About us
The story of Hope Kennels began with Katie Barrett Kramer and her first Portuguese Water Dog Henry (CH Neocles Henrique Habil) in 1991. Over the next 10 years Katie learned about the breed and the preparation and showing of dogs, culminating in the establishment of the original Hope Kennels in 2002.
Over the next 10 years of active breeding, Katie learned from and worked with many well regarded breeders who are still shaping PWD pedigrees today, including Letty Afong (Neocles), Beverly Jorgenson (Sun Joy) and Peg Thomas (Peja). We have dedicated a page to Katie’s Hope Kennels story.
Christine and I got our first PWD from Hope Kennels in 2005, and have had one (or many) PWD in our home since. Over the years we have been proud to work with Barbara Burwell on continuing the Hope line, and with Peg Thomas who bred our heart dog (and exceptional showman) Kirby. The foundation of our new breeding program comes from exceptional Peja, Hope, and Burwell dogs. We are also grateful to Cindy Kauffman for her practical, down to earth support, Maureen Doherty for her advice and encyclopedic knowledge of PWD genealogy, and Carley Russell for keeping the crew buffed and fluffed. Finally, a huge thank you to Dave Slattum (AKC Registered Handler) and team for presenting our pups at dog shows across the country.
As we embark on this new breeding program, and the relaunch of Hope Kennels, we hope you will become part of the story.
At Hope Kennels we breed for temperament, beauty and soundness.
We endeavor to breed exceptional pets who can honor the working heritage of the PWD.
Show. Serve. Shine.