Kentavious Caldwell Pup or Kacey, a 1-year-old Welsh terrier, tops out at 18 pounds and runs around the Country Club at Castle Pines golf course with his human family, Dennia and Todd Chromzak.

Kacey was named after former Denver Nuggets player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP). The Chromzaks are big fans of the basketball team as well as the University of Georgia, where Todd attended (as well as KCP). As empty nesters, Dennia and Todd were not thinking about another dog, but after a too-quiet winter, they brought 8-month-old Kacey home from a Texas breeder last spring.

Terriers are not a new breed for the Chromzaks. Prior to Kacey, the couple had two Airedales, Tucker and Otis. Born from the same Kansas breeder but two years apart, the duo kept each other busy while the couple raised their four kids, Zoe (30), Dane (28), Blake (28) and Reese (22). They had originally thought Tucker needed a buddy, but soon after Otis’s arrival they realized he was more of an accomplice than a calming friend.

Although Welsh terriers resemble Irish Airedales––and the breeds are often confused with one another––they are separate breeds. Welsh terriers are known for being friendly, outgoing and playful; however, they are calm and mild-mannered and generally more laid back than other terrier breeds.

“Kacey is such a cuddle bug. He loves to hang out on my lap while I read or relax on the back patio in the summer watching the golfers go by,” said Dennia.

Welsh terriers are an affectionate and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Kacey attended the Art of the Dog in Denver for puppy bootcamp.

“He is well behaved, but we haven’t traveled with him yet. Once he is a bit older, I imagine we will take him just about everywhere,” said Dennia.

Kacey will stay at his current size, which makes him a naturally great travel companion, one reason the couple chose the breed.

Like terriers, Welsh terriers do have a lot of energy. They need to stay active to prevent boredom, and Kacey is far from bored. His zest for life gets him outside and he gets his steps in with walks throughout the paths of the Village with his furry friend and neighbor Murry. During the winter months, Kacey cuts loose and zooms around the golf course with Murry.

“Last summer, Kacey would always be by my side, whether it was keeping me company on the patio while I drank my morning coffee, trotting down the trail on his first hikes, or curling up next to me on the couch after zooming around the house. I always look forward to coming home from college to see him,” said Reese Chromzak, a senior at the University of Florida.

By nature, terriers have big personalities. “Kacey is so cute but definitely has a sassy side,” said Dennia.

 

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Dennia Chromzak