dog is the in thing to do. These types of people don't want a mutt although some of the fools will pay $200-300-400 for a puggle or a malti-poo which is.......wait for it......a MUTT. I know the dogs in question in this article are not "mutts" but the whole cute and new accessory line she said really irritates me as if certain dog breeds should be a trend.
January 15, 2009
3:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
TXDOGLOVER writes:
For the past three years, I thought the dog I adopted from the Fort Worth Humane Society was a "Heinz 57" mixed breed. After doing a Google search of Norrbottenspets, I found a photo that looks just like my dog's twin, so the mystery has been solved. Although I prefer to rescue dogs from shelters, this is a great family dog for anyone who is interested.
January 15, 2009
3:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
cassidy22 writes:
I have a house full of rescues. 2 mutts that are just wonderful dogs, and they were shelter dogs. My husband has 2 purebred shepherds that he rescued. One is a bad example of a shepherd, so his breeding is questionable. The other could have been a champion, but was so badly abused that she still has emotional issues today. No papers, because he rescued them.
We also have 2 purebred Great Pyrenees that we rescued - no papers to go with them - but they were in danger of being "discarded" - it's a long story. But these dogs were bred to do what they do on our farm every day. It would have taken us ages to train our shepherds or any mutt to do the job our Pyrs do on instinct. There are places for the traits of certain breeds. Ask a cop about a shepherd, or a sheep farmer about border collies - you can't always get a mutt to perform the way certain breeds do.
But if all you want is a family pet, a friend, a companion until the end - any mixed dog can do that and do it well. I love my mutts and there is always a spot reserved for them at the end of my bed!
January 15, 2009
3:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
TotheRight writes:
DON'T BUY- ADOPT!
According to the ASPCA, 4-6 MILLION dogs are taken to animal shelters in the United States each year. Half of those dogs are killed because homes are not found for them! A mutt is just as good a pet as any purebred!
January 15, 2009
3:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
crtf writes:
I'm looking for a dog that reflects where I live. Knowing what I do about politics in Jeffco, I have decided what I want. I may have to breed my own. Does anyone have a Golden retriever that I can breed with a Bull s!@t?
January 15, 2009
4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
wharfratg writes:
Unless you need a specific working, herding or hunting dog there is no reason to get a dog from a breeder. It is only encouraging the proliferation of dogs that far outnumber the good homes available, resulting in countless dogs being euthanized. Besides, rescue mutts and purebreds come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments--you'll find what you're looking for with some patience and diligence. As the saying goes, my mutt is smarter than your honor student.
January 15, 2009
6:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
too many of you people care too much about things that have absolutely no bearing in your lives.
January 15, 2009
6:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
crtf writes:
The Denver B.
You care too much about things that have absolutely no bearing in your life
January 15, 2009
6:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
SevenBelowZero writes:
Been to the dog pound lately? I'm sure puppy mill proprietors will be all over the Norrfftenbuttomspottenoftennbbottommspetons....
Cha-ching!!!! Gold mine!!! Nothing but a status purchase to ride in the BMW....
January 15, 2009
6:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
LS writes:
DenB, that's no kiddin'.
January 15, 2009
11:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
coloradot writes:
it is sad how many people have the misconception that good breeders contribute to the shelter problem. Good breeders do not allow their animals to go to shelters - that would be BYB or Puppymills. Without good breeders all the dogs available would be mutts because there would be no careful breeding to ensure the viability of certain breeds.
If PETA or HSUS has it's way, there will be no pets anymore in the world - if you haven't read their mission statement, perhaps you should.
This couple is worrysome because they bought a breeding "pair" from the same breeder, meaning they are breeding for $$ not for health, temperment or genetic diversity. Living in Europe, I see this breed all the time at various venues, it is a beautiful breed. A "rare" breed typically is under a managed breeding program to limit inbreeding and diversify the gene pool.
I find it sad that people just buy a dog and breed it, they don't know what they are getting into, what they are doing, and they should be responsible for those puppies for the rest of their lives - as good breeders are. A bulldog+Shih Tzu = mutt. Mutts are great dogs, don't get me wrong, but do you realize who runs most of the rescue organizations across the country? Good breeders - cleaning up the messes of the BYB and puppymillers. Do your research and find a breed that matches your lifestyle and personality - or adopt, but don't buy from a store. Demand health testing from a breeder.
January 16, 2009
6:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
Vector049 writes:
This is a puppy mill. It should be closed and the owner heavily fined.