'Come Back Como' Book Review

Over the weekend I read an interesting book about a rescue terrier named Como. The book 'Come Back Como' by Steve Winn was an easy read and brought back memories of my dogs, which made me both laugh and cry. Dakota was a master escape artist and Lenny isn’t good at recall and I worry when he's off lead. Anyone reading this book will find one or two things they will identify with. It's not only the antics of Como that are entertaining, but also his interactions with family and friends. The book contains the author’s interpretation of other families’ relationships with dogs as well. It's a great read for anyone who loves dogs, has dogs, or is thinking about getting a dog.

The author was not ready for Como and it took quite some time, but both dog and owner have found peace. It would be interesting to know what the Dog Whisperer would have suggested, because I think some trouble stemmed from the owners feelings and actions. If you don’t like a dog, they know it. In Steve Winn’s case, fate and a very determined little girl intervened; now there is one less homeless dog in the world.

Top 10 UK Breeds for 2010

Top 10 UK Kennel Club 2010 registrations	Top 10 UK Kennel Club 2006 registrations
Labrador Retriever (44,099 reg.)	Labrador Retriever (45,700 reg.)
Cocker Spaniel	English Cocker Spaniel (20,459 reg.)
English Springer Spaniel	English Springer Spaniel (15,133 reg.)
German Shepherd	German Shepherd (12,857 reg.)
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Staffordshire Bull Terrier (12,729 reg.)
Border Terrier	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel(11,411 reg.)
Cavalier King Charles	Golden Retriever (9,373 reg.)
Golden Retriever	Westie (9,300 reg.)
Pug (5,726 reg.)	Boxer (9,066 reg.)
Boxer	Border Terrier (8,916 reg.)

The 2010 data I obtained from PBW News magazine volume 13 Issue 3; the 2006 & 2008 data from Wikipedia.

The three most notable changes in breed registrations from 2006 to 2010 were the Border Terrier, Westie and the Pug.

The Border Terrier moved up 4 places from No. 10 in 2006 to No. 6 in 2010.  In 2008, it's registrations were 9,145 at No. 8.  The Border Terrier is a small dog with a dense topcoat and thick undercoat that needs moderate grooming.  It is good natured with a typical terrier character and is loyal but requires firm handling.  The breed can live from 12-16 years so be sure to recognise the commitment you will have to make when you own this type of dog.

In 2010, the West Highland White Terrier dropped out of the top 10, but still remains in the top 20.   Considered a medium sized dog the Westie should be 28 cm high and weigh 7-10 kgs.  This breed needs considerable grooming and should be trimmed 4 times a year. They are generally healthy, but look out for skin problems, dry eye and "lion jaw" in puppies 3-6 months of age.

According to 2010 registrations, Pugs are now No.9 and have come a long way from first being introduced in 2006 to the top 20. Pugs are small dogs with huge personalities; they are strong willed and not easy to train but make wonderful companions who need lots of human interaction. Like the Border Terrier, Pugs can live to 16 so be prepared for a long term commitment. Because of their small noses they snort & cannot stand the heat very well; their eyes also need to be checked regularly.

New to the top 20 in 2010 is the mini-smooth haired Dachshund with 2,802 registrations and close behind is the Chihuahua with 2,796 registrations. Are we trending towards smaller breeds to match our single family homes? If we are it will take a long time to catch up to the Labrador Retriever, whose registrations are twice that of the English Cocker Spaniel.

Kennel club registrations are only one indication of popular breeds,because not everyone registers their dog and not all dogs are Pedigree. I think the massive number of Stafforshire Bull Terriers in shelters must prove that registration numbers are not a true representation of breed population. Whatever breed you choose, make sure to do your research and be prepared for a serious commitment.